Shrub reaching 5m. This common plant of scrublands and beech forests can be mistaken for Manuka or kanuka. It can be found in dry places from North Cape to Canterbury.

Leaves: 1-2.5 cm linear-oblong and arranged in bundles or whorls. The younger leaves are larger than the adults, up to 4cm long.

Flowers: small green flowers on spikes in spring. The red or pink berries are about 8 mm diameter.

Photography by Neil Davies ©