Olearia macrodonta
Olearia macrodonta 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 mean the two species are often confused with one another. It is found in lowland to sub-alpine forests from the East Cape of the North Island of New Zealand southwards throughout the South Island and Stewart Island, at in altitude.
Olearia macrodonta is a shrub to spreading small tree that grows tall. Its leaves are long, wide, with undulating and coarsely serrated margins, greyish green above. Its daisy-like composite flowers are white with yellow centres and grow in large, rounded, much-branched corymbs.
Despite its common name, O. macrodonta is not closely related to the true hollies Ilex. The specific epithet macrodonta means "large-toothed", referring to the leaves.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
