Galax aphylla is not Nemophila aphylla

[mgaynor1]

Galax aphylla is a synonym of Galax urceolata not of Nemophila aphylla.

Nemophila aphylla was misdescribed as Galax by Linnaeus when specimen were stolen by pirates, despite the misidentification of Galax urceolata, the name Galax aphylla stuck for Galax urceolata and it is still used by herbarium today.

Currently, about 1000 records are being normalized to "Nemophila aphylla" when they are truly "Galax urceolata". Hopefully this can be corrected.

Reference:
Brummit, R. K. 1972. Nomenclatural and Historical considerations concerning the genus Galax. Taxon 21(2/3): 303-317.

• Summarized here: https://www.idigbio.org/content/february-2022-biodiversity-spotlight