Morphometric study of Euchiton traversii complex (Gnaphalieae: Asteraceae)

Abstract

A morphometric study was undertaken into alpine and subalpine species of Euchiton Cass. (Gnaphalieae: Asteraceae) in the Euchiton traversii species complex in south-eastern Australia and New Zealand. Phenetic analysis of both field-collected and herbarium specimens resolved the following six taxa included: Euchiton traversii (Hook.f.) Holub, Euchiton argentifolius (N.A.Wakef.) Anderb., Euchiton lateralis (C.J.Webb) Breitw. & J.M.Ward, Argyrotegium mackayi (Buchanan) J.M.Ward & Breitw., Argyrotegium fordianum (M.Gray) J.M.Ward & Breitw. and Argyrotegium poliochlorum (N.G.Walsh) J.M.Ward & Breitw. The results support the segregation of the genus Argyrotegium J.M.Ward & Breitw. from Euchiton. E. argentifolius is distinct from E. traversii, but conspecific with A. mackayi. E. lateralis is present in Tasmania as well as New Zealand. The distribution of Australian E. traversii is redefined to mainland alpine regions with a few rare occurrences in Tasmania. Australian E. traversii was shown to be similar to its New Zealand counterparts. Differences between E. lateralis and E. traversii were clarified. A. fordianum and A. poliochlorum are distinct species and their transfer to Argyrotegium is supported.