The New Zealand species of Wahlenbergia are revised from historical, m
orphological, and cytological evidence, and their relationships with A
ustralian, Pacific, and Asian species are discussed. Wahlenbergia marg
inata is regarded as indigenous to Japan, W. gracilis as indigenous to
New Caledonia, and W. dehiscens as indigenous to West Bengal. One ind
igenous and nine endemic species are recognised from New Zealand, of w
hich three are described as new: W. akaroa, W. violacea, W. vernicosa.
Five New Zealand endemic subspecies are described as new: W. albomarg
inata subsp. decora, W. albomarginata subsp. olivina, W. congesta subs
p. haastii, W. pygmaea subsp. drucei, W: pygmaea subsp. tararua. Natur
al hybridism is discussed.