Description and flavonoid chemistry of Hebe calcicola (Scrophulariaceae), a new species from north‐west Nelson, New Zealand

Abstract

Hebe calcicola is a new species described from outcropping marble in north‐west Nelson, New Zealand. It is a shrub with glossy leaves to 45 mm long, no sinus in the leaf bud, unbranched and lateral inflorescences, pedicillate flowers, white corollas that are papillate within with tubes shorter than surrounding calyces, and pubescent ovaries and fruit. It is placed in series Occlusae, and is morphologically and geographically distinguished from other members of that group. A comparative study of leaf flavonoids has identified flavonoid characters that Clearly distinguish H. calcicola from the morphologically similar species H. rakaiensis, H. subalpina, H. truncatula, H. traversii, and H. strictissima, and supports morphological evidence for the existence of naturally occurring hybrids between H. calcicola and both H. albicans and H. salicifolia.

Keywords:

• Hebe calcicola
• H. rakaiensis
• H. subalpina
• H. albicans
• H. salicifolia
• Scrophulariaceae
• new species
• hybrid
• flavonoids
• New Zealand flora