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Project Noah Nature School
Hebe stricta
Slender many branched shrub that can grow up to 4m high. It is quick growing and has long fine 'willow-like' leaves that grow to 10-15cm in pairs from the tip of a branch. (Giving it its name) The flowers grow along spikes of up to 20cm They are white with purple stamens that can give the flowers a look of purplish hue in strong light. small fruiting bodies develop from the flowers. the bark is grey/green and smooth.
Found in the North island of New Zealand from sea level up to about 1100m. It is a strong colonizer and used extensively for re vegetation programmes of native species where it will flourish in most soil types. This plant found in the central Waikato in an area where native regeneration is being encouraged.
There is a similar species H. salicifolia that is found through out the South Island of New Zealand. The first image shows the flower spike, the second a small bush regenerating and finally a growing tip showing the delelopment of move flowers and the new leaf bud.
Spotted on Jan 26, 2016
Submitted on Jan 26, 2016
1 Comment
My pleasure Polilla. Appreciate the comment and apologize for the lateness of my acknowledgement.