Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Plantaginales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Parahebe
Species: P. lyallii
Binomial name: Parahebe lyallii
Parahebe lyallii is a semi-evergreen, prostrate, perennial mat forming shrub that is found in the South Island in lowland to low alpine along stream sides, rock bluffs, herbfields and similar moist sites up to 1600 m. It has rounded dark green leaves with toothed margins. The flowers are white to pale-pink, purple-veined flowers. It flowers for a long period from October to November.
Parahebe lyallii is a very variable species containing some very fine forms whose flower colour is variable.
Nurseries sell a form clled Parahebe "Blue Boy"
Photographed at Otari Wilton Reserve, Wellington.