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Native Shrubs of New Zealand

Introduction

Overview

New Zealand native shrubs are a diverse group of plants that fill important roles in forests, shrublands, and gardens. They provide food and shelter for birds and insects, stabilize soils, and add structure to natural and designed landscapes. Notable species include Coprosma repens (Taupata), Griselinia littoralis (Broadleaf), and Olearia paniculata (Akiraho). Many native shrubs are valued for their resilience, attractive foliage, and ability to thrive in a range of conditions, making them popular choices for restoration and landscaping projects. Species like Lacebark with its distinctive textured bark and narrow leaves, and Muskwood with its aromatic silvery-grey foliage, add unique architectural elements to gardens. Alpine species like Bush Snowberry , Leatherwood , and Leafy Tree Daisy are particularly hardy, thriving in challenging mountain environments with their distinctive foliage shapes and reliable flowering.

Yellow Mistletoe

Yellow Mistletoe

Alepis flavida

Showy golden‑flowered mistletoe; a canopy hemi‑parasite supported by native birds.

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Northern Archeria (Archeria racemosa)

Northern Archeria

Archeria racemosa

An erect, endemic New Zealand shrub with glossy leaves and racemes of small white to pink flowers, thriving in acidic soils of the northern North Island.

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Southern Archeria (Archeria traversii)

Southern Archeria

Archeria traversii

An erect, endemic southern New Zealand shrub with narrow, leathery leaves and white to deep red flowers, found in shrublands and forests.

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Bush Daphne (Alseuosmia banksii)

Bush Daphne

Alseuosmia banksii

Slender and highly fragrant evergreen shrub with glossy foliage, endemic to the northern North Island forest undergrowth.

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Narrow-leaved Toropapa (Alseuosmia linariifolia)

Narrow-leaved Toropapa

Alseuosmia linariifolia

Slender and fragrant evergreen shrub with glossy, narrow foliage, endemic to northern North Island forest interiors.

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Large-leaved Toropapa

Large-Leaved Toropapa

Alseuosmia macrophylla

Fragrant native shrub with distinctive glossy leaves and beautifully scented flowers; excellent understory plant.

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Oak-leaved Toropapa (Alseuosmia quercifolia)

Oak-leaved Toropapa

Alseuosmia quercifolia

Captivating evergreen shrub with distinctive oak-like foliage and highly fragrant flowers, native to North Island forest undergrowth.

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Bush Lily (Astelia fragrans)

Bush Lily

Astelia fragrans

Bush Lily is a robust New Zealand plant with sword-like leaves and fragrant flowers followed by attractive orange berries.

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Adams' Brachyglottis

Adams' Brachyglottis

Brachyglottis adamsii

An endemic New Zealand shrub with sticky foliage and bright yellow daisy-like flowers, thriving in subalpine rocky habitats.

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Cassinia Brachyglottis

Cassinia Brachyglottis

Brachyglottis cassinioides

A bushy, grey-green, drought-tolerant endemic New Zealand shrub with yellow daisy-like flowers.

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Brachyglottis arborescens

Chatham Island Senecio

Brachyglottis arborescens

Chatham Island Senecio is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Common Broom

Common Broom

Carmichaelia australis

Hardy widespread native broom, vital pioneer species for restoration with small scented flowers.

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Dwarf Broom

Dwarf Broom

Carmichaelia curta

Rare, semi-leafless shrub with whippy yellow-green stems and purple-striped flowers; endemic to South Island drylands.

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Holloway's Broom

Holloway's Broom

Carmichaelia hollowayi

Critically endangered dwarf broom with yellowish branches and white flowers, endemic to limestone outcrops.

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Whip Broom

Whip Broom

Carmichaelia flagelliformis

Distinctive NZ broom with slender, whip-like branches and fragrant purple flowers; native to the North Island.

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Stout Dwarf Broom

Stout Dwarf Broom

Carmichaelia monroi

Rare leafless shrub with stout, yellow-green branches and delicate pea-like flowers, ideal for dry, rocky gardens.

