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Abstract
The nature and taxonomic history of the Australian and New Zealand shrub genus Pimelea are summarised, emphasising its manifestations in New Zealand. Five previously recognised glabrous‐leaved Pimelea species are redescribed here and typified: P. longifolia, P. gnidia, P. buxifolia, P. traversii, and P. poppelwellii. Pimelea crosby‐smithiana is merged, without any formal status, into the otherwise variable P. gnidia. Two new subspecies are defined for P. traversii: subsp. boreus and subsp. exedra. This group of species constitutes a distinct subunit in New Zealand Pimelea.
Two new glabrous‐leaved species are described: P. actea from coastal Manawatu‐Wanganui, and P. telura from Three Kings Islands. They are not closely related to each other or to any of the five species considered above. Anotable common feature of P. actea and P. telura is possession of only bisexual flowers, whereas other New Zealand Pimelea species that have been closely examined are gynodioecious. P. actea is now very rare and in serious danger of extinction, and a major conservation effort to save it is recommended. P. longifolia is also under threat and needs conservation in the Auckland City area.
Hybridisation is rife between P. longifolia and P. gnidia but unaffected populations are present where their distributions do not overlap (locally, or on a geographic scale). Some hybrids are also present in places where one or another parent is no longer present. Attempts are made to explain these anomalies. The numerous hybrid forms are given no formal status. Hybridisation is not known between other members of this group. A few putative hybrids are recorded between P. traversii and representatives of other Pimelea subgroups, and between each of P. actea and P. telura and at least one other Pimelea taxon.
