Leonohebe cupressoides ("Fragrant hebe")

Leonohebe cupressoides. Photo: Rod Morris.

Leonohebe cupressoides

Leonohebe cupressoides (formally Hebe cupressoides) is a threatened plant found on the eastern side of the South Island's Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana in the South Island.

While many rare species can be very hard to find, at least this plant has the virtue of being easily distinguishable with its fragrant scent, greyish-green colour and softly rounded canopy shape.

Leonohebe cupressoides has declined to such an extent that only four of its 19 known populations comprise more than 100 mature plants. A Department of Conservation Recovery Plan has been actioned to address this decline.

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai