Facts about Leonhebe cupressoides
Description
Leonohebe cupressoides is a greyish-green shrub forming a symmetrical rounded bush 1 to 2 metres tall, with small and scale-like leaves. Flowering is from November to February, with flowers occuring in groups of 6-8. These vary in colour from white to a pale bluish-purple.
Habitat and range
Leonohebe cupressoides is found in the South Island, from Marlborough to Otago.
In the past it probably had a widespread, but patchy distribution. More recently it has undergone a significant decline, especially in the north of its range. The greatest concentration now occurs in the Mackenzie Basin and the Shotover River Valley.
Leonohebe cupressoides occurs across a range of sites. It can be found on areas that have been recently disturbed by flooding and slips. It also occurs on more stable sites such as rock outcrops and bouldery moraine. Leonohebe cupressoides has not been recorded under closed forest and appears to do poorly in open grassland.