The taxonomic status of Nocardia amarae strains was examined using chemical, microbiological and nucleic acid sequencing methods. It was evident from the results of this and previous studies that Nocardia amarae has properties that are at variance with its classification in the genus Nocardia but consistent with its transfer to the genus Gordona. It is proposed that Nocardia amarae Lechevalier and Lechevalier 1974 be transferred to the genus Gordona as Gordona amarae comb. nov.