Leptinella conjuncta (asteraceae), a diminutive new species from arid habitats in the South Island, New Zealand

Abstract

Leptinella conjuncta is described as a new species from southern New Zealand. Leptinella conjuncta is morphologically most similar to the L. pectinata complex but is distinguished by leaves that are densely hairy, 6–10 mm long, and with the terminal pinna and 1–3 lateral pinnae conspicuously joined near their base, a peduncle that is shorter and more slender, a smaller capitulum, and fewer and shorter pistillate and staminate florets. It is currently known from only one locality in the Mackenzie Basin (southern Canterbury) and four sites in Central Otago. Each population comprises very few plants and the conservation status of L. conjuncta is assessed as Nationally Critical.

Keywords:

• Asteraceae
• Leptinella
• Leptinella conjuncta
• Leptinella pectinata
• taxonomy
• New Zealand flora