PLATE 17.—PITTOSPORUM KIRKII. 
Famity PITTOSPORACE. | [Genus PITTOSPORUM, Banks. 
Pittosporum Kirkii, Hook. f. er T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. 1 (1870), 92; Cheesem. Man. 
INGZ ELS 59: 
Pittosporum Kirkii is one of the most distinct species of the genus found in 
New Zealand. It is worthily named in honour of its discoverer, the late Mr. T. 
Kirk, who first obtained it during a botanical exploration of the Great Barrier 
Island made in the year 1867. Further research has shown that it occurs sparingly 
in densely wooded hilly districts from Maungataniwha, in Mongonui County, south- 
wards to the Mount Egmont Ranges on the west, and the Bay of Plenty on the east. 
Its altitudinal range is from 500 ft. to nearly 3,000 ft., but it is most plentiful at an 
elevation of about 2,000 ft. 
Like P. cornifolium, it is frequently epiphytic on the trunks and branches of 
the rata (Metrosideros robusta) and other large forest-trees, but it is often rupestral 
as well, and may also be seen forming part of the ordinary undergrowth of the 
forest. On the Maungataniwha Ranges I observed many tall and _ well-grown 
specimens quite 10 it. to 12 ft. high, but as a rule it seldom exceeds 6 ft. in height. 
Its relationships are somewhat obscure. While agreeing in some respects 
with P. cornifolium, it differs altogether in the much more coriaceous habit, longer 
linear-obovate leaves, yellow flowers, and particularly in the very large narrow- 
oblong 2-valved capsules. I do not know any foreign species that can be said to be 
closely allied. 
Pirate 17. Pittosporum Kirkii, male, female, and fruiting specimens, collected on the Cape 
Colville Peninsula, at an altitude of 1,700 ft. Fig. 1, male flower; 2, stamens and rudimentary pistil ; 
3, single stamen; 4, female flower; 5, pistil, with rudimentary stamens; 6, longitudinal section of 
pistil ; 7, cross-section of pistil. (All enlarged.) 