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Clifford Bay Broom (Carmichaelia muritai)

Clifford Bay Broom

Carmichaelia muritai

Critically endangered upright shrub with dense bronzed stems and small summer flowers, endemic to Marlborough.

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Dwarf Broom (Carmichaelia nana)

Pygmy Dwarf Broom

Carmichaelia nana

Remarkable mat-forming shrub featuring flattened leafless branches and small purple flowers in summer.

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Scented Broom

Scented Broom

Carmichaelia odorata

Compact broom with scented pea-flowers; best in well-drained, sheltered positions.

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Giant Flowering Broom (Carmichaelia williamsii)

Giant Flowering Broom

Carmichaelia williamsii

Striking coastal shrub featuring unusually large yellow pea-like flowers and wide, flattened green branches.

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Raoul Island Coprosma

Raoul Island Coprosma

Coprosma acutifolia

Raoul Island Coprosma is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Coprosma areolata

Thin-leaved Coprosma

Coprosma areolata

An upright shrub with distinctive net-veined leaves; commonly found in lowland forests.

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Purple-berried Coprosma

Purple-berried Coprosma

Coprosma atropurpurea

Hardy alpine groundcover with striking dark magenta berries and dense mat-forming growth.

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Brown-stemmed Coprosma

Brown-stemmed Coprosma

Coprosma brunnea

Unique shrub with wiry brown stems and jewel-like blue berries; ideal for rock gardens.

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Hairy Coprosma

Hairy Coprosma

Coprosma ciliata

Tough shrub with textured, hairy foliage; reliable in cool, wet habitats.

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Broad-leaved Coprosma

Broad-Leaved Coprosma

Coprosma dumosa

Hardy coprosma with broad foliage; useful for shelter and restoration plantings.

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Stinkwood

Stinkwood

Coprosma foetidissima

Distinctive shrub with a strong leaf scent; common at forest margins and stream edges.

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Foweraker's Coprosma

Foweraker's Coprosma

Coprosma fowerakeri

Hardy alpine groundcover with dense mats of fleshy leaves and colourful fruits.

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Kanono

Kanono

Coprosma grandifolia

Large, soft leaves; prefers moist shade and provides berries for native birds.

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Tumbledown Coprosma

Tumbledown Coprosma

Coprosma intertexta

Rare and architectural needle-leaved shrub with tangled reddish branches; extremely drought-hardy.

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Large-fruited Coprosma

Large-fruited Coprosma

Coprosma macrocarpa

Glossy-leaved coastal shrub featuring the largest berries in the genus; essential for kererū and coastal birds.

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Small-seeded Coprosma

Small-Seeded Coprosma

Coprosma microcarpa

Compact, small-leaved shrub; good for hedging and exposed, cold sites.

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Neglected Coprosma

Neglected Coprosma

Coprosma neglecta

Robust, sprawling shrub with glossy green leaves and vibrant orange-red berries; resilient to harsh coastal conditions.

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Small-leaved Coprosma

Small-Leaved Coprosma

Coprosma parviflora

Delicate small-flowered coprosma with tiny leaves; excellent for rock gardens and dry slopes.

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Mingimingi

Mingimingi

Coprosma propinqua

Highly adaptable shrub or small tree with divaricating branches and translucent dark blue berries; important bird food.

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Taupata

Taupata

Coprosma repens

Glossy-leaved coastal shrub with orange berries; excellent for windbreaks and seaside gardens.

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Karamā

Karamā

Coprosma robusta

Coastal-tolerant shrub with orange berries; excellent shelter and wildlife value.

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Rigid Coprosma

Rigid Coprosma

Coprosma rigida

Small, dense shrub with rigid, zig-zagging branches; adaptable to wet or dry sites.

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Red-stemmed Coprosma

Red-Stemmed Coprosma

Coprosma rubra

Distinctive divaricating shrub with reddish bark and yellowish-white berries; excellent for riparian planting.

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Round-leaved Coprosma

Round-leaved Coprosma

Coprosma rotundifolia

Bushy native shrub with nearly circular, purple-blotched leaves and attractive red berries; ideal for damp, fertile sites.

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Mountain Coprosma

Mountain Coprosma

Coprosma rugosa

Upright mountain coprosma; very hardy and wind-tolerant in cold climates.

