A note on four historical names recorded in Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae)

We show that of four previously unrecorded, but recently unearthed names in Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae: Alooideae), none has an impact on the species-rank nomenclature of the genus as currently accepted. Although nomenclatural stability is not here impacted, we argue that such long-hidden names that are now visible as part of the nomenclature applicable to Aloe have the potential to unnecessarily or inappropriately disrupt the status quo. The same will apply to other taxa for which the existence of historical names has been recorded. A formal mechanism must be introduced through the Code to lessen or, ideally, entirely prevent such names displacing ones long in use.