348 



Transactions. 



The two shoots bear a considerable resemblance to each 

 other. Both have viscid, aromatic, rather soft leaves,* green 

 on the upper surface and densely tomentose beneath. The 

 tomentum — a very constant character in Celmisia species, and 

 not sufficiently used for diagnostic purposes — is identical in both 

 plants. It is smooth, very dense, closely adpressed to the leaf- 

 surface, white and shining, and when magnified by 6 is seen to 

 consist of fine cobwebby hairs. The midrib in both plants is 

 prominent and large, especially towards its base, and pale-green 

 in colour. "f Some of the leaves are obscurely serrated. The 

 leaves clasp the stem with a broad sheathing base which is 

 stained purple on its lower half. The shoot - axes measure 

 about the same in diameter in both specimens, 1 - 5 cm. ; and the 

 living leaves occupy the apical end of the shoot for about the 

 same distance, while below are the withered leaves still attached 

 to the stem. 



There are, however, some differences, but these are merely 

 of degree, and such as might be expected in any species from 

 ordinary " fluctuating variation," and especially in New Zealand 

 plants, when we bear in mind the extraordinary plasticity of so 

 many species with regard to changes in their environment. 

 But examination of more material would probably lead to 

 somewhat different results. 



The Bonpland plant has smaller and slightly differently 

 shaped leaves to the Nuggets plant. The leaf -veins are a little 

 more prominent on the under surface of the leaf and rather more 

 sunken on its upper surface, giving a somewhat more wrinkled 

 character to the surface. The leaves are also perhaps rather 

 stiffer and a little darker green. On the other hand, the Nuggets 

 specimen is decidedly the more aromatic of the two. 



The following are measurements of the leaves of the two 

 specimens : — 



cm. 

 11-7 

 11-1 

 11-4 



11-2 



cm. 

 by 2-2 

 by 2-5 

 by 2-5 

 by 2-55 



cm. cm. 



2-6 by (?) 

 2-7 bv 1-8 

 2-6 by 1-6 

 2-8 by 2-55 



cm. cm. 



2-5 bv 1-6 

 2-5 b"y (?) 

 2-45 bv 1-7 

 2-4 by 1-7 



* Kirk describes the leaves as " coriaceous, but not thick" ; but that 

 description applies only to dried specimens. 



f In the Handbook it is described as black, a character evidently 

 taken from a dried specimen. 



