Morphological and genetic evidence for the separation of Phlegmariurus billardierei from P. varius (Lycopodiaceae).

Phlegmariurus varius is an Australasian species of lycophyte that has long been recognised as morphologically and ecologically variable. A recent study reported incongruence between morphological and genetic variation within New Zealand samples. However, a reappraisal and repeat of the genetic analyses of chloroplast DNA sequence data, and a more detailed examination of morphological variation, strongly supports the recognition of two species that are sympatric in New Zealand. The combination Phlegmariurus billardierei (Spring) Brownsey & Perrie is made here for plants with distinct strobili. The other species, Phlegmariurus varius (R.Br.) A.R.Field & Bostock sensu stricto, has comparatively indistinct strobili, and remains morphologically and ecologically variable even after the segregation of P. billardierei. Phlegmariurus varius is indigenous to both Australia and New Zealand, while P. billardierei is the only species of Lycopodiaceae endemic to New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]