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Spatulate Coprosma

Spatulate Coprosma

Coprosma spathulata

Unique bushy shrub with spoon-shaped leaves; adaptable to various forest and scrubland habitats.

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Swamp Coprosma

Swamp Coprosma

Coprosma tenuicaulis

Swamp-dwelling coprosma that thrives in wet soils and frosty valleys.

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Mikimiki

Mikimiki

Coprosma virescens

Elegant divaricating shrub with coppery-green branches; remarkably tough and architectural.

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Wall's Coprosma

Wall's Coprosma

Coprosma wallii

Rare and architectural shrub with distinctive orange inner bark and dark red berries.

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Three Kings Cabbage Tree

Three Kings Cabbage Tree

Cordyline obtecta

Three Kings Cabbage Tree is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Dwarf Cabbage Tree

Dwarf Cabbage Tree

Cordyline pumilio

Dwarf Cabbage Tree is the smallest of New Zealand's native Cordylines; ideal for coastal gardens and accent plantings.

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Matagouri

Matagouri

Discaria toumatou

Thorny divaricating shrub of dry country; valuable habitat and shelter plant.

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Needle-leaf Dragon

Needle-Leaf Dragon

Dracophyllum acerosum

Needle-leaf Dragon is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Slender Dragon Tree

Slender Dragon Tree

Dracophyllum elegantissimum

Slender Dragon Tree is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Fiordland Grass Tree

Fiordland Grass Tree

Dracophyllum fiordense

Fiordland Grass Tree is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Thread-leaved Dracophyllum (Dracophyllum filifolium)

Thread-leaved Dracophyllum

Dracophyllum filifolium

Thread-leaved Dracophyllum is an erect shrub with fine, grass-like leaves and white flowers, common in mountain environments.

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Neinei

Neinei

Dracophyllum latifolium

Neinei is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Gumland Grass Tree

Gumland Grass Tree

Dracophyllum lessonianum

Gumland Grass Tree is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Long-leaved Inaka

Long-Leaved Inaka

Dracophyllum longifolium

Striking, grass-like leaves and upright habit; prefers cool, well-drained sites.

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Curved-Leaved Grass Tree (Dracophyllum recurvum)

Curved-Leaved Grass Tree

Dracophyllum recurvum

Low-growing alpine shrub with distinctive recurved leaves and white flowers, endemic to the North Island volcanic plateau.

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Sinclair's Grass Tree (Dracophyllum sinclairii)

Sinclair's Grass Tree

Dracophyllum sinclairii

Slender northern small tree with grass-like foliage and clusters of white flowers, characteristic of northern gumlands and coastal cliffs.

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Townson's Inaka

Townson's Inaka

Dracophyllum townsonii

Sturdy Inaka with narrow leaves and white flower spikes; excellent for exposed coastal sites and dry gardens.

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Three-Form Inaka

Three-Form Inaka

Dracophyllum trimorphum

Distinctive three-form dragon tree with variable leaves; adaptable to different growing conditions and sites.

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Dwarf Cherry

Dwarf Cherry

Exocarpos bidwillii

Unique semi-parasitic native shrub with architectural leafless twigs and small red fruits.

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Hangehange

Hangehange

Geniostoma ligustrifolium

Fast-growing native shrub with glossy lime-green leaves and tiny but highly fragrant greenish-white flowers.

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Barrier Island Kānuka

Barrier Island Kānuka

Kunzea sinclairii

Barrier Island Kānuka is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Prickly Heath

Prickly Heath

Leptecophylla juniperina

Prickly, juniper-like foliage with small berries; good for coastal and dry sites.

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Leptospermum scoparium

Mānuka

Leptospermum scoparium

Leptospermum scoparium is a native New Zealand plant with notable features; well suited to New Zealand plantings.

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Fascicled Heath

Fascicled Heath

Leucopogon fasciculatus

Tall, open-branched native shrub with fragrant white bell-shaped flowers and attractive red to white fruits.

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Parviflorus Leucopogon

Coast Beard-Heath

Leucopogon parviflorus

Coast Beard-Heath ( Leucopogon parviflorus ) is a hardy coastal shrub with delicate white flowers and edible berries.

