NOTOTHLASPI AUSTRALE. 
Famity CRUCIFER.] [Genus NOTOTHLASPI, Hook. F. 
PLATE 12. 
Notothlaspi australe, Hook. /. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 15; Cheesem. Man. N.Z. Fl. 43. 
The genus Notothlaspi, to which the subject of this plate belongs, is a 
remarkable endemic genus confined to the mountains of the South Island; and which, 
while possessing the main characters of the tribe Lepidinea, differs from Lepidium 
and most of the allied genera in the very numerous seeds with long funicles. 
Notothlaspi australe was originally discovered in the Nelson mountains by Sir David 
Monro, who was one of the first explorers of the northern portions of the South 
Island. It is now known to be abundant in mountain districts throughout the 
whole of Nelson and Marlborough, ranging from 2,500 ft. to 5,000 ft. altitude, but 
so far as I am aware has not been observed to the south of Lake Tennyson. It 
is usually found on rocky or shingly slopes, and in such situations often forms a 
considerable proportion of the vegetation. 
The remaining species, N. rosulatum, is one of the most singular plants in the 
Dominion, and I much regret that the exigencies of space prevent me from giving 
a plate of it as well. Flowerless specimens form flat rosettes of closely placed 
imbricating leaves, the appearance of which has doubtless suggested the local name 
of “ pen-wiper plant,” by which it is known in several parts of the South Island. 
When in bloom, however, it is furnished with a stout scape or peduncle, which bears 
numerous sweet-scented flowers, and it then assumes a pyramidal or narrow conical 
shape. JN. rosulatum is invariably found on loose shingle-slopes, and is held in place 
by numerous thread-like roots, which penetrate the shingle to a great depth. 
Prare 12. Notothlaspi australe, drawn from specimens collected by Mr. F. G. Gibbs on Dun 
Mountain, Nelson, at an altitude of 4,000 ft. Figs. 1 and 2, flowers; 5, petal; 4, stamens and 
pistil; 5, stamens; 6, pistil; 7, pod; 8, pod, with one valve removed to show position of seeds ; 
9, seeds; 10, embryos, showing the long radicle; 11, embryos, with the radicle pulled apart. 
(All enlarged.) 
