Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Veronica stenophylla var. oliveri (Bayly & Garn.-Jones) Garn.-Jones in Garnock-Jones et al., Taxon 56: 579 (2007)
Synonymy:
  • Hebe stenophylla var. oliveri Bayly & Garn.-Jones in Bayly et al., New Zealand J. Bot. 38: 182 (2000)
Holotype: Stephens Island, W. R. B. Oliver, Jan 1922, WELT 64970. Isotype: WELT 15028
Etymology:
The epithet oliveri honours Dr W.R.B. Oliver (1883–1957), Director of the Dominion Museum, who first collected it.
 Description

Stem pubescence glabrous to bifarious. Lamina lanceolate or elliptic, 22–37 mm long, 5–10 mm wide, glossy above; stomata sparse except near apex; minute pits near margins; margins usually glabrous or sometimes with very fine hairs. Inflorescence 26–60 mm long; pedicels puberulent or glabrous. Corolla tube 2.5–3.8 mm long, glabrous within.

 Recognition

The glossy and lanceolate to elliptic leaves of this variety resemble those on plants of V. urvilleana, which grows on nearby Rangitoto ki te Tonga / D’Urville I. However, the shorter inflorescences and corolla tubes, sparsely hairy corolla tube, and larger capsules of V. urvilleana distinguish it.

 Habitat

Wind-shorn scrub on exposed coastal cliffs. Recorded elevations range from 0 to 275 m.

 Biostatus
Indigenous (Endemic)
 Phenology

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

 Cytology

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

 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. oliveri 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. oliveri 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. oliveri 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. oliveri 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.