Olearia macrodonta

Introduction:

Olearia macrodonta (Arorangi; Mountain Holly; New Zealand Holly) is a small sub-alpine evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand, from the plant family Asteraceae. It is closely related to the narrow leaved Olearia ilicifolia, with which it shares several characteristics including largely undulating and serrated grey-green leaves. These common characteristics means the two species are often confused with one another. Olearia macrodonta is also referred to as Mountain Holly in New Zealand, or New Zealand Holly elsewhere. It is found from lowland to sub-alpine forests from the East Cape of the North Island of New Zealand southwards throughout the South Island and Stewart Island, from 450-1200m in altitude.

Description:

Olearia macrodonta is a shrub to spreading small tree that grows 1.5 - 6m tall. It's leaves are 5 - 10cm long, 2.5 - 4cm wide, with undulating and coarsely serrated margins, greyish green above. It's flowers are white with yellow centres and grow in large, rounded, much branched corymbs.