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Wharangi

Wharangi

Melicope ternata

Glossy trifoliate leaves with citrus scent; great coastal hedge or shelter shrub.

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Porcupine Shrub

Porcupine Shrub

Melicytus alpinus

Toughest of native shrubs with stiff, porcupine-like branchlets and white berries; ideal for lizard habitat.

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Thick-leaved Māhoe

Thick-Leaved Māhoe

Melicytus crassifolius

Rigid and structural native shrub with leathery leaves and distinctive white berries; extremely hardy in coastal sites.

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Narrow-leaved Māhoe

Narrow-Leaved Māhoe

Melicytus lanceolatus

Narrow-leaved māhoe for shade and shelter; reliable understory shrub.

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Coastal Māhoe

Coastal Māhoe

Melicytus novae-zelandiae

Hardy and structural coastal shrub with lush leathery leaves and attractive berries; excellent for salt-exposed sites.

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Whiteywood

Whiteywood

Melicytus ramiflorus

Fast-growing whiteywood; excellent for wildlife food and quick shelter.

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Leafless Pōhuehue (Muehlenbeckia ephedroides)

Leafless Pōhuehue

Muehlenbeckia ephedroides

A unique sprawling, grey-toned native shrub that often appears leafless, forming dense mats in rugged coastal and riverbed environments.

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Red Mātipo

Red Mātipo

Myrsine australis

Shiny leaves with reddish new growth; tough hedging and shelter species.

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Dryland Tree Daisy (Olearia adenocarpa)

Dryland Tree Daisy

Olearia adenocarpa

Critically endangered Canterbury shrub with grey-green leaves, specialized for the dry, stony terraces of braided rivers.

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White-Leaved Tree Daisy (Olearia albida)

White-Leaved Tree Daisy

Olearia albida

Small-leaved tree daisy with pale foliage; hardy in sunny, dry positions.

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Common Tree Daisy (Olearia arborescens)

Common Tree Daisy

Olearia arborescens

Bushy, cold-hardy tree daisy; tolerates wind and poor soils.

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Mountain Akeake

Mountain Akeake

Olearia avicenniifolia

Silvery mountain akeake with rugged form; thrives in alpine and coastal exposure.

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Twiggy Tree Daisy

Bullate Tree Daisy

Olearia bullata

Distinctive divaricating shrub with small rounded leaves and dense branching pattern, thrives in wetland margins and forest edges.

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Hakeke

Hakeke

Olearia ilicifolia

Holly-like toothed leaves add texture; prefers cool, moist conditions.

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Akiraho

Akiraho

Olearia paniculata

Lime-green foliage and scented flowers; an excellent evergreen hedge.

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Twiggy Tree Daisy (Olearia virgata)

Twiggy Tree Daisy

Olearia virgata

Versatile and fast-growing shrub with wiry interlacing branches and small green leaves, producing fragrant white flowers.

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Scarlet Mistletoe

Scarlet Mistletoe

Peraxilla colensoi

Nationally endangered parasitic shrub with explosive scarlet flowers; featured on New Zealand's former $2 note.

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Red Mistletoe

Red Mistletoe

Peraxilla tetrapetala

Spectacular crimson‑flowered mistletoe of forest canopies; relies on birds for pollination and seed dispersal.

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Strathmore Weed

Strathmore Weed

Pimelea prostrata

Low, mat-forming shrub with white blooms; ideal groundcover for sunny, dry sites.

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NZ Daphne

NZ Daphne

Pimelea tomentosa

Rare and beautiful native shrub with soft grey-green leaves and clusters of white hairy flowers.

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Kawakawa (Piper excelsum)

Kawakawa

Piper excelsum

A distinctive native shrub with heart-shaped leaves and jointed stems, renowned for its significant medicinal properties in traditional Māori rongoā.

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Divaricating Kōhūhū

Divaricating Kōhūhū

Pittosporum divaricatum

Distinctive architectural shrub with interlacing branches and dark red flowers, well-adapted to forest margins.

