A clarification of the generic limits of Olearia and Pleurophyllum (astereae-compositae)

Abstract

A recent comparative morphological and anatomical study of Compositae has cast doubts on the taxonomic worth of the genus Olearia Moench. The most anomalous species, O. oporina and the remaining macrocephalous olearias of New Zealand exhibit a combination of floral and vegetative features hitherto thought to be unique to the subantarctis genus Pleurophyllum. Comparative observations on pollen grains, inflorescence structure and floral anatomy reveal two previously unrecognised species assemblages: The nomenclatural implications are discussed.