Manual of the New Zealand Flora.

7. Veronica, Linn

7. Veronica, Linn.

Herbs or shrubs, rarely small trees. Leaves opposite or rarely the cauline alternate, often connate at the base, large or small and scale-like, spreading or appressed, often closely quadrifariously imbricate. Flowers in bracteate axillary or terminal racemes, more rarely in spikes or panicles or corymbs, sometimes solitary in the axils of the leaves or terminal. Calyx usually 4-partite, rarely 3-or 5-partite. Corolla-tube longer or shorter than the calyx, sometimes very short; limb spreading, usually 4-lobed, sometimes 5-lobed, seldom 3-or 6-lobed; lobes unequal or rarely equal, imbricate in the bud, the lateral ones or one of them outside. Stamens 2, very rarely 4 or 5; filaments long or short, inserted on the corolla-tube; anther-cells diverging or parallel, confluent at the tip. Ovary small, 2-celled; style slender; ovules few or many in each cell. Capsule 2-celled, compressed or turgid, grooved on each side, either septicidally dehiscent with the placentas separating, or loculicidal with the valves remaining attached to the undivided placental column or separating from it. Seeds few or many, ovate or orbicular, compressed, attached by the inner flat surface.

A genus of nearly 200 species, most abundant in New Zealand and in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, rare and almost absent in the tropics. In New Zealand it is by far the largest genus of flowering-plants, and in montane or subalpine districts forms a conspicuous portion of the vegetation. Many of the species are singularly beautiful in form, foliage, and flower; and from that reason, and from the ease with which they can be cultivated, a considerable number have become well established in gardens throughout the colony and in Europe. Of the 84 species admitted in this book, all but three are endemic. These are V. elliptica, which is found in the Falkland Islands, Fuegia, and South Chili; V. plebeia, which is not uncommon in east Australia; and V. Anagallis, which has a wide distribution in the north temperate zone. But the last is probably an introduction. The distribution of the species within the colony is peculiar. Fourteen are confined to the North Island, and no less than 55 to the South Island, while only 11 species are found in both Islands. Three are endemic in the Chatham Islands, and one in the Auckland and Campbell Islands. Of the 84 species, 49 are purely montane or alpine, not one of them descending below 1000 ft. altitude; 13 are both lowland and montane; 12 are purely lowland, but do not evince any special predilection for the sea-coast; while 10 are never seen far from the sea.
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Veronica presents great difficulties to the systematise Many of the species are singularly protean in habit, foliage, and inflorescence, varying so much in appearance that it is no easy matter to fix their real limits. Intermediate forms are numerous, connecting species that would otherwise appear most distinct, and in not a few cases these intermediates blend so freely into one another that an apparently continuous series of forms is produced, while several species hybridise so readily in cultivation that the supposition at once arises that natural hybrids may also occur. So great has been the difficulty in deciding what are the limits of the species, and in properly characterizing them, that the late Baron Mueller, in his little book on the vegetation of the Chatham Islands, boldly proposed to solve the question by referring no less than 13 of the species considered to be distinct by Hooker to a collective species to which he gave the new name of V. Forsteri! It is hardly necessary to say that this extreme view has not received the sanction of any botanist familiar with the vegetation of the colony.

Two papers of considerable importance dealing with the New Zealand species have appeared since the publication of the Handbook. The first is Mr. Armstrong's "Synopsis of the New Zealand Species of Veronica " (Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. 344). This is mainly based on observations made during the author's explorations in the Alps of Canterbury, and on the study of the fine collection of living plants which he had amassed in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. It contains descriptions of a considerable number of new species, and many observations of value. Unfortunately, Mr. Armstrong did not distribute types of his new species, so that in some cases their identification is uncertain. The second is Mr. Kirk's "Notes on certain Veronicas" (Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. 515). In this Mr. Kirk transfers to the genus those species which had been erroneously placed in Logania and Mitrasacme by previous authors. Descriptions are also given of five or six new forms, in addition to much new matter bearing on the geographical distribution, &c., of the species already known. Another contribution of considerable value consists of the coloured drawings and descriptions published from time to time by Sir J. D. Hooker in the Botanical Magazine. Altogether, about 20 species have been beautifully illustrated and described by him, the value of the descriptions being enhanced by the critical notes which accompany them. Since the publication of the Handbook, too, the important fact has been made known by Kirk and others that the whole of the species with minute scale-like leaves (answering to Section III. of the following conspectus) have dimorphic foliage, the leaves of the young state being widely different from those of the mature plant. It has also been shown that these early leaves are often produced by reversion on old specimens, especially when cultivated in a cool and moist situation. The student will find the early leaves of several species fully described in the excellent series of papers on the "Seedling Forms of New Zealand Phænogams," contributed by Mr. Cockayne to the recent volumes of the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute.

I have followed the "Genera Plantarum" and Engler and Prantl's "Naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien" in reducing Hooker's genus Pygmea to Veronica, the differences of a 5-or 6-lobed corolla and leaves not quadrifariously arranged hardly being of generic importance, especially now that it is known that several true Veronicas have a 5-lobed corolla. The arrangement and limitation of the species, and the preparation of the necessary diagnoses, has proved to be a most difficult and perplexing task, and I am far from satisfied with the result. But, imperfect though it may be, it represents many months' assiduous study, and the examination of some thousands of specimens, and is, at any rate, an honest effort to clear away some of the difficulties which have hitherto impeded the study of the genus. I have to acknowledge the great assistance rendered to me by Mr. N. E. Brown, of the Kew Herbarium, in comparing sets of my specimens with the types preserved at Kew, and for many full and valuable notes thereon.
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Students using the conspectus should bear in mind that the characters employed are in many cases arbitrary ones selected to show how the dominant forms of a certain species differ from those of another species, and do not always include the entire range of variation of a species. Plants like V. salicifolia, macrocarpa, parviflora, Traversii, buxifolia, pinguifolia, &c., which run into numberless varieties, are probably quite incapable of rigid definition.

It should be mentioned that several species from the Northern Hemisphere have become naturalised in New Zealand, the most abundant being V. serpyllifolia, V. arvensis, V. agrestis, and V. persica. Descriptions of these will be found in any British Flora.

Division I., Hebe. Capsule turgid or dorsally compressed, the septum across the broadest diameter. Erect or decumbent shrubs from a few inches to 12 or 15 ft. high, more rarely becoming small trees 20–25 ft. high. Flowers in axillary racemes or spikes, more rarely corymbose, very rarely solitary.

Subdivision A. Leaves quite entire (sometimes minutely incised in V. salicifolia, amabilis, diosmæfolia, Colensoi, and others; occasionally toothed in V. Haastii).

Section I. Large shrubs or small trees. Leaves 1–6 in. long, broad or narrow, lax, spreading, not imbricating. Racemes simple, longer than the leaves many-flowered.

* Leaves obovate to oblong-lanceolate or lanceolate, usually more than ⅓ in broad (sometimes less in V. divergens, ligustrifolia, and chathamica).

Leaves 2–4 × 1–1¾ in., obovate, obtuse, dark-green. Racemes not much longer than the leaves, broad and dense. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. ¼–⅓ Capsule in., twice as long as the calyx 1. V. speciosa.

Leaves 2–4 × ½–1 in., linear-oblong, fleshy, pale-green. Racemes 3–5 in. Flowers ¼ in. diam. Capsule ⅕–¼ in., nearly thrice as long as the calyx 2. V. Dieffenbachii.

Leaves 1½–2 × ⅓–⅔ in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, fleshy. Racemes 1½–2–½ in. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Capsule ⅙ in., twice as long as the calyx 3. V. Barkeri.

Leaves 1½–3 × ½–1½ in., obovate-oblong to linear-oblong. Racemes 2–5 in., often curved, very dense. Flowers ⅛–⅙ in. diam. Capsule ⅛ in., nearly twice as long as the calyx 4. V. macroura.

Leaves ¾–1¼ × ¼–½ in., oblong or elliptic-oblong. Racemes 2–3 in., dense-flowered. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, equalling the short corolla-tube. Capsule ⅙ in., elliptic, twice as long as the calyx 5. V. divergens.

Leaves 1–2 × ¼–½ in., linear-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute. Racemes 2–3 in., lax. Flowers page 493

⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute, longer than the short and broad corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in 6. V. ligustrifolia

Leaves1½ × ⅓–½ in., oblong-lanceolate, pubescent with short soft hairs. Other characters as in V. salicifolia 7. V. pubescens.

Leaves 2–6 × ⅓–⅔ in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute, glabrous. Racemes 3–10 in. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Corolla-tube longer than the calyx. Capsule ⅛–⅙ in., ovate, acute, scarcely twice the length of the calyx 8. V. salicifolia.

Leaves ¾ × ¾–1¼ in., oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, subacute. Racemes 3–6 in. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Capsule ⅕ in., suborbicular, obtuse, twice as long as the calyx 9. V. rotundata.

Leaves 3–6 × ⅓–1 in., lanceolate, acute. Racemes 3–7 in. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Capsule large, ¼–⅓ in., ovate, acute, thrice as long as the calyx 10. V. macrocarpa

Leaves 1–3 × ½–1 in., elliptic-lanceolate or elliptic-oblong, acute. Racemes 2–4 in., lax. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments acute ¼Capsule in, twice as long as the calyx 11. V. amabilis.

Leaves 1½–2½ × ¾–1 in., oblong or elliptic-oblong, margins and midrib and branchlets pubescent. Racemes short, stout, 2–2½ in. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., bluish-white. Capsule ¼ in., twice as long as the calyx 12. V. Lewisii.

Prostrate or trailing. Leaves ½–1½ × ¼–¾ in., obovate-oblong to elliptic-oblong, obtuse. Racemes short and dense, obtuse. Flower ⅕–¼ in. diam. Capsule twice as long as the calyx 13. V. chathamica.

** Leaves narrow, linear-lanceolate or narrow linear-oblong, never more than ⅓ in. broad.

Small shrub. Leaves 2–3 × ⅙–¼ in., linear-lanceolate, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in. Calyx-segments long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, exceeding the short and broad corolla-tube 14. V. acutiflora.

Large spreading shrub. Leaves 1½–3½ × ⅙–¼ in., narrow-linear or linear-lanceolate, often deflexed. Racemes 2–5 in., longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Calyx-segments small, oblong, obtuse, one-third the length of the narrow corolla-tube 15. V. angustifolia.

Large shrub or small tree, 6–20 ft. Leaves 1–2½ × ⅙–¼ in., linear-lanceolate, acute. Racemes equalling the leaves, dense-flowered. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Calyx-segments broadly oblong, obtuse, half the length of the broad corolla-tube. Capsule ⅙ in. 16. V. parviflora.

Leaves ¾–1¼ × ⅕–⅓ in., linear-oblong, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in., much longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments small, oblong, obtuse, about half the length of the corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in., broadly oblong 17. V. leiophylla.

Leaves 1–2½ × ⅕–⅓ in., lanceolate, acute, flat. Racemes 3–5 in., much longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments short, obtuse, not much shorter than the corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in. long, broadly oblong 18. V. gracillima.

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Section II. Large or small shrubs, erect or decumbent below. Leaves⅙–1¼ in. long, usually close-set, often imbricate, flat or concave or keeled. Racemes or spikes usually short, simple or corymbosely branched, often crowded towards the ends of the branches.

* Flowers racemose; racemes more or less corymbosely branched, rarely simple.

Leaves¾–1¼ × ⅙–⅓ in., oblong - obovate, flat or nearly so, glaucous. Racemes corymbosely branched, ¾–1½ in. long. Flowers ¼ in. diam., lavender-blue. Calyx-segments ovate, acute. Corolla-tube half as long again as the calyx. Capsule more than twice as long as the calyx 19, V. insularis.

Leaves ½–¾ × ¼ in., elliptic-oblong, acute, flat or nearly so. Racemes much branched, forming a terminal panicle 2 in. diam. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments narrow-ovate, acute. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx 20. V. venustula.

Leaves ½–1 × ⅛–⅙ in., linear-oblong, rigid, acute, keeled. Racemes about 1 in., much corymbosely branched. Calyx usually 3-partite; segments obtuse. Corolla-tube not much longer than the calyx. Capsule ⅙ in., twice as long as the calyx 21. V. diosmæfolia

Leaves ½–1 × ⅙–¼ in., lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute, flat or slightly keeled. Racemes 1–2 in., much corymbosely divided. Calyx 4-partite; segments acute. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ⅕ in. 22. V. Menziesii.

Leaves ¾–1½*⅕–⅓ in., linear-oblong, acute, flat, glaucous, margins often incised. Racemes exceeding the leaves, sparingly divided, rarely simple. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube shorter than the calyx 23. V. Colensoi.

Leaves½–¾ × ⅙–¼ in., linear-oblong or narrow obovate-oblong, acute, keeled, rigid, glaucous. Racemes short, equalling the leaves, trifurcate. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ⅛–⅙ in. 24. V. rigidula.

Leaves ½–1 × ¼–⅓ in., long-petioled, linear-obovate to linear-oblong, obtuse, flat, glaucous. Racemes trifurcate. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube half as long again as the calyx. Capsule ¼ in. long, broadly oblong 25. V. rupicola.

Leaves ⅓–⅔ × ⅕–⅓ in., ovate-oblong or obovate-oblong, closely imbricate, rigid, keeled. Racemes ¾–1¼ in., corymbosely branched. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube less than twice as long as the calyx 26. V. lævis.

** Flowers racemose; racemes simple, rarely branched.

Leaves ½–1¼ × ¼–½ in., elliptic-oblong, apiculate, petiolate. Branchlets and margins of leaves hoary. Racemes 1–1½ in. long. Flowers large, white, ½ in. diam. or more, sweet-scented. Capsule ¼–⅓ in. 27. V. elliptica.

Leaves ¾–1½ × ⅓–⅔ in., oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in. long, dense. Flowers large, white or purplish, ⅓ in. diam. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx 28. V. Matthewsii.page 495

Leaves ⅓–¾ in., elliptic-ovate, margins red. Racemes 2–3 in. long. Flowers large, pale violet-blue, ⅓–½ in. diam. Calyx-segments acute, equalling the short corolla-tube 29. V. Balfouriana.

Leaves ½–¾ × ⅙–⅓ in., ovate-lanceolate to narrow elliptic-oblong, acute, flat, glaucous. Racemes ¾–1½ in. long. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx - segments broadly ovate, almost as long as the corolla-tube 30. V. Darwiniana.

Leaves ½–1 × ⅙–⅓ in., elliptic-oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute, keeled or flat, often close-set. Racemes 1–3 in. long. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx-segments broadly oblong, obtuse, corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx (longer in var. elegans) 31. V. Traversii.

Leaves ¾–1½ × ⅕–⅓ in., lanceolate, acute or subacute, flat. Racemes 1–2 in. long. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube scarcely longer than the calyx; limb longer than the tube 32. V. subalpina.

Leaves ¼–⅔ × ⅙–⅓ in., obovate-oblong, flat, obtuse or apiculate, often distichous. Racemes ½–1½ in. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule twice as long as the calyx or more 33. V. vernicosa.

Leaves ¾–1 × ¼–⅓ in., narrow - obovate, obtuse, flat or nearly so. Racemes 1–2 in., lax. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx 34. V. obovata.

Leaves ⅔–1 × ⅓–½ in., obovate-oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, slightly concave, usually close-set. Racemes 1–1½ in. long. Calyx-segments oblong-ovate, obtuse, Corolla-tube scarcely longer than the calyx 35. V. monticola.

Leaves⅓–⅔ × ¼–⅓ in., oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse, flat, glaucous beneath, black when dry; branchlets pubescent. Racemes½–1 in. Flowers ¼–⅓ in., white. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube as long as the calyx 36. V. Cockayniana.

*** Flowers spicate (often racemose in V. decumbens). Spikes usually-simple. Leaves close-set, imbricate, concave, rounded or keeled at the back.

Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅓ in., obovate-oblong, closely imbricate, keeled, truncate or subcordate at the base. Spikes crowded at the ends of the branches; bracts large, coriaceous 37. V. buxifolia.

Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅛–⅕ in., linear - oblong, keeled. Spikes crowded, forming a short terminal panicle. Corolla often 3-lobed, the auticous lobe either suppressed or very small 38. V. anomala.

Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅓ in., oblong-obovate, flat or slightly concave, margins bright-red. Racemes short, dense. Calyx-segments ovate, acute. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous 39. V. decumbens.

Leaves ⅓–¾ × ¼–½ in., ovate, margins fringed with long soft hairs. Racemes slightly longer than the leaves, densely villous. Calyx-segments lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx 40. V. Gibbsii.

Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅔ in., broadly obovate or suborbicular, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes crowded, short, stout, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous 41. V. carnosula.page 496

Leaves ½–1¼ × ⅓–⅔ in., cordate or semiamplexicaul, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes 1–1½ in. long, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule oblong, obtuse, pubescent 42. V. amplexicaulis.

Leaves ¼–¾–⅙–½ in., obovate-oblong or suborbicular, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes short, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule oblong or obovate, obtuse, pubescent 43. V. pinguifolia.

Leaves ⅛–⅓ × ⅙–¼ in., broadly oblong or suborbicular, concave, nerveless, very coriaceous. Spikes short, dense, villous. Calyx-segments obtuse, exceeding the corolla-tube. Capsule oblong, obtuse, pubescent 44. V. Buchanani.

Leaves ⅛–⅓ in., obovate-oblong to lanceolate, usually lax, glaucous, obtusely keeled. Spikes ½–1 in., villous. Calyx-segments ovate, acute, exceeding the corolla-tube. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous or pubescent 45. V. pimeleoides.

Section III. Small shrubs, erect or decumbent or prostrate. Leaves dimorphic; of mature plants small, short and thick, densely quadrifariously imbricated or rarely in distant pairs; of young plants larger, spreading, entire or irregularly lobulate or pinnatifid. Flowers crowded near the tips of the branches or in subterminal 2–4-flowered abbreviated spikes.

* Prostrate or decumbent, rarely erect. Flowers in 2–4-flowered abbreviated spikes near the ends of the branches and distinct from them.

Laxly branched, 3–12 in. long; branches ⅓ in. diam. Leaves ⅙–⅓ in., erecto-patent, linear-oblong, obtuse, margins strongly ciliate-denticulate 46. V. Gilliesiana.

Much and closely branched, 3–9 in. diam.; branches 1/12–1/10 in. diam., tetragonous with the faces concave. Leaves most densely quadrifarious, 1/14–1/10 in., ovate or narrow-deltoid, narrowed to a subacute point 47. V. tetrasticha.

Much and closely branched, 3–9 in. diam.; branches 1/15 in. broad, tetragonous with the faces flat. Leaves most densely quadrifarious, 1/18–1/16 in. long, broadly triangular, acute 48. V. quadrifaria.

** Erect or spreading or rarely decumbent. Flowers 3–8 near the ends of the branches, forming small terminal heads; bracts similar to the leaves or broader.

† Leaves densely imbricate with the opposite pairs connate and appressed, concealing the branch and giving it somewhat of the appearance of whipcord.

Prostrate, forming patches 6–18 in. across; branches 1/12–1/10 in. diam., obtusely tetragonous. Leaves densely quadrifarious, 1/15–1/12 in. long, broadly ovate-deltoid, obtuse, tumid 49. V. tumida.

Stout, erect; branches tetragonous, 1/10–⅙ in. diam. Leaves 1/12–1/10 in. long, deltoid-ovate, obtuse 50. V. teragona.

Stout, erect; branches tetragonous,1/10–⅙ in. diam. Leaves 1/12–1/10 in. long, broadly deltoid-ovate, suddenly narrowed into a short obtuse cusp 51. V. lycopodioides.

Stout, erect; branchlets terete or obscurely tetragonous, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., blackish-brown when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/10 in. long, orbicular-oblong, obtuse 52. V. Hectori.page 497

Stout, erect or decumbent; branches terete or obscurely tetragonous, 1/12–1/10 in. diam., blackish-brown when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/10 in. long, tips obtuse or subacute 53. V. coarctata.

Strict, erect; branchlets terete, 1/14–1/12 in. diam., yellow-green when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/15–1/12 in. long, subacute or truncate at the tip 54. V. salicornioides.

Spreading, much branched; branches often flabellate; branchlets terete, slender, 1/16–1/14 in. diam. Leaves connate into an obconic sheath or ring 1/10 in. long loosely investing the branch, and which is open at the top and truncate or nearly so 55. V. Armstrongii.

Spreading or decumbent; branchlets terete, very slender, 1/20 in. diam. Leaves connate into a narrow sheath 1/10–⅛ in. long, lower part adnate to the branch, upper part free and slightly expanded 56. V. propinqua.

†† Leaves in remote decussate pairs.

Branchlets slender, 1/30 in. diam. Leaves minute, appressed or patent, 1/25–1/15 in. long 57. V. cupressoides.

Section IV. Small decumbent or prostrate shrubs; branches short, ascending. Leaves small, ¼–⅔ in. long. Flowers in terminal oblong or ovoid heads continuous with the branch. Corolla-tube long and narrow; limb small.

Leaves densely imbricated, fleshy when fresh, erect or spreading, not keeled 58. V. Haastii.

Leaves densely imbricated, spreading and recurved, coriaceous, sharply keeled 59. V. epacridea.

Leaves not imbricated, spreading, oblong, flat. Bracts very numerous, crowded, linear 60. V. Petriei.

Section V. Small prostrate woody plants 2–6 in. long. Leaves closely quadrifariously imbricate, rigidly coriaceous, 1/10–⅙ in. long. Flowers large, ¼–½ in. diam., solitary and terminal, pentamerous.

Branches ¼ in. diam. Leaves oblong-obovate, ⅛–⅙ in. long. Calyx hispid below 61. V. dasyphylla.

Branches ⅙ in. diam. Leaves oblong, 1/10–⅛ in. long. Calyx hispid throughout. Ovary villous at the tip 62. V. uniflora.

Subdivision B. Leaves crenate-toothed or serrate (obscurely toothed or entire in V. erecta).
* Flowers racemose.

