Olearia Cymbifolia

Formerly known as Olearia cymbifolia and now placed in the genus Shawia, this compact New Zealand shrub is endemic to the mountains of the South Island. Yellowish, softly hairy twigs carry tiny leathery leaves whose rolled edges almost meet beneath, revealing a white felted underside and giving each leaf a boat-like shape. In season the shrub is covered by white daisy flowers with golden centres. Tough in wind and cold but intolerant of humidity and wet roots, it is a distinctive collector's plant for a sunny rock wall or alpine bed.