SafePlants

Celmisia: The Mountain Daisy

Celmisia, commonly known as Mountain Daisy or New Zealand Daisy, is a fascinating genus of plants largely endemic to New Zealand. Their attractive foliage and unusual form make them popular among plant enthusiasts.

Considerations for Pets

• Several Celmisia species have silvery, sword-shaped leaves that could be tempting to animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Celmisia
• Common Names: Mountain Daisy, New Zealand Daisy
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family), also referred to as Compositae.
• Synonyms:
  • Celmisia coriacea (in some old records, formerly used as the name for C. semicordata, now restricted to Fiordland, Western Southland. Also noted that Celmisia coriacea is used for a plant formerly called Celmisia lanceolata.)
  • Celmisia spectabilis var. angustifolia
  • Celmisia spectabilis var. albomarginata
  • Celmisia ruahinensis

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus Celmisia is exclusively Australasian.
• Most species are endemic to New Zealand.
• A few species can be found in the mountains of S.E. Australia and Tasmania.
• One species is common in Arthur's Pass National Park and throughout alpine areas of the South Island, as well as Stewart Island, but is absent from the North Island.

Morphological Characteristics

• Celmisia are evergreen mat- or rosette-forming perennials and sub-shrubs.
• They often have silky, silvery foliage.
• They bear daisy-like flowers with white-and-yellow flowerheads.
• Some species, like Celmisia semicordata, form clusters of stout leaves.
• Celmisia semicordata has stiff, leathery, silver-green, spear-shaped leaves that are white underneath.
• Celmisia ramulosa is a dwarf species.
• Celmisia angustifolia is a sub-shrub that spreads to give wide mats.
• Leaves are mainly in a basal rosette, narrow, and entire.

Quirky Facts

• The name Celmisia is said to be after Kelmis, one of the Idaean Dactyls, a group of skilled mythical beings associated with the Mother Goddess Rhea.

Further Information

• The Plant List includes accepted species names for the genus Celmisia.
• Wikimedia Commons has multimedia related to Celmisia.
• Explore what EOL (Encyclopedia of Life) knows about Celmisia.