Species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae
Veronica obtusata, the northern hebe, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to northern New Zealand, and was first described by Thomas Cheeseman in 1916.[1]
Description
Veronica obtusata is a sprawling shrub with paired dark green leaves.[2] It looks similar to Veronica bishopiana, however tends to grow smaller and does not share the maroon-green leaves of Veronica bishopiana.[3]
Taxonomy
The plant was first identified as Veronica macroura var. dubia by Thomas Cheeseman in 1916, later recategorised as Hebe obtusata in 1926 by Cockayne & Allan. More recently, the plant was recategorised as a species of veronica.[4]
Distribution
Veronica bishopiana is naturally distributed in the coastal areas of the Waitākere Ranges of West Auckland, and the Kawhia and Whaingaroa harbours of the western Waikato region.[2][5] The populations in the Kawhia Harbour are threatened.[2] Veronica obtusata is typically found on steep slopes and banks, on cliff faces and rock stacks.[2]
References
