Two additional indigenous species of Veronica (Plantaginaceae) from northern New Zealand: V. jovellanoides, a new and highly endangered species, and V. plebeia R.Br.

Abstract

Veronica jovellanoides is described as a new species from northern New Zealand. it differs from New Zealand species with similar flowers in its herbaceous creeping habit, broad thin leaves with long petioles, few‐flowered inflorescences, and hygrochastic strongly flattened capsules. With only three plants known in the wild, V. jovellanoides is considered Nationally Critical using the New Zealand Threat Classification System. Additionally, V. plebeia is considered indigenous to New Zealand.

Keywords:

• Veronica
• Plantaginaceae
• V. jovellanoides
• V. plebeia
• New Zealand flora
• new taxonomic names