PLATE 48.—METROSIDEROS DIFFUSA. 
Famity MYRTACE/. } [Genus METROSIDEROS, Banks. 
Metrosideros diffusa, Smith vn Trans. Linn. Soc. ii (1797), 268; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i, 67 ; 
Cheesem. Man. N.Z. Fl. 164. 
The New Zealand species of Metrosideros can be arranged in three categories 
according to their mode of growth. In one division, represented by the northern 
rata (M. robusta) alone, the plant starts its life as an epiphyte high up in the branches 
of some tall forest-tree, and sends aerial roots down to the ground, which ultimately 
coalesce to form an irregular stem often of enormous size. A second class comprises 
species like the southern rata (M. lucida), the pohutukawa (M. tomentosa), and 
one or two others, which in the ordinary manner grow into tall trees with stout 
stems and spreading branches. Lastly, there are quite a number of species best 
described as woody climbers, which often reach the tops of the tallest forest-trees, 
but never produce an erect tree-hke trunk. To this division. the subject of this 
plate belongs. 
Metrosideros diffusa, when seen in full bloom, is probably the most brilliant 
of the species. The flowers are a much brighter crimson than those of the northern 
rata (M. robusta) and pohutukawa (M. tomentosa), and are so abundantly produced 
as almost to conceal the leaves. When climbing up the trunk of a rimu or other 
tall forest tree, and laden with flowers, it presents the appearance of a veritable 
pillar of flame, and such specimens are often conspicuous from afar. Unfortunately, 
it is not a common species, although occurring sparingly in most forests of any size 
from Mongonui and Kaitaia southwards to the East Cape and Taranaki. It has 
been recorded from the Tararua Range, on the authority of the late Mr. Mantell ; 
but I have seen no specimens. Although of slow growth it is by no means difficult 
to establish in a garden, and is well worth general cultivation. 
I am not at all sure that the name diffusa has been correctly applied to the 
plant figured herewith. The originator of the specific name was George Forster, 
who in his “ Prodromus ” published a “ Melaleuca diffusa,” giving as a diagnosis 
the words “ foliis oppositis ovatis acuminatis, pedunculis rameis cymosis.”” Now, 
the term “acuminate ” cannot be correctly apphed to the leaves of our plant, in 
which they are obtuse or subacute, as a glance at the plate will show. Further, as 
our plant is confined to the North Island it is hard to see how it could be collected 
by Forster, who never landed on any part of it. He does not mention the exact 
locality m which his specimens were obtained, but there can be little doubt that 
they were gathered in Queen Charlotte Sound, where most of his collecting was done. 
In all probability his plant is identical with the species usually known as 
M. hypericifolia. The shape of the leaves and character of the inflorescence suit 
his diagnosis, and the species is known to occur in the locality, where, in fact, it 
was gathered by Banks and Solander during Cook’s first voyage. I regret that I 
have no opportunity of examining a set of Forster’s plants, which would probably 
decide the question. 
It may be remarked that, although the descriptions of M. diffusa given by 
Hooker in the “ Flora” and the **‘ Handbook” clearly refer to the plant illustrated 
herewith, there must have been some confusion in his mind respecting it. This is 
proved by the fact that he gives Banks and Solander’s M. myrtifolia as a synonym 
of M. diffusa. But Solander’s description in his ‘“ Primitiz Flores Nove Zelandize ” 
undoubtedly represents M. hypericifolia, and the specimens in the set of Banksian 
plants presented to the Dominion by the trustees of the British Museum are 
indisputably that species. 
Prats 48. Metrosideros diffusa, drawn from specimens collected at Mount Wellington, near 
Auckland. Fig. 1, calyx and style (x 4); 2, longitudinal section of calyx and ovary (x 4); 3, petal 
(x 4); 4 and 5, front and back view of anthers (x6); 6, transverse section of ovary (x5); 7, ripe 
fruit (x 3); 8, seed (enlarged). 