Rigid, sparingly branched. Leaves ½–1 in., narrow-obovate. Racemes short, 5–8-flowered. Flowers 4-merous, large, white, ¾ in. diam. 63. V. macrantha.

Much branched. Leaves ½–1½ in., linear-oblong, margined with white down. Racemes long, many-flowered. Flowers 5-merous, bright-blue, ⅓–½ in. diam. 64. V. Benthami.

Sparingly branched, erect. Leaves ¾–1 in., oblong-lanceolate, entire or obscurely toothed. Racemes long, 3–4 in., strict. Flowers small, ⅕ in. diam. 65. V. erecta.

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** Flowers sessile in branched panicles or corymbs.

Laxly branched, 1–3 ft. high. Leaves 1–2 in., broadly ovate. Panicle terminal, slender, much branched, 6–12 in. long. Flowers ¼ in. diam. 66. V. Hulkeana.

Decumbent below, 4–8 in. high. Leaves ⅓–1 in., broadly ovate. Flowers in a dense corymb 1–2 in. across 67. V. Lavaudiana.

Decumbent or erect, 4–12 in. high. Leaves ⅓–¾ in., oblong-spathulate. Flowers in lateral and terminal clusters, often forming a close terminal panicle 68. V. Raoulii.

Division II., Pygmea. Capsule turgid, the septum across the broadest diameter. Small depressed pulvinate herbs. Leaves minute, densely imbricated all round the branches. Flowers solitary and terminal. Corolla-limb 5-lobed or rarely abnormally 6-lobed.

Leaves 1/10 in., linear-oblong, margins and both surfaces above the middle hoary with long white hairs 69. V. pulvinaris.

Leaves 1/10–⅛ in., rhomboid-obovate, margins and back above the middle hispid, rarely almost glabrous 70. V. Thomsoni.

Leaves ⅛–⅙ in., broadly obovate-spathulate, coriaceous, margins ciliate with long stiff hairs, both surfaces glabrous 71. V. ciliolata.

Division III., Euvreonica. Capsule laterally compressed, the septum across the narrowest diameter. Perennial herbs, sometimes woody at the base. Stems prostrate or decumbent or suberect. Leaves toothed or serrate, rarely entire. Flowers in axillary racemes or solitary. Corolla-tube short.

* Flowers racemose.

Stems woody, much branched, 6–12 in. high; branches slender. Leaves ⅛–⅙ in., ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire or toothed. Racemes short, crowded at the tips of the branches. 72. V. loganioides.

Stems procumbent and ascending, diffusely branched, 2–9 in.long. Leaves ⅓–1 in., linear, obtuse, entire 73. V. linifolia.

Stems prostrate below, erect above, simple or sparingly branched, 6–24 in. long. Leaves ½–4 in, lanceolate to ovate, serrate. Racemes 3–9 in. long 74. V. catarractæ.

Stems prostrate and rooting, diffusely branched, 3–18 in. long. Leaves ¼–¾ in., ovate or oblong, serrate, glabrous. Racemes slender, glabrous or nearly so 75. V. Lyallii.

Stems prostrate and rooting, much branched, 3–10 in. long. Leaves minute, 1/10–¼ in., with 1 or 2 teeth on each side. Peduncle long, strict, erect 76. V. Bidwillii.

Stems stout, prostrate, 3–10 in. long. Leaves crowded, ¼–½ in., ovate, serrate, usually pubescent on both surfaces. Raceme very stout, densely glandular-pubescent, 4–8-flowered. Capsule broadly oblong 77. V. Hookeriana.

Stems rather slender, prostrate, 3–6 in. long. Leaves ¼–½ in., ovate, serrate, glabrous. Racemes rather slender, pubescent, many-flowered. Capsule oblong 78. V. Olseni.page 499

Stems tufted and prostrate, much branched, 3–6 in. long. Leaves ⅙–½ in., ovate- or deltoid-spathulate, crenate-lobed, glandular - pubescent; petioles long. Racemes very short 79. V. spathulata.

Stems prostrate, elongated, 1–3 ft. long. Leaves petiolate; lamina ½–1 in., ovate-deltoid, coarsely toothed. Racemes lateral, short, 2–5 in. long 80. V. plebeia.

Stems suberect, glabrous, 6–18 in. high. Leaves 1–3 in., linear-oblong, serrate, sessile. Racemes 4–10 in. long, many-flowered 81. V. Anagallis.

** Flowers solitary.

Stems prostrate, 6–12 in. long; branchlets erect. Leaves ⅕–⅓ in., oblong or obovate, toothed or entire. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam. 82. V. Muelleri.

Densely tufted, forming rounded patches 2–5 in. across. Leaves ⅓–½ in., narrow - obovate, coarsely toothed. Flowers ⅛ in. diam. Calyx-segments toothed 83. V. Cheesemauii.

Creeping, matted. Leaves minute, 1/12–1/10 in., ovate, entire. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam. 84. V. canescens.

V. carnea, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 357, is a garden-plant of unknown origin, and has never been found in the wild state. It is probably a hybrid. V. macrocalyx and V. rugulosella, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiv. (1892) 391, and V. oligantha, Col. l.c. xxv. (1893) 333, are proved by the types in Mr. Colenso's herbarium to be nothing more than slight varieties of the naturalised V. serpyllifolia, Linn. Similarly, V. longiracemosa, Col. l.c. xx. (1888) 203, and V. hirsuta, Col. l.c. xxiv. (1892) 393, are V. arvensis, Linn.; and V. areolata, Col. l.c. 392, is V. persica, Poir (V. Buxbaumii, Ten), both species being now naturalised throughout the colony. In the absence of authentic specimens, I have been unable to precisely identify V. Rakaiensis, Armstr. l.c. xiii. (1881) 356, and V. polyphylla, Col. l.c. xxxi. (1899) 277.

