SPECIES FOUND IN SWAMPS. 121 
of New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) or raupo (Typha angustifolia) 
and by those most curious plants the niggerheads (Carex secta). 
Even yet, too, in certain localities the scene is enlivened by the 
presence of that fine bird the pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus), gay 
with red legs and bill and blue breast. Before the days of settle- 
ment these swamps were much more extensive, but some of those 
reported by the early surveyors as being undrainable now bear rich 
crops of grain, potatoes, or ‘‘ roots.” 
In the deepest swamps the raupo or bulrush (7'ypha angusti- 
folia var. Muelleri or var. Brownii) is the sole plant, but where some- 
what shallower there will be more or less stunted, yellowish Phormium 
tenaz, looking most unhappy. ‘This plant grows at its best alongside 
streams where it has an abundant supply of water full of oxygen 
and there is never stagnation. Frequently various shrubs are 
present, especially the manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) ; the com- 
mon coprosma (Coprosma propinqua) ; the karamu (Coprosma robusta) ; 
a coprosma intermediate between the two former (C. Cunninghamit), 
various forms of which may quite well be hybrids; the common 
koromiko (one or other variety of Veronica salicifolia); and a tree- 
daisy of the divaricating form (a variety of Olearia virgata). Cabbage- 
trees (Cordyline australis) are sometimes present in swamp, and may 
occur in considerable numbers. 
The niggerhead (Carex secta) is a characteristic swamp-plant, 
forming extensive colonies. This sedge builds for itself tall and 
stout “trunks’’ out of its dead roots and rootstocks, from the 
summit of which, like shock heads of hair, the long leaves droop. 
In such a position the plant is raised high above the water of the 
swamp, having thus made for itself a dry position very much better 
for its well-being. On the “ trunk” of the sedge the long hard-fern 
(Blechnum capense) finds a congenial home, as well as some small 
indigenous plants—e.g., the marsh-pennyworts, species of Hydro- 
cotyle. Swamps are rich in several species of willow-herb, of which 
the beautiful swamp willow-herb (Epilobium pallidiflorum), the more 
slender H. chionanthum, the creeping HZ. insulare, and the very tall 
H. erectum need mention. Two buttercups, Ranunculus macropus 
and R. rwularis, are common, the latter being distinguished from 
the former by its more finely cut floating leaves and shorter leaf- 
stalks. In the North Island more especially a variety of the common 
astelia (Astelia nervosa) may form considerable colonies. 
