Make wt Ableck get Ate ege Satire 
THE FLORA OF RAROTONGA. 287 
APOCYNACE. 
ALYXIA ELLIPTICA, Cheesem., sp. nov.—Frutex 6-15-pedalis, undique glaber, ramosis- 
simus, succo lacteo; ramuli erecti, ad nodos incrassati. Folia opposita vel ternatim 
verticillata, 14—2 poll. longa, ovata vel elliptico-oblonga, obtusa vel obtuse acuminata, 
breviter petiolata, coriacea, venis lateralibus centrali perpendicularibus, margine 
plana. Flores albi, 4 poll. longi, pauci (2-4) in fasciculos parvos terminales et 
axillares dispositi, pedicellis gracilibus quam flores brevioribus. Calyx alte 5-fidus, 
segmentis acutis. Corolla matura non visa. Drupæ 2 vel abortu solitariæ, stipitate, 
4 poll. longze, oblongze, monosperm:e, succosæ. 
Abundant on rocky places on the hills, often forming extensive thickets. Native 
name Maire-rakau. Closely allied to A. stellata, Reem. & Schult. 
CrRBERA ODOLLAM, Gertn.—Native name Reva or Ava. Lower portions of the 
island, usually not far from the sea, not common. The milky juice was formerly used 
as a liniment in severe cases of rheumatism. 
Pacific Islands, shores of North Australia, India, and China. 
*VINCA ROsEA, Linn.—Planted in the gardens of the first missionaries and traders, 
and now plentifully naturalized near all the villages. 
Originally from America, but now widely spread in most tropical countries. 
*PLUMERIA ALBA, Linn.—The Frangipani. Also introduced by the early missionaries, 
It has become a great favourite with the natives, and is everywhere seen in their 
gardens. 
Tropical America, but now largely planted for ornament in hot countries. 
ALSTONIA COSTATA, R. Br.—Hills of the interior, not uncommon above 250 ft. altitude. 
A very handsome tree 15 to 25 ft. high, with copious milky juice. Leaves remarkably 
glossy. Flowers white or yellow, in large spreading panicles. 
Society Islands. 
*NERIUM OLEANDER, Linn.—Largely planted by the natives for ornament, and 
naturalized in several places. 
South Europe and Asia Minor to Persia, but now cultivated in all warm countries. 
ASCLEPIADACE#. 
* ASCLEPIAS CURASSAVICA, Linn.—An abundant weed in the cultivations of the natives. 
Now common in most warm countries, originally from tropical America. 
282 