1.	V. speciosa, R. Cunn. in Bot. Mag. sub. t. 3461.—A stout glabrous shrub 2–5 ft. high with numerous spreading leafy branches; branchlets thick, angled, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Leaves spreading, sessile or on very short thick petioles, 2–4 in.long, in 1–1¾ in. broad, obovate or obovate-oblong, rounded at the tip, truncate or slightly cordate at the base or narrowed into the petiole, thick and coriaceous, dark-green and glossy, midrib downy above, lateral veins obsolete, margins entire. Racemes axillary and opposite, near the tips of the branches, not much longer than the leaves, very stout and dense-flowered, sometimes exceeding 1½ in. diam.; rhachis puberulous; pedicels short, spreading. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., dark reddish-purple or violet-purple. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate, subacute or obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube broad, funnel-shaped, half as long again as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse, the dorsal lobe rather larger than the lateral, anterior the smallest. Capsule ¼–⅓ in. long, ovate, compressed, more than twice as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 373; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel i. 191; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 206; Bot. Mag. t. 4057; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. V. Kermesina, Loud. Encyc. Pl. 1546. page 500 Var. brevifolia, Cheesem.—Leaves smaller and narrower, 1–2½ in. long by ½–¾ in. broad, oblong-obovate to linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute. Racemes and flowers smaller. North Island: North Cape (var. brevifolia), T. F. C.; south head of Hokianga Harbour, R. Cunningham, Kirk! Maunganui Bluff, Petrie! Urenui (Taranaki), T. F. C.; Port Nicholson, Lyall. South Island: Marlborough—Ship Cove, Lyall; Pelorus Sound, J. Rutland! November–March. A remarkably rare and local species, confined to cliffs near the sea. All the wild specimens that I have seen have the flowers dark reddish-purple, but in cultivation they frequently become violet-purple. It hybridises freely with V. salicifolia, macrocarpa, elliptica, and probably other species, and several of the hybrids have become common garden-plants.
2.	V. Dieffenbachii, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 459.—A robust much-branched shrub; branches widely divaricating, 2–5 ft. long or more; branchlets stout, green, terete, 1–6–¼ in. diam., glabrous or puberulous. Leaves spreading, often recurved, sessile and semiamplexicaul, 2–4 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, linear-oblong, rarely broader and almost oblong, acute or subacute, coriaceous or almost fleshy, pale-green, midrib stout, prominent beneath, lateral veins very indistinct, margins slightly recurved when fresh. Racemes pedunculate, suberect, exceeding the leaves, 2½–5 in. long, ¾–1 in. diam., dense-flowered; rhachis stout; pedicels spreading, 1/10–⅛ in. long, with a minute subulate bract at the base. Flowers ¼ in. diam., usually lilac-purple. Calyx small, 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong or ovate-lanceolate, acute, ciliolate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, exceeding the calyx; limb 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes broadly oblong, anterior narrower. Capsule ⅕–¼ in. long, ovate, acute, glabrous, about 2½ times as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 191; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 206; Bot, Mag. t. 7656; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 531; Gard. Chron. ii. (1898) p. 154, t. 41. V. Forsteri, F. Muell. Veg. Chat. Is. 46 (in part). Chatham Islands: Apparently not uncommon, Dieffenbach, H. H. Travers Enys! Cox and Cockayne! In cultivation this puts out numerous stout almost horizontal branches close to the ground, so that a single plant occupies quite a large space without rising to a greater height than 3 ft. or 4 ft.; but Mr. Cockayne informs me that this peculiarity is not so noticeable in the wild state. I am also indebted to him for a series of specimens showing a considerable range of variation in the size and shape of the leaves and their texture, the length of the raceme, size of the flowers, &c, apparently accompanied by slight differences in the mode of growth. It seems doubtful whether the whole of these are referable to V. Dieffenbachii, but the question is one that cannot be settled without much more ample material than I possess.
3.	V. Barkeri, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 421.—A stout branching shrub; branches erect, not divaricating, terete, the younger ones brownish-purple. Leaves spreading, sessile, 2 in. page 501 long, ⅓–⅔ in. broad, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute or sub-acute, narrowed towards the base, thick and fleshy, pale dull-green, midrib scarcely prominent beneath. Racemes opposite near the ends of the branches, about as long as the leaves, dense-flowered; rhachis and pedicels pubescent; bracts subulate, half as long as the pedicels. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., pale-lilac. Calyx small, deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx; limb spreading, 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes subequal, broadly oblong, obtuse, anterior lobe smaller. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ovate, acute, about twice as long as the calyx. Chatham Islands: Barker, Cockayne! I fear that this is much too close to V. Dieffenbachii, but my specimens are very indifferent. According to Mr. Cockayne, it differs "in its erect not spreading habit, smaller leaves, shorter racemes, in its extremely pubescent style, and in the midrib not conspicuously raised."
4.	V. macroura, Hook. f. ex Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 549.—A much-branched glabrous shrub 1–5 ft. high; branches rather stout, spreading, terete. Leaves spreading, sessile or very shortly petiolate, 1–3 in. long, ½–1¼ in. broad, obovate-oblong to obovate-lanceolate or linear-oblong, obtuse or acute, hardly coriaceous, flat, glabrous or the margins minutely pubescent. Racemes longer than the leaves, 2–4 in. long, ½–¾ in. diam., often curved, very densely many-flowered; rhachis and pedicels finely pubescent, the latter slender, spreading or subsecund, often pendulous in fruit. Flowers small, densely compacted, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., white or pale bluish-white. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments narrow-oblong, acute, finely pubescent, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube slender, exceeding the calyx; limb small, with narrow-oblong obtuse lobes. Capsules densely crowded, usually pendulous, small, ovate, compressed, ⅛–⅙ in. long, scarcely twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 191; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 207; Armstr. in"Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 531. Var. Cookiana, Cheesem.—Stouter and more robust. Leaves larger, 2–3½ in. long, 1¼–1¾ in. broad, oblong or oblong-ovate, broad at the base, pubescent on the margins and sometimes on the midrib beneath. Racemes 3–6 in. long, conspicuously curved. Calyx more pubescent.—V. Cookiana, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 201. Var. dubia, Cheesem.—Smaller; branches very diffuse, often procumbent. Leaves smaller and broader, 1–2 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, broadly obovate to elliptic-oblong, obtuse or acute, subcoriaceous, glabrous except the margins, which are edged with a white pubescent line. Racemes smaller, 1–½–2½ in. long, not so dense. Flowers rather larger, ⅕ in. diam. Calyx conspicuously ciliate. Capsules ⅕ in. long. North Island: Whangarei, Colenso (Handbook); East Cape district, from Hicks Bay to Mahia Peninsula, Colenso! Bishop Williams! H. Hill! Cook Strait, Colenso (Handbook). Var. Cookiana: Table Cape, H. Hill! Var. dubia: Coast north of the Manukau Harbour, T. F. C. page 502 Best recognised by the dense curved racemes, small flowers, narrow corollalobes, and small densely compacted capsules. It is a purely littoral plant, abundant on cliffs near the sea in the East Cape district, but has not been seen at Whangarei or Cook Strait of late years. The South Island locality of Tarndale, ascribed to it in the Handbook, is almost certainly erroneous.
5.	V. divergens, Cheesem. n. sp.—A much-branched shrub 2–5 ft. high.; branches stout, spreading, the younger ones puberulous. Leaves spreading, sessile or very shortly petiolate, ¾–1¼ in. long,¼–½ in. broad, oblong or linear-oblong to elliptic-oblong or -ovate, acute or obtuse, narrowed at the base, flat, coriaceous, quite glabrous, midrib distinct on both surfaces, margins entire. Racemes axillary and opposite near the tips of the branches, stout, peduncled, 2–3 in. long or more, dense-flowered; rhachis pubescent; pedicels as long as the calyx; bracts equalling the pedicels or rather shorter. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., white. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong-ovate, obtuse or acute, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, not exceeding the calyx; limb longer than the tube, 4-lobed; lobes broadly oblong, obtuse, the anterior one narrower. Stamens exserted. Capsule ⅙ in. long, broadly elliptic-oblong, subacute, compressed, glabrous, twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Nelson—Coast near Brighton, to the south of Westport, Townson! Although unwilling to create new species in a genus like Veronica, I feel compelled to assign specific rank to this, which appears to be well characterized by the small oblong or elliptic-oblong flat spreading leaves, dense racemes, very short and broad corolla-tube, and broadly oblong subacute capsule. In some respects it approaches V. macroura var. dubia, but its nearest ally is probably V. salicifolia var. Kirkii.
6.	V. ligustrifolia, A. Cunn. in Bot. Mag, sub t. 3461.—A small laxly branched glabrous shrub 1–3 ft. high, rarely more; bark greyish-brown; branchlets slender, twiggy, terete. Leaves spreading, sessile or nearly so, 1–2 in. long, rarely more, ¼–½ in. broad, oblong or linear-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or sub-acute or more rarely acute., flat, quite entire. Racemes near the tips of the branches, 2–3 in. long, slender, rather lax-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts puberulous or almost glabrate. Flowers rather small, white, ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute, glabrous or the margins minutely ciliolate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, shorter than the calyx; limb longer than the tube, spreading, 4-lobed; lobes acute. Capsule ⅕ in. long, ovate, acute, compressed, hardly twice as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 375; Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 460; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192, and Handb. N.Z. Fl 208 (in part only). North Island.: Auckland—North Cape district, J. Adams and T. F. C.; Bay of Islands, Cunningham, Colenso, and others; Whangarei, T. F. C. page 503 The plant herein described is the original V. ligustrifolia of A. Cunningham, and of Bentham in De Candolle's Prodromus. It by no means corresponds with the ligustrifolia of Hooker, who included in the term Bentham's V. acutiflora and my leiophylla, and possibly other plants. As a species it comes nearest to V. salicifolia, differing in the smaller size, paler bark, and more twiggy habit, in the much smaller and more obtuse leaves, in the lax-flowered racemes, in the acute and almost glabrous calyx-segments, and in the short broad tube of the corolla and its acute spreading lobes. I am indebted to Mr. N. E. Brown for comparing my North Cape specimens with Cunningham type.
7.	V. pubescens, Banks and Sol. ex Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 460.—A slender diffusely branched shrub 4–6 ft. high; branches terete, the younger ones villous with soft spreading white hairs. Leaves spreading or suberect, shortly petiolate, 1½–3 in. long,. ⅓–⅔ in. broad, oblong-lanceolate or lanceolate, acute, narrowed towards the base, quite entire, midrib and margins and the whole of the under-surface villous with short soft white hairs. Racemes axillary, 2–4 in. long, ½ in. diam., rather slender, many-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and calyx densely villous. Flowers small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong - lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube slender, longer than the calyx; limb with 4 rather narrow oblong lobes. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous, nearly twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 208; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. North Island: Auckland—Mercury Bay, Banks and Solander; Shoe Island (off Tairua Harbour) and Cabbage Bay, Adams! Very near to V. salicifolia var. stricta, but at once separated by the copious hairs on the young shoots, margins and midribs of the leaves, and inflorescence. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that Mr. Adams's specimens correspond precisely with Banks and Solander's type. Both Bentham and Hooker describe the plant as being "everywhere covered with red-brown hairs," but on the upper surface of the leaves the hairs are confined to the midrib and margins.
8.	V. salicifolia, Forst. Prodr. n. 11.—An erect much-branched glabrous shrub 3–10 ft. high, more rarely taller and reaching 12–15 ft., with a trunk 9 in. diam.; branchlets slender, terete, glabrous or the younger ones minutely puberulous. Leaves sessile or nearly so, spreading, 2–6 in. long, ⅓–¾ in. broad, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, usually narrowed at the base, entire or with a few obscure incisions, rather thin, pale-green, glabrous or slightly downy on the midrib and margins, margins flat, midrib usually prominent beneath, especially towards the base of the leaf. Racemes slender, longer than the leaves, 3–10 in. long, very many-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent or almost glabrate; pedicels slender, variable in length. Flowers ⅛–⅕ in. diam., white with a pale-lilac tinge to pale bluish-purple, rarely quite white. Calyx 4-partite; segments lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate to ovate-oblong, acute or subacute, page 504 glabrate or more or less pubescent. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, from half as long again to twice as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed, lobes oblong, obtuse. Capsule ⅛–⅕ in. long, broadly ovate, acute, compressed, from half as long again to twice as long as the calyx.—A. Rick. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 186; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 374; Benth. in. D.C. Prodr. x. 459; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel i. 191; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 207. V. Lindleyana, Paxt. Mag. Bot. xii. (1846) 247. V. Parkinsoniana, CCol. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxi. (1889) 97. Var. stricta, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 191.—Racemes, pedicels, and calyx-segments much more hairy, sometimes almost villous. Capsule smaller, more acute.—V, stricta, Banks and Sol. ex Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 459. Var. gigantea, Cheesem.—Forming a small round-headed tree 15–25 ft. high; trunk distinct. Leaves 2–4 in. long, ⅓–½ in. broad, lanceolate, acute; margins ciliolate. Racemes shorter than the leaves or barely equalling them. Flowers white, ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Corolla-tube very short, hardly longer than the calyx.—V. gigantea, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxiv. (1902) 319. Var. Kirkii, Cheesem.—A shrub 6–12 ft. high; branches robust, dark-brown, polished. Leaves smaller, ¾–1½ in. long, oblong or oblong lanceolate, coriaceous. Racemes 4–8 in. long. Flowers white, in. ¼ in. diam. Capsule broadly ovate, acute, hoary-pubescent, ⅙ in. long.—V. Kirkii, Armstr. in Trans, N.Z, Inst. xiii. (1881) 356. Kermadec Islands: Leaves broader and thinner; racemes shorter than the leaves; calyx-segments almost equalling the capsule—perhaps a distinct species, but specimens very imperfect. North and South Islands, Stewart Island: The typical form and var. stricta abundant throughout. Var. gigantea; Chatham Islands, H. H. Travers, Cox and Cockayne! Var. Rirkii: Canterbury, Upper Rangitata Valley, Armstrong! Sea-level to 3500 ft. Koromiko. December–March. The most widely distributed of the New Zealand species, and one of the most variable. In addition to the varieties characterized above, the student will find numerous forms which appear to connect it with V. macroura, Dieffenbachii, macrocarpa, ligustrifolia, and others. In cultivation it hybridizes freely with most of the allied species, and several of the hybrids are now common in gardens, especially V. Andersoni (Lindl. & Paxt. Flow. Gard. ii. 3) the result of a cross with V. speciosa.
9.	V. rotundata, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896)530.—A laxly branched shrub 2–6 ft. high; branches terete, glabrous. Leaves spreading, sessile or very shortly petioled, 3–4 in. long by ¾–1¼ in. broad, oblong-lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, subacute, hardly coriaceous, flat, veins obscure. Racemes usually longer than the leaves, 3–6 in. long, 1 in. diam., densely many-flowered; rhachis and pedicels puberulous. Flowers large, ¼ in. diam., violet-purple or lilac. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong-ovate, acute or subacute. Corolla-tube short and broad, hardly equalling the spreading 4-lobed limb. Stamens long, far exserted. Capsule about ⅕ in. long, suborbicular, compressed, obtuse, about twice as long as the calyx. page 505 North Island: Vicinity of Wellington, Kirk! South Island: Canterbury—Southbridge, Kirk! July–September Nearest to V. macrocarpa, but separated from it, and from all the large-leaved species, by the almost orbicular capsule rounded at the tip. The leaves are also broader and more obtuse than in any of the forms of V. macrocarpa.
10.	V. macrocarpa, Vahl Symb. Bot. iii. 4.—An erect branching shrub 4–8 ft. high; branchlets rather stout, terete, glabrous. Leaves sessile or very shortly petioled, spreading, 3–6 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, narrow oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, acute, rather coriaceous, dark-green, smooth and glabrous, flat, veins obscure. Racemes usually rather longer than the leaves, 3–7 in. long, many-flowered, cylindrical, acute, sometimes attenuate at the tip; rhachis and pedicels glabrate or puberulous. Flowers large, white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. or even more. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube broad, about twice as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse. Stamens very long, far-exserted. Capsule large, ¼–⅓ in. long, ovate, compressed, acute, three times as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 376; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 207; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 529. Var. latisepala, Cheesem.—Habit and foliage of the type, but racemes usually shorter than the leaves; flowers and capsules often secund. Calyx-segments rather broader. Flowers deep-violet.—V. latisepala, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 530. Var. affinis, Cheesem.—Leaves smaller, 2–4 in. long. Racemes shorter, 3–5 in.; flowers smaller, white. Capsules ⅕–¼ in., twice as long as the calyx. Apparently a passage-form into V. salicifolia. Var. crassifolia, Cheesem.—Leaves smaller and narrower, 2–3 in. long by ¼–⅓ in. broad, linear-lanceolate, very thick and coriaceous, rigid when dry. Racemes equalling the leaves or longer than them, glabrate. Flowers not seen. Calyx-segments oblong-ovate to oblong-lanceolate, acute or subacute. Capsule ⅕–¼ in., ovate, acute, twice as long as the calyx. Perhaps a distinct species. North Island: From Hokianga and Mongonui southwards to Poverty Bay and Taranaki, not uncommon. South Island: Queen Charlotte Sound, Banks and Solander. Var. latisepala: Great and Little Barrier Islands, Whangarei Heads, Kirk! T. F. C. Var. crassifolia: Nelson, between Karamea and West-port, W. Townson! Sea-level to 4000 ft. August–November. The typical state of this, with large somewhat coriaceous leaves, long racemes of large white flowers, and very large acute capsules, is a most striking plant, and can be recognised at a glance. But there are many intermediates between it and V. salicifolia which are difficult to place, and the one which I have called var. affinis might be referred to either species. Mr. Kirk's V. latisepala, which I have had repeated opportunities of studying at the Little Barrier Island, does not differ from the type except in the violet flowers and shorter often secund racemes, and is best treated as a variety. Mr. Townson's plant from Karamea, which I have called var. crassifolia, differs markedly in the smaller and narrower much more coriaceous and rigid leaves, and in the acute calyx-segments, and may prove to be a separate species. page 506
11.	V. amabilis,Cheesem. n. sp.—A tall branching shrub 6–15 ft. high or even more; branches rather slender, terete, quite glabrous or the younger ones minutely puberulous. Leaves spreading, shortly petiolate, 2–4 in. long, ⅔–1 in. broad, oblong-lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, firm but hardly coriaceous, flat, smooth and glabrous, midrib obscurely puberulous above, margins entire. Racemes axillary and opposite near the tips of the branches, 4–6 in. long, slender, lax-flowered, usually attenuate at the tip; pedicels slender, the lower ones often ⅓ in. long or more. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., white. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, equalling the calyx or rather longer than it; limb 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovate, acute, twice as long as the calyx.—V. salicifolia var. gracilis, T. Kirk, Forest Fl. t. 120. Var. blanda, Cheesem.—Apparently a closely branched shrub. Leaves rather close-set, spreading, often distinctly petiolate, 1–2½ in. long, ½–¾ in. broad, elliptic-lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute or acuminate, coriaceous, flat, glabrous or puberulous on the margins and midrib above; margins thickened, entire or remotely notched. Racemes 2–3 in. long, often 1 in. broad, dense- or lax-flowered. Flowers large, white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx-segments acute. Ripe capsules not seen. South Island: Otago—Bluff Hill, Kirk! Var. blanda: Port Chalmers, Petrie! Preservation Inlet, Kirk! Stewart Island: Port William, Lyall; Paterson's Inlet, G. M. Thomson! Ruapuke Island, H. J. Matthews! The plant from the Bluff Hill, which I have taken for the type of the species, was referred by Mr. Kirk to V. salicifolia, from which it appears to me to differ altogether in the broader and shorter leaves, more lax-flowered racemes, longer pedicels, much larger flowers, acute calyx-segments, shorter and broader corolla-tube, and larger capsule. It is much nearer V. macrocarpa, but the leaves are shorter and broader, the racemes laxer, and the calyx-segments acute. Var. blanda has still shorter and broader leaves, with the margins often thickened and peculiarly notched, and the racemes are shorter and denser, but the flowers are very similar. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that Lyall's Port William specimens, mentioned in the Handbook under V. macrocarpa and V. ligustrifolia, are both referable to it.
12.	V. Lewisii, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 357.—A handsome closely branched erect shrub 3–6 ft. high; branches stout, terete, clothed with short and fine greyish-white pubescence. Leaves pale-green, spreading, shortly petiolate, 1½–2½ in. long, ¾–1 in. broad, oblong or elliptic-oblong, acute or subacute, rounded or truncate or subcordate at the base, coriaceous, glabrous above, midrib often puberulous beneath, margins edged with a soft white pubescent line. Racemes near the tips of the branches, short and stout, 2–2½ in. long, 1 in. diam., dense-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts finely pubescent. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam. or even more, pale-blue. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate- page 507oblong, acute, ciliolate. Corolla with a short and broad- funnel-shaped tube and large spreading 4-lobed limb; dorsal and lateral lobes subequal, anterior rather smaller. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Canterbury—Downs near the sea in the south of the province, Armstrong! near Timaru, Buchanan! Easily distinguished by the softly pubescent branches, pale-green leaves with a pubescent margin, and short broad racemes with very large flowers.
13.	V. chathamica, Buch, in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vii. (1875) 338, t. 13, f. 1.—A prostrate or trailing shrub, with much-branched stems 6–18 in. long; branches numerous, terete, sparingly softly pubescent or almost glabrous. Leaves usually close-set, spreading, sessile or very shortly petiolate, ½–1 in. long, elliptic or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, flat, subcoriaceous, glabrous or nearly so. Racemes several towards the tips of the branches, peduncled; flowering portion ½–1 in. long and almost as broad, broadly oblong, obtuse, dense-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent, the latter equalling or exceeding the pedicels. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., purple. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube short, not much longer than the calyx; limb 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes nearly equal, anterior smaller. Capsule about ⅕ in. long, ovate, subacute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 528. Var. Coxiana, Cheesem.—Branches stouter, suberect. Leaves rather larger and more distant, 1–1½ in. long, obovate-oblong or elliptical, rounded at the apex, almost membranous, softly pubescent on both surfaces. Corolla-tube rather longer.—V. Coxiana, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 529. Chatham Islands: Not uncommon on rocks near the sea, H. H. Travers! F.A.D. Cox! L. Cockayne! A well-marked species, easily recognised by the traiking or prostrate habit and short broad very obtuse racemes. Mr. Kirk distinguished his V. Coxiana mainly by the softer and more herbaceous habit and more pubescent leaves and. branches, characters which entirely break down when a large suite of specimens is examined.
14.	V. acutiflora, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 460.—A small erect sparingly branched shrub; branches slender, terete, glabrous or the ultimate ones very minutely puberulous. Leaves sessile, spreading, 2–3 in. long, ⅙–¼ in. broad, linear-lanceolate, narrowed to an obtuse tip, flat or nearly so, quite smooth and glabrous or the midrib puberulous above, margins entire. Racemes opposite and axillary near the tips of the branches, 2–4 in. long, slender, lax-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent or glabrate;. pedicels slender, the lowest ⅙ in. long. Flowers ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, page 508 pubescent or glabrate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, short and broad, not nearly equalling the calyx; limb deeply 4-lobed; lobes longer than the tube, oblong, acute or subacute. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ovate-oblong, acute, about twice as long as the calyx.—V. ligustrifolia var. acutiflora, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192. North Island: Auckland—Kerikeri Falls (Bay of Islands), Cunningham, Colenso! Kirk! My knowledge of this is confined to a few specimens in Mr. Colenso's herbarium and two or three in Mr. Kirk's. Mr. Colenso's specimens have the pedicels and calyces nearly glabrate; in Mr. Kirk's they are softly pubescent. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that they differ from the typical acutiflora in the rather shorter leaves, smaller flowers, and shorter calyx-segments; but I have little doubt but that they belong to that species. V. acutiflora is nearest to V. ligustrifolia, but is at once separated by the much narrower and longer leaves and different calyx.
15.	V. angustifolia, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 187.—An erect much-branched glabrous shrub 5–8 ft. high; branches slender, erect, naked below, bark often purplish-brown. Leaves sessile, spreading or deflexed, 1½–3½ in. long, ⅙–¼ in. broad, narrow-linear or narrow linear-lanceolate, often falcate, acute, dark-green and channelled above, paler and keeled beneath, quite glabrous, margins entire. Racemes numerous near the tips of the branches, opposite and axillary, erect or spreading, longer than the leaves, 2–5 in. long, slender, tapering, usually rather lax-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent; pedicels short, slender. Flowers rather small, ⅙ in. diam., pale-lilac. Calyx very small, deeply 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube tubular, 2 or 3 times as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes broadly oblong, obtuse. Capsule about ⅙ in. long, ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.—Raoul, Choix, 43. V. squalida, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 528. V. parviflora var. angustifolia, Hook, f. in Bot. Mag. t. 5965. North Island: Hawke's Bay, Colenso! H. Hill! South Island: Nelson and Marlborough, abundant, D'Urville, Buchanan! Travels! Kirk! T.F.C. &c. December–February. Very near to V. parviflora, and chiefly separated by the smaller size, longer and often drooping leaves, longer and more lax-flowered racemes, and longer corolla-tube. Hooker's plate in the Botanical Magazine is excellent.
