Rachelia glaria (Compositae), a new genus and species from the South Island of New Zealand

Abstract

The genus Rachelia and its single species, R. gloria, are described and illustrated. Rachelia glaria is a rhizomatous perennial occurring on fine argillite scree on the dry mountains of Marlborough and the extreme north of Canterbury in the South Island of New Zealand. Its taxonomic affinities lie with the gnaphalioid Compositae. R. glaria is evidently very local and is classed as vulnerable, but it is not considered to be endangered.

Keywords:

• Rachelia glaria
• Compositae
• Inuleae
• New Zealand flora
• taxonomy
• new genus
• new species
• scree plant