Genus Showcase - Veronica
It's a little different from most of my posts, but I wanted to showcase the amazing diversity of the genus Veronica in New Zealand. With around 150 species, New Zealand is home to nearly a third of all Veronica species in the world.
Due to New Zealands' isolation from the rest of the world, these species have evolved to fill nearly every niche you can imagine. From coastal dunes and beaches to tropical rainforests and even the snow-covered mountain peaks of the Southern Alps.
In the 2 months I've been in New Zealand, I've multiplied my Veronica life list by 6. I've selected some of my favorites that show just how different these Veronica species can be
(For people that don't know taxonomy, this means that these species are all very closely related despite looking so different)
Veronica parviflora
Veronica hookeriana
Veronica cheesemanii
Veronica topiaria
Veronica pulvinaris
Veronica saxicola
Veronica lycopodioides