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Heart-leaved Kōhūhū (Pittosporum obcordatum)

Heart-leaved Kōhūhū

Pittosporum obcordatum

A rare and elegant columnar shrub with tiny heart-shaped leaves and a distinctive divaricating growth habit, specialized for fertile lowland river flats.

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Red-Flowered Pittosporum (Pittosporum patulum)

Red-Flowered Pittosporum

Pittosporum patulum

A rare and threatened South Island shrub or small tree with a distinctive upright form and sweetly scented flowers, naturally at home in montane forest margins.

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Shore Puka

Shore Puka

Raukaua anomalus

Shore Puka is a hardy divaricating shrub with interlaced branches; excellent for coastal and exposed sites.

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Dwarf Mingimingi

Dwarf Mingimingi

Styphelia nesophila

Resilient, prickly native shrub with attractive yellow fruits, ideal for rock gardens and exposed coastal sites.

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White Mistletoe (Tupeia antarctica)

White Mistletoe

Tupeia antarctica

A rare and fascinating semi-parasitic shrub with pale grey bark and bright green leaves, producing small white to pinkish berries beloved by native birds.

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Tree Nettle - Ongaonga

Tree Nettle - Ongaonga

Urtica ferox

Fiercely spiny native nettle; important habitat plant-avoid contact with hairs.

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Snow Hebe (Veronica albicans)

Snow Hebe

Veronica albicans

A compact and hardy alpine hebe with striking bluish-green foliage and clusters of white flowers, ideal for rock gardens and exposed sites.

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Bentham's Hebe (Veronica benthamii)

Bentham's Hebe

Veronica benthamii

A stunning blue-flowered hebe endemic to New Zealand's subantarctic islands, featuring distinctive white-edged leaves and vibrant terminal flower spikes.

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Waitākere Rock Koromiko

Waitākere Rock Koromiko

Veronica bishopiana

Rare willowy shrub with purplish stems and elegant mauve flower spikes, endemic to the Waitākere Ranges.

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Waterfall Parahebe

Waterfall Parahebe

Veronica catarractae

Charming mat-forming native shrub known for its masses of white flowers and love for cool, moist rocky sites.

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Cypress Hebe (Veronica cupressoides)

Cypress Hebe

Veronica cupressoides

A rare and highly distinctive native shrub with whipcord branches that mimic a cypress tree, emitting a delightful turpentine scent and producing delicate pale flowers.

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Coastal Hebe (Veronica elliptica)

Coastal Hebe

Veronica elliptica

A robust and highly salt-tolerant coastal shrub with glossy rounded leaves and large, fragrant white to mauve flower spikes, thriving on windswept clifftops.

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Fairy Foxglove (Veronica hulkeana)

Fairy Foxglove

Veronica hulkeana

A stunning small shrub known as the New Zealand lilac, producing spectacular, large panicles of pale mauve flowers that drape elegantly over rocky outcrops.

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Haast's Hebe

Haast's Hebe

Veronica haastii

Specialist alpine subshrub with thick fleshy leaves and white flowers, adapted to the high South Island scree.

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Banks Peninsula Sun Hebe

Banks Peninsula Sun Hebe

Veronica lavaudiana

Rare and beautiful native subshrub with pink buds, white flowers, and red-edged leaves, endemic to Banks Peninsula.

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North Cape Hebe

North Cape Hebe

Veronica punicea

North Cape Hebe ( Veronica punicea ) is a rare ultramafic endemic shrub with magenta flowers, found only at Surville Cliffs.

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Lyall's Parahebe

Lyall's Parahebe

Veronica lyallii

Charming low-growing subshrub with delicate white to pink flowers, naturally found in stony mountain habitats.

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Box-leaf Hebe (Veronica odora)

Box-leaf Hebe

Veronica odora

A compact, hardy native shrub with small glossy leaves and short spikes of white flowers, versatile enough for both subalpine and coastal gardens.

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Disc Hebe (Veronica pinguifolia)

Disc Hebe

Veronica pinguifolia

A compact and very hardy alpine shrub with distinctive thick, blue-green scoop-shaped leaves and profuse clusters of white flowers in summer.

