Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Lepidium heterophyllum Benth.
Vernacular Name(s):
Smith's cress
 Description

Perennial herb. Stems decumbent to erect, hairy, (5)–10–30 cm tall, sparingly branched above. Lvs hairy. Basal lvs persistent or withering at fruiting, ovate or narrow-obovate, entire or rarely lyrate-pinnatifid, 3–10 × 0.5–1 cm; petiole > lamina. Stem lvs suberect, narrowly triangular, sessile, 10–30 × 2–10 mm, with narrow pointed amplexicaul basal lobes; margin with short coarse teeth or almost entire. Racemes 5–10 cm long; rachis densly hairy; pedicels densely hairy, spreading, 3–5 mm long at fruiting. Sepals glabrous or hairy, 1–1.5 × c. 0.5 mm. Petals white, clawed, c. 2 × 0.5 mm. Stamens 6. Silicle elliptic, 3.5–5 × 2–4 mm; lower part of style connate with the broad wing, upper part free for 0.5–1 mm, protruding beyond the short apical notch; valves glabrous or sparsely papillate. Seeds very dark brown, ovoid, 2–2.5 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Oct.–Feb.; Fruiting: Oct.–Feb.