Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Veronica stenophylla var. hesperia (Bayly & Garn.-Jones) Garn.-Jones in Garnock-Jones et al., Taxon 56: 579 (2007)
Synonymy:
  • Hebe stenophylla var. hesperia Bayly & Garn.-Jones in Bayly et al., New Zealand J. Bot. 38: 180 (2000)
Holotype: Nelson, c. 2 km southwest of Kaihoka Lakes, on bluffs beside Limestone Road, M. J. Bayly 1149, 28 Jan 1999, WELT 81486. Isotypes: AK, CHR 549400
Etymology:
The epithet hesperia refers to the western distribution of this variety in the far west of Nelson.
 Description

Stem pubescence bifarious to uniform. Lamina oblong-elliptic, linear-lanceolate, or lanceolate, 16–62 mm long, 3.5–8.0 mm wide, dull above; stomata sparse except at apex and near midrib; minute pits near margins and sometimes near midrib; margins usually glabrous or sometimes with very fine hairs towards apex. Inflorescence 32–65 mm long; pedicels puberulent. Corolla tube 1.8–3.5 mm long, hairy within.

 Distribution
 Habitat

Limestone outcrops and scrub near the coast. Recorded elevations range from 0 to 305 m.

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Endemic)
 Phenology

Flowers: December–March; fruits: January–April (persisting longer).

 Cytology

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

 Notes

Veronica stenophylla var. hesperia plants have a range of leaf sizes, even among adjacent plants.

 Bibliography
Bayly, M.J.; Garnock-Jones, P.J.; Mitchell, K.A.; Markham, K.R.; Brownsey, P.J. 2000: A taxonomic revision of the Hebe parviflora complex (Scrophulariaceae), based on morphology and flavonoid chemistry. New Zealand Journal of Botany 38(2): 165–190.
Bayly, M.J.; Kellow, A.V. 2006: An Illustrated Guide to New Zealand Hebes. Te Papa Press, Wellington. [as Hebe stenophylla var. hesperia Bayly & Garn.-Jones]
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 stenophylla var. hesperia Bayly & Garn.-Jones] [Naturally uncommon]
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 stenophylla var. hesperia Bayly & Garn.-Jones]
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. [Naturally Uncommon]
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 stenophylla var. hesperia Bayly & Garn.-Jones] [Naturally Uncommon]
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.