Description
Teucrium parvifolium is endemic to New Zealand, occurring sporadically from Northland to Southland, but commoner in the east. It is usually found along fertile stream sides and river terraces in open lowland dry forest and podocarp-hardwood forest; occasionally on forest margins, clearings and amongst scrub. Naturally found in poor soil situations similar to Myrsine australis.
Teucrium parvifolium is a compact, small-leaved shrub with round, dull-green leaves and orange branchlets. The branchlets are square in cross-section as it is a member of the mint family. Masses of small, white flowers with irregularly shaped petals appear from October to January. The petals drop off to leave the four dry seeds cupped within the persistent, 5-pointed calyx through March. It is ideally suited to poor soils and its natural habitat is dry. Use as an informal hedge or as a border.
Teucrium parvifolium is a rarity, seldom encountered in the wild, classified as at risk under the Department of Conservation’s Threat Classification System. Forest clearance, rural development, stock and feral animal browse, and invasive weeds all contribute to the classification.
Semi-deciduous. Hardy.