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Willow-Leaf Hebe (Veronica salicifolia)

Willow-Leaf Hebe

Veronica salicifolia (synonym)

Willow-Leaf Hebe is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with willow-like leaves and fragrant drooping flower spikes, a quintessential part of the New Zealand bush.

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Napuka (Veronica speciosa)

Napuka

Veronica speciosa

Showy and resilient coastal shrub with glossy leathery leaves and striking magenta flower spikes, historically valued in Māori rituals and widely admired in gardens.

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Koromiko (Veronica stricta)

Koromiko

Veronica stricta

Important Rongoā plant and hardy pioneer shrub featuring long pale green leaves and dense spikes of white flowers, thriving in open and disturbed habitats.

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Whipcord Hebe (Veronica tetragona)

Whipcord Hebe

Veronica tetragona

A unique North Island alpine shrub with four-sided branches and scale-like leaves that mimic a conifer, perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions of mountain fellfields.

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Topiary Hebe

Topiary Hebe

Veronica topiaria

Naturally globular native shrub with attractive blue-grey foliage and white flowers, perfect for structural garden use.

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Small Toropapa (Alseuosmia pusilla)

Small Toropapa

Alseuosmia pusilla

Alseuosmia pusilla, or Small Toropapa, is a compact evergreen shrub that has evolved to mimic the unpalatable Horopito to avoid being eaten by herbivores.

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Mountain Wineberry (Aristotelia fruticosa)

Mountain Wineberry

Aristotelia fruticosa

Hardy divaricating shrub endemic to New Zealand, valued for its colourful berries and its role in providing habitat for native birds.

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Kahakaha (Astelia hastata)

Kahakaha

Astelia hastata

Giant epiphytic perching lily that forms massive nest-like clumps in the forest canopy, serving as a vital natural water tank.

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Daisy Bush (Brachyglottis elaeagnifolia)

Daisy Bush

Brachyglottis elaeagnifolia

Brachyglottis elaeagnifolia is a tough shrub daisy featuring leathery, elaeagnus-like leaves and yellow flowers, often found in subalpine and montane areas.

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Hector's Tree Daisy (Brachyglottis hectorii)

Hector's Tree Daisy

Brachyglottis hectorii

Brachyglottis hectorii, or Hector's Tree Daisy, is a large South Island shrub featuring stout woolly branches and spectacular clusters of white daisy flowers in summer.

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Rautini (Brachyglottis huntii)

Rautini

Brachyglottis huntii

Brachyglottis huntii, known as Rautini or Chatham Island Christmas Tree, is an endemic shrub daisy with leathery leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flower heads.

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New Zealand Daisy Bush (Brachyglottis laxifolia)

New Zealand Daisy Bush

Brachyglottis laxifolia

Endemic South Island shrub with grey-green foliage and clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers.

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Monro's Daisy (Brachyglottis monroi)

Monro's Daisy

Brachyglottis monroi

Brachyglottis monroi, or Monro's Daisy, is a compact South Island shrub known for its attractive wavy grey-green leaves and bright yellow daisy flowers, ideal for rock gardens.

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Stewart Island Daisy (Brachyglottis stewartiae)

Stewart Island Daisy

Brachyglottis stewartiae

Robust coastal shrub daisy with leathery leaves and large yellow daisy heads, endemic to Stewart Island.

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Prostrate Broom (Carmichaelia appressa)

Prostrate Broom

Carmichaelia appressa

Carmichaelia appressa is a rare prostrate native broom endemic to Kaitorete Spit, forming dense mats of interlaced branches that hug the ground in sandy coastal environments.

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Corrugated Broom (Carmichaelia corrugata)

Corrugated Broom

Carmichaelia corrugata

Unique dwarf native broom that forms low, dense mats of spreading, flattened stems, adapted to dry and rocky environments.

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Pink Broom (Carmichaelia glabrescens)

Pink Broom

Carmichaelia glabrescens

Carmichaelia glabrescens, or Pink Broom, is a spectacular weeping native broom from the South Island, renowned for its profusion of scented pink pea-like flowers in mid-summer.

