Despite being in the same species, it is thought that the two varieties are not close to one another, with botanist Peter James de Lange stressing critical study on the taxonomy of the daisies.

Thomas Cheeseman first published Celmisia major's description in Manual of the New Zealand Flora in 1925.

It is part of a poorly resolved species complex consisting of various members of the genus Celmisia in New Zealand.

major is thought to be more similar to two other daisies, Celmisia adamsii var.

brevis is a small herb with tufted leaves and simple or branched stems.

It grows well from fresh seed and does well in a semi-shaded site with moist and free-draining soil.

It is found on rock headlands, cliff faces, and islets, and occasionally on coastal shrublands.

The plant grows on low turf on soils consisting of peat or silt.

It was previously designated "Range Restricted" in a 2004 review by the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

[1] The plant is naturally uncommon, as it is only found in the Mount Taranaki National Park.

major is currently ranked as "At Risk-Naturally Uncommon" following a 2012 review by the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

[4] It is threatened by habitat encroachment by other plants, which grow faster and taller than the daisy, as well as threats from coastal erosion.

The plant is scarce on Great Barrier Island, only being found in a single location.

[4] The generic epithet is derived from Kelmis, a mythical Dactyl from Mount Ida.