16.	V. parviflora, Vahl. Symb. Bot. iii. 4.—A much-branched shrub or small tree 6–20 ft. high, with a rounded dome-shaped head; trunk sometimes 2 ft. diam. at the base; branches slender, twiggy, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves sessile, spreading or suberect, 1–2½ in. long, ⅙–¼ in. broad, narrow linear-lanceolate, acute, almost flat or channelled above, keeled beneath, quite smooth, margins entire. Bacemes near the tips of the page 509 branches, 1–3 in. long, equalling the leaves or only slightly longer than them, dense-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent; pedicels short, rather stout. Flowers small, ⅙ in. diam., white with a lilac tinge. Calyx short and broad, deeply 4-partite; segments broadly oblong, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, about half as long again as the calyx, seldom more; limb 4-lobed; lobes about as long as the tube, broadly oblong or almost orbicular, obtuse. Capsule about ⅙ in. long, ovate, acute, about twice as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur, n. 378; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook, f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192, and Handb. N.Z. Fl. 207 (in part only); Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 526. V. stenophylla, Steud. Nom. Bot. ed. ii. 760. V. arborea, Buck, in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vi. (1874) 242. North Island: Auckland—Whangarei Heads and Taranga Islands, T. F. C.; Great Barrier Island, Kirk! East Cape district, Kirk. Hawke's Bay, Colenso! Wellington—Cape Terawhiti and hills near Wellington, Buchanan! Kirk! South Island: Marlborough—Queen Charlotte Sound, Banks and Solander. December–February. Sea-level to 2000 ft. There is some little doubt as to the plant that Vahl described as V. parviflora but it is probably identical with the V. floribunda of Banks and Solander's manuscripts and the V. arborea of Buchanan. It is chiefly characterized by its large size—sometimes considerably over 25 ft.—small linear-lanceolate leaves, small dense racemes usually not much exceeding the leaves, and short and broad corolla-tube. In the Flora and in the Handbook it is united with V. angustifolia, A. Rich, which I take to be quite distinct.
17.	V. leiophylla, Cheesem. n. sp.—A large spreading perfectly glabrous shrub 4–12 ft. high; branches terete. Leaves spreading, sessile or very shortly petiolate, ¾–1¼ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, linear- oblong or narrow oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or acute, flat, smooth, coriaceous, glabrous or the midrib obscurely puberulous above. Racemes towards the tips of the branches, much longer than the leaves, 2–4 in long, slender; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts puberulous; pedicels longer than the calyx. Flowers rather densely placed, 1/6- ⅕ in. diam. by ¼ in. long or more. Calyx small, 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube about twice as long as the calyx; limb equalling or shorter than the tube, 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse, the anterior one rather narrower. Capsule ⅕ in. long, broadly oblong, subacute, compressed, glabrous, nearly three times as long as the calyx.—V. parviflora var. phillyreæfolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192. South Island: Apparently not uncommon throughout, from Nelson to Otago. Sea-level to 3000 ft. December–February. This appears to me to be a perfectly distinct species, easily distinguished from V. parviflora, under which it was placed by Hooker, by the flat linear-oblong usually obtuse leaves and much larger flowers and capsules. I suspect that Kirk's V. parviflora var. strictissima, of which I have only seen two immature page 510mature specimens, is simply a state with more acute leaves and strict suberect racemes. It is frequently named V. Traversii in gardens, but is altogether unlike what I take to be the typical state of that species.
18.	V. gracillima, Cheesem. n. sp.—A much-branched glabrous shrub; branches spreading, terete. Leaves spreading, sessile or nearly so, 1–2½ in. long, ⅙–⅓ in. broad, linear-lanceolate or lanceolate, gradually tapering to an acute or acuminate apex, flat, coriaceous, glabrous or puberulous on the midrib above. Racemes numerous towards the tips of the branches, exceeding the leaves, 3–5 in. long, slender; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts puberulous; pedicels slender, longer or shorter than the calyx. Flowers rather densely placed, large, ⅕–¼ in. diam. by almost ⅓ in. long. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong-ovate, subacute or obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, shorter than the limb and often barely exceeding the calyx; limb large, 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes about equal, oblong, obtuse; anterior lobe narrow, linear-oblong, acute. Capsule ⅕ in. long, broadly oblong, acute, compressed, glabrous, more than double the length of the calyx.—V. ligustrifolia var. gracillima, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 527. South Island: Nelson—Abundant in the vicinity of Westport, Dr. Gaze! W. Townson! This differs from V. acutiflora in the larger size, longer and more dense-flowered racemes, and especially in the short obtuse or subacute calyx-segments, which are altogether unlike the lanceolate acute or acuminate calyx-segments of acutiflora. It agrees with acutiflora in the short corolla-tube and large deeply divided limb. From V. parviflora it is at once separated by the larger flowers and differently shaped corolla.
19.	V. insularis, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxix. (1897) 392.—A small erect or decumbent robust shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches scout, spreading, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, pubescent towards the tips. Leaves close-set, spreading or sub-erect, sessile or very shortly petiolate, ¾–1¼ in. long, ⅓–½ in. broad, elliptic-oblong or oblong-obovate, subacute or obtusely mucronate, quite entire, very coriaceous, flat or slightly keeled, often glaucous, midrib prominent beneath, margins thickened. Racemes corymbosely branched, peduncled, ¾–1½ in. long, many-flowered, in opposite pairs near the tips of the branches; rhachis and pedicels puberulous; bracts rather large. Flowers ¼ in. diam., pale lavender-blue. Calyx short and broad, 4-partite; segments broadly ovate, acute, ciliolate. Corolla-tube broad, about half as long again as the calyx; limb 4-lobed. Capsule ovoid, turgid, acute, rather more than twice as long as the calyx. North Island: Three Kings Islands, rocky places on both the Great King and the Western King, but not common, T. F. C. November–December. page 511 This has the corymbose inflorescence of V. diosmæfolia, but differs altogether in the stout spreading or decumbent habit, much larger broader leaves, and in the calyx and corolla.
20.	V. venustula, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 393.—A small compact bushy shrub 6–9 in. high; branchlets short, numerous. Leaves close-set, decussate, spreading, shortly petiolate, ½–¾ in. long, ¼ in. broad, oblong or elliptic-ovate, acute, coriaceous, flat or slightly concave, not keeled, dark-green and glabrous; midrib prominent beneath, excurrent; margins entire. Racemes terminal, much branched, forming a terminal many-flowered corymb 2 in. diam.; pedicels slender, puberulous; bracts lanceolate, acute, equalling the pedicels. Flowers white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, rather longer than the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes subequal, broadly ovate, obtuse. Capsule ¼ in. long, broadly ellipsoid, obtuse, more than twice as long as the calyx. North Island: Hawke's Bay—Eastern side of the Ruahine Range, County of Waipawa, A. Olsen! Of this species I have only seen two small scraps, but these both agree in the very distinct character of the inflorescence, which forms a dense terminal corymb similar to that of V. diosmœfolia, from which plant it differs totally in the leaves, calyx, and corolla. Mr. N. E. Brown, who has examined some specimens forwarded to Kew by Colenso, also states that it is "a very distinct species near to V. diosmœfolia." It is curious that so far it has escaped the notice of any collector except Mr. Olsen.
21.	V. diosmæfolia, R. Cunn. in Bot. Mag. sub. t. 3461.—A small much-branched shrub, usually from 2–5 ft. high, but sometimes attaining a height of 15 ft., with a slender trunk 4–6 in. diam.; branches glabrous or puberulous, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves close-set, spreading or suberect, shortly petioled, ½–1 in. long, ⅛–⅙ in. broad, linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate to elliptic-oblong, straight or slightly falcate, acute, entire or with 2–4 minute incisions on each side near the apex, coriaceous, dark-green above, paler and often slightly keeled by the midrib beneath, veinless. Racemes about 1 in. long, peduncled, corymbosely branched, usually near the tips of the branches, but sometimes lateral; rhachis and pedicels slender, puberulous; bracts shorter than the pedicels. Flowers about ¼ in. diam., white or pale lavender-blue. Calyx usually 3-partite with the upper segment broader and 2-fid, rarely equally 4-partite. Corolla-tube short, funnel-shaped, not much longer than the calyx; limb 4-lobed, the posticous lobe the largest. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ovoid, turgid, about twice as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 381; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209; Armstr. page 512 in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. V. diosmæfolia var. trisepala, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 525; Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7539. V. trisepala, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 324. North Island: Auckland—In various localities from the North Cape to Whangarei, but far from common. Hawka's Bay—North end of Te Kaweka Mountain, A. Hamilton! The distinguishing characters of this well-known species are the narrow acute leaves, truly corymbose inflorescence, usually 3-partite calyx with obtuse segments, and comparatively short corolla-tube. Its nearest ally is V. Menziesii, which is separated mainly by the equally 4-partite calyx with acute segments, long corolla-tube, and larger capsules. Mr. Kirk has divided it into 2 varieties; one, which he considered to be the typical state, with rather broader and shorter entire leaves and a 4-partite calyx; the other, which answers to the V. trisepala of Colenso, and which he called var. trisepala, with narrower incised leaves and a 3-partite calyx. But entire or incised leaves occur in both forms, so that the difference between the two varieties really consists in the number of calyx-segments alone, or rather in the extent to which the two upper sepals are united. It seems hardly worth while keeping up a distinction founded on such a slight character, but if it is retained the form with a 3-partite calyx should be considered as the type, seeing that it extends through the whole range of the species, whereas the form with the calyx 4-partite is rare in the wild state. Cunningham does not mention the number of calyx-segments in the original description, but both Bentham (D.C. Prodr. x. 460) and Hooker (Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193) give the number as 3.
22.	V. Menziesii, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 461.—A compact perfectly glabrous shrub 3–8 ft. high; branches terete, leafy. Leaves usually rather close - set, shortly petiolate, suberect or spreading,½–1 in. long,⅕–¼ in. broad, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute, rigid, coriaceous, flat or slightly keeled beneath. Racemes crowded near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long, peduncled, corymbosely branched, very rarely simple, erect or erecto-patent; rhachis slender, puberulous; pedicels variable in length. Flowers white or pale-lilac,⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, subacute or obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx, funnel-shaped; lobes oblong, obtuse or subacute, the anterior one narrower than the rest. Capsule ovoid, acute, more than twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193. V. Colensoi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209 (in part only). Var. divaricata, Cheesem.—More sparingly branched; the branches slender, spreading. Leaves narrower, lanceolate, acute, often falcate, spreading or deflexed, not so closely placed nor so coriaceous as in the type. Racemes copiously corymbosely branched. Calyx-segments narrower, ovate-lanceolate, acute. Has much of the habit and general appearance of V. diosmœfolia, but differs markedly in the longer corolla-tube and narrower acute calyx-segments. South Island: Marlborough—Pelorus and Tinline Valleys, J. H. Macmahon! Nelson, Bidwill! Maitai Valley, Kirk! T.F.C; Lake Rotoiti, Monro, T.F.C. Hanmer Plains, T.F.C.; Clarence Valley, Kirk! Otago— page 513 Dusky Bay, Menzies. Sea-level to 3000 ft. December–February. Var divaricata: Not uncommon in the Pelorus and Rai Valleys, Marlborough, Macmahon! V. Menziesii was founded by Bentham on specimens collected by Menzies in Dusky Bay in 1791. In the Flora Hooker united Menzies's plant with another gathered by Bidwill in the vicinity of Nelson; but in the Handbook he referred Menzies's specimens to V. elliptica, and associated Bidwill's specimens with a plant gathered on the Ruahine Mountains by Colenso, and with others collected in various localities in the South Island by Sinclair, Travers, and Haast, giving the name of Colensoi to the species thus described But as Colenso's plant was described as having simple racemes and glaucous leaves, while Bidwill's (judging from a specimen in my possession) had compound racemes and darkr-green leaves, this arrangement did not appear at all satisfactory. At my request Mr. N. E. Brown has carefully examined the types in the Kew Herbarium, and reports that Menzies's and Bidwill's specimens undoubtedly belong to one and the same species, and that Hooker was in error in referring the former to V. elliptica. He further states that Colenso's Ruahine Mountain plant is totally different, and is the species subsequently described by Colenso under the name of V. Hillii. Under these circumstances, the name of V. Menziesii must be restored, the species being characterized by the narrow acute rigid leaves, corymbosely branched racemes, 4-partite calyx with subacute segments, and a corolla-tube almost twice as long as the calyx. Its nearest ally is V. diosmœfolia, to which my var. divaricata is very close indeed. A plant collected by Petrie at the foot of Ruapehu, and by Messrs. Hill and Andrew on the Ruahine Range, is doubtfully referred to V. Menziesii for the present, but the specimens are not sufficient for precise determination.
23.	V. Colensoi, Hook.f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209, as regards the North Island specimens only.—A small erect or spreading perfectly glabrous shrub 9–18 in. high; branches leafy above, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves below. Leaves rather close-set, suberect or spreading, sessile or narrowed into a very short broad petiole, ¾–1½ in. long, ⅕–½ in. broad, linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, acute or subacute, entire or remotely incised, coriaceous, flat or nearly so, dark-green above, glaucous beneath; midrib stout, prominent beneath. Racemes few near the tips of the branches, slightly exceeding the leaves, slender, peduncled, simple or sparingly branched, many-flowered; rhachis slender, puberulous or glabrate; bracts exceeding the short pedicels. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube broadly funnel-shaped, shorter than the calyx; limb rather longer than the tube, 4-lobed; lobes spreading or reflexed, narrow-ovate, subacute. Stamens short, not exceeding the corolla-lobes. Capsule narrow-ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.—V. Hillii, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 606; Kirk, l.c. 524. North Island: Hawke's Bay—By the Ngaruroro River at Kuripapango; between the Rangitikei ford and Erewhon, H. Hill! A. Hamilton! D. Petrie! Ruahine Mountains, Colenso. South Island: Otago, locality not stated, Buchanan! page 514 The V. Colensoi of the Handbook, as already stated, was based upon a mixture consisting of specimens collected on the Ruahine Mountains by Colenso, on V. Menziesii, and two or three other species. If the name is to be retained at all, it should clearly be restricted to Oolenso's plant, which Mr. N. E. Brown informs me is identical with that subsequently described by Colenso under the name of V. Hillii. It can be distinguished by the small size, glaucous leaves, slender simple or sparingly branched racemes, narrow acute calyx-segments, and short corolla-tube. The V. Colensoi of the Botanical Magazine (t. 7296) is quite a different plant, but I have seen no specimens, and it does not seem to be known except in cultivation in England.
24.	V. rigidula, Cheesem. n. sp.—A small much-branched erect perfectly glabrous shrub 6–24 in. high, rarely more; branches stout, erect, scarred, almost black, leafy at the tips. Leaves close-set, almost imbricating, suberect or rarely spreading, petiolate, ½–¾ in. long, ⅙–¼ in. broad, linear-oblong or narrow obovate-oblong, acute or subacute, very thick and coriaceous, rigid, dark-green and concave above, glaucous and keeled by the thick and prominent; midrib beneath; margins thickened, entire. Racemes or spikes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, about equalling the leaves, usually branched, dense-flowered; rhachis stout, pubescent; pedicels wanting or the lower flowers very shortly stalked; bracts ovate-oblong, obtuse, almost as long as the calyx. Flowers small, white, ⅕ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube tubular, nearly twice as long as the calyx; limb rather short, not equalling the tube; lobes subequal, oblong, obtuse. Stamens slightly exceeding the corolla. Capsule small, ⅛–16 in. long, ovoid-oblong, acute or subacute, barely twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Marlborough—Pelorus and Rai Valleys (on rocks by the side of streams), Mount Duppa, Maungatapu, J. H. Macmahon! Nelson—Wairau Gorge, T. F. C. Sea-level to 4000 ft. December–February. Apparently a very distinct little plant. It has somewhat of the habit and general appearance of the V. Colensoi of this work (V. Hillii, Colenso), but in reality differs altogether in the smaller and closer-set petiolate suberect keeled leaves, shorter and stouter dense-flowered racemes, smaller flowers, obtuse calyx-segments, and longer corolla-tube with a shorter limb.
25.	V. rupicola, Cheesem. n. sp.—An erect sparingly branched shrub 1–4 ft. high; branches stout, erect or spreading, glabrous or the younger ones faintly bifariously pubescent. Leaves not very close-set, spreading, petiolate, ½–1 in. long, ¼–⅓ in. broad, linear-oblong or elliptic-oblong or linear-obovate, obtuse or subacute, gradually narrowed into the rather long petiole, flat or slightly concave, coriaceous, glaucous when fresh, quite entire, midrib prominent beneath Racemes or spikes lateral or towards the tips of the branches, much exceeding the leaves, 1–2 in. long, peduncled, usually trichotomous, very rarely simple; rhachis stout, strict, page 515 puberulous or almost glabrate; pedicels wanting or the lower flowers alone shortly stalked; bracts oblong-ovate, obtuse, large, often exceeding the calyx. Flowers crowded on the branches of the raceme, about ¼ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, with pale membranous ciliolate margins. Corolla-tube about half as long again as the calyx; limb equalling the tube or nearly so; lobes oblong-ovate, obtuse or subacute. Capsule broadly oblong, obtuse or subacute, about ¼ in. long, not twice the length of the calyx. South Island: Marlborough—Awatere Valley, Sinclair! Kaikoura Mountains, Buchanan! gorge of the Conway River, Cockayne! A well-marked plant, easily recognised by the peculiar habit, spreading and long-petioled linear-obovate glaucous leaves, trichotomous racemes much longer than the leaves, almost sessile flowers, and large bracts. Its nearest ally is probably V. Colensoi.
26.	V. lævis, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 461.—A small perfectly glabrous densely branched shrub 1–5 ft. high; branches stout, erect, densely leafy above, below ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves; bark black. Leaves decussate, close-set, erect and ap-pressed, rarely further apart and spreading, ⅓–⅔ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, ovate-oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse or acute or apicu-late, abruptly narrowed into a short thick petiole, very thick and coriaceous, rigid, concave above, keeled, at the back; midrib stout, prominent beneath, usually excurrent at the tip; margins entire. Racemes 2–4 near the ends of the branch-lets, corymbosely branched, rarely simple, ¾–1½ in. long, dense-flowered; rhachis stout, pubescent; bracts small, oblong-ovate, coriaceous, usually exceeding the lower pedicels. Flowers white, ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse. Corolla-tube rather broad, less than twice as long as the calyx; segments oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse. Capsule ovate or ovate-oblong, acute, about twice as long as the calyx. —Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 194; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209; Armstr". in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. (?)V. azurea, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 277. North Island: Mount Hikurangi, Adams and Petrie! Mount Egmont, T. F. C. Tongariro, Bidwill, Capt. G. Mair! Ruapehu, H. Tryon! H. Hill! Ruahine Mountains, Colenso! H. Hill! A. Hamilton! Tararua Mountains, Buchanan! Sooth Island: Marlborough—Mount Duppa, Macmahon! 2500–5000 ft. December–February. The typical state of this is distinguished by the close-set imbricating and more or less appressed leaves, which are keeled at the back, but not truncate or subcordate at the base as in V. buxifolia, and by the usually corymbosely branched racemes. This latter peculiarity, Mr. N. E. Brown assures me, is well shown by the type specimens at Kew. It has been recorded from many districts in the South Island, from Nelson to Otago, but I have not seen any specimens that satisfactorily match those from the North Island. Most are referable to page 516 Armstrong's V. monticola, which, is a larger plant, with larger laxer foliage, and longer always simple racemes. Others correspond with the V. Cockayniana of this work, which has flatter and more obtuse glaucous leaves, black when dry, simple very pubescent racemes, and larger flowers. States of V. Traversii, with more closely placed leaves than usual, have also had the name of V. Iœvis applied to them.
27.	V. elliptica, Forst. Prodr. n. 10.—A copiously branched shrub or small tree 5–20 ft. high; branches terete, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, the younger ones more or less hoary with short soft white hairs, which are often arranged in two opposite lines. Leaves petiolate, close-set, [unclear: horize] tally spreading, uniform, ½–1¼ in. long, ¼–½ in. broad, ellipse-oblong or obovate-oblong, apiculate, slightly truncate at the base, pale-green, coriaceous, nerveless, margins edged with a white pubescent line, midrib prominent beneath; petioles short, erect and appressed to the branch. Racemes numerous near the tips of the branches, short, 1–1½ in. long, erect, glabrous or nearly so, laxly 4–12-flowered; pedicels slender, each with a small lanceolate bract at the base. Flowers large, ⅓–⅔ in. diam., white or white with purple lines, sweet-scented. Calyx ⅛–⅙ in. long, 4-par-tite; segments ovate, acute or acuminate. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx; limb large, 4-lobed; lobes spreading, ovate. Capsule ¼ in. long, broadly ovate, acute, twice as long as the calyx.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 189; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 379; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 58; Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193; Handb. N.Z. Fl 209; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. 526. V. decussata, Ait. Hort. Kew, i. 20; Bot. Mag. t. 242. Var, odora, Cheesem.—Smaller, 2–4 ft. high, sparingly fastigiately branched. Leaves smaller and more closely placed, horizontally spreading, ½–⅔ in. long, about ¼ in. broad, elliptic-ovate, rigid, somewhat concave. Flowers large, white,⅓ in. diam., very sweet-scented. Calyx-segments obtuse.—V. odora, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 62, t. 41. South Island: Western coast from West Wanganui and Cape Foulwind southwards; east and southern coasts of Otago. Chatham Islands: H. H. Travers! Capt. G. Mair! Stewart Island: Not uncommon on the coast, also on the islands in Foveaux Strait and on The Snares. Auckland and Campbell Islands: Abundant. Yar. odora: Auckland Islands, in woods near the sea, not uncommon, Sir J. D. Hooker. December–January. A most distinct species, easily recognised by the pale-green elliptic apiculate petiolate leaves, and very large white flowers. It is also a native of the Falkland Islands, Fuegia, and South Chili. I have ventured to refer to it the V. odora of Hook, f., a plant which is only known by the description and plate in the "Flora Antarctica." In the Handbook Hooker reduced it to V. buxi-folia, a view which was also adopted by Kirk (Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. 524), But judging from the description and plate, for I have seen no authentic specimens, it cannot possibly be placed with that plant, which differs altogether in habit, in the smaller densely imbricated shining leaves, in the shorter racemes with large concave bracts, and in the smaller flowers, which I have never page 517 observed to be fragrant. On the other hand, it agrees with V. elliptica in habit, in the shape of the leaves, in the crowded terminal racemes, and in the large white fragrantt flowers, differing mainly in the smaller size and more rigid concave leaves. Mr. N. E. Brown, who has kindly examined the types for me, states that the plant is quite distinct from V. buxifolia, and in his opinion should be regarded as a distinct species endemic in the Auckland Islands.
28.	V. Matthewsii, Cheesem. n. sp.—An erect glabrous shrub 2–4 ft. high or more; branches stout, terete, often purplish-red when young. Leaves close-set, sessile, suberect or spreading, ¾–1½ in. long, ⅓–⅔ in. broad, oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or sub-acute, rounded at the base, thick and coriaceous, flat, quite entire. Racemes near the tips of the branches or rarely lateral, large, 2–4 in. long including the stout naked peduncle, obtuse or tapering, densely many-flowered; rhachis stout, pubescent; pedicels very short, stout; bracts ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute or obtuse. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. or more, white or purplish. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse, often with purplish margins. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx; limb spreading, 4-lobed; lobes subequal, broadly oblong, rounded at the tip. Ovary pubescent at the tip. Capsule ¼ in. long, elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, about twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Canterbury—Southern Alps, Haast! Armstrong! Otago—Milford Sound, Enys! Humboldt Mountains, H. J, Matthews! A handsome plant, often cultivated in gardens in the South Island as a variety of V. Traversii, but a much stouter plant with a different habit of growth, and with thicker and more coriaceous oblong obtuse leaves, and larger and stouter racemes with much larger flowers. It is nearer to V. Balfouriana, but hut that species has smaller leaves, acute calyx-segments, and a corolla-tube hardly longer than the calyx.
29.	V. Balfouriana, Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7556.—"An erect glabrous shrub 3 ft. high, with dark - brown bark and suberect flexuous purplish-brown or reddish branches. Leaves subsessile, ⅓–¾ in. long, in loosely approximate pairs, spreading and decurved, elliptic-ovate, obtuse or subacute, quite entire, coriaceous, bright pale-green and shining above, with narrow red-brown margins. Racemes Racemes opposite, axillary from the base of the last year's shoots, 2–3 in. long, erecto - patent, very many-flowered, peduncle stout, flowers crowded; pedicels about as long as the calyx, puberulous; bracts ovate, obtuse or acute, about as long as the pedicel. Sepals about ⅙ in. long, acute, ciliolate. Corolla pale violet-blue, ½ in. diam., tube as long as the sepals; lobes rounded, three upper sub-equal, the lower narrower. Stamens as long as the corolla-lobes or shorter; anthers red-brown, bases of cells rounded. Capsule ellipsoid, about one-third longer than the sepals or less." page 518 Apparently a distinct species. It was raised at the Royal Eoyal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh, from seeds sant from New Zealand, but from what locality is not stated. Its nearest ally is probably V. Traversii, from which it differs in the smaller leaves with red-brown margins, in the usually longer racemes, in the much largar violet (not white) flowers, in the longer acute sepals, which almost equal the short corolla-tube, and in the shorter and broader capsule. I have seen no specimens, and have consequently reproduced the original description.
30.	V. Darwiniana, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxv. (1893) 332.—A small compact rounded shrub; branches numerous, terete, glabrous or the younger ones faintly pubescent; bark brownish-green. Leaves rather laxly placed, decussate, sessile or nearly so, horizontally spreading, ½–¾ in. long, ⅙–⅓ in. broad, ovate-lanceolate or narrow elliptic-oblong, acute, rather thick and coriaceous, glaucous on both surfaces, slightly concave above, not keeled beneath; margins entire, minutely ciliolate when young. Racemes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, ¾–1½ in. long, dense-flowered, tapering to the tip; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent; pedicels about as long as the calyx or shorter. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments broadly ovate, obtuse or subacute. Corolla-tube short and broad, about as long as the calyx, throat pubescent within; lobes longer than the tube, broadly oblong, obtuse. Ovary pubescent or glabrous. Capsule ovate, acute, compressed, more than twice as long as the calyx. V. glaucophylla, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 422. North Island: Hawke's Bay—Hills in the interior, Colenso! South Island: Nelson—Mountains behind Hanmer, Cockayne! Canterbury—Craigieburn Mountains, Cockayne! This is probably nearer to some of the forms included under V. Traversii than to any other, but can be separated by the more distant not keeled glaucous leaves, tapering racemes, and short corolla-tube hairy in the throat. Mr. Cockayne's plant has rather smaller and narrower leaves than Colenso's type, but otherwise there is little difference between them.
