Where found:

• Throughout, in lowland to subalpine areas
  
• Often as extensive areas of scrub in hill country
  
• Up to 1000 metres
  

• Shrub or small tree with ascending branches, the branchlets and young leaves are covered with whitish silky hairs
  
• Small (4-12mm x 1-4mm) narrow leaves which are fairly thick and leathery
  
• White or light pink flowers arise singly and are about 12mm across, flowers cover the trees during the summer months
  
• Seed capsules are woody with five valves, remaining 2 or more years on tree (cf. kanuka)
  
• Brown bark in stringy and sheds in long strips
  
• Was used as a medicinal plant by Maori and tea has been made from the leaves