There are several species of the pretty mat forming shrub pimelea in the project area, some are threatened, while others more common. They are often hard to tell apart, not least because they can hybridise.
Pimelea prostrata is a common one in kettlehole margins and river beds, and is easily identified by its hairless leaves and its blueish colouring.
Pimelea pulvinaris is easily identified by its compact cushion form.
The other common ones include Pimelea oreophila and Pimelea sericeovillosa. They are more likely to be found in outwash terraces among short tussock grassland.
New Zealand daphne flowers abundantly in summer, with the small white flowers smelling strongly. After flowering it produces white berries that can be eaten but they are poisonous to livestock.
Photos Robyn Janes
