Geographic variation in Hebe macrantha (Plantaginaceae): morphology and flavonoid chemistry

Abstract

This paper investigates geographic variation in Hebe macrantha, endemic to mountains of South Island, New Zealand. It assesses the attributes, distribution, and appropriate taxonomic status of its two previously described varieties, the validity and circumscriptions of which have been questioned by some taxonomists. Morphometric analyses support the existence of two distinguishable entities that equate with previous circumscriptions of these varieties, whose continued recognition is recommended. Variety brachyphylla occurs in the north of the species’ geographic range, from the Anatoki Range, northwest Nelson, to the Hanmer Range, north Canterbury. Variety macrantha is geographically more wi..