Genomic Evidence Supports the Recognition of Gentianella waipara Comb. et Stat. nov. as a Distinct Species from G. calcis (Gentianaceae)

Gentianella calcis subsp. waipara Glenny & Molloy (Gentianaceae) is endemic to limestone formations in North Canterbury, New Zealand. A previous conservation genetics study of G. calcis Glenny & Molloy and another eastern South Island limestone endemic species, G. astonii (Petrie) T.N.Ho & S.W.Liu, showed that G. calcis subsp. waipara is genetically divergent from both taxa. Based on these findings and comparison of morphological characters, this taxon is here elevated to species rank as Gentianella waipara (Glenny & Molloy) Eastman‐Densem comb. et stat. nov. Compared to G. calcis , this species is recognised by its strongly folded leaves with more recurved tips, and no or few calyx sinus hairs.