Helichrysum simpsonii subsp. tumidum
Biostatus
Native – Endemic taxon
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Simplified description
Low growing masses of green and white stems inhabiting coastal cliffs of Otago Peninsula. Stems 3-4mm wide. Leaves scale-like, variable in shape, green, pointed, embedded in whiteish fuzz. Flowers yellowish, in tight cluster at tip of stems.
Flower colours
Cream
Current conservation status
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2022-2023 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) – more information about this can be found on the NZTCS website. This report includes replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Previous assessments can be found here.
- Conservation status of vascular plants in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2023. 2024. Peter J. de Lange, Jane Gosden, Shannel P. Courtney, Alexander J. Fergus, John W. Barkla, Sarah M. Beadel, Paul D. Champion, Rowan Hindmarsh-Walls, Troy Makan and Pascale Michel Department of Conservation. Source: NZTCS and licensed by DOC for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.
2023 | Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable | Qualifiers: DPT, RR
Detailed taxonomy
Family
Synonyms
Helichrysum selago var. tumidum Cheeseman
Taxonomic notes
The name Helichrysum intermedium G.Simpson has been used since 1982 when it was found that the type specimen of H. selago (Hook.f.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Kirk was based on a hybrid. In 2023, the name H. intermedium was determined to be illegitimate for the New Zealand taxon, as the name had already been applied to another taxon occurring around the Cape of Good Hope, Africa. Helichrysum simpsonii subsp. tumidum (Cheeseman) de Lange & Blanchon is provided as a new valid combination for the taxon that was originally described as Helichrysum selago var. tumidum.
Endemic taxon
Yes
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Other information
Etymology
helichrysum: From the Greek words helios ‘sun’ and chrysos ‘gold’, referring to the colour of the flowers of some species
Previous conservation statuses
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2022-2023 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) – more information about this can be found on the NZTCS website. This report includes replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Previous assessments can be found here.
- Conservation status of vascular plants in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2023. 2024. Peter J. de Lange, Jane Gosden, Shannel P. Courtney, Alexander J. Fergus, John W. Barkla, Sarah M. Beadel, Paul D. Champion, Rowan Hindmarsh-Walls, Troy Makan and Pascale Michel Department of Conservation. Source: NZTCS and licensed by DOC for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.
2017 | Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable | Qualifiers: Dp, RR
2012 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon | Qualifiers: OL
2009 | At Risk – Naturally Uncommon
2004 | Range Restricted
Regional conservation statuses
The regional threat classification system leverages off the national assessments in the NZTCS, providing information relevant for the regional context. Otago conservation status information is sourced from the “Regional conservation status of indigenous vascular plants in Otago” Jarvie S et al. (2024) report.
Otago: 2024 | Threatened – Regionally Vulnerable | Qualifiers: NStr, RE, RR, TL
Referencing and citations
References and further reading
de Lange PJ, Blanchon DJ. 2023. New combinations in Helichrysum simpsonii Kottaim. for the taxa described as H. selago var. acutum Cheeseman and H. selago var. tumidum Cheeseman (Asteraceae) from Aotearoa / New Zealand. Ukrainian Botanical Journal 80(4): 301–305.