31.	V. Traversii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 208 (in part).— A small perfectly glabrous shrub, usually forming a round compact bush 2–5 ft. diam.; branches terete, densely clothed with decussate leaves. Leaves spreading, petiolate or subsessile, uniform in size and shape, ½–1 in. long, ⅙–⅓ in. broad, elliptic-oblong or elliptic-lanceolate to linear-oblong, acute or subacute, usually narrowed to an acute base, coriaceous, channelled above, more or less keeled beneath, nerveless, margins entire, midrib usually strong. Racemes near the tips of the branches, 1–3 in. long, long and tapering or short and obtuse, simple, many-flowered; rhachis slender, puberulous; pedicels variable in length; bracts small. Flowers white ¼ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments broadly oblong or ovate, obtuse, margins often membranous, ciliolate. Corolla-tube from slightly longer to nearly twice as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; page 519lobes subequal, oblong, obtuse. Capsule elliptic-ovate, acute, compressed, twice as long as the calyx.—Bot. Mag. t. 6390, and t. 7296, f. 5; Masters in Gard. Chron. 1873, p. 1046; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. Var. fallax, Cheesem.—Not so closely branched, often reddish-brown when fresh. Leaves more laxly placed, sessile, linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, acute or obtuse, flat or nearly so. Racemes lax-flowered; pedicels very short. Corolla-tube short, only slightly exceeding the calyx. Var. elegans, Cheesem.—Branches slender. Leaves more laxly placed spreading, narrow linear-oblong, flat. Racemes oblong, obtuse; pedicels long, slender. Calyx small. Corolla-tube long, narrow, two or three times the length of the calyx. South Island: Abundant in mountain districts from Nelson to Otago. 500–3500 ft. December–February. There is much confusion as to the limits of this species. The description given in the Handbook evidently includes more species than one; but without an examination of the material which Hooker had before him it is not easy to decide which should be taken as the type. I have selected the plant figured in the Botanical Magazine (t. 6390), which is also identical with that described by Dr. Masters in the Gardeners' Chronicle. It appears to have been included in the original description, has a wide distribution in the South Island, and is the form usually cultivated under the name of V. Traversii; but I am unable to say whether it was actually collected by Travers. On the other hand, Mr. N. E. Brown, who has lately examined the whole of the New Zealand Veronicæ in the Kew Herbarium, is of opinion that my var. elegans should be regarded as the type. It was collected by both Travers and Haast, but seems to be a local plant, all the specimens I have seen having come from the Canterbury Provincial District. It differs conspicuously from the Botanical Magazine plant in the long and slender corolla-tube, in that and other respects approaching V. leiophylla. Probably the two plants are distinct, but I hesitate to describe them as such until more conclusive evidence has been obtained.
32.	V. subalpina, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 420.—A much-branched erect shrub 3–6 ft. high; branches suberect or spreading, terete, glabrous or the younger ones minutely puberulous, leafy above, below ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves spreading, sessile, ¾–1½ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, broadest below the middle, acute or subacute, subcoriaceous, pale glistening green, slightly concave above when fresh, flat when dry, margins entire. Racemes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, equalling the leaves or longer than them, 1–2 in. long, simple, dense- or lax-flowered; rhachis slender, puberulous; lower pedicels slender, usually exceeding the calyx; bracts small. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate or ovate-oblong, acute, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, hardly exceeding the calyx; limb longer than the tube, 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Nelson—Clarence Valley, Kirk! T. F. C.; Lake Tennyson, 'T. F. C. Canterbury—Arthur's Pass and Upper Waimakariri, Enys! Kirk! page 520 T. F. C.; Rakaia Valley, Haast! Mount Cook district, T. F. C. Westland—Kelly's Hill, Jackson's, &c, Petrie! Cockayne! Otago–Hector and Buchanan; Lake Harris, Kirk! Clinton Valley, Petrie! 2500–4500 ft. December–March. Very close to V. Traversii, but I think sufficiently distinct in the different habit, flatter lanceolate leaves, which taper from below the middle to an acute or subacute apex, acute calyx-lobes, and short and broad corolla-tube. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that specimens collected by Haast and Hector and Buchanan, exist in the Kew Herbarium, but were referred to V. Traversii by Hooker.
33.	V. vernicosa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 208.—A small usually rather stout erect or decumbent shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, often in the same plane, pubescent at the tips or almost glabrous. Leaves close-set, decussately inserted but often becoming almost distichous from the twisting of the petioles, spreading, petiolate,¼–⅔ in. long, ⅙–⅓ in. broad, obovate or obovate-oblong, obtuse or apiculate, suddenly contracted into the shore petiole, coriaceous, flat or slightly concave; midrib impressed above, thick and prominent beneath, excurrent; margins entire, sometimes ciliolate when young. Racemes few or many near the tips of the branches, ½–1½ in. long, simple, usually dense-flowered but sometimes lax; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent; pedicels variable in length, sometimes almost wanting, at other times equalling the bracts. Flowers white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse; margins usually pale, membranous, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, usually about as long as the calyx, rarely slightly exceeding it; limb 4-lobed, longer than the tube; lobes spreading, ovate-oblong, obtuse. Capsule ovate, acute, compressed, glabrous, rather more than twice as long as the calyx.—Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 526. V. canterburiensis, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z, Inst. xiii. (1881) 355. Var. gracilis, Cheesem.—Much more slender and more sparingly branched; branches widely divaricating. Leaves distichously spreading, narrower and less coriaceous than in the type, linear-obovate or linear-oblong to oblong-obovate, obtuse or subacute. Racemes 1–4 near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long,.very slender and lax-flowered; pedicels longer. Capsule narrow-ovate, acute. Var. multiflora, Cheesem.—Racemes very numerous, forming a crowded' mass near the tips of the branches, slender, tapering, many-flowered.—(?)V. Grayi, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 354. South Island: Mountain districts in Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Westland, not uncommon. Sea-level to 4500 ft. December–February. A well-marked species, recognised without much difficulty by the spreading habit and numerous short and broad leaves, which, although decussately inserted, usually spread in a more or less distichous manner through a twist in the petiole. In the typical state the racemes are generally numerous and rather short and dense-flowered; but in var. gracilis, which is a shade-form most common by the side of streams at low elevations, the racemes are usually fewer and much more slender and lax-flowered. Var. multiflora I have only seen in cultivation. It is known in gardens as V. Grayi, but I am not quite sure that it is the plant described by Armstrong under that name. Armstrong described his V. canter-page 521buriensis as having membranous leaves and the racemes in pairs at the end of the branches, so that probably he had var. gracilis in mind when he described the species; but for many years he applied the name to the typical form in the Botanical Gardens at Christchurch.
34.	V. obovata, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ix. (1877) 502.—An erect sparingly branched glabrous shrub 4–5 ft. high; branches stout, erect, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves shortly petioled, erect or suberect, laxly imbricating, ¾–1 in. long, ¼–⅓ in. broad, narrow-obovate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into the short broad flat petiole, slightly concave when fresh, thick and coriaceous, margins entire. Racemes 2 or 3 near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long, slender, erect, lax-flowered; rhachis puberulous; pedicels short; bracts small, ovate, acute. Flowers white, ⅕ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube short: and broad, hardly longer than the calyx; limb 4-iobed; lobes spreading, oblong, obtuse. Ripe capsules not seen. South Island: Canterbury—Broken River, Kirk! Mount Cook district, T. F. C. Otago—Upper Hawea, Petrie! Mount Earnslaw, Cockayne! 2000–4500 ft. The above description is based on Kirk's type specimens from the Broken River. My own specimens from the Mount Cook district, and Petrie's and Cockayne's from Otago, have rather smaller and less obovate leaves and longer racemes, and may be referable to V. monticola, if, indeed, the two species should not be combined.
35.	V. monticola, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 354.—A much-branched glabrous shrub 2–5 ft. high; branches erect or spreading, densely leafy above, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves below; bark brown. Leaves close-set, more or less imbricate, suberect or spreading, ⅔–1 in. long, ⅓–½ in. broad, obovate-oblong or elliptic - oblong, obtuse or subacute, narrowed into a very short thick petiole, thick and coriaceous, slightly concave above, somewhat rounded but not keeled beneath; midrib impressed beneath when dry. Racemes near the tips of the branches, longer than the leaves, 1–1½ in. long, dense - flowered; rhachis puberulous; pedicels very short, stout; bracts ovate-lanceolate, subacute. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-par-tite; segments oblong-ovate, obtuse or subacute. Corolla - tube short and broad, barely longer than the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes ovate, spreading. Capsule ovate-oblong, acute, about twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Mountain districts from Nelson to Otago, not uncommon. 2000–4500 ft. December–February. This is the plant to which the name of lœvis is usually applied in the South Island, but I believe erroneously, the true lœvis having smaller and more rigid keeled leaves and a corymbose inflorescence. It agrees with an authentic specimen of V. monticola in Kirk's herbarium, but differs in several page 522 respects from Armstrong's original description. Kirk's V. obovata only differs in the more truly obovate leaves, and I have little doubt that it will ultimately be merged with that species.
36.	V. Cockayniana, Cheesem. n. sp.—A small densely branched shrub 2–4 ft. high; branches rather stout, densely leafy above, conspicuously marked with the scars of the fallen leaves below; younger ones more or less bifariously pubescent. Leaves close-set, decussate, suberect or spreading, shortly petiolate, uniform in size and shape, ⅓–⅔ in. long, ¼–⅓ in. broad, oblong or elliptic-oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse, flat or slightly concave, thick and coriaceous, often black on the upper surface when dry, glaucous beneath; midrib puberulous above, thick and prominent beneath; margins entire. Racemes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, rather longer than the leaves, ½–1 in. long, simple, usually lax - flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent. Flowers white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, obtuse; margins pale, membranous, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, equalling the calyx or slightly longer: limb 4-lobed; lobes longer than the tube, broad, rounded, veined. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovate, acute, twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Nelson—Mount Lyell and Mount Murchison, Townson! near Reefton, R. W. Raithby! Otago—Humboldt Mountains, Cockayne! Clinton Valley, Petrie! 2000–4500 ft. December–February. I look upon this as a perfectly distinct species, perhaps nearest to V. lœvis, but easily distinguished by the pubescent branchlets, flatter and more spreading leaves glaucous beneath, by the simple lax-flowered racemes, and larger flowers with very short broad tube and broad rounded lobes. The blackish colour of the leaves when dried is very peculiar.
37.	V. buxifolia, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 462.—A stout erect much or sparingly branched perfectly glabrous shrub 1–5 ft. high; branches strict, densely leafy, below closely ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves closely imbricate, ⅙–⅓ in. long, ⅛–¼ in. broad, broadly oblong-obovate, obtuse or subacute, suddenly truncate or cordate above the very short thick petiole, concave, keeled by the prominent midrib, rigid, very coriaceous, dark-green and polished above, paler and usually minutely dotted beneath, quite glabrous, entire. Spikes in the axils of the upper leaves, ¼–1 in. long, dense-flowered, often very numerous and. crowded, forming a corymbose head to the branches; rhachis puberulous; bracts large, ovate, concave, coriaceous, equalling the calyx or sometimes exceeding it. Flowers sessile, white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments coriaceous, oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube equalling the calyx or rather longer than it; limb 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes broad, rounded; anticous narrower and subacute. Capsule broadly oblong, obtuse, compressed, almost twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 194; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 210; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350; Kirk in Trans. N.Z Inst. xxviii. (1896) 523. page 523 Var. patens, Cheesem.—Leaves spreading. Spikes more numerous. Flowers rather larger.—V. buxifolia var. odora, kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 524 (but not V. odora, Hook, f.) North Island: High mountains of the interior, from Hikurangi, Tonga-riro, and Mount Egmont southwards to the Tararua Range. South Island: Abundant in mountain districts throughout. Var. patens: Plentiful from Nelson to Foveaux Strait. Stewart Island: Not uncommon. Usually from 2000 ft. to 4000 ft., but descends to sea-level in Stewart Island. December–March. An abundant plant in mountain districts, recognised without any difficulty by the stout erect rigid habit, dark-green closely imbricated keeled leaves, which are conspicuously truncate or subcordate at the base, and by the usually numerous short spikes massed into a compact terminal inflorescence. Mr. Kirk considered my var. patens to be identical with V. odora, Hook f., which Hooker had reduced to V. buxifolia in the Handbook; but Mr. N. E. Brown, who has kindly examined the types of V. odora for me, states that this view is altogether incorrect. I refer V. odora to V. elliptica.
38.	V. anomala, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. iv. (1872) 291.—An erect perfectly glabrous much-branched shrub 3–5 ft. high; branches long, slender, fastigiate, leafy, purplish towards the tips. Leaves spreading, sessile or nearly so, ⅓–¾ in. long, ⅛–⅕ in. broad, linear-oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, subacute, keeled, coriaceous, dark-green and shining above, paler beneath, midrib obscure. Spikes crowded together at the tips of the branches, 5–10-flowered, forming a short terminal panicle; rhachis puberulous; bracts ovate, acute, coriaceous, as long as the calyx. Flowers sessile, white or pale-pink,¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx 3-partite with one of the segments broader and emarginate or 2-lobed, more rarely 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube slender, tubular, about twice as long as the calyx; limb either 3-lobed with the anticous lobe entirely suppressed, or 4-lobed with the anticous lobe small and narrow-linear; the dorsal and lateral lobes oblong, obtuse. Capsule ovate-oblong, obtuse, glabrous, half as long again as the calyx.—Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 355; Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7360. South Island: Canterbury—Rakaia Valley, Mount Peel, Mount Cook, Armstrong! 3000–4000 ft. December–February. A very handsome and attractive species. Its nearest ally is V. buxifolia var. patens, narrow-leaved states of which approach it very closely. Sir J. D. Hooker remarks that in England he has never seen cultivated specimens with the anticous lobe of the corolla entirely suppressed, although it is always much smaller and narrower than the other three. In New Zealand cultivated specimens are variable in this respect. Usually some of the flowers want the anticous lobe and others possess it, but it is easy to find plants in which it is either always absent or always present. The few wild specimens that I have seen have no trace of the anticous lobe; but I suspect that a larger series would show that it is frequently developed.
39.	V. decumbens, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352.—A small decumbent much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, purplish-black, bifariously pubescent. Leaves page 524 close-set or rather distant, spreading, shortly petiolate,⅓–¾ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, oblong-obovate or elliptic-oblong or narrow oblong-ovate, subacute or obtuse, coriaceous when dry, almost fleshy when fresh, quite glabrous, flat or slightly concave, dark-green with brightred margins. Racemes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, equalling the leaves or slightly longer than them, shortly peduncled, dense-flowered; rhachis pubescent; pedicels very short, sometimes almost wanting; bracts small, much shorter than the calyx. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate, acute, margins minutely ciliolate. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx or rather longer; limb 4-lobed; lobes broadly oblong, obtuse, the anterior one narrower. Capsule ovate, acute, compressed, glabrous, twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Marlborough, and North Canterbury, not uncommon. 1500–4500 ft. December–February. A very beautiful little plant, well marked off from all its allies by the polished purplish-black branchlets, almost flat green leaves with red margins, shortly pedicellate flowers, small bracts, long corolla-tube, and short limb. Mr. Armstrong's description is by no means good; but there is no question as to the identity of the plant.
40.	V. Gibbsii, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 524.—A sparingly branched shrub 9–18 in. high; branches as stout as a goose-quill, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves decussate, close-set, imbricating, erect or spreading, sessile, ⅓–¾ in. long, ¼–½ in. broad, ovate or ovate-oblong, acute or obtuse, coriaceous glaucous, often tinged with purplish-red, glabrous except the margins, which are fringed with long soft white hairs. Spikes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, peduncled, longer than the leaves, dense-flowered; rhachis and bracts villous with soft white hairs;. bracts lanceolate, acute, exceeding the calyx. Flowers ⅕ in. diam, white, sessile or the lower ones very shortly pedicelled. Calyx 4-partite; segments lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acute, margins villous. Corolla-tube narrow, about twice as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes ovate, acute. Style glabrous or sparingly villous near the base. Capsule narrow-ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx. South Island: Nelson—Mount Rintoul and Ben Nevis, alt. 3000–4000 ft., F. G. Gibbs! A distinct species, nearest to V. carnosula, but at once separated by the less concave and more acute leaves with conspicuously villous margins, acuminate bracts, and narrow acute calyx-segments.
41.	V. carnosula, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 210.—A much-branched erect or decumbent woody shrub 6 in. to 3 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, the younger ones pubescent towards the tips. Leaves closely imbricating, spreading or erect, sessile, ⅓–¾ in. long, ¼–⅔ in broad, broadly page 525 obovate or almost orbicular, obtuse, very coriaceous, concave, not keeled, quite glabrous, nerveless or the midrib very obscure, glaucous; margins smooth and even. Spikes crowded near the ends of the branches, often forming a dense terminal head, short, stout, very dense-flowered; peduncle, rhachis, and bracts pubescent or almost villous; bracts equalling the calyx, ciliolate. Flowers about ¼ in. diam., sessile, white. Calyx 4-partite; segments erect, ovate-oblong, obtuse, slightly ciliate. Corolla-tube equalling the calyx or rather shorter than it; limb 4-lobed. Ovary and style glabrous. Capsule ⅙–⅕ in. long, ovate, acute, glabrous, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. V. lævis var. carnosula, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 194. South Island: Mountain districts from Nelson to Otago, but apparently not so abundant as V. pinguifolia. 2500–4500 ft. December–March. Very closely allied to V. pinguifolia, differing mainly in the rather larger ovate-acute glabrous capsule. The capsule of V. pinguifolia is obovate-oblong, rounded or emarginate at the tip, and more or less pubescent.
42.	V. amplexicaulis, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352.—An erect or decumbent shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves; branchlets terete, glabrous or puberulous. Leaves decussate, imbricate, suberect or spreading, sessile, ½–1 in. long, ⅓–⅔ in. broad, broadly oblong or elliptic-oblong, rounded at the tip, subcordate and almost amplexicaul at the base, very coriaceous, glaucous, concave, nerveless, not keeled; margins smooth and even. Spikes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, 1–1½ in. long, stout, oblong, very dense-flowered, simple or trifurcate; peduncles stout, exceeding the leaves, and with the rhachis pubescent with soft spreading hairs; bracts large, equalling the calyx, broadly oblong, concave, obtuse, margins ciliate. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam., sessile. Calyx 4-partite; segments erect, oblong, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube about the length of the calyx; limb 4-lobed; dorsal lobe the broadest, erect; the other three narrow-oblong, obtuse, spreading or decurved. Ovary pubescent. Capsule oblong, rounded at the tip, pubescent, about half as long again as the calyx.—Hook, f. Bot. Mag. t. 7370. South Island: Canterbury—Upper Rangitata, Armstrong! Closely related to V. pinguifolia, from which it differs in the larger leaves which are cordate and semiamplexicaul at the base, and in the larger and often branched spikes. Mr. Armstrong describes the corolla-tube as "long," but it barely equals the calyx in all the specimens I have seen, including an authentic one from him.
43.	V. pinguifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 210.—An erect or decumbent much-branched glaucous shrub 6 in. to 4 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, the younger ones bifariously pubescent. Leaves closely page 526 imbricating, spreading or erecto-patent, sessile, ¼–¾ in. long, ⅙–½ in. broad, broad or narrow obovate-oblong to broadly oblong or sub-orbicular, obtuse, narrowed to a broad base, concave above, rounded at the back, very coriaceous or almost fleshy, quite glabrous, nerveless, glaucous, margins often edged with red. Spikes crowded near the tips of the branches, short, stout, dense-flowered, exceeding the leaves; peduncle and rhachis pubescent; bracts oblong, concave, as long as the calyx. Flowers white, ¼–⅓ in. diam., sessile. Calyx 4-partite; segments erect, oblong, obtuse, puberulous, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube short, not exceeding the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes ovate-oblong or broadly oblong, obtuse, the anterior one narrower than the others. Ovary pubescent; style usually villous towards the base. Capsule oblong or obovate, obtuse, rounded at the tip, pubescent, from half as long again to nearly twice as long as the calyx.—Bot. Mag. t. 6147; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. V. carnosula, Hook. f. in Bot. Mag. t. 6587 (not of Handb. N.Z. Fl. 210). South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Otago, abundant. 2500–4500 ft. December–February. A very variable plant, especially in size and mode of growth, and in the size, shape, and colour of the leaves. Its nearest allies are V. carnosula and V. amplexicaulis, the first of which differs in the glabrous ovary and acute capsule, the latter in the larger leaves subcordate at the base, and larger often branched spikes. Small states, with smaller and narrower and more rigid leaves, approach var. major of V. Buchanani. From the other species of the section it is at once removed by the deeply concave obtuse leaves rounded (not keeled) at the back.
44.	V. Buchanani, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 211.—A small woody shrub 4–12 in. high, much branched from the base; branches stout, terete, spreading or decumbent, sometimes tortuous, closely ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves; bark black; branchlets usually pubescent at the tips. Leaves decussate, closely imbricate, sessile by a broad base, suberect or spreading, rarely deflexed, ⅛–¼ in. long and almost as broad, broadly oblong or almost orbicular, obtuse or more rarely subacute, very thick and coriaceous, concave, rarely obscurely keeled, nerveless, quite glabrous. Spikes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, short and stout but much longer than the leaves, oblong, dense-flowered, shortly peduncled; peduncle and rhachis villous-pubescent; bracts large, concave, ciliate, equalling the calyx or exceeding it. Flowers ⅕ in. diam., white, sessile. Calyx 4-partite; segments erect, oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube shore, included in the calyx or barely equalling it; limb 4-lobed; lobes broadly oblong, obtuse. Ovary and style pubescent. Capsule nearly twice as long as the calyx, oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse, pubescent.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350; Kirk, l.c. xxviii. (1896) 523. page 527 Var. maior, Cheesem.—Taller and stouter. Leaves larger, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, obovate or obovabe-oblong, narrowed to the base, midrib often distinct beneath. Snikes larger, 1 in. long; peduncle and rhachis densely villous. Style conspicuously villous. Var. exigua, Cheesem.—Branches numerous, twiggy. Leaves narrower, ⅙–¼ in., oblong-ovate, subacute, obscurely keeled. Spikes small, ⅓ in. long, few-flowered. South Island: Canterbury—Mount Cook district (var. major and exigua), T, F. C. Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan! Mount Arnould, Petrie! Mount Kye-burn (var. major), Petrie! H. J. Matthews! 3000–6000 ft. December–February. Also a very variable plant. The extreme state, represented by Buchanan's Mount Alta specimens, is easily recognised by the small uniform close-set almost orbicular spreading leaves and capitate spikes; but larger forms approach V. pinguifolia so closely that it is difficult to draw a line of demarcation between the two species. My var. major might be referred to either.
45.	V. pimeleoides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195.—A small much-branched prostrate or suberect shrubby plant 3–18 in. high; branches rather slender, straggling, pubescent or almost villous, rarely glabrous. Leaves usually rather laxly placed, rarely close-set, spreading or suberect, sessile, ⅙–⅓ in. long, obovate-oblong or ovate-oblong to elliptic-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute, coriaceous, glaucous, obtusely keeled. Spikes near the tips of the branches, peduncled, exceeding the leaves, ½–1 in. long; rhachis villous-pubescent; bracts large, almost or quite equalling the calyx, ciliate. Flowers ¼ in. diam., dark purplish-blue, sessile. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate, acute, ciliate. Corolla-tube very short, not equalling the calyx; limb broad, spreading, 4-lobed; lobes broad, obtuse, the anterior one narrower than the others. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ovate, acute, turgid, glabrous or slightly pubescent, twice as long as the calyx.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 211; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. Var. glauco-cærulea, Cheesem.—Larger and stouter, more intensely glaucous. Leaves ⅓–½ in. long, obovate or obovate-oblong, shortly petiolate. Flowers dark-blue or purple. V. glauco-cærulea, Armstr. l.c. 353. Var. minor, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 738.—Smaller, 1–4 in. high, sparingly branched. Leaves smaller and narrower, ⅛–⅙ in. long, lanceolate to oblong-ovate, usually acute. Spikes small, few-flowered. South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Canterbury, and Otago, not uncommon in dry places. 1000–3500 ft. November–January. Well marked by the small size, prostrate or straggling habit, small glaucous leaves, villous spikes, and purplish-blue flowers.
46.	V. Gilliesiana, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 519.—Stems prostrate or decumbent, much branched, 3–12 in. long; branches spreading or suberect, densely leafy, tetragonous, with the leaves on ¼–⅓ in. diam., bright-green when fresh, black when dry. Leaves densely imbricating, opposite pairs connate by page 528 the dilated bases, spreading above, ⅙–⅓ in. long, linear or linear-oblong, obtuse and tumid at the tip, deeply concave in front, convex on the back, rather fleshy; margins ciliate-denticulate along their whole length. Leaves of young plants linear, irregularly lobulate or pinnatifid, glabrous. Flowers small, white, ⅙–¼ in. diam., usually arranged in axillary 2–4-flowered spikes near the tips of the branches, the spikes often forming a subcapitate head, more rarely the flowers are solitary and axillary. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube short; lobes 4, spreading, orbicular-oblong, obtuse, almost equal, but the dorsal one slightly broader and the anticous one slightly narrower than the others. Stamens 2 or very rarely 4; filaments very short, altogether included. Style included. Capsule exceeding the calyx, ovoid-oblong, subcompressed, seated within a cupular disc.—Logania ciliolata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 737. Mitrasacme Hookeri, Buch, in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 348, t. 29, f. 1. South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur and Mount Owen, T. F. C.; Mount Mantell, Mount Buckland, W. Townson! Mount Franklin, F. G. Gibbs! Mount Porcival, T. F. C.; Amuri, Kirk! Canterbury—Arthur's Pass and Waimakariri Glacier, Kirk! T. F. C., Cockayne! Browning's Pass and Rangitata Valley, Haast! Mount Cook district, T. F. C. Westland—Kelly's Hill, Petrie! Mount Alexander, Cockayne! Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan! 3000–5500 ft. December–March. A very remarkable and distinct species, quite unlike any other.
