PLATE 57.—-TETRAGONIA TRIGYNA. 
Famity FICOIDE.] [Genus TETRAGONIA, Linn. 
Tetragonia trigyna, Banks & Sol. ex Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i, 77; Cheesem. Man. N.Z. 
Fl. 192. 
Tetragonia trigyna was first discovered by Banks and Solander in Queen 
Charlotte Sound in 1769. It was not only excellently described by Solander in 
his manuscript “ Primitiz Flores Nove Zelandie ” under the name it now bears, 
but a faithful drawing was also prepared for the unpublished Banksian plates, 
making it quite easy to be sure of the identity of Solander’s plant. Unfortunately, 
succeeding explorers confused it with the closely allied 7. expansa, an easy thing 
to do when working on dried specimens, which in a genus possessing the thick and 
fleshy habit of Tetragonia lose many characters which are obvious enough in a fresh 
state. Thus neither A. Richard, A. Cunningham, nor Raoul mention more than 
one Tetragonia as found in New Zealand. Sir J. D. Hooker, in his “ Flora Nove 
Zelandiz,” also places both species under 7. expansa, but he quotes Solander’s name 
of T. trigyna as well, this being the first occasion that it was actually published. 
About this time specimens and information respecting the species were forwarded 
to Kew by Dr. Sinclair and Mr. Colenso, and it was definitely published by Sir J. D. 
Hooker in the ** Handbook” in 1864. 
The range of 7. trigyna within the Dominion is now fairly well ascertained. 
It occurs in rocky or sandy places on many parts of the coast-line, from the 
Kermadec Islands and the North Cape to Stewart Island, and is also found on the 
Chatham Islands. Although common in many localities it is comparatively rare 
in others, and notwithstanding its wide distribution is by no means generally 
spread. Comparing it with 7. expansa, it is quite obvious that no one familiar 
with the two plants in a living state would ever confuse them. T. trigyna differs 
markedly in its trailing or almost climbing habit, in its smaller and broader more 
obtuse leaves, and particularly in the globose bright-red succulent fruit, which is 
not at all horned, which is always the case in 7. expansa. 
It is doubtful whether 7. trigyna is not identical with the Australian 
T. implexicoma, Miq.; and, if so, Miquel’s name will take precedence. It was 
published in 1844; whereas 7. trigyna cannot possibly date earler than the 
publication of the “Flora Nove Zelandiz” in 1853; Solander’s manuscript 
** Primitie,” unfortunately, not counting as “effective publication.” According 
to descriptions, however, the Australian plant has longer and more acute leaves, 
and longer peduncles. Until a careful comparison can be made it is better to 
treat the two plants as distinct. 
Puate 57. Tetragonia trigyna, drawn from specimens collected on the Little Barrier Island and 
Cuvier Island. Figs. 1 and 2, flowers; 3, calyx laid open; 4 and 5, front and back view of anthers ; 
6, longitudinal section of ovary ; 7, transverse section of ovary ; 8, fruit; 9, section of fruit ; 10, seed ; 
11, embryo. (All enlarged.) 
