Pachystegia rufa, or the red-stemmed Marlborough rock daisy is one of three species of Pachystegia, all endemic to New Zealand. There is only a small population of Pachystegia rufa that remains in the wild, that occur in about four valley's in the Haldon Hills, Marlborough. Pachystegia rufa is a species of flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It is a dwarf, robust, spreading, evergreen shrub growing to a height of 1 m and to a width of 1m. It has stout branches are covered with brown hairs, with has large, leathery, oblong, dark green, shiny leaves which are smaller than those of Pachystegia insignis. It has shiny, deep green leaves that crowded towards the ends of the branches, that have an under surface that is clad with a thick red-brown, rusty coloured tomentum. 

In spring it has large white daisy-like flowers with a yellow disc in the centre. 
When Pachystegia rufa is brought into close association with Pachystegia insignis it readily hybridises creating a variety of hybrids. It is naturally uncommon due to the narrow range in which it grows, but is quite common within its range. Some populations have been damaged by goat and possum browse. In a garden situation it should be grown in a very dry, sunny place in free draining soil, a rock wall is ideal. It dislikes humidity and once established will not tolerate much root disturbance. Transplants with difficulty. An attractive species which should be grown more than it currently is.