Hebe veronica

Hebe veronica, commonly known as Veronica or Koromiko, is a flowering evergreen shrub native to New Zealand.

Here are some key features:

1. Appearance: Hebe veronica typically grows as a compact shrub with lance-shaped leaves that are often glossy and can vary in color from green to purple.
2. Flowers: The plant produces spikes of small, tubular flowers in various colors, including white, pink, purple, or blue, depending on the cultivar.
3. Habitat: Indigenous to New Zealand, Hebe veronica is adaptable to various conditions but thrives in well-draining soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location.
4. Size: The size of the shrub can vary, with some cultivars reaching a height of 1 to 2 meters.
5. Cultural Significance: Hebe veronica holds cultural significance in Maori traditional medicine, where extracts from the plant have been used for various therapeutic purposes.

Sources

1. cabdirect.org – Veronica (plant)
2. nzpcn.org.nz – Hebe veronica
3. rhs.org.uk – Hebe
4. tematapeak.co.nz – Hebe veronica
5. gardenia.net – Hebe veronica