Pimelea tomentosa

Key Features

  • Erect shrub to 1 m tall, with slender, hairy branches that have dark brown bark and prominent leaf scars.
  • Thin leaves are 1-2.5 cm long and 3-5 mm wide, with dense hairs on the underside when young.
  • Flowers occur in dense heads and are white or pink and densely hairy, giving rise to fruit that are white, pink or black.

Distribution and Habitat

  • North Island and northern South Island, lowland open places and shrublands.

Threats

  • Habitat modification and loss, requires open vegetation.
  • Competition with weeds.

Management Opportunities

  • Survey for new locations.
  • Mark known sites.
  • Protection of habitat.
  • Control weeds at known sites.
  • Collect seed and propagate for re-establishment in appropriate sites.
  • Ensure that forest owners are aware of potential habitats and can recognise the species.

Monitoring Options

  • Check existing populations annually.
  • Report new locations to DOC, NZPCN.

Further Information and Support

  • New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN). http://www.nzpcn.org.nz
  • References:
    • Wilson & Galloway (1993). Small-leaved shrubs of New Zealand. Manuka Press, Christchurch.
    • Poole & Adams (1994). Trees and shrubs of New Zealand. Maanaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
    • Peter de Lange, Peter Heenan, David Norton, Jeremy Rolfe and John Sawyer (2010). Threatened Plants of New Zealand. Canterbury University Press, Christchurch. 472 pp