136 BOTANY OF SOUTH-WESTERN NEW SOUTH WALES, 



Ranunculacece are not largely represented, but the Order 

 includes a few interesting species, such as Clematis microjohylla, 

 DC, which is found in many parts and in spring time often dis- 

 plays a wealth of white flowers. That wddely distributed and 

 curious plant, Myosurus minimus, Linn.j may be collected on the 

 margins of many of the rivers and lakes. The genus Ranu7iculus 

 furnishes four species — one, R. muricatiis, Linn., is an introduc- 

 tion and a suspected poison plant. It is fairl}'- common in the 

 extreme eastern portion. The poppy family (^PapaveracecE) has 

 only one indigenous species, Papaver horridumf DC, but four 

 exotics have become established in various localities. Criiciferce 

 are common over a great part of this region, and on some of the 

 plains are a conspicuous feature in early spring. Although the 

 prevailing hue of the flowers is yellow, it varies in intensity of 

 colouring, and there are several species which have white, purple, 

 pink and lilac blooms. The genus Capparis includes two species 

 only and neither of these is common, but that curious, leafless, 

 allied plant, Ajwphylluin anomahim, F.v.M., occurs frequently on 

 some of the scrubby country in the western portion. One of the 

 Australian Violets, Viola hetoniccefolia, Sm., is found on some of 

 the shady river banks. Its rather large, violet-coloured flowers 

 are produced in great profusion in early summer, but they have 

 no perfume. This species produces many apetalous or imperfect 

 flowers usually arranged on very short scapes. Tw^o species of 

 lonidium grow in many districts, but nowhere very plentifully. 

 Their singular, mostly blue, flowers, of which the lowest petal is 

 more largel}^ developed than the others, often attract attention. 

 There is a white-flowering variety of I. Jloribundum, Walp., but 

 it is a rare plant. Pittosporect^ comprise four genera and the same 

 number of species. With the exception of Pitlospornni philly- 

 rceoides, DC, they are found mostly in the eastern portion. 

 Cheiranthera linea^'is, A. Cunn., is the most beautiful flowering 

 plant of this Order, but it may be considered rare in this part of 

 the State. It is a low-growing undershrub, with showy blue 

 flowers, which are from one inch to nearly two inches in diameter. 

 The Australian species of Polyyalece, or milk-wort family, are 



