Anatomy and morphology of Cremnothamnus (Asteraceae) a new genus for Helichrysum thomsonii

Abstract

The stem and cypsela anatomy, and the general morphology of Helichrysum thomsonii F.Muel1. (Ozothamnus thomsonii (F.Muell.) Paul G. Wilson) are investigated. Cladistic analyses indicate that Helichrysum thomsonii is not closely related to the four genera to which it has been previously associated (Basedowia, Helichrysum, Lawrencella and Ozothamnus), but is a likely sister taxon of Argyroglottis, Bracteantha and the rest of the Angianthinae. A new genus, Cremnothamnus Puttock, is proposed for Helichrysum thomsonii.