Species
Celmisia allanii
Etymology
Celmisia: Apparently named after Kelmis, one of Idaean Dactyls, a group of skilled mythical beings
associated with the Mother Goddess Rhea in Greek mythology. Kelmis, whose name means
‘casting’, was a blacksmith and childhood friend of Zeus, son of Rhea and later king of the
gods. In Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’, Kelmis is described as offending Zeus who turned him into
adamant so he was as hard as a tempered blade
allanii: After Dr Harry Howard Barton Allan C.B.E. (1882–1957) one time school teacher, then first director of DSIR Botany Division, and 'sole' author of Flora I, the first in the former DSIR Botany Division flora series.
Authority
Celmisia allanii W.Martin
Family
Asteraceae
Flora Category
Vascular - Native
Endemic Taxon
Yes
Endemic Genus
No
Endemic Family
No
TAXONOMIC NOTES
Some botanists regard Celmisia allanii as part of the natural variation within Celmisia incana. However, this unpublished concept has yet to be formally tested. Until such time as it is, it seems prudent to retain the species. The New Zealand representatives of the genus Celmisia are long overdue for a thorough, modern, taxonomic treatment.
This page last updated on 12 Sep 2013