from Abyssinia to the Cape; hut the number of species is comparatively small 

 not exceeding eight or nine. In America the genus is better represented' 

 about fatteen species being recorded, but it does not extend further north than 

 the West Indies, and is most plentiful along the chain of the Andes. No 

 doubt the large number of species found in New Zealand, New Caledonia and 

 Ma aya shows that the present centre of distribution of the genus is essen- 

 tially Malayan and Polynesian; but the presence of the genus in both Africa 

 and America, and its widespread distribution generally, seem to point to an 

 ancient origin. Probably it will be necessary to go well back into Mesozoic 

 times to trace its phylogeny and geographical evolution. 



WhaZltT ^It f'"^°f''P'^ ^°'"'-«> '1/^^ from specimens collected by Mr. A. Gordon at Ruatangata, 

 WHangarei. Fig 1, male mflorescence ( x 4) ; 2 and 3, front and back vi-w of anther (x 8) ■ 4 female 