47.	V. tetrasticha, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 212.—A small much-branched shrub forming depressed patches 4–12 in. diam.; branches very numerous, decumbent below, erect or spreading above; branchlets acutely tetragonous with the faces more or less concave, with the leaves on 1/12–1/10 in. diam., black when dry. Leaves most densely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pairs connate at the base and forming a short ring clasping the branch, spreading above, 1/14–1/10 in. long, ovate-deltoid, narrowed into a short subacute tip, thick and coriaceous, concave in front, rounded or flat on the back, not keeled; margins ciliolate. Leaves of young plants linear - spathulate, flat, spreading, ciliolate and sparsely hispid. Flowers in short 2–4-flowered spikes near the ends of the branchlets, small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., white; rhachis and peduncle villous. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube short; limb with four equal spreading rounded lobes. Stamens 2, at first included, but the filaments lengthen before the flower withers. Ovary seated in a cupular disc. Capsule twice as long as the calyx, obovoid, compressed, obtuse.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk, l.c. xxviii. (1896) 521; Cockayne, l.c. xxxi. (1899) 377 (development of seedling). South Island: Nelson—Wairau Mountains, Travers, T. F. C.; Mount Captain, Kirk! Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Cockayne! Black Range, Enys! Kirk! T. F. C., Petrie! Cockayne! Hopkins River, Haast. 3000–6000 ft. December–March. page 529 A well-marked plant, the only near ally of which is the following species, which may prove to be a form of it.
48.	V. quadrifaria, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 521.—Habit, size, and general appearance of V. tetrasticha, but the branchlets are more slender and wiry, about ⅕ in. diam. with the leaves on, tetragonous with the faces flat, not concave. Leaves most densely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pairs very shortly connate at the base and forming a ring clasping the branch, closely appressed, 1/18–1/16 in. long, broadly triangular, acute or subacute, coriaceous, concave in front, rounded on the back, not keeled; margins ciliolate towards the base or throughout their whole length. Flowers small, white, 1/10 in. diam., arranged in very short axillary 2–4-flowered spikes, the spikes usually capitate at the tip of the branchlets. Calyx 4-partite almost to the base; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short, equalling the calyx; lobes 4, rounded, spreading. Stamens 2; filaments short. Ovary seated in a cupular disc. Capsule twice as long as the calyx, oblong-obovoid, compressed, obtuse.—Mitrasacme Cheesemanii, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 348, t. 29, f. 2. South Island: Nelson—Mount Percival, T. F. C.; Mount Charon, Cockayne! Canterbury—Mount Dobson, T. F. C. Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan! 3500–6000 ft. December–March. Very near to the preceding, from which it differs in the more slender branchlets, which are tetragonous with almost flat sides, not concave; and in the smaller leaves, which are more closely appressed, and are broadly triangular with straight edges. In V. tetrasticha the leaves are rather suddenly narrowed above the broad base, so that the margin is curved, not straight. The flowers and capsules are also smaller than in V. tetrasticha.
49.	V. tumida, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 521.—A prostrate or decumbent much-branched plant forming broad depressed patches 6–18 in. diam.; branches very numerous, obtusely tetragonous, with the leaves on 1/12–1/10 in. diam., black when dry. Leaves densely imbricated, opposite pairs connate at the base, 1/15–1/12 in. long, broadly ovate-deltoid, tumid, obtuse, concave in front, rounded or obtusely keeled at the back, margins ciliolate. Flowers in 2–4 flowered abbreviated spikes at the ends of the branchlets, small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., white. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short; limb with 4 nearly equal spreading oblong obtuse lobes. Stamens 2, included; anthers almost as long as the filaments. Ovary seated in a cupular disc. Capsule exceeding the calyx, subcompressed. broadly oblong, obtuse. South Island: Nelson—Gordon's Nob and St. Arnaud Mountains, Monro, T. F. C.; Mount Rintoul and Ben Nevis, F. G. Gibbs! Mount Starveall, W. H. Bryant! Mount Richmond, J. H. Macmahon! Otago—Herb. Buchanan! (exact locality not stated). 3000–5000 ft. December–February. page 530 Nearest to V. tetrasticha, from which it is separated without any difficulty by the obtusely tetragonous branchlets, tumid obtuse leaves, and broader shorter capsule. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that the specimens quoted in the Handbook under V. tetragona from Gordon's Nob (Monro) and Waiau-au Valley (Travers) in reality belong to this species.
50.	V. tetragona, Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 580.—A small usually erect much-branched shrub 6 in. to 3 ft. high; stems ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves; branches stout, rigid, erect, obtusely 4-angled when adult, 1/10–⅙ in. diam. Leaves most densely quadrifariously imbricated, erect, opposite pairs connate at the base, 1/12–1/10 in. long, broadly deltoid-ovate, obtuse, keeled at the back, very thick and coriaceous, smooth and shining, margins and base usually ciliolate or woolly. Flowers 3–8, sessile among the uppermost leaves and forming small terminal heads, ¼–⅓ in. diam., white. Bracts conspicuously furrowed, woolly at the base. Calyx-segments unequal, linear-oblong, obtuse, furrowed. Corolla 4-lobed; lobes spreading, dorsal the largest, obovate, entire or emarginate, anticous the smallest, narrow-oblong. Capsule broadly oblong, subacute, compressed, exceeding the calyx.—Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 194; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 211; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. V. subsimilis, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 278. North Island: Mountain districts from Mount Hikurangi and Tongariro southwards to the Tararua Range, abundant. 2000–5500 ft. December–February. A very remarkable species. Flowerless specimens so closely resemble a Podocarpus or Dacrydium that Sir W. J. Hooker had a plate prepared for the "Icones Plantarum" under the name of Podocarpus Dieffenbachii, I have seen no specimens from the South Island, and it is now quite certain that most (if not all) of the South Island localities assigned to the species in the Handbook belong to other species.
51.	V. lycopodioides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 211.—A stout much-branched shrub 1–4 ft. high; branches rigid, erect, clothed with densely imbricating leaves, acutely or obtusely 4-angled when adult, 1/10–⅙ in. diam. Leaves dimorphic, the adult state most densely quadrifariously imbricated, the opposite pairs connate at the base, 1/12–1/10 in. long,1/10–⅛ in. broad, very broadly ovate-deltoid, concave in front, keeled on the back, suddenly narrowed into a stout obtuse cusp or point, very coriaceous, smooth or more or less distinctly grooved on the back, margins glabrous or ciliolate. Leaves of young plants (frequently found by reversion on older ones as well) twice as long as the mature ones, spreading, linear-subulate with a broad base, entire or more frequently irregularly lobed or almost pectinate-pinnatifid. Flowers crowded at the tips of the branches, forming small terminal heads, ⅓ in. diam., white. Bracts furrowed, ciliolate. Calyx-segments unequal, oblong. Corolla-tube about equal to the calyx; lobes 4, spreading, the page 531 dorsal one the largest. Capsule broadly oblong, subcompressed, exceeding the calyx.—Bot. Mag. t. 7338; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. South Island: Not uncommon in subalpine localities throughout. 2500–5500 ft. December–February. Very closely allied to V. tetragona, from which it can only be distinguished by the more acutely 4-angled branches and rather broader leaves, which are suddenly narrowed into a bluntish cusp or point.
52.	V. Hectori, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 212.—A small robust much-branched shrub 6–30 in. high; stem woody, terete, closely ringed by the scars of the fallen leaves; branches terete or very obscurely tetragonous, stout, rigid, erect, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., blackish-brown when dry. Leaves densely imbricated, opposite pairs connate to the middle or higher and forming a closely appressed ring surrounding the branch (sometimes slightly open at the mouth), 1/10–⅛ in. long, broader than long, broadly orbicular-oblong, obtuse, concave in front, rounded and polished at the back, not keeled, extremely thick and coriaceous, margins of the younger leaves often ciliolate. Leaves of young plants not seen. Flowers axillary, crowded at the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads, about ¼ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube about as long as the calyx; lobes oblong, obtuse, dorsal one the largest. Capsule exceeding the calyx, broadly oblong, subcompressed, obtuse.—Bot. Mag. t. 7415; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352. South Island: Canterbury—Southern Alps, Haast, Armstrong; Mount Cook district, T. F. C. Otago—Mount Alta, Hector and Buchanan! Mount Tyndall and the Hector Mountains, Petrie! Humboldt Mountains, Cockayne! Mount Earnslaw, H. J. Matthews! 3500–6000 ft. January–March. Most nearly allied to V. lycopodioides, but recognised without any difficulty by the terete branchlets, and by the leaves being connate to above the middle, and obtuse, not pointed. The much stouter branchlets at once separate it from V. salicornioides and V. Armstrongii.
53.	V. coarctata, Cheesem. n. sp.—A small stout much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches close, spreading; branchlets numerous, rather stout, 1/12–1/10 in. diam, terete or obscurely tetragonous, densely clothed with appressed imbricating leaves, blackish when dry. Leaves of mature plants densely imbricating, about 1/10 in. long, the opposite pairs connate to above the middle into a ring or sheath closely appressed to the branch, obtuse or subacute, thick and coriaceous, smooth and polished on the back; margins usually ciliolate. Leaves of young plants not seen. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., white, from 4 to 8 near the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads; bracts broad, ciliolate. Calyx short; segments oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube included in the calyx; lobes spreading, the dorsal one the largest. Capsule about ⅙ in. long, nearly twice as long as the calyx, ovoid, obtuse. page 532 South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur and Mount Owen, T. F. C.; Mount Owen and Brunner Range, Townson! 3500–5000 ft. January–March. I describe this as a new species with some hesitation. It appears to be intermediate in characters between V. Hectori and V. Armstrongii, but is much more slender and more copiously branched than the first, and from the latter it differs in being stouter, and in the shorter and broader tightly appressed leaves, which do not form the lax obconic sheaths so characteristic of V. Armstrongii.
54.	V. salicornioides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 212.—A small much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches strict, erect, terete, clothed with imbricating leaves, 1/14–1/12 in. diam., yellowish-brown when dry. Leaves most densely imbricated and appressed to the branch, opposite pairs connate to considerably above the middle and forming a ring surrounding the branch, 1/15–1/16 in. long, subacute or almost truncate, concave in front, rounded at the back; margins usually ciliolate. Leaves of young plants not seen. Flowers 4–8 towards the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads; rhachis villous. Bracts short and broad, ciliolate. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse, margins ciliolate. Corolla white, ¼ in. diam.; tube short; limb 4-lobed, lobes spreading. Capsule longer than the calyx, subcompressed, oblong, obtuse, glabrous.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352; N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron. (1888) vol. i. p. 20, f. 3. South Island: Nelson—Cobb Valley, F. G. Gibbs! Wairau. Mountains, Rough, Travers; Wairau Gorge, T. F. C.; Mount Charon (Hanmer), Cockayne! Canterbury—Rangitata Valley, Haast, Armstrong. 2500–5000 ft. January–March. This has been much misunderstood, the name having been erroneously applied, both in England and in the colony, to the plant described herein as V. propinqua, from which it differs in the more erect habit, in the stouter strict branches, and in the more closely placed broader and shorter leaves.
55.	V. Armstrongii, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xi. (1879) 464.—A small much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, often flabellate; branchlets very numerous, slender, terete, clothed with appressed imbricating leaves, 1/16–1/12 in. diam. Leaves of mature plants closely imbricating, appressed but not very closely so, about 1/10 in. long, opposite pairs connate for the greater part of their length, forming a sheath investing the branch which is wider at the top than the base, and thus almost obconic in shape, truncate or nearly so at the apex, tumid and coriaceous, smooth and rounded on the back, margins usually ciliolate. Leaves of young plants (frequently produced by reversion on old ones as well) spreading, 1/10–⅛ in. long, linear, acute, flat, entire or irregularly lobulate. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., white, 4–8 or more towards the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads; rhachis villous. Calyx-segments unequal, oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short, about equalling the calyx; lobes spreading. Capsule ⅙ in. long. page 533 about twice as long as the calyx, oblong-ovoid, compressed, obtuse or slightly retuse.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352; Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 396, t. 28, 29. South Island: Mountain districts from Nelson to Otago, but not common. 2000–5000 ft. December–February. Closely allied to V. Hectori and V. salicornioides, from both of which it differs, in the more spreading and much more copiously branched habit, and especially in the leaves, which are connate into an almost obconic sheath which is free from the branch at the tip, and truncate, or nearly so.
56.	V. propinqua, Cheesem. n. sp.—A small much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, sometimes decumbent or tortuous; branchlets numerous, slender, about 1/20 in. diam. Leaves of mature plants densely imbricated, the opposite pairs connate for the greater part of their length, each pair forming a closed sheath round the branch 1/10–⅛ in. long, the lower part of which is adnate to the branch, the upper part free and somewhat expanded, the free tips of the leaves very short, obtusely triangular, thick and coriaceous; margins ciliolate. Leaves of young plants free, linear or spathulate, entire or irregularly lobulate-pinnatifid. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., white, 4–8 near the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads; rhachis villous. Calyx small; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube about equalling the calyx; lobes spreading, unequal, the dorsal the largest. Capsule nearly twice as long as the calyx, about ⅛ in. long, ovoid, compressed, obtuse.—V. salicornioides, Hort.(not of Hook. f.). V. cupressoides var. variabilis, N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron. (1888) vol. i. 20, f. 5 (exclude F). South Island: Otago—Upper Waipori and Maungatua, Petrie! Mount Ida and Mount Bonpland, H. J. Matthews! 2500–5000 ft. December–February. This has been cultivated in gardens for many years under the name of V. salicornioides, from which, however, it is altogether distinct, as was first pointed out by Mr. N. E. Brown in the Gardeners' Chronicle. It was referred by Mr. Brown to V. cupressoides, but it differs from that plant in size, mode of growth, leaves, and in the flowers and capsule, and Mr. Brown now agrees with me in considering it to be a distinct species. Its nearest affinity is with V. Armstrongii, but the branches are much more slender, and the leaves smaller and narrower.
57.	V. cupressoides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 212.—A much and closely branched round-topped shrub 3–6 ft. high; branches divaricating; branchlets numerous, green, very slender, 1/30 in. diam. or less, terete, very minutely puberulous or glabrous, clothed with decussate scale-like leaves resembling those of a cypress. Leaves of mature plants in rather remote pairs, considerably shorter than the internodes, 1/20–1/15 in. long, not broader than the branch, ovate-oblong, obtuse, opposite pairs connate at the base, appressed or patent, rather fleshy, glabrous or minutely ciliolate. Leaves of young plants (often produced by reversion on the branches of old page 534 ones) 1/10–¼ in. long, linear-oblong to oblong or oblong-spathulate, acute, narrowed into short free petioles, entire or irregularly lobulate or pinnatifid. Flowers small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., pale bluish-purple or rarely white, sessile or nearly so, 3–8 near the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads. Calyx unequally 4-lobed; lobes short, oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube very short; lobes spreading, dorsal the largest, oblong-obovate, anticous the smallest, linear-oblong. Capsule small, 1/12 in. long, about twice as long as the calyx, linear-obovoid or narrow cuneate-obovoid, retuse at the tip.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron. (1888) vol. i. 20, t. 4 and 6; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 520. South Island: Nelson—Upper Wairau Valley, Sinclair, T. F. C.; Lake Tennyson, T. F. C.; Fowler's Pass and Stanley River, Kirk! Waiau Valley, Travers! Canterbury—Broken River basin, Enys! Kirk! T. F. C.; Harper's Pass and Ashburton Valley, Haast! Otago—Lindis Pass and Lake district, Hector and Buchanan! Lammerlaw Hills, Petrie! 2000–4500 ft. December–February. A very remarkable species, easily distinguished by its cypress-like appearance, very slender branchlets, small scale-like leaves in remote pairs, and small narrow obovoid capsules.
58.	V. Haastii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 213.—A prostrate or decumbent much or sparingly branched glabrous shrub, black when dry; stems woody, tortuous, 4–12 in. long; branches ascending, densely uniformly leafy, obscurely tetragonous, ⅓–⅔ in. diam. with the leaves on. Leaves closely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pars connate at the very base, spreading or suberect, ¼–½ in. long, broadly oblong to obovate, obtuse, concave in front, not keeled at the back, fleshy when fresh, extremely coriaceous and rigid when dry; margins ciliate at the very base. Flowers small, white, most densely compacted in terminal ovoid heads ½–1½ in. long, formed of numerous reduced spikes in the axils of leafy bracts. Bracts oblong or ovate-oblong, about equalling the calyx. Calyx 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube longer than the limb, rather shorter than the calyx; limb exserted, ⅙ in. diam., 4-lobed; lobes ovate, subacute. Capsule about equalling the calyx, ovoid-oblong, acute.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. Var. macrocalyx.—Much more copiously branched, prostrate and trailing, brown when dry. Leaves ⅓–⅔ in. long, obovate or broadly obovate-spathulate, obtuse, bright-green and fleshy when fresh. Bracts lanceolate or linear, acute. Calyx-segments linear, obtuse or subacute, almost equalling the corolla. Corolla-tube longer than the narrow limb.—V. macrocalyx, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 353. South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur, T. F. C. Canterbury—Mount Torlesse and Mount Dobson, Haast, T. F. C.; mountains above the Broken River, Enys! T. F. C.; Mount Darwin and Mount Cook, Haast. Var. macrocalyx: Mount Rolleston and Waimakariri Glacier, Armstrong! T. F. C., Cockayne! Rangitata Valley, Armstrong. 3500–6500 ft. December–February. page 535 A well-marked species. The var. macrocalyx principally differs in its more branched and trailing habit, longer and narrower leaves, which are not so coriaceous when dry, longer and narrower bracts and calyx-segments, and shorter narrower corolla. Mr. N. E. Brown is inclined to treat it as a distinct species, but it appears to me to be connected with the type by intermediate forms.
59.	V. epacridea, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 213.—A small much-branched prostrate or decumbent rigid shrub; stems woody, tortuous, 3–12 in. long; branches curved, ascending at the tips, densely leafy, obscurely tetragonous, ¼–½ in. diam. with the leaves on, glabrous or pubescent above. Leaves closely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pairs connate at the base, spreading and recurved, ⅛–¼ in. long, broadly oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, concave in front, keeled at the back, rigid, very coriaceous; margins usually red, thickened, ciliate towards the base. Flowers small, white, densely packed in terminal ovoid heads ½–1 in. long, formed of numerous reduced spikes in the axils of leafy bracts. Bracts obovate or ovate to linear-obovate, ciliate. Calyx deeply 4-partite, segments unequal, linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube long, narrow, equalling the calyx; limb small, ⅛ in. diam., 4-lobed; lobes ovate, acute, spreading or recurved. Capsule small, ovoid-oblong, exceeding the calyx.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350; Cockayne in Trans, N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 380 (development of seedling). South Island: Nelson—Gordon's Nob, Mount Arthur and Mount Peel, mountains above the Wairau Gorge, T. F. C.; Tarndale, Sinclair; mountains flanking the Clarence and Waiau Valleys, Travers, Kirk! T. F. C. Canterbury—Mount Torlesse and Broken River Basin, Enys! Kirk! Cockayne! T. F. C.; Ashburton Valley, Godley Glacier, Mount Darwin, Haast; Mount Dobson, T. F. C. Otago–Mount Arnould, Petrie! 3000–6500 ft. December–February. Very close to V. Haastii, and there are forms which are quite intermediate, but in the usual state it is easily separated by the smaller size, sharply recurved leaves, and ciliate bracts and calyx-segments.
60.	V. Petriei, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 517.—A decumbent or prostrate sparingly branched woody little plant; branches ascending, 3–6 in. long. Leaves not close-set, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, oblong or linear-oblong, rounded at the apex, narrowed into a short broad petiole, flat, slightly coriaceous, glabrous or the margins minutely glandular-ciliate; the opposite petioles connate at the base and forming a short sheath clasping the branch. Flowering branches clothed with numerous erect linear or linear-lanceolate foliaceous obtuse bracts, each branch ending in a narrow-oblong many-flowered spiciform head ½–1½ in. long. Flowers small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., solitary and sessile in the axils of the bracts, which slightly exceed the calyx. Calyx deeply 4–5-partite; segments very unequal in size, linear, obtuse, minutely ciliate. Corolla hardly exceeding the calyx; tube page 536 cylindrical, longer than the limb, which is 4-lobed, the lobes spreading or reflexed. Stamens included. Capsule small, oblong, turgid.—Mitrasacme Petriei, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 349, t. 30, f. 1. South Island: Otago—Mount Bonpland, Petrie! Bold Peak, near Kinloch, B. C. Aston! A most distinct little plant, not nearly allied to any other. The crowded linear bracts are a very remarkable character.
61.	V. dasyphylla, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 519.—A prostrate rigidly coriaceous woody little plant. Stems much branched, 2–6 in. long; branches short, 1–2 in. high, ascending or erect, pubescent, densely leafy, tetragonous, ¼ in. diam. with the leaves on. Leaves closely quadrifariously imbricate, opposite pairs connate at the base and forming a short ring clasping the stem, spreading above, ⅛–⅙ in. long, oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse, very coriaceous, concave in front, rounded or obscurely keeled at the back; margins ciliate towards the base, cartilaginous above. Flowers large, ⅓–½ in. diam., solitary at the tips of the branchlets, sessile. Calyx 5-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, hispid-pubescent towards the base, margins ciliate. Corolla-tube short, broad; limb with 5 large rounded spreading lobes. Stamens 2; filaments short; anthers large, included. Ovary seated in a cupular disc. Capsule altogether included in the calyx, oblong, turgid, coriaceous, 4-valved.—Logania tetragona, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 188, 737; Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 347, t. 28, f. 2. South Island: Otago—Lake district, Mount Alta, sounds of the West Coast, Buchanan! Old Man Range, Mount Pisa, Ben Lomond, Mount Bonpland, Petrie! Mount Kyeburn, B. C. Aston! 3500–6000 ft. A very peculiar species, remarkable for the large terminal flower and 5-lobed calyx and corolla. Sir J. D. Hooker gives the number of stamens as 5, but all the flowers that I have examined are diandrous, and Kirk and Buchanan make the same statement.
62.	V. uniflora, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 522.—A small rigid prostrate little plant, much and closely branched; branches ascending or erect, ½–1½ in. long, tetragonous, ⅙ in. diam. with the leaves on. Leaves densely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pairs connate at the base, ovate-oblong, obtuse, very coriaceous, concave, margins ciliate below. Flowers solitary, terminal, ¼ in. diam. Calyx 5-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, hispid-glandular throughout. Corolla 5-lobed; lobes rounded, spreading. Stamens 2, included. Ovary villous at the top. Capsule included in the calyx—Logania Armstrongii, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 347, t. 28, f. 3. South Island: Otago—Hector's Col, Mount Aspiring, Buchanan and McKay! 5000 ft. page 537 Probably only a small state of V. dasyphylla, but I retain it until further specimens can be examined. Buchanan's drawing of it is by no means good, the branches not being nearly so acutely tetragonous as shown by him. I have only seen one indifferent specimen.
63.	V. macrantha, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 213.—A short stout sparingly branched erect shrub 1–2 ft. high; branches erect or spreading, rigid, terete or obscurely tetragonous, glabrous or faintly puberulous above. Leaves ½–1 in. long, obovate-lanceolate to obovate or broadly oblong-ovate, obtuse or acute, narrowed into a short stout petiole, obtusely serrate, very thick and corlaceous, smooth, flat, glossy, margins thickened. Racemes few or many, axillary, 3–8-flowered; peduncle slender, usually longer than the leaves; bracts narrow-lanceolate. Flowers large, ¾ in. diam., pure white; pedicels shorter than the calyx. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments lanceolate, acuminate, coriaceous, ¼–⅓ in. long. Corolla-tube short; lobes 4, broad, rounded. Capsule broadly ovoid, acute, equalling or slightly exceeding the calyx-segments.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. South Island: Alpine grassy slopes from Mount Arthur (Nelson) to Lake Te Anau (Otago), chiefly in the central chain of mountains. 2500–5000 ft. December–February. One of the most distinct species of the genus, easily recognised by the sparingly branched rigid habit, very coriaceous toothed leaves, and large pure-white flowers. Specimens from Mount Arthur and other parts of the Nelson District have shorter broader leaves, more numerous racemes, and smaller flowers than is usual in Canterbury and Otago, and may be distinguished as var. brachyphylla.
64.	V. Benthami, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 60, t. 39, 40.—An erect branching shrub 2–4 ft. high; branches stout, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, naked below, leafy above, younger ones bifariously pubescent. Leaves crowded towards the ends of the branches, sessile, opposite pairs connate at the very base, ½–1½ in. long, linear-oblong to obovate-oblong, obtuse, narrowed to the base, flat, coriaceous, veinless, entire or with a few coarse serratures above the middle, margins with a line of white down. Racemes terminating the branches, elongated, 1½–3 in. long, many-flowered, clothed with numerous leafy imbricating bracts ¼–½ in. long. Flowers pedicelled, not exceeding the bracts, ⅓–½ in. diam., bright-blue. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments unequal, oblong-spathulate, margined with white down. Corolla-tube shorter than the calyx; limb 5-lobed, more rarely 3–6-lobed; lobes obovate, obtuse. Stamens 2, rarely 3, short, included. Capsule broadly ovoid, acute, about as long as the calyx.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 214; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. V. finaustrina, Homb. and Jacq. Voy. au Pole Sud, Dicot. t. 9, fig. y. Auckland and Campbell Islands: Rocky places, abundant, Sir J. D. Hooker, Kirk! Chapman! H. J. Matthews! December–February. page 538 A very distinct and beautiful plant, excellently figured in the "Flora Antarctica." As pointed out by Hooker, abnormal flowers are frequently seen in which the corolla is 6-lobed, with 3 stamens and a 3-celled ovary. Other flowers have a 3-lobed corolla, but with the usual number of stamens and a 2-celled ovary.
