kingdom Plantae - plants »  divisio Magnoliophyta - flowering plants »  class Rosopsida - eudicots » order Malpighiales »  family Violaceae »  tribus Violeae > genus Viola > Viola sect. Erpetion  (Sweet) Benth. & Hook f.  

Viola lyallii Hook. f. 

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Synonyms: Erpetion spathulatum A. Cunn.

Common names: Haaka, Hāka, New Zealand native violet, Native violet 

Description: Viola lyallii is one of three New Zealand native species of Viola. This small tap-rooted perennial grows throughout the North and South Islands, but it is uncommon north of the Waikato. Its habitat is wetlands and damp areas within riparian forests from coastal to subalpine altitudes. The green leaves (>4cm) are kidney-shaped and have spaced shallow notches on their margins. Flowering occurs from November to January. The small flowers that appear above the plant on weak stems have white petals that have purple veins radiating from the flowers centre. 

Distributional Range: Native Australasia NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand [Endemic. North and South Islands - uncommon north of the Waikato ]

Habitat: An abundant species of coastal, lowland and montane to subalpine wetlands, swamps, bogs and mires. Also in wet places within riparian forest. Most common in lowland to montane wetlands. 

References:

1. Allan, H. H. B. et al. 1961-. Flora of New Zealand.