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Gaultheria oppositifolia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Gaultheria
Species:
G. oppositifolia
Binomial name
Gaultheria oppositifolia

Gaultheria oppositifolia is a shrub in the heath family Ericaceae, endemic to New Zealand. [1] Māori names include kama and niniwa. Common name for the genus in New Zealand is snowberry. [2]

G. oppositifolia is a stout bushy spreading shrub that grows mostly in rocky places in the North Island, often observed beneath manuka scrub. The pairs of oval leathery toothed leaves are attached directly to the twigs. Late summer flowers are white and bell-shaped, and appear in clusters up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long at the tips of twigs. Leaves are 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in) long by 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) wide. Autumn fruit is a dry red or white capsule. [3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Gaultheria oppositifolia Hook.f." New Zealand Organisms Register. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
  2. ^ Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume two. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 536. ISBN  9780909010089.
  3. ^ "Gaultheria oppositifolia". nzpcn.org.nz. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 2019-05-15.