65.	V. erecta, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 517.—a sparingly branched shrub 6–18 in. high; branches few, slender, strict, erect, terete, sparingly leafy, puberulous above. Leaves in distant pairs, spreading, sessile, ¾–1 in. long, oblong-lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate, acute, entire or obscurely toothed, subcoriaceous, margins minutely puberulous or ciliate. Racemes 2–6, solitary in the axils of the upper leaves, 3–4 in. long, strict, erect, naked below; rhachis pubescent, as are the bracts and short pedicels. Flowers about ⅕ in. diam., often obscurely fascicled or whorled. Calyx deeply 4-partice; segments ovate-oblong, acute, ciliate. Corolla-tube short and broad, shorter than the large spreading limb; lobes 4, broadly ovate, acute. Stamens long, exserted; anthers large, broadly ovate. Immature capsule exceeding the calyx, compressed, oblong, acute. South Island: Otago—Said to have been collected on Mount Bonpland, but exact locality doubtful. A species founded on cultivated specimens sent to Mr. Kirk by the late Mr. Martin, of the Fairfield Gardens, near Dunedin. It does not seem to be closely allied to any other New Zealand species, and its strict erect habit and elongated racemes give it a very peculiar appearance. For the present I place it near to V. Hulkeana, but more specimens are required before its exact position can be determined.
66.	V. Hulkeana, F. Muell. ex Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Ft. 213.—A slender erect laxly branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, sparingly leafy, terete, puberulous above. Leaves in remote pairs, spreading, 1–2 in. long, broadly ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse or acute, obtusely or acutely coarsely serrate, rather fleshy when fresh, dark-green and shining, petiole ¼–½ in. long. Panicle slender, terminal, much branched, 6–12 in. long by 2–6 in. broad, finely pubescent; branches opposite, the lower ones again compound; bracts minute, 1/15 in. long, broadly ovate, obtuse, ciliate. Flowers very numerous, small, sessile,⅕–¼ in. diam., pale-lilac. Calyx rather narrow, 4-partite; segments ovate, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla tube very short; lobes 4, rounded. Stamens 2; anthers broadly ovate, yellow. Capsule small, oblong, obtuse, twice as long as the calyx. Bot. Mag. t. 5484; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. Var. oblonga, T Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 518.—Leaves narrow-oblong, 1–3 in. long including the petiole. Var. Fairfleldii, T. Kirk, l.c.—Smaller and stouter. Leaves smaller, seldom more than 1 in. long, crenate-dentate, with reddish margins. Panicle shorter and broader. Calyx-segments narrower, linear-oblong, pubescent.—V. Fair-fieldii, Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7323. page 539 South Island: Marlborough—Lower Wairau, Travers, Monro; Macrae's Run, Monro; Awatere Valley, MacMahon! Kirk! Kaikoura Mountains,. Sinclair, Buchanan! Kirk! Canterbury—Hills in the northern part of the province, Armstrong! Var. oblonga: Marlborough—Awatere Valley, Kirk! J. H. MacMahon! Mount Fyffe, Cockayne! Sea-level to 3000 ft. November–December. A handsome species, better known in cultivation than in a wild state. Mr. H. J. Matthews informs me that the var. Fairfieldii, which was described as a distinct species by Hooker, originally appeared in the Fairfield Gardens, near Dunedin, where many species of Veronica are cultivated, and has never been found in a wild state. It is probably a hybrid between V. Hulkeana and V. Lavaudiana.
67.	V. Lavaudiana, Raoul, Choix Pl Nouv. Zel. 16, t. 10.—A small sparingly branched shrub 3–9 in. high; branches rather stout, decumbent at the base, then erect, leafy, terete, glabrous below, puberulous above. Leaves rather crowded, spreading, ⅓–1 in. long, broadly obovate or obovate-spathulate, rounded at the tip, gradually narrowed into a short stout petiole, crenate-serrate, very coriaceous, dark-green usually margined with red. Spikes short, ¼–¾ in. long, arranged in a broad hemispherical many-flowered corymb sometimes 2 in. diam. or more; peduncle rather long, erect, and with the pedicels glandular-pubescent; bracts ovate or ovate-lanceolate, pilose and ciliate. Flowers small, sessile, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, pubescent. Corolla-tube rather longer than the calyx; lobes 4, spreading, unequal, obtuse. Capsule exceeding the calyx, oblong, obtuse, pubescent.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 214; Bot. Mag. t. 7210; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. South Island: Canterbury—Abundant in rocky places on Banks Peninsula, Raoul, Lyall, &c.; river-beds of the Canterbury Plains, rare, Lyall, Travers, Armstrong! Sea-level to 2500 ft. November–December.
68.	V. Raoulii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 214.—A stout much-branched woody little shrub 4–12 in. high; branches often procumbent below, terete, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, leafy above, pubescent. Leaves spreading or suberect, ⅓–¾ in. long, oblong-spathulate, obtuse or acute, gradually narrowed into a rather long petiole, crenate-serrate, very thick and coriaceous, yellow-green, flat, veinless. Spikes very short, either arranged in a broad terminal panicle or corymb 1–2 in. across, or forming smaller lateral corymbs or heads; peduncles. and pedicels puberulous; bracts ovate, ciliolate. Flowers small, sessile, ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx 4–partite; segments ovate-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short; lobes 4, broadly oblong, rounded. Capsule exceeding the calyx, oblong, obtuse.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350; Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 379 (development of seedling). page 540 South Island: Nelson—Upper Wairau, Travers, Monro; Upper Clarence, Jollies' Pass, Jack's Pass, &c, T. F. C.; Waiau Valley, Kirk! Canterbury—Banks Peninsula, Raoul, Armstrong! Kowai River, Haast, Petrie! Broken River basin, Enys! Kirk! Cockayne! T. F. C. 500–3500 ft. October–November.
69.	V. pulvinaris, Hook. f. and Benth. Gen. Plant, ii. 964.—A small densely tufted hoary moss-like plant, forming soft rounded cushions 1–3 in. diam.; branches closely compacted, ⅛ in. diam. Leaves very densely imbricate, 1/10 in. long, linear-oblong or linear-spathulate, obtuse or subacute, ⅓–¾ not coriaceous, quite entire, the margins and both surfaces above the middle hispid with copious long white hairs. Flowers terminal, solitary, very shortly pedicelled, about ⅛ in. long, white. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments linear, ciliate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube narrow, slightly longer than the calyx; limb flat, spreading, 5-lobed. Stamens included; filaments very short. Ovary pilose at the tip. Capsule not seen.—Pygmea pulvinaris, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 217; Ic. Plant, t. 1047; Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 352, t. 32, f. 2. South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Marlborough, and Canterbury, abundant. 3500–6500 ft. This and the two following species differ from Veronica in the 5- or 6-partite corolla and in the leaves not being quadrifariously arranged, and constituted the genus Pygmea of the Handbook. In the "Genera Plantarum" the genus was reduced to a section of Veronica, and this view has also been followed by Wettstein in "Die Naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien."
70.	V. Thomsoni, Cheesem.—Very similar in most respects to V. pulvinaris, but rather larger and stouter. Leaves very densely imbricate, 1/10 in. long, rhomboid-obovate or obovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, somewhat thick and fleshy towards the tip, membranous towards the base, quite entire, usually copiously hispid on the margins and back above the middle, upper surface often glabrous. Flowers solitary, terminal, rather larger than in V. pulvinaris. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments linear, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube much longer than the calyx; limb spreading, 5-lobed. Stamens included; filaments very short. Ovary pilose at the tip. Capsule narrowly obcordate, turgid, about as long as the calyx.—Pygmea Thomsoni, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 353, t. 32, f. 3. Var. glabra.—Glabrous, or with a few scattered hairs on the margins of the leaves. South Island: Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan and McKay! Kurow Mountains, Mount St, Bathan's, Mount Pisa, Petrie! 4500–6500 ft. Very near to V. pulvinaris, but the leaves are broader and the corolla larger, with a much longer tube. It is easily confounded with Myosotis pulvinaris.
71.	V. ciliolata, Hook. f. and Benth. Gen. Plant. ii. 964.—A small densely tufted moss-like plant, forming rounded cushions page 541 1–3 in. diam.; branches rather stout,½–1 in. high, rarely more, with the leaves on⅕–¼ in. diam. Leaves densely imbricate,⅛ in. long, broadly obovate-spathulate, rounded at the tip, coriaceous, quite entire, both surfaces glabrous or nearly so, margins ciliate from below the middle with long stiff white hairs. Flowers solitary, terminal, sessile or nearly so, 1/10–⅛ in. long, white. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments linear-spathulate, ciliate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindrical, rather longer than the calyx; limb flat, spreading, 5- or rarely 6-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse. Stamens usually included; filaments short; anthers large. Ovary glabrous. Capsule not seen.—Pygmea ciliolata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 217; lc. Plant. t. 1047; Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 352, t. 32, f. 1. South Island: Nelson—Discovery Peaks, Travers. Canterbury—Hopkins River, Haast. Otago—Mount Alta and Hector's Col, Buchanan! 5000–6500 ft. Distinguished from the two preceding by the stouter branches and more coriaceous broader leaves, ciliate on the margins only. When dry the margins of the eaves are incurved, the hairs all pointing inwards.
72.	V. loganioides, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 359.—A dwarf shrub 6–14 in. high; stems woody, decumbent at the base, erect above; branches numerous, slender, terete, leafy above, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves below, pubescent or almost villous with lax soft greyish-white hairs. Leaves decussate, in rather close-set opposite pairs, erecto-patent, sessile, ⅛–⅙ in. long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire or sometimes with one or two small teeth on each side, dull-green, coriaceous, keeled. Racemes near the tips of the branches, forming a small corymb-like head, short, few-flowered, rhachis and pedicels pubescent or almost villous. Flowers ¼ in. diam., white or white with pink veins. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, acute, ciliolate. Corolla-tube broad and short, not equalling the calyx; limb 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes subequal, orbicular - oblong, obtuse; anticous lobe narrower, oblong. Capsule elliptical-oblong, didymous, turgid, notched at the tip, rather shorter than the calyx. —Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7404. South Island: Canterbury—Rangitata Valley, Armstrong'! Clyde Valley, W. Gray. A very remarkable plant, of dubious affinity, quite unlike any other. Mr. Kirk has pointed out that the capsule is didymous, with the septum across the narrowest diameter; and the short tube of the corolla and large rounded lobes also show a relationship to the herbaceous section of the genus. But the habit of the plant, with its woody stems and small close-set leaves, is nearer that of the section including V. lycopodioides and its allies. Mr. Armstrong's original description is by no means characteristic of the specimens cultivated by him in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. page 542
73.	V. linifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 214.—A small much and diffusely branched procumbent herb; branches slender, often rooting below, ascending at the tips, terete, glabrous, 2–9 in. long or more. Leaves numerous, closely placed, spreading,⅓–1 in. long, 1/10–⅙ in. broad, linear, obtuse at the tip, narrowed into a rather long broad petiole, flat, subcoriaceous, quite entire; margins of petiole ciliate. Racemes 1–3 towards the ends of the branches, 1–2 in. long, slender, naked below, 2–5-flowered; bracts ⅛–⅓ in. long, linear, obtuse; pedicels long, ¼–1 in., slender, curved. Flowers large, ⅓–½ in. diam., white or pale-rose. Calyx ⅙ in. long, deeply 4-partite; segments linear - oblong, obtuse. Corolla - tube very short; limb broad, spreading, 4-lobed; lobes broad, rounded, veined. Stamens equalling the corolla-lobes. Capsule broadly obcordate, rather shorter than the calyx.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 349. South Island: Nelson—Mount Owen, W. Townson! Mount Franklin,. Park; Lake Tennyson, T. F. C. Canterbury—Broken River, Petrie! Craigie-burn Mountains, Cockayne; Upper Waimakariri, Enys! T. F. C.; Ashburfon Mountains, Potts! Clyde Glacier and Mount Darwin, Haast. Westland—Otira Valley, T. F. C.; Okarito, A. Hamilton. Otago—Lake Wanaka,. Buchanan! mountains near Arrowtown, Petrie! 1500–4500 ft. December–January. A very distinct and well-marked plant.
74.	V. catarractæ, Forst. Prodr. n. 9.—Stems slender, terete, sparingly branched, suberect, or prostrate below and then ascending, 6–24 in. long, glabrous or bifariously pubescent, woody at the base. Leaves rather distant, shortly petiolate, spreading, 1–4 in. long, lanceolate or ovate - lanceolate, acuminate, coarsely and sharply serrate, coriaceous or submembranous, flat, 1-nerved, paler beneath. Racemes few or many towards the tips of the branches, solitary and axillary, slender, curved or erect, 3–9 in. long, many-flowered; pedicels slender, puberulous, ⅓–1 in. long; bracts linear-subulate. Flowers ⅓–½ in. diam., white or pale-rose. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate - lanceolate or oblong - ovate, acute or acuminate. Corolla with a very short tube and 4 rounded spreading lobes. Capsule broadly oblong, turgid, emarginate or almost 2-lobed, usually about ⅓ longer than the calyx.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv Zel. 189; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 380; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216. V. irrigans, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ii. (1870) 94. Var. lanceolata. Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195.—Stems shorter and more slender. Leaves ½–1½ in. long, 1/12–⅛ in. broad, linear or narrow linear-lanceolate. —Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216. V. lanceolata, Benth. in. D.C. Prodr. x. 462. Var. diffusa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216.—Procumbent, diffusely branched. Leaves ½–1½ in. long, ovate or ovate-oblong, acute. Calyx-segments ovate, acute.—V. diffusa, Hook. f. Ic. Plant. t. 645; Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195. North and South Islands: From the Thames goldfields to the south of Otago, but often local. Most plentiful on the west coast of the South Island. Sea-level to 3000 ft. November–January. page 543 An exceedingly variable plant. Forster's type, judging from the description given by A. Richard, is a rather small-leaved state, with lanceolate leaves 1–2 in. long; and according to Mr. N. E. Brown corresponds to the var. minor of the "Flora Novæ-Zealandiæ." But it; passes insensibly into a much more luxuriant state, with leaves sometimes over 4 in. long, and with longer racemes. This again varies into var. lanceolata, Mr. Kirk's V. irrigans being about half-way between the two. Var. diffusa is also connected by numerous intermediates.
75.	V. Lyallii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 196.—Stems slender, prostrate and rooting, much and diffusely branched, 3–18 in. long, more rarely suberect from a prostrate base; branches terete, usually bifariously pubescent, sometimes conspicuously so, rarely almost glabrous. Leaves shortly petioled, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, broadly ovate or almost orbicular to oblong-ovate, obtuse or subacute, with 2 or 3 coarse blunt serratures on each side, thick and coriaceous, glabrous, often reddish on the midrib beneath and on the petiole. Racemes several, few- or many-flowered, on slender erect peduncles 2–6 in. long usually springing from near the ends of the branches but sometimes lateral, glabrous or more or less pubescent; pedicels slender, the lowest ½ in. long or more. Flowers ⅓ in. diam., white with pink veins. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, acute, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube very short; limb broad, spreading, with 4 rounded lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule broadly obovate-oblong, turgid, 2-lobed or emarginate, exceeding the calyx.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 215; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii, (1881) 349. Var. suberecta, Cheesem.—Stem woody at the base; branches slender, wiry, erect or suberect. Leaves usually narrower, oblong or obovate-oblong, with coarser and more numerous teeth, sometimes almost lobed.—V. Lyallii var. β, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 196. North Island: Ruahine and Tararua Mountains, apparently not common. South Island: Hilly or mountainous districts, abundant, especially on the west side of the Island. Sea-level to 4500 ft. November–March. A very variable little plant, but on the whole recognised without much difficulty by the prostrate and diffusely branched mode of growth, small broad glabrous leaves, and slender many-flowered racemes of rather large flowers. V. catarractæ is a much taller and more erect plant, with much longer and narrower leaves and larger flowers. V. Bidwillii differs in its smaller leaves and longer strict racemes. V. Olseni is smaller and stouter, with more of the habit of V. Hookeriana, and has more pubescent racemes and fewer flowers; while V. Hookeriana is separated by the stouter and more rigid habit, pubescent leaves, and much stouter glandular-pubescent raceme with fewer white flowers. The V. Lyallii of the Botanical Magazine (t. 6456) seems to me to be quite different from the true Lyallii in the greater size, erect habit, larger ovate acute leaves, and larger flowers, and probably represents a distinct species intermediate between V. Lyallii and V. catarractæ, but I have seen no specimens.
76.	V. Bidwillii, Hook. Ic. Plant, t. 814.—Stems slender, prostrate and rooting, much branched, woody at the base, 3–12 in. long; branches creeping, often matted, glabrous or pubescent. Leaves rather distant, shortly petioled or almost sessile, minute,1/10–¼ in. page 544 long, broadly oblong or obovate, obtuse, with 1 or 2 deep notches on each side or entire, thick and coriaceous, black when dry. Peduncles axillary, remote from the ends of the branches, very long, 3–9 in., slender, strict, erect, glabrous or puberulous, few- or many-flowered; pedicels slender, erect, ¼–½ in. long; bracts small, oblong or linear-oblong, obtuse. Flowers about ⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate or oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube very short; limb with four spreading rounded lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule broadly oblong, retuse, exceeding the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 196; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 215; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 349. South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts as far south as central Otago, usually on shingle-beds by the sides of streams, ascending to 4000 ft. November–February. A much more prostrate plant than V. Lyallii, with smaller leaves which usually have only one or two serratures on each side, and with very long strict peduncles.
77.	V. Hookeriana, Walp. Rep. iii. 341. A small stout much or sparingly branched prostrate herb 3–10 in. long; branches short, stout, ascending, leafy, glandular-pubescent. Leaves crowded, very shortly petiolate, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, broadly ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse, coarsely and obtusely crenate, thick and coriaceous, rigid, often black when dry, pubescent on both surfaces or glabrous above. Peduncles usually several, lateral or near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long, stout, erect, densely pubescent, bearing a 4–8-flowered corymbose raceme at the top; bracts, pedicels, and calyces densely glandular-pubescent. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam., white or white streaked with pink. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate, obtuse. Corolla-tube very short; limb broad, spreading, 4-lobed; lobes rounded. Stamens rather shorter than the lobes. Capsule broadly oblong, about one-third longer than the calyx when mature.—V. nivea, Hook. f. Ic. Plant, t. 640 (not of Lindl.). V. nivalis, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 477; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 196; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 215. V. compacta, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 202. North Island: Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, Bidwill, Hill! Ruapehu, Kirk! Rev. F. H. Spencer! Petrie! 3000–5000 ft. The usual state of this plant is excellently figured in the "Icones Plantarum." Its distinguishing characters are the stout habit, rather large closely placed almost sessile rigid and coriaceous leaves, stout glandular-pubescent peduncles, and short corymbose racemes of rather large flowers.
78.	V. Olseni, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 607.—Stems prostrate, sparingly branched; branches short, rooting at the nodes, densely pubescent with short spreading hairs. Leaves shortly petioled, rather close-set, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, broadly ovate or almost orbicular, obtuse, deeply and coarsely serrate, page 545 thick and coriaceous, glabrous, dark-green. Racemes many-flowered, on strict erect densely pubescent lateral peduncles 3–5 in. long; pedicels ¼–½ in. long, slender. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam., white with pink veins. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments broadly ovate, obtuse, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube very short, limb with 4 rounded spreading lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule broadly oblong, turgid, emarginate, one-third as long again as the calyx. North Island: Ruahine Range, Colenso! Olsen! Petrie! 2000–4000 ft. December–March. I retain this as a species for the present, although far from satisfied as to its distinctness from V. Hookeriana, from which it differs mainly in the more slender mode of growth, glabrous leaves, more slender and less pubescent many-flowered racemes, and in the narrower capsule. It is apparently intermediate between V. Hookeriana and V. Lyallii.
79.	V. spathulata, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 477.—A small prostrate excessively branched pubescent little plant, forming dense patches 3–9 in. across; branches short, stout, ascending, leafy, clothed with crisped white hairs. Leaves crowded, spreading, petiolate,⅙–½ in. long including the petiole, ovate-spathulate or deltoid-spathulate, obtuse, coarsely crenate or crenate-lobed, thick and coriaceous, black when dry, more or less hairy on both surfaces; petiole about as long as the blade, broad, channelled. Peduncles near the tips of the branches, short, stout, pubescent, equalling the leaves or nearly twice as long as them, 2–5-flowered; bracts foliaceous, and with the pedicels and calyces densely pubescent. Flowers ¼ in. diam., white. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong or obovate-obiong, obtuse. Corolla-tube short; limb broad, 4-lobed, lobes rounded. Stamens 2, shorter than the corolla-lobes Capsule equalling or slightly exceeding the calyx, broadly obcordate, pubescent.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 197; Handb. N.'Z. Fl. 216; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 349. V. vulcanica, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 203. V. subrosulata, Col. l.c. xxxi. (1899) 278. North Island: Tongariro, Bidwill; Ruapehu, Tryon! Hill! Petrie! Rev. F. H. Spencer! Ruahine Mountains, Hill! 3000–6000 ft. Nearest to V. Hookeriana, but more depressed and much more branched, leaves spathulate on longer petioles, peduncles much shorter, and capsule broader and obcordate.
80.	V. plebeia, R. Br. Prodr. 435.—Stems slender, leafy, prostrate and rooting, much and diffusely branched, elongated, 1–3 ft. long, usually minutely pubescent. Leaves on rather long petioles; blade ½–1. in. long, broadly ovate or deltoid, obtuse or subacute, cordate or truncate at the base, coarsely and irregularly acutely toothed, 3-nerved, glabrous or sparsely hairy. Racemes lateral, axillary, pedunculate, 2–5 in. long, slender, loosely 5–10-flowered; page 546 pedicels spreading, ⅓–½ in. long; bracts linear-obovate. Flowers small, ⅙ in. diam. Calyx 4 - partite; segments obovate - oblong, obtuse or subacute, enlarging in fruit. Corolla-tube very short; limb with 4 rounded lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule transversly oblong or orbicular, compressed, slightly emarginate, altogether included in the enlarged calyx.—Benth. Fl. Austral. iv. 510. V. elongata, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 478; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 197; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216. V. calycina, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 382 (not of R. Br.). North Island.— In. lowland situations from the North Cape to the Thames River, rare and local.
81.	V. Anagallis, Linn. Sp. Plant. 12.—Stems stout, succulent, glabrous, decumbent at the base, then erect, simple or sparingly branched, 6–18 in. high. Leaves sessile and semiamplexicaul, 1–3 in. long, oblong-lanceolate or linear-oblong, subacute or obtuse, often cordate at the base, more or less serrate or almost entire, membranous when dry. Racemes numerous towards the ends of the branches, axillary, suberect, 4–10 in. long, many - flowered; bracts small, linear or lanceolate. Flowers small, ⅕–¼ in. diam., pale - blue or almost white. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute. Corolla-tube very short; limb 4-lobed, spreading. Capsule broadly oblong, notched, shorter than the calyx.—Hook;. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 197; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216. North Island: Hawke's Bay, watery places, Colenso! This has not been observed since its original discovery by Mr. Colenso, more than fifty years ago. Although a widely distributed plant in the Northern Hemisphere it is unknown in the southern, except in South Africa, where it is supposed to be an introduction, and in New Zealand. Possibly Mr. Colenso's specimens were introduced as well; but if so, it is remarkable that the plant should have apparently disappeared.
82.	V. Muelleri, Buch, in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 351, t. 32.—Stems prostrate or rooting, branched, 6–18 in. long, putting up numerous short suberect branchlets ½–2 in. long. Leaves crowded towards the tips of the branchlets, spreading, petioled, ⅕–⅓ in. long, linear-obovate to ovate-oblong, obtuse, entire or with 1 or 2 coarse notches on each side, coriaceous, glabrous or the petioles ciliate on the margins. Flowers solitary and axillary at the tips of the branches, almost hidden by the leaves, sessile or shortly pedicelled, ⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments linear-obovate, obtuse. Corolla-tube rather long, exceeding the calyx; limb spreading, 4-lobed. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule equalling the calyx or rather shorter than it, transversely oblong, didymous. South Island: Otago—Hector's Col, Mount Aspiring Range, alt. 5000 ft., Buchanan and McKay! page 547 Of this I have only seen two very indifferent specimens in Mr. Buchanan's herbarium, both long past flower. It is clearly a very distinct species, and, if Mr. Buchanan's plate is correct, differs widely from all the New Zealand species belonging to the section with didymous capsules in the elongated tube of the corolla.
83.	V. Cheesemanii, Benth. in Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 1366A.—Small, greyish-green, densely tufted, forming rounded cushions 2–5 in. diam., pubescent in all its parts; branches slender, closely compacted. Leaves spreading, ⅛–½ in. long, narrow - obovate, obtuse, coarsely and obtusely toothed or lobed, puberulous on both surfaces, narrowed into a long or short broad petiole. Flowers solitary and axillary, subsessile, small, white,⅛ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite, segments linear - spathulate, spreading, coarsely toothed towards the tip. Corolla slightly longer than the calyx; tube very short; limb with 4 obovate emarginate lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Ovary broadly ovoid, hispid. Capsule shorter than the calyx, broadly didymous, slightly compressed, hispid, 4-valved to the base.—Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 299. South Island: Nelson—Summit of Gordon's Nob and the Raglan Mountains, T. F. C.; Mount Starveall, F. G. Gibbs! Canterbury—Shingle-slopes near the source of the Otira River, T. F. C., Cockayne! 3500–5500 ft. A peculiar little plant, with much of the aspect of a small Euphrasia.
84.	V. canescens, T. Kirk in Traits. N.Z. Inst. ix. (1877) 503, t. 19.—A small creeping and rooting herb with intricately branched stems 1–4 in. long, often forming broad matted patches, everywhere hispid with greyish - white hairs. Leaves minute, spreading, shortly petioled or subsessile, 1/12–1/10 in. long, obtuse, entire, more or less densely clothed on both surfaces with curved hispid hairs. Flowers solitary and axillary, large for the size of the plant, ¼–⅓ in. diam., pale-blue; peduncles short, slender,¼ in. long, with two hispid bracts below the middle. Calyx 4–5-partite; segments linear - oblong, hispid. Corolla-tube very short; limb spreading, 4-lobed; lobes unequal, oblong, often emarginate. Capsule small, broadly oblong, slightly compressed, retuse, altogether included in the calyx.—Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 516. South Island: Canterbury—Lake Forsyth, Kirk! Lake Ellesmere, Armstrong; Lake Lyndon, Enys! Kirk! T. F. C.; Mackenzie Plains, Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, T. F. C. Otago—Near Oamaru, Buchanan! central Otago, plentiful, Petrie! Wycliffe Bay, near Dimedin, B. C. Aston! Sea-level to 3000 ft. December–March. Usually found on the dried-up margins of lakes and pools. It is probably not uncommon in suitable localities on the eastern side of the South Island, but is easily overlooked, except when in flower.

