The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

I recently sent in an observation of this pretty yellow daisy from the E side of the Ruahine Ra. I note on the comment on the bottom of the data on B bellidiodes var orbiculata, (for which there is no pic and which name I don't think I specified) that there is work being done to clarify the taxonomy. I'm happy to provide specs from The Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges to appropriate researchers but don't know if that would be useful. If it would be, other NZPCN members might be prepared to do the same.

The research is being done berween Dr Pieter Pelser (University of Canterbury) and Dr Rob Smissen (Landcare Research). I gather its a longterm study. So far they have supervised one student who researched the status of B. saxifragioides. I haven't Pieter's email to hand but Rob's is [email protected]. Try talking to him.

Hi Mike, B. lagopus is common in that area. Don't recall B. bellidioides. Vouchering plants is the best idea, probably best to the Allan Herbarium in Christchurch

Hi Mike
As far as I know Brachyglottis bellidioides var. orbiculata (G.Simpson et J.S.Thomson) B.Nord. is a Central Otago endemic. So I don't know what you saw in the Ruahine Ranges. I agther you have contacted Rob Smissen so maybe he can tell you.

Var. orbiculata is a distinctive plant from the Old Man & Old Woman Range. I haven't seen it elsewhere. Forms large clumps with glabrate leaves. I've put a pic up.

Thanks Mike (Thorsen). I know the entity as well having seen it with you in 2008 on the Old Man Range. I don't know what Mike Lusk saw in the Ruahine Range.

Thanks both for the helpful comments. I'm in touch with Tim Millar who's researching the taxa and will be able to provide him with local specimens.