A genus of small shrubs with purple, red, pink, or white flowers native to New Zealand; also a youthful or juvenile form (in scientific contexts).
From the Greek goddess Hebe (goddess of youth, daughter of Zeus and Hera). The plant genus was named after her by botanists in the 18th century.
Carl Linnaeus and other botanists loved naming plants after Greek gods and goddesses—'hebe' shrubs were named for the goddess of eternal youth because they maintain their appearance beautifully year-round.
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