Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene

Perennial herb; stems angled, forming large dense mats to several m diam., rooting at nodes. Lvs shortly petiolate. Lamina 1–2-(c. 3) × 0.3–0.5–(1.5) cm, oblong or spathulate, dentate in upper 1/2, occasionally lobed, with appressed hairs on both surfaces; base attenuate; apex obtuse or subacute. Peduncles 2–6 cm long. Heads subglobose or ovoid, 8–12 mm diam. Bracts broad-ovate, acuminate, densely hairy outside; margins ciliate, purplish. Calyx c. 1.5 mm long; obtuse; margins ciliate, purplish. Corolla tube > calyx; limb 3–4 mm diam., mauve with orange throat, becoming pale with age; lobes subequal, rounded or sinuate. Nutlets 1–2 mm long.

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

Flowering: Jan.–Dec.