Veronica strictissima
Species of flowering plant in the plantain family
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Veronica strictissima, commonly known as the Banks Peninsula hebe, is a flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is endemic to Banks Peninsula in Canterbury, New Zealand.
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| Veronica strictissima | |
|---|---|
| |
| Foliage of Veronica strictissima | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Veronica |
| Species: | V. strictissima |
| Binomial name | |
| Veronica strictissima | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Description
Veronica strictissima grows to a rounded shrub to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall.[3][4] Its Latin name refers to its erect stems.[5]
Leaves are opposite and narrowly oblong, 9–49 mm (0.35–1.93 in) long, 3–8 mm (0.12–0.31 in) wide.[4] They are light green in colour with slightly paler undersides.[4]
Inflorescences are racemes up to 17–107 mm (0.67–4.21 in) long.[4] Flowers are hermaphrodite or female on separate plants.[4]
Capsules contain multiple tiny seeds.[6] Seeds are flat and brown, 1.0–1.6 mm (0.04–0.06 in) long.[7]
Natural global range
Veronica strictissima is endemic to Banks Peninsula, Canterbury, New Zealand.[6][8] Multiple separate populations have been identified in the region.[7][9][10][11]
Habitat preferences
Veronica strictissima is an early coloniser of disturbed habitats, occurring in sunny, open areas, such as rocky outcrops, cliffs,[6] scrubland,[7] and roadside banks from sea level up to 853 m (2,800 ft).[6]
Banks Peninsula differs in soil composition compared to other areas of Canterbury, it is made up of loess and basalt rock, while lower Canterbury is predominantly alluvial.[12] V. strictissima has been found to prefer moderate levels of moisture with low salinity and good soil drainage.[13]
Phenology
Veronica strictissima flowers in summer, sometimes till early autumn.[4][7] Individual plants will flower for 2–5 weeks.[9] The flowers on the spike of one plant will normally flower simultaneously.[9] Flowers are pollinated by a single species of bee native to New Zealand, Lasioglossum sordidum.[9] Seed capsules form during autumn[7] before dehiscing in late autumn.[9] Seeds are wind dispersed,[14][15] but can also be dispersed by birds and lizards.[13]
Ecology
Veronica strictissima is grazed upon by sheep, goats and cows.[6][9] The nectar and fruit are eaten by lizards and birds.[13] V. strictissima and other species from the genus Veronica are fed on by Platyptilia, Xyridacma veronicae.[16]
Cultural uses
Veronica strictissima was used as a cure for dysentery during World War II.[16] Māori used the plant as a traditional medicine for the treatment of ulcers, headaches, kidney and bladder troubles.[16]
Other information
Veronica strictissima can be confused with other Veronica species, and was once included with Veronica leiophylla[5] and Veronica parviflora.[10] It is very similar to Veronica traversii, which is far more widespread throughout New Zealand, being found in the Marlborough and Nelson districts as well as Canterbury.[6]
Veronica strictissima may hybridise with Veronica salicifolia.[4]
