Lophomyrtus obcordata, rohutu or NZ myrtle is endemic to the North and South Islands, from Ahipara southwards, but absent from much of Southland. It is local to the north of East Cape and often local elsewhere. It is found from sea-level to 1060m asl, in coastal forset and hilly forest. This easily recognised spreading forest and scrubland shrub up to 5m high has thin, often upright, clustered branches with small inversely heart-shaped leaves. It can be kept pruned and grown as a dense shrub 1.8 to 2.4m high, or well clipped and used in a hedge or for low shelter. It has a creamy-white flower from December to February followed by dark red or violet berries. In its younger stages it does not flower well, but with maturity the flowers become prolific. It prefers sun or shade in a moist but well drained soil.  It will handle exposure to wind and frost, although it can get some damage from frost when young. Coastal wind intolerant.