About Veronica stenophylla Steud.
Veronica stenophylla Steud. is generally a low, sometimes sprawling bush that can reach up to 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) in height. One of its main distinguishing features is pitted texture on the underside of its leaves, though a magnifying loupe is often needed to see this trait. Its leaf margins are usually glabrous and smooth. Multiple characteristics need to be checked in sequence to distinguish this species from other similar species. For its varieties: var. stenophylla occurs in the North Island of New Zealand, where it grows sparsely from Auckland south to Taupo and central North Island, and is more common from that area down to the southern end of the North Island and the northern tip of the South Island. Var. oliveri is found exclusively on Stephens Island in the Cook Strait. This species grows in open, sunny locations, and is often found in rocky areas such as those beside roads or streams.
