PLATE 6.—RANUNCULUS SERICOPHYLLUS. 
Famity RANUNCULACE4.] [Genus RANUNCULUS, Linn. 
Ranunculus sericophyllus, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 6; Cheesem. Man. N.Z. Fl. 17. 
This beautiful little plant was originally discovered by the late Sir Julius von 
Haast during his adventurous explorations in the Southern Alps. His _ first 
specimens were obtained in May, 1862, near the source of the Hopkins River, which, 
alter uniting with the Dobson, flows into the head of Lake Ohau. In the following 
year he also collected it on Mount Brewster, near the head of Lake Wanaka. Since 
then it has been observed in many localities in the central portions of the Southern 
Alps, from the head of the Waimakariri River southwards to the divide between 
Lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau on the one side and the Sounds of south-western 
Otago on the other. It is everywhere a high alpine plant, and is seldom seen below 
4,000 It. altitude. In the Mount Cook district, where I have repeatedly gathered 
it, it is most plentiful in sheltered hollows in which the drainage from melting snow- 
fields keeps the soil perpetually moist. In such places it may be seen forming patches 
several yards in diameter, and from its silky pale-green leaves and abundant bright- 
yellow flowers presents a very charming and attractive appearance. It ascends 
to an altitude of over 6,500 ft., and can frequently be observed blooming within 
a few feet of permanent snowfields. In fact, it is often the last conspicuous plant 
seen by the alpine climber when ascending the higher mountains of the Southern 
Alps. 
As a species R. sericophyllus is remarkably distinct from all the other New 
Zealand forms. Sir J. D. Hooker has compared it with the Tasmanian and Victorian 
R. Gunnianus ; but, as remarked by him, it is much more robust and silky, with 
larger flowers, and more membranous leaves, the ultimate segments of which are 
smaller and shorter. 
PiatE 6. Ranunculus sericophyllus, drawn trom specimens obtained in the Mount Cook district, 
Canterbury ; alt. 5,500 ft. Fig. 1, petal, showing the three nectariferous glands (x 2); 2 and 3, 
stamens, front and back view (x 4); 4, carpel from flower (x 4); 5 and 6, ripe carpels (enlarged). 
