Gomphocarpus fruticosus (L.) W.T.Aiton

Much-branched shrub to c. 2 m high, with slender puberulent stems. Lvs opposite or alternate, sessile or subsessile, 5.5–12 × 0.5–1 cm, linear-lanceolate, glabrous except for midrib beneath and sometimes scattered hairs above and on margins, sharply acute. Cymes axillary; fls few to fairly numerous. Peduncles and pedicels usually 1–2 cm long, densely puberulent. Calyx lobes 3.5–4 mm long, linear-lanceolate, densely puberulent. Corolla lobes 6–9 mm long, ovate-elliptic; margins white, ciliate towards apex at least on one side. Corona scales c. 4 mm long, fleshy, hooded, greenish white, incurved, with a lateral tooth or auricle on each side. Follicles 4–6 cm long, broad-ovoid, tapering to a beak, inflated, ± puberulent, covered with soft, subulate bristles 7–10 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1985) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4 as Gomphocarpus fruticosus (L.) R.Br.]