Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Lamiales Bromhead
Family
Plantaginaceae Juss.
Genus
Veronica L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Veronica rigidula var. sulcata (Bayly & Kellow) Garn.-Jones in Garnock-Jones et al., Taxon 56: 579 (2007)
Synonymy:
  • ≡ Hebe rigidula var. sulcata Bayly & Kellow in Bayly et al., New Zealand J. Bot. 40: 585 (2002 [2001])
Holotype: New Zealand, D’Urville Island (Rangitoto ke te Tonga), eastern side of Attempt Hill near road, P. J. de Lange 5043 & G. M. Crowcroft, 19 Jan 2001, AK 252335. Isotypes: WELT 82582, CHR 549399
Etymology:
The epithet sulcata refers to the longitudinal folding of the leaves characteristic of this variety.
 Description

Leaves elliptic to broadly elliptic, 9.4–28.2 mm long, 3.2–8.7 mm wide, mostly 2.8–3.3 times as long as broad, longitudinally folded at the midrib and each half convex from above so that the lamina is m‑shaped in cross section. Pedicels 0.3–2.0 mm long.

 Distribution

South Island: Sounds Nelson (D’Urville I., Mt Stokes, Editor Hill, Lookout Peak).

Veronica rigidula var. sulcata distribution map based on databased records at AK, CHR & WELT. Image: K.Boardman © Landcare Research 2022 CC-BY 4.0
Veronica rigidula var. sulcata distribution map based on databased records at AK, CHR & WELT. Image: K.Boardman © Landcare Research 2022 CC-BY 4.0
 Habitat

Open rocky habitats and short scrub, on ultramafic rocks. Recorded elevations range from 518 to 900 m.

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Endemic)
 Cytology

2n = 40 (see Bayly & Kellow 2006, as Hebe rigidula var. sulcata).

 Images
Veronica rigidula var. sulcata. Leaf surfaces, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right). Scale = 1 mm. Image: W.M. Malcolm © Te Papa CC-BY-NC 3.0 NZ
Veronica rigidula var. sulcata. Leaf surfaces, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right). Scale = 1 mm. Image: W.M. Malcolm © Te Papa CC-BY-NC 3.0 NZ
 Bibliography
Bayly, M.J.; Kellow, A.V. 2006: An Illustrated Guide to New Zealand Hebes. Te Papa Press, Wellington. [as Hebe rigidula var. sulcata Bayly & Kellow]
Bayly, M.J.; Kellow, A.V.; Mitchell, K.A.; Markham, K.R.; de Lange, P.J.; Harper, G.E.; Garnock-Jones, P.J.; Brownsey, P.J. 2002: Descriptions and flavonoid chemistry of new taxa in Hebe sect. Subdistichae (Scrophulariaceae). New Zealand Journal of Botany 40(4): 571–602.
de Lange, P.J.; Norton, D.A.; Courtney, S.P.; Heenan, P.B.; Barkla, J.W.; Cameron, E.K.; Hitchmough, R.; Townsend, A.J. 2009: Threatened and uncommon plants of New Zealand (2008 revision). New Zealand Journal of Botany 47: 61–96. [as Hebe rigidula var. sulcata Bayly & Kellow] [Nationally Critical]
de Lange, P.J.; Norton, D.A.; Heenan, P.B.; Courtney, S.P.; Molloy, B.P.J.; Ogle, C.C.; Rance, B.D. 2004: Threatened and uncommon plants of New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany 42(1): 45–76. [as Hebe rigidula var. sulcata Bayly & Kellow]
de Lange, P.J.; Rolfe, J.R.; Barkla J.W.; Courtney, S.P.; Champion, P.D.; Perrie, L.R.; Beadel, S.N.; Ford, K.A.; Breitwieser, I.; Schönberger, I.; Hindmarsh-Walls, R.; Heenan, P.B.; Ladley, K. 2018: Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2017. New Zealand Threat Classification Series. No. 22. [Nationally Critical]
de Lange, P.J.; Rolfe, J.R.; Champion, P.D.; Courtney, S.P.; Heenan, P.B.; Barkla, J.W.; Cameron, E.K.; Norton, D.A.; Hitchmough, R.A. 2013: Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 3. Department of Conservation, Wellington. [as Hebe rigidula var. sulcata Bayly & Kellow] [Nationally Critical]
Garnock-Jones, P.J. 2023: Veronica. In: Breitwieser, I. (ed.) Flora of New Zealand – Seed Plants. Fascicle 9. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
Garnock-Jones, P.J.; Albach, D.; Briggs, B.G. 2007: Botanical names in Southern Hemisphere Veronica (Plantaginaceae): sect. Detzneria, sect. Hebe, and sect. Labiatoides. Taxon 56: 571–582.