Flora of New Zealand Series

C. pumilio Hook.f. Fl. N.Z. 1, 1854, 214 non R. Br. Prodr. 1810, 417.

Type: K, Colenso.

Decumbent branching glandular-pubescent herb up to 15 cm. diam., with stout deeply descending main root; branches slender, lfy, radiating. Lvs on slender petioles up to 5 mm. long; lamina pubescent on both surfaces, thin, 3-5-(10) × 2-5-(10) mm.; broad- to ovate-oblong, entire, occ. slightly sinuate. Most lvs do not exceed 5 × 5 mm., but occ. specimens have some lvs of greater dimensions. Fls minute, in axillary clusters; per. segs 4, narrow-oblong, pubescent. Stamen us. 1; utricle ovate in outline, erect, compressed; pericarp free.

DIST.: N. Collected by Colenso: "Shores of the East Coast and Lake Taupo; abundant in native cultivated ground". S. Coastal, lowland and lower montane in sandy and open places from lat. 41° 30' to 43° 30' east of divide, local.