Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Epilobium
Species: E. pernitens
Binomial name: Epilobium pernitens
Common name: Willowherb
Epilobium pernitens is a compact, native, creeping herb that can form dense patches up to 0.5 m across. It has thick glossy rounded leaves with margins that are slightly turned down. Its stems are a light brown colour.
1 cm white flowers with notched petals and purple veins appear during December and February.
Its habitat is usually open, moist slopes in alpine areas (900 -1900 masl).
It is found in the North, South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand. In the North Island is present on the Rakumara, Ruahine, Tararua Ranges and Mt Taranaki/Egmont. It is found throughout the South Island.
Photographed at Arthur’s Pass, South Island.