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Kirk's Broom (Carmichaelia kirkii)

Kirk's Broom

Carmichaelia kirkii

Rare native broom with slender, leafless stems, endemic to the South Island and found in open rocky or shrubby habitats.

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Desert Broom (Carmichaelia petriei)

Desert Broom

Carmichaelia petriei

Hardy, leafless native shrub with stiff, flattened green stems, adapted to the arid and stony soils of the South Island.

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Shining Karamū (Coprosma lucida)

Shining Karamū

Coprosma lucida

Glossy-leaved native shrub found in coastal and lowland forests, producing large orange berries for native birds.

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Twiggy Coprosma (Coprosma rhamnoides)

Twiggy Coprosma

Coprosma rhamnoides

Common divaricating shrub with reddish-brown branches and tiny leaves, producing small berries varying from red to dark purple.

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Korokio (Corokia buddleioides)

Korokio

Corokia buddleioides

Northern coastal shrub with wiry branches and yellow starry flowers followed by dark berries.

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Wire-Netting Bush (Corokia cotoneaster)

Wire-Netting Bush

Corokia cotoneaster

Corokia cotoneaster, or Wire-Netting Bush, is a unique divaricating shrub with interlaced branches and small yellow flowers, ideal for hedging and coastal gardens.

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Chatham Islands Corokia (Corokia macrocarpa)

Chatham Islands Corokia

Corokia macrocarpa

Corokia macrocarpa, known as the Chatham Islands Corokia, is an endemic shrub featuring silvery-grey foliage and bright yellow flowers followed by orange berries.

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Cockayne's Grass Tree (Dracophyllum cockayneanum)

Cockayne's Grass Tree

Dracophyllum cockayneanum

Hardy subalpine shrub with distinctive needle-like leaves and attractive spikes of small white flowers.

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Oliver's Grass Tree (Dracophyllum oliveri)

Oliver's Grass Tree

Dracophyllum oliveri

Alpine shrub with tough, needle-like foliage and small white flowers, found in subalpine and alpine regions.

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Asbestos Inaka (Dracophyllum ophioliticum)

Asbestos Inaka

Dracophyllum ophioliticum

Specialized shrub found only on ultramafic soils in the South Island, featuring slender branches and tough, narrow leaves.

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Totorowhiti (Dracophyllum strictum)

Totorowhiti

Dracophyllum strictum

Dracophyllum strictum, or Totorowhiti, is a low-growing, spreading shrub with broad, stiff leaves and elegant clusters of white tubular flowers, endemic to the North Island.

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Lindsay's Dwarf Mistletoe (Korthalsella lindsayi)

Lindsay's Dwarf Mistletoe

Korthalsella lindsayi

Small, succulent parasitic plant with flattened green stems, often found growing on the branches of native shrubs and trees.

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Dwarf Mistletoe (Korthalsella salicornioides)

Dwarf Mistletoe

Korthalsella salicornioides

Tiny, succulent parasitic plant with beaded stems that closely resemble the branches of its common hosts, Mānuka and Kānuka.

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Ramarama (Lophomyrtus bullata)

Ramarama

Lophomyrtus bullata

Beautiful evergreen shrub or small tree with distinctive blistered leaves that turn deep reddish-bronze in winter.

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Rōhutu (Lophomyrtus obcordata)

Rōhutu

Lophomyrtus obcordata

Rōhutu is a slender evergreen shrub with heart-shaped leaves and attractive white flowers, followed by berries that change from red to black.

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Poataniwha (Melicope simplex)

Poataniwha

Melicope simplex

Hardy divaricating shrub with small, rounded leaves that emit a pleasant citrus scent, white flowers and black seeds.

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Manakura (Melicytus micranthus)

Manakura

Melicytus micranthus

Hardy divaricating shrub with tiny leaves and greenish flowers, typically found in damp lowland forests and swamp margins.

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Parkinson's Rātā (Metrosideros parkinsonii)

Parkinson's Rātā

Metrosideros parkinsonii

Rare and striking native shrub found in high-rainfall forests of the South Island and Little Barrier Island.