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Manual of the New Zealand Flora.

7. Veronica, Linn

7. Veronica, Linn.

Leaves 2–4 × 1–1¾ in., obovate, obtuse, dark-green. Racemes not much longer than the leaves, broad and dense. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. ¼–⅓ Capsule in., twice as long as the calyx	1. V. speciosa.
Leaves 2–4 × ½–1 in., linear-oblong, fleshy, pale-green. Racemes 3–5 in. Flowers ¼ in. diam. Capsule ⅕–¼ in., nearly thrice as long as the calyx	2. V. Dieffenbachii.
Leaves 1½–2 × ⅓–⅔ in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, fleshy. Racemes 1½–2–½ in. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Capsule ⅙ in., twice as long as the calyx	3. V. Barkeri.
Leaves 1½–3 × ½–1½ in., obovate-oblong to linear-oblong. Racemes 2–5 in., often curved, very dense. Flowers ⅛–⅙ in. diam. Capsule ⅛ in., nearly twice as long as the calyx	4. V. macroura.
Leaves ¾–1¼ × ¼–½ in., oblong or elliptic-oblong. Racemes 2–3 in., dense-flowered. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, equalling the short corolla-tube. Capsule ⅙ in., elliptic, twice as long as the calyx	5. V. divergens.
Leaves 1–2 × ¼–½ in., linear-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute. Racemes 2–3 in., lax. Flowers	page 493
⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute, longer than the short and broad corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in	6. V. ligustrifolia
Leaves1½ × ⅓–½ in., oblong-lanceolate, pubescent with short soft hairs. Other characters as in V. salicifolia	7. V. pubescens.
Leaves 2–6 × ⅓–⅔ in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute, glabrous. Racemes 3–10 in. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Corolla-tube longer than the calyx. Capsule ⅛–⅙ in., ovate, acute, scarcely twice the length of the calyx	8. V. salicifolia.
Leaves ¾ × ¾–1¼ in., oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, subacute. Racemes 3–6 in. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Capsule ⅕ in., suborbicular, obtuse, twice as long as the calyx	9. V. rotundata.
Leaves 3–6 × ⅓–1 in., lanceolate, acute. Racemes 3–7 in. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Capsule large, ¼–⅓ in., ovate, acute, thrice as long as the calyx	10. V. macrocarpa
Leaves 1–3 × ½–1 in., elliptic-lanceolate or elliptic-oblong, acute. Racemes 2–4 in., lax. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments acute ¼Capsule in, twice as long as the calyx	11. V. amabilis.
Leaves 1½–2½ × ¾–1 in., oblong or elliptic-oblong, margins and midrib and branchlets pubescent. Racemes short, stout, 2–2½ in. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., bluish-white. Capsule ¼ in., twice as long as the calyx	12. V. Lewisii.
Prostrate or trailing. Leaves ½–1½ × ¼–¾ in., obovate-oblong to elliptic-oblong, obtuse. Racemes short and dense, obtuse. Flower ⅕–¼ in. diam. Capsule twice as long as the calyx	13. V. chathamica.

Small shrub. Leaves 2–3 × ⅙–¼ in., linear-lanceolate, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in. Calyx-segments long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, exceeding the short and broad corolla-tube	14. V. acutiflora.
Large spreading shrub. Leaves 1½–3½ × ⅙–¼ in., narrow-linear or linear-lanceolate, often deflexed. Racemes 2–5 in., longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Calyx-segments small, oblong, obtuse, one-third the length of the narrow corolla-tube	15. V. angustifolia.
Large shrub or small tree, 6–20 ft. Leaves 1–2½ × ⅙–¼ in., linear-lanceolate, acute. Racemes equalling the leaves, dense-flowered. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Calyx-segments broadly oblong, obtuse, half the length of the broad corolla-tube. Capsule ⅙ in.	16. V. parviflora.
Leaves ¾–1¼ × ⅕–⅓ in., linear-oblong, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in., much longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments small, oblong, obtuse, about half the length of the corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in., broadly oblong	17. V. leiophylla.
Leaves 1–2½ × ⅕–⅓ in., lanceolate, acute, flat. Racemes 3–5 in., much longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments short, obtuse, not much shorter than the corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in. long, broadly oblong	18. V. gracillima.

Leaves¾–1¼ × ⅙–⅓ in., oblong - obovate, flat or nearly so, glaucous. Racemes corymbosely branched, ¾–1½ in. long. Flowers ¼ in. diam., lavender-blue. Calyx-segments ovate, acute. Corolla-tube half as long again as the calyx. Capsule more than twice as long as the calyx	19, V. insularis.
Leaves ½–¾ × ¼ in., elliptic-oblong, acute, flat or nearly so. Racemes much branched, forming a terminal panicle 2 in. diam. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments narrow-ovate, acute. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx	20. V. venustula.
Leaves ½–1 × ⅛–⅙ in., linear-oblong, rigid, acute, keeled. Racemes about 1 in., much corymbosely branched. Calyx usually 3-partite; segments obtuse. Corolla-tube not much longer than the calyx. Capsule ⅙ in., twice as long as the calyx	21. V. diosmæfolia
Leaves ½–1 × ⅙–¼ in., lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute, flat or slightly keeled. Racemes 1–2 in., much corymbosely divided. Calyx 4-partite; segments acute. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ⅕ in.	22. V. Menziesii.
Leaves ¾–1½*⅕–⅓ in., linear-oblong, acute, flat, glaucous, margins often incised. Racemes exceeding the leaves, sparingly divided, rarely simple. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube shorter than the calyx	23. V. Colensoi.
Leaves½–¾ × ⅙–¼ in., linear-oblong or narrow obovate-oblong, acute, keeled, rigid, glaucous. Racemes short, equalling the leaves, trifurcate. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ⅛–⅙ in.	24. V. rigidula.
Leaves ½–1 × ¼–⅓ in., long-petioled, linear-obovate to linear-oblong, obtuse, flat, glaucous. Racemes trifurcate. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube half as long again as the calyx. Capsule ¼ in. long, broadly oblong	25. V. rupicola.
Leaves ⅓–⅔ × ⅕–⅓ in., ovate-oblong or obovate-oblong, closely imbricate, rigid, keeled. Racemes ¾–1¼ in., corymbosely branched. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube less than twice as long as the calyx	26. V. lævis.

Leaves ½–1¼ × ¼–½ in., elliptic-oblong, apiculate, petiolate. Branchlets and margins of leaves hoary. Racemes 1–1½ in. long. Flowers large, white, ½ in. diam. or more, sweet-scented. Capsule ¼–⅓ in.	27. V. elliptica.
Leaves ¾–1½ × ⅓–⅔ in., oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in. long, dense. Flowers large, white or purplish, ⅓ in. diam. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx	28. V. Matthewsii.page 495
Leaves ⅓–¾ in., elliptic-ovate, margins red. Racemes 2–3 in. long. Flowers large, pale violet-blue, ⅓–½ in. diam. Calyx-segments acute, equalling the short corolla-tube	29. V. Balfouriana.
Leaves ½–¾ × ⅙–⅓ in., ovate-lanceolate to narrow elliptic-oblong, acute, flat, glaucous. Racemes ¾–1½ in. long. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx - segments broadly ovate, almost as long as the corolla-tube	30. V. Darwiniana.
Leaves ½–1 × ⅙–⅓ in., elliptic-oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute, keeled or flat, often close-set. Racemes 1–3 in. long. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx-segments broadly oblong, obtuse, corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx (longer in var. elegans)	31. V. Traversii.
Leaves ¾–1½ × ⅕–⅓ in., lanceolate, acute or subacute, flat. Racemes 1–2 in. long. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube scarcely longer than the calyx; limb longer than the tube	32. V. subalpina.
Leaves ¼–⅔ × ⅙–⅓ in., obovate-oblong, flat, obtuse or apiculate, often distichous. Racemes ½–1½ in. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule twice as long as the calyx or more	33. V. vernicosa.
Leaves ¾–1 × ¼–⅓ in., narrow - obovate, obtuse, flat or nearly so. Racemes 1–2 in., lax. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx	34. V. obovata.
Leaves ⅔–1 × ⅓–½ in., obovate-oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, slightly concave, usually close-set. Racemes 1–1½ in. long. Calyx-segments oblong-ovate, obtuse, Corolla-tube scarcely longer than the calyx	35. V. monticola.
Leaves⅓–⅔ × ¼–⅓ in., oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse, flat, glaucous beneath, black when dry; branchlets pubescent. Racemes½–1 in. Flowers ¼–⅓ in., white. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube as long as the calyx	36. V. Cockayniana.

Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅓ in., obovate-oblong, closely imbricate, keeled, truncate or subcordate at the base. Spikes crowded at the ends of the branches; bracts large, coriaceous	37. V. buxifolia.
Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅛–⅕ in., linear - oblong, keeled. Spikes crowded, forming a short terminal panicle. Corolla often 3-lobed, the auticous lobe either suppressed or very small	38. V. anomala.
Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅓ in., oblong-obovate, flat or slightly concave, margins bright-red. Racemes short, dense. Calyx-segments ovate, acute. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous	39. V. decumbens.
Leaves ⅓–¾ × ¼–½ in., ovate, margins fringed with long soft hairs. Racemes slightly longer than the leaves, densely villous. Calyx-segments lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx	40. V. Gibbsii.
Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅔ in., broadly obovate or suborbicular, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes crowded, short, stout, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous	41. V. carnosula.page 496
Leaves ½–1¼ × ⅓–⅔ in., cordate or semiamplexicaul, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes 1–1½ in. long, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule oblong, obtuse, pubescent	42. V. amplexicaulis.
Leaves ¼–¾–⅙–½ in., obovate-oblong or suborbicular, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes short, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule oblong or obovate, obtuse, pubescent	43. V. pinguifolia.
Leaves ⅛–⅓ × ⅙–¼ in., broadly oblong or suborbicular, concave, nerveless, very coriaceous. Spikes short, dense, villous. Calyx-segments obtuse, exceeding the corolla-tube. Capsule oblong, obtuse, pubescent	44. V. Buchanani.
Leaves ⅛–⅓ in., obovate-oblong to lanceolate, usually lax, glaucous, obtusely keeled. Spikes ½–1 in., villous. Calyx-segments ovate, acute, exceeding the corolla-tube. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous or pubescent	45. V. pimeleoides.

Laxly branched, 3–12 in. long; branches ⅓ in. diam. Leaves ⅙–⅓ in., erecto-patent, linear-oblong, obtuse, margins strongly ciliate-denticulate	46. V. Gilliesiana.
Much and closely branched, 3–9 in. diam.; branches 1/12–1/10 in. diam., tetragonous with the faces concave. Leaves most densely quadrifarious, 1/14–1/10 in., ovate or narrow-deltoid, narrowed to a subacute point	47. V. tetrasticha.
Much and closely branched, 3–9 in. diam.; branches 1/15 in. broad, tetragonous with the faces flat. Leaves most densely quadrifarious, 1/18–1/16 in. long, broadly triangular, acute	48. V. quadrifaria.

Prostrate, forming patches 6–18 in. across; branches 1/12–1/10 in. diam., obtusely tetragonous. Leaves densely quadrifarious, 1/15–1/12 in. long, broadly ovate-deltoid, obtuse, tumid	49. V. tumida.
Stout, erect; branches tetragonous, 1/10–⅙ in. diam. Leaves 1/12–1/10 in. long, deltoid-ovate, obtuse	50. V. teragona.
Stout, erect; branches tetragonous,1/10–⅙ in. diam. Leaves 1/12–1/10 in. long, broadly deltoid-ovate, suddenly narrowed into a short obtuse cusp	51. V. lycopodioides.
Stout, erect; branchlets terete or obscurely tetragonous, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., blackish-brown when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/10 in. long, orbicular-oblong, obtuse	52. V. Hectori.page 497
Stout, erect or decumbent; branches terete or obscurely tetragonous, 1/12–1/10 in. diam., blackish-brown when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/10 in. long, tips obtuse or subacute	53. V. coarctata.
Strict, erect; branchlets terete, 1/14–1/12 in. diam., yellow-green when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/15–1/12 in. long, subacute or truncate at the tip	54. V. salicornioides.
Spreading, much branched; branches often flabellate; branchlets terete, slender, 1/16–1/14 in. diam. Leaves connate into an obconic sheath or ring 1/10 in. long loosely investing the branch, and which is open at the top and truncate or nearly so	55. V. Armstrongii.
Spreading or decumbent; branchlets terete, very slender, 1/20 in. diam. Leaves connate into a narrow sheath 1/10–⅛ in. long, lower part adnate to the branch, upper part free and slightly expanded	56. V. propinqua.

Leaves densely imbricated, fleshy when fresh, erect or spreading, not keeled	58. V. Haastii.
Leaves densely imbricated, spreading and recurved, coriaceous, sharply keeled	59. V. epacridea.
Leaves not imbricated, spreading, oblong, flat. Bracts very numerous, crowded, linear	60. V. Petriei.

Branches ¼ in. diam. Leaves oblong-obovate, ⅛–⅙ in. long. Calyx hispid below	61. V. dasyphylla.
Branches ⅙ in. diam. Leaves oblong, 1/10–⅛ in. long. Calyx hispid throughout. Ovary villous at the tip	62. V. uniflora.

Rigid, sparingly branched. Leaves ½–1 in., narrow-obovate. Racemes short, 5–8-flowered. Flowers 4-merous, large, white, ¾ in. diam.	63. V. macrantha.
Much branched. Leaves ½–1½ in., linear-oblong, margined with white down. Racemes long, many-flowered. Flowers 5-merous, bright-blue, ⅓–½ in. diam.	64. V. Benthami.
Sparingly branched, erect. Leaves ¾–1 in., oblong-lanceolate, entire or obscurely toothed. Racemes long, 3–4 in., strict. Flowers small, ⅕ in. diam.	65. V. erecta.

Laxly branched, 1–3 ft. high. Leaves 1–2 in., broadly ovate. Panicle terminal, slender, much branched, 6–12 in. long. Flowers ¼ in. diam.	66. V. Hulkeana.
Decumbent below, 4–8 in. high. Leaves ⅓–1 in., broadly ovate. Flowers in a dense corymb 1–2 in. across	67. V. Lavaudiana.
Decumbent or erect, 4–12 in. high. Leaves ⅓–¾ in., oblong-spathulate. Flowers in lateral and terminal clusters, often forming a close terminal panicle	68. V. Raoulii.

Leaves 1/10 in., linear-oblong, margins and both surfaces above the middle hoary with long white hairs	69. V. pulvinaris.
Leaves 1/10–⅛ in., rhomboid-obovate, margins and back above the middle hispid, rarely almost glabrous	70. V. Thomsoni.
Leaves ⅛–⅙ in., broadly obovate-spathulate, coriaceous, margins ciliate with long stiff hairs, both surfaces glabrous	71. V. ciliolata.

Stems woody, much branched, 6–12 in. high; branches slender. Leaves ⅛–⅙ in., ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire or toothed. Racemes short, crowded at the tips of the branches.	72. V. loganioides.
Stems procumbent and ascending, diffusely branched, 2–9 in.long. Leaves ⅓–1 in., linear, obtuse, entire	73. V. linifolia.
Stems prostrate below, erect above, simple or sparingly branched, 6–24 in. long. Leaves ½–4 in, lanceolate to ovate, serrate. Racemes 3–9 in. long	74. V. catarractæ.
Stems prostrate and rooting, diffusely branched, 3–18 in. long. Leaves ¼–¾ in., ovate or oblong, serrate, glabrous. Racemes slender, glabrous or nearly so	75. V. Lyallii.
Stems prostrate and rooting, much branched, 3–10 in. long. Leaves minute, 1/10–¼ in., with 1 or 2 teeth on each side. Peduncle long, strict, erect	76. V. Bidwillii.
Stems stout, prostrate, 3–10 in. long. Leaves crowded, ¼–½ in., ovate, serrate, usually pubescent on both surfaces. Raceme very stout, densely glandular-pubescent, 4–8-flowered. Capsule broadly oblong	77. V. Hookeriana.
Stems rather slender, prostrate, 3–6 in. long. Leaves ¼–½ in., ovate, serrate, glabrous. Racemes rather slender, pubescent, many-flowered. Capsule oblong	78. V. Olseni.page 499
Stems tufted and prostrate, much branched, 3–6 in. long. Leaves ⅙–½ in., ovate- or deltoid-spathulate, crenate-lobed, glandular - pubescent; petioles long. Racemes very short	79. V. spathulata.
Stems prostrate, elongated, 1–3 ft. long. Leaves petiolate; lamina ½–1 in., ovate-deltoid, coarsely toothed. Racemes lateral, short, 2–5 in. long	80. V. plebeia.
Stems suberect, glabrous, 6–18 in. high. Leaves 1–3 in., linear-oblong, serrate, sessile. Racemes 4–10 in. long, many-flowered	81. V. Anagallis.

Stems prostrate, 6–12 in. long; branchlets erect. Leaves ⅕–⅓ in., oblong or obovate, toothed or entire. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam.	82. V. Muelleri.
Densely tufted, forming rounded patches 2–5 in. across. Leaves ⅓–½ in., narrow - obovate, coarsely toothed. Flowers ⅛ in. diam. Calyx-segments toothed	83. V. Cheesemauii.
Creeping, matted. Leaves minute, 1/12–1/10 in., ovate, entire. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam.	84. V. canescens.