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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 78

Flora

page 67

Flora

Many flowers and trees which now grow wild in this country are not indigenous, but for the most part this brief note will treat of the indogen rather than of the exogen. Among the most beautiful flowers to be seen in New Zealand are those of two trees, the Rata (Metrosideros robusta), and the Pohutukawa (Metrosideros tomentosa). In summer time the bright red blossoms of these trees are a brilliant contrast to the prevailing greens of the surrounding foliage. Several species of Clematis are found on the fringe of the bush. The commonest variety is the large-flowered white Clematis indivisa, or as the Maori calls it, Puawananga. The Houhere, known by its pretty white flowers, is abundant in many parts, and the Clianthus puniceus (Maori, Kowhai-ngutu-kaka) is a gorgeous New Zealand pea, whose scarlet flowers are often seen in gardens. The Kowhai (Sophora tetraptera) is a handsome tree, and its golden yellow flowers are easily recognisable. The two species of Manuka, the accent on the first syllable (Leptospermum scoparium and L. ericoides) are very abundant in New Zealand. The L. ericoides is easily distinguished by its smaller leaves and flowers, the latter placed on short pedicels, and the calyx-tube of which is longer than in the other variety. These hardy shrubs bear in summer an abundance of pink and white flowers, which brighten the landscape considerably.

Clianthus Puniceus (Kowhai-ngutu-kaka)

Clianthus Puniceus (Kowhai-ngutu-kaka)

Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum Scoparium (Manuka)

The Panake (Convolvulus septum) is a slender plant which climbs over shrubs and small trees. The flowers are white. The Senecio hectori is a handsome shrub, which flowers abundantly in January. The florets are white and the page 68 capitulum is yellow. The Poroporo (Solanum aviculare) is a shrub common in the North Island. It bears a truly baccate and edible fruit, or berry as it is more commonly called. Other striking New Zealand berry bearers are the Tawa (Nesodaphne tawa), berries purple; the Kohekohe (Dysoxylum spectabile), which bears ripe (green) berries and waxy-white flowers at the same time; the Titokl (Alectryon excelsum), berry bright scarlet with one black exalbuminous seed. The Supple-Jack (Rhipogonum scandens) is a tall tough climbing plant, whose reticulated stems form in the forest a network barrier to the advance of the intruder upon its domain. The berries are bright scarlet. The Karaka (Corynocarpus lœvigata) is a tall tree bearing fruit of a bright orange colour, formerly much used by the Maori as food; the Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) bears a yellow catkin with black spots. The leaves are very aromatic.

Convolvulus sepium (Panake)

Convolvulus sepium (Panake)

Piper Excelsum (Kawakawa)

Piper Excelsum (Kawakawa)

The Australian gum tree has been introduced into this country, and the Blue-Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) is especially common. There are several varieties of Coprosma in New Zealand, well-known by their berries. They are probably anemophilous. That is to say, fertilised by the agency of the winds. Numerous species of the Heath family (Gaultheria) flourish in this country. There are also several genera of Orchids, the commonest species of which (Dendrobium cunninghamii) is a true epiphyte, growing on the trunks of trees. The New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax) is exceedingly widespread, and the Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis) is also abundant. Both belong to the natural order Liliacar.

Alectryon Excelsum (Titoki)

Alectryon Excelsum (Titoki)

page 69

The Nikau (Areca sapida) with its large pinnate leaves, is one of the most beautiful palms to be found anywhere. In the forests north of Auckland may be seen the Kauri (Dammara australis), and in other parts, the Kahikatea or white pine (Podocarpus dacrydioides), Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), Puriri (Vitex littoralis), and other handsome trees. There is also an immense variety of ferns, and amongst others may be mentioned the Dicksonia squatrosa, a handsome tree-fern; the Kidney Fern (Trichomanes reniforme); many varieties of Maiden Hair (Adiantum), Lomaria, Pteris Gleichenia, Lycopodium, and Asplenium.

Dysoxylum Spectabile (Kohekobe)

Dysoxylum Spectabile (Kohekobe)

One of the curiosities of our natural history is the vegetating caterpillar (Cordiceps robertsii), or, as it is in Maori, Awhato or Aweto. This vegetable caterpillar, as it is commonly called, leads an ordinary and uneventful life until it is attacked by a sphaeriaceous fungus, when the whole of the body of the caterpillar becomes gradually filled with the mycelium of the fungus, until nearly all traces of its internal Structure are obliterated. If unmolested by the fungus, the caterpillar is said to develop into a moth (Hepialus virescens). Of this, however, there is no direct proof.

Dicksonia Squarrosa

Dicksonia Squarrosa

Trichomanes Reniforme (Kidney Fern)

Trichomanes Reniforme (Kidney Fern)

page 70
The Moa

The Moa