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Shrubby Tororaro (Muehlenbeckia astonii)

Shrubby Tororaro

Muehlenbeckia astonii

Unique and threatened divaricating shrub with interlaced orange-toned branches, ideal for hedging and restoration.

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Northern Māpou (Myrsine aquilonia)

Northern Māpou

Myrsine aquilonia

Robust evergreen shrub or small tree endemic to the North Island, featuring glossy green leaves and attractive small fruit.

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Chatham Island Māpou (Myrsine chathamica)

Chatham Island Māpou

Myrsine chathamica

Resilient evergreen shrub endemic to the Chatham Islands, known for its glossy, fleshy leaves and dark purple fruit.

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Weeping Matipo (Myrsine divaricata)

Weeping Matipo

Myrsine divaricata

Hardy divaricating shrub with a distinctive weeping habit and tiny heart-shaped leaves, producing small purple berries.

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Great Barrier Tree Daisy (Olearia allomii)

Great Barrier Tree Daisy

Olearia allomii

Rare and attractive native shrub endemic to Great Barrier Island, featuring leathery leaves and white daisy-like flowers.

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Coastal Tanguru (Olearia angulata)

Coastal Tanguru

Olearia angulata

Olearia angulata is a hardy native tree daisy with wavy-edged, leathery leaves and small yellow daisy flowers, typically found in coastal and lowland areas of the North Island.

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Fragrant Tree Daisy (Olearia fimbriata)

Fragrant Tree Daisy

Olearia fimbriata

Rare and distinctive divaricating shrub with small leaves and highly fragrant flowers, found in the eastern South Island.

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Akepiro (Olearia furfuracea)

Akepiro

Olearia furfuracea

Versatile native tree daisy with leathery, dark green leaves and white daisy flowers, thriving in coastal and lowland environments.

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Gardner's Tree Daisy (Olearia gardneri)

Gardner's Tree Daisy

Olearia gardneri

Critically threatened deciduous shrub with small leaves and pale yellow flowers, found in only a few North Island locations.

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Shore Tree Daisy (Olearia lineata)

Shore Tree Daisy

Olearia lineata

Graceful native shrub with extremely narrow leaves and small, fragrant daisy flowers, found in open forests and shrublands.

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Lyall's Tree Daisy (Olearia lyallii)

Lyall's Tree Daisy

Olearia lyallii

Robust coastal shrub daisy with large leathery leaves and yellow daisy flowers, found on subantarctic islands and parts of the South Island.

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Swamp Tree Daisy (Olearia telmatica)

Swamp Tree Daisy

Olearia telmatica

Recently described species of divaricating shrub with small leaves and fragrant flowers, adapted to damp, swampy habitats.

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Stiff Pittosporum (Pittosporum rigidum)

Stiff Pittosporum

Pittosporum rigidum

Hardy divaricating shrub with small, leathery leaves and dark red fragrant flowers, adapted to subalpine scrub and rocky slopes.

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Needle-leaved Tōtara (Podocarpus acutifolius)

Needle-leaved Tōtara

Podocarpus acutifolius

Small podocarp shrub with narrow, sharp-pointed leaves and edible berries, endemic to the northern and western South Island.

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Lowland Horopito (Pseudowintera axillaris)

Lowland Horopito

Pseudowintera axillaris

Elegant evergreen shrub with glossy green, pepper-tasting leaves and red berries, commonly found in lowland forests.

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Horopito (Pseudowintera colorata)

Horopito

Pseudowintera colorata

Colourful native shrub with blotched yellow-green and red leaves, renowned for its spicy taste and medicinal properties.

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Northland Horopito (Pseudowintera insperata)

Northland Horopito

Pseudowintera insperata

Rare and localized evergreen shrub with glossy leaves, endemic to Northland and distinguished by its unique floral characteristics.

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Travers's Horopito (Pseudowintera traversii)

Travers's Horopito

Pseudowintera traversii

Compact evergreen shrub with small leathery leaves and tiny white flowers, endemic to the northwest South Island.

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Taurepo (Rhabdothamnus solandri)

Taurepo

Rhabdothamnus solandri

Charming native shrub known for its vibrant orange or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers, adapted for pollination by native honeyeaters.

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