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.

Phlegmariurus varius是澳大利亚的一种苔藓植物，长期以来被认为是形态和生态上可变的。最近的一项研究报道了新西兰样品中形态和遗传变异之间的不一致。但是，对叶绿体DNA序列数据进行遗传分析的重新评估和重复，以及对形态变异的更详细检查，有力地支持了对新西兰同属的两个物种的认可。Phlegmariurus billardierei（春季）Brownsey＆Perrie的组合在这里用于具有明显可塑性的植物。其他种类，Phlegmariurus varius（R.Br.）ARField和Bostock sensu stricto，具有相对模糊的可塑性，并且即使在分离后的毕达氏体育中仍保持形态和生态上可变。南方天牛（Phlegmariurus varius）是澳大利亚和新西兰的原住民，而毕氏毕赤酵母（P. billardierei）是新西兰特有的狼尾草科的唯一物种。