Flora of New Zealand Series

Type locality: Whanahuia Range, Ruahine Mts. Type: BD 76820, "Mt. Maungamahoe, Rock at summit, 5450' ", J. A. Hay, 21/1/52.

Hairs tapering to soft ± flexuous tips; spreading. Rosette-lvs obovate or broad-spathulate, 15 × 5 mm. in type but often larger. Lateral branches 3-10-(15) cm. long, sts ∞ and branched. Bracts ovate to broad-oblong, distichous, exceeding internodes. Calyx 3-(5) mm. long, hairs ∞, long and ± retrorse short, not stiff. Corolla ± cream-coloured, c. 3 mm. diam., tube 2-3 mm. long. Nutlets up to 1·7 mm. long, hidden within calyx.

DIST.: N. Mt. Hikurangi, Kaimanawa and Ruahine Ranges. S. Mountains of Nelson, Marlborough and the main divide; Banks Peninsula. C. Lyall Ridge, W. B. Brockie. Scree, fellfield and stony ground subject to immersion.

FL.- FT. 12-4.

This var. approaches M. antarctica Hook. f. but hairs are less silky and less crowded, fls rather smaller and cream-coloured, nutlets more elongated.

The var. is named after Mr. A. P. Druce who recognised it as a distinct taxon in North Id mountains and collected it widely.