Veronica lycopodioides Hook.fil.

Scientific Nomenclature and Growth Form

Veronica lycopodioides Hook.fil. is a short, erect shrub.

Branch and Leaf Arrangement

Its branches have leaves that grow closely pressed to the stem, giving the branches a scaly, green appearance.

Leaf Morphology

The leaves are triangular with pointed tips, and may have hairs along their margins that are visible when viewed with a hand lens.

Flower Characteristics

White flowers grow in clusters of 6 to 16, emerging from the tips of terminal branches.

Field Identification Distinction

In field identification, the pointed leaf tips can be used to tell this species apart from Veronica poppelwellii.

Recognized Variety

One recognized variety, Veronica lycopodioides var. patula, is smaller in almost all characteristics.

Geographic Distribution

This species grows on the South Island of New Zealand, most commonly east of the central mountain spine of the Southern Alps.

Habitat Range

It inhabits penalpine grassland and subalpine areas, and may also occur on Stewart Island.

Conservation Status

It is not currently classified as a threatened species.