Teucridium parvifolium

Teucridium parvifolium flowers
Teucridium parvifolium leaves
Teucridium parvifolium fruit
Teucridium parvifolium foliage

Key Features

  • A straggling shrub to 1.5 m, with red-brown branchlets that are square in cross section.
  • The small, thin, dull-green, spoon-shaped leaves are up to 2 cm long (including the stalk) and occur in opposite pairs along the branchlets.
  • Flowers are white with irregularly shaped petals that drop off to leave the four dry seeds cupped within the persistent, 5-pointed calyx.
  • The small opposite leaves make this species superficially similar to small-leaved species of Coprosma and rohutu (Neomyrtus pedunculata), but both of these have fleshy fruits, and species of Coprosma have branches that are round in cross-section.

Distribution and Habitat

  • North and South Islands, from Northland to Southland, mostly in eastern areas in the South Island.
  • Habitat is dry, usually open lowland forest.

Threats

  • Habitat modification and loss.
  • Stock and feral animal browse.
  • Competition with weeds.

Management Opportunities

  • Survey for new locations.
  • Mark known sites.
  • Protection of habitat.
  • Exclude stock and control feral animals.
  • Control shrubby weeds encroaching on 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
  • Pest and weed control – Department of Conservation, Regional Councils
  • References:
    • Poole & Adams (1994). Trees and shrubs of New Zealand. Maanaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
    • Wilson & Galloway (1993). Small-leaved shrubs of New Zealand. Manuka Press, Christchurch.