Like kawakawa a small shrub, but found throughout NZ (and only NZ) from coast up to mountain bushline ; leaves are pungent, the upper surfaces usually spotted and blotched red especially in open, sunny situations and the undersides white. Crushed leaves are aromatic; and have a peppry taste. I don’t like seeing them in the wild – they form carpets in forests that are severely browsed foreshadowing canopy collapse (as in Kaimanawa and Kaweka Ranges). But they’re wonderful to see in the kitchen garden or planter box, or landscaped area. Renowned as a natural pain killer for toothache, antiseptic and antifungal

Like many endemic plants – they have an endemic insect. In Otago the 2 to 3 mm long native spider, Lamina minor has developed a special association with horopito. The gem-like tiny spiders blend in with the leaves – being translucent and bright green.

🕷 Lamina minor – Endemic 💚 These... - Tūhura Otago Museum | Facebook