Abstract
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.