Pi.ATi: 157.— VERONICA KIDWILI.U. 



Family SCROPHULARIACE^.] [Genus VERONICA, Linn. 



Veronica Bidwillii, Hook. Ic. Plaiil. t. 81 1 ; Clicvsvui. Man. X.Z. Fl. .jt.'l 



The nine species of Veronica previously figured in tlie " Illustrations " all 

 belong to the section Hehe, which is confined to the .Southern Hemisphere, and which 

 practically includes all those species which have a shrubby or treelike habit. It 

 is distinguished from the rest of the genus, with the exception of the group separated 

 by Hooker under the name of Pygmcpa, by the capsule being turgid, or compressed 

 parallel to the septum, so that the longest diameter of the capsule is along 

 the septum. All the species constituting the remainder of the genus are herbaceous, 

 or very slightly woody at the base, and the capsule is compressed at right angles 

 to the septum, so that the septum is across its narrowest diameter. This division 

 includes the subject of this plate. 



Veronica Bidwillii as its name implies, was originally discovered by Mr. J. C 

 Bidwill in the Wairau Valley, Nelson. Shortly afterwards it was gatliered by 

 Sir D. Monro, Mr. W. T. L. Travers. and other early explorers, and has since been 

 seen in many parts of the South Island, from Collingwood southwards to Central 

 Otago, ascending to quite 4,000 ft. I am not aware, however, of any locality on the 

 western side of the dividing range. It is usually found on the broad stretches of 

 stony ground which occupy most of the river-valleys of the Southern Alps, and 

 which are often covered by water in floods. At such times they constitute part 

 of the bed of the river to which their origin is due. In such localities F. Bidwillii 

 is usually an abundant plant, forming carpets which cover considerable areas, the 

 much-branched stems creeping close to the ground, and frequently entirely 

 concealing it, while from the middle of the carpets rise numerous peduncles 6 in. 

 to 9 in. high, strict and erect, and each bearing several rather large pale-pink flowers 

 with darker Hues. 



V. Bidwillii is a remarkably distinct species, and can always be distinguished 

 by its habit of forming dense carpets, by its minute uniform leaves, which var\' 

 from 1 in. to /,, in. in length, and have one or two teeth on each side, by its 

 long erect peduncles, and rather large flowers. Probably V. Lyallii is its nearest 

 ally, but the habit is very different, being much more diffuse and erect, the leaves 

 are larger, and the pedimcles are shorter. It does well in cultivation, flowering 

 quite freely. 



Plate 157. Veroiiim Bidwillii, drawn from specimens collected in the Hooker Vallev, Mount 

 Cook district, at an altitude of 2,500 ft. Fig. 1, portion of branch, with leaves (x 3) : 2, a pair of 

 flowers (x3): 3, calyx and ovary (x 3) ; 4, corolla laid open (xt); 5, capsule, a portion of the 

 per.si.stent calyx removed ( x 3). 



