The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

Species

Veronica rupicola

Etymology

Veronica: Named after Saint Veronica, who gave Jesus her veil to wipe his brow as he carried the cross through Jerusalem, perhaps because the common name of this plant is 'speedwell'. The name Veronica is often believed to derive from the Latin vera 'truth' and iconica 'image', but it is actually derived from the Macedonian name Berenice which means 'bearer of victory'.

Common Name(s)

Hebe

Current Conservation Status

2012 - Not Threatened

Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2012 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). This report includes a statistical summary and brief notes on changes since 2009 and replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Authors: Peter J. de Lange, Jeremy R. Rolfe, Paul D. Champion, Shannel P. Courtney, Peter B. Heenan, John W. Barkla, Ewen K. Cameron, David A. Norton and Rodney A. Hitchmough. File size: 792KB

Previous Conservation Status

2009 - Not Threatened
2004 - Not Threatened

Authority

Veronica rupicola Cheeseman

Family

Plantaginaceae

Brief Description

Low growing sprawling shrub bearing pairs of glossy green oval leaves inhabiting the Kaikoura mountains. Leaves 7-21mm long by 5-7mm wide, obviously wider towards tip. Leaf bud with narrow gap between leaves at base. Flowers white, base hidden by green scales, in spikes to 5cm long.

Flora Category

Vascular - Native

NVS Species Code

HEBRUP

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Trees & Shrubs

Synonyms

Hebe rupicola (Cheeseman) Cockayne et Allan

Flower Colours

White

Threats

Not Threatened

Chromosome No.

2n = 40

Endemic Taxon

Yes

Endemic Genus

No

Endemic Family

No

This page last updated on 22 Feb 2016