A taxonomic revision of Hebe informal group "Connatae" (Plantaginaceae*), based on morphology and flavonoid chemistry

A revised species-level classification is presented for Hebe informal group "Connatae", based on a study of morphology and leaf flavonoids. Accepted species are: Hebe macrocalyx (including var. macrocalyx and var. humilis), H. haastii, H. epacridea, H. ramosissima, H. petriei, H. murrellii, and H. benthamii. The limits of H. macrocalyx, H. haastii, H. epacridea, and H. ramosissima have historically been the subject of confusion and/or debate, and detailed accounts of these taxa are presented. In particular, H. epacridea is morphologically more variable and more widespread than previous treatments suggest, and it has sometimes been confused with the more geographically restricted H. haastii. The name H. macrocalyx var. humilis (H. haastii var. humilis in some accounts) has sometimes been misapplied. It is used here for wild populations known only from Nelson and Marlborough, although this remains at odds with stated source locations of the cultivated specimens cited in the protologue (Otago and Southland). A key to all taxa of "Connatae" is provided.