Flora of New Zealand Series

Leucopogon fraseri A. Cunn. var. muscosus Simpson in T.R.S.N.Z. 75, 1945, 180.

Type locality: Avalanche Peak, Arthur pass. Type: BD 76004, G. Simpson.

Branchlets very close-set, very slender, c. 2-3 cm. long; lvs ± 2 mm. long, hardly 1 mm. wide; apiculus c. 0·5 mm. long. Fls c. 7 mm. long, 2 mm. diam. Fr. orange to yellow.

DIST.: S. Montane to subalpine grassland, fellfield, apparently local. Grows often in company with the common form.

The var. is here accepted, but further study is needed. The sp. is plastic; the different forms are, at least in part, due to the particular habitats in which they occur. Forms in shade have a clearer green colour and ± elongate branches. Where support is available the branches may reach to c. 3 dm. long and become semi-lianoid.