Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Hebe
Species: H. tairawhiti
Binomial name: Hebe tairawhiti
Common Name: Wairoa Koromiko

Hebe tairawhiti is a vigorous Hebe bushy shrub or small tree up to 3 x 2 m. with a distinctive graceful leaf form. It is endemic to the East Cape Region from the upper Motu River east, Gisborne, Wairoa south to Mahia Peninsula. Its habitat is primarily shrub communities along the coast and river sides.
Its narrow leaves 45-150 x 5-11 mm have a green upper surface and a yellow midrib.
Flowering occurs January – April. The white flowers (sometimes Violet / Purple) are on unbranched racemes 68-150 mm long, bearing 120-180 flowers.

Otari Native Botanic Garden  Wellington
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The narrow leaves with a yellow midrib
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