Helichrysum lanceolatum or niniao is endemic to the North and South Islands. It is found in coastal, lowland and lower montane shrubland, scrub and forest margins, especially in drier, rockier places. A variable, much-branched interlacing shrub up to 3m, that appears pale grey from a distance. Branclets are quite slender, flexible, and finely hairy when young, with light green to dull grey-green on upper side and white underneath. It has clusters of tiny creamy white, scented flowers from October to November, that turn pale fawn and fluffy as seeds ripen. It is best suited for sunny, drier, well-drained positions in a garden.