80 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



Pandanaceae. 



The Screw-Pine Family. 



Distribution. — Chiefly a tropical family. Some of the species form large 

 trees, but the majority are thick bushes. The name Screw-pine was given on 

 account of the remarkable twisting of the stem in some species. The various 

 species of Pandanus are noted for the large aerial roots, which, like flying 

 buttresses, prop the stem. Their leaves contain a strong fibre, which is used 

 in the making of sugar-sacks and fish-bags. 



Fpeycinetia Banksii (Tlie Kic-kie). 



A lofty, climbing shrub. Leaves '2ft. in length, finely-toothed, concave, 

 sheathing at the base, with prickly margins. Flowers in terminal spikes, 

 3in.-4in. long, surrounded by white, fleshy bracts. Male flowers consisting of 

 bundles of stamens, female of several ovaries, surrounded by infertile stamens. 

 Fruit an oblong green spadix, with nimierous, closely compressed carpels, 

 each Jin. long ; the lower part soft and hollow, filled with pendulous seeds ; the 

 upper part hard and solid. Seeds small, numerous, oblong. The fleshy white 

 bracts and young si:)ikes of fruit are eaten by the natives and by children. The 

 long fibrous leaves are used in the manufacture of baskets. North Island : 

 and west coast of the South Island to ]Milford Sound. Fl. Sept. -Oct. Maori 

 name Kie-kie. The fruit is usually called Taiohara. 1 sp. 



Palmaceae. 



The Palm Family. 



Trees or shrubs, rarely climbers. Leaves large, divided, fan-Uke, with 

 sheathing petioles. Flowers on a branched axis, enclosed in a spathe. 

 Perianth of 6 segments ; stamens G. Fruit a berry or drupe. 



Distribution. — This family of plants, which is said to be more valuable than 

 any other, is represented on the mainland of New Zealand by a single species — 

 the Nikau Palm- — Rhcypalostylis sapida. This tree is closely related to the Betel- 

 nut of the East (Areca Catechu). 



Palm-trees are chiefly found in tropical regions, where they are often of 

 w-onderful utility, in bestowing upon the inhabitants of those lands shelter, food, 

 light, heat, and clothing. The Coco-nut Palm, the Date Palm, the Sago Pahn, 



