There are currently three accepted varieties of M. lirana, var. atacamensis (Bull-Hereñu), var. lirana, and var. subglabrifolia (Kuntze).[5]
Variety atacamensis is native to the slopes of the Andes.[6] It differs from var. lirana as it's taller, has oblong shaped leaves, produces multiple flowers per stem, and its flowers have a shorter yellow corona.[7]
Variety lirana has protruding stamen, a trait unique to the variety.[4]
Var. lirana has been reclassified a series of times, it has previously been classified as the following, Malesherbia cuneata, Malesherbia hieronymi, Malesherbia incana, Malesherbia lirana var. hieronymi, Malesherbia lirana var. subtomentosa, Malesherbia serpyllifolia.[8]
Variety subglabrifolia is found in the Mendoza, in Andean areas between elevations of 2300 and 2500.[9] It has narrower and shorter floral tubes than var. lirana and less hairy leaves.[4]
Var. subglabrifolia is commonly known as meloncillo. It is toxic to cattle and goat, when ingested the livestock will die.[10] It was previously classified as Malesherbia mendocina. [11]
