9H PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



berries. It is found in both islands, and flowers in November 

 and December. 



Cordyline Banksii is distinguished from Cordijline australis by its much 

 longer leaves, 5 ft. to 6 ft. in length, and its drooping panicle of flowers. 



Cordyline indivisa is a smaller tree, not often more than 10 ft. in height. Its 

 leaves are very thick and leathery, with yellowish midribs. This plant has also a 

 drooping flower-panicle. The fibre of its leaves was used by the IMaoris in the 

 making of garments, and is said to be stronger than the fibre of the Phormium. 



Cordyline jnimilio is a small grass-like herb, with leaves not exceeding 2 ft. in 

 length, and a loose spreading panicle of white flowers. It is found only in the 

 northern parts of the North Island, and is easily distinguished from the other 

 species. 



Genus Dianella. 



A small genus, chiefly Australian. Rigid, shining herbs, with large panicles 

 of white or blue flowers. Leaves long, narrow. Perianth of 6 leaflets. Stamens 6. 

 Filaments incurved. Berry round or oblong. Seed, round. Root a rhizome. 

 (Name from the Latin " Diana," the Goddess of the woods). 1 sp. 



Dianella interrneclia (The Intermediate Dianella). 



This plant is found in woods or open fern lands. The leaves are from 1 ft. 

 to 5ft. in length, and the flower panicles 10 in. to 18 in. long. Flowers ^in. 

 across, white or pale blue. Berry ^in. long, blue. Both islands, also Norfolk 

 Island. Fl. Nov. -Dec. 



Genus Astelia. 



Large herbs, with heads of sword-Hke leaves, usually 

 epiphytic. (Name from the Greek, meaning wanting 

 a stem or trunk). A very noticeable genus, forming 

 immense tufts high up on the branches of the loftiest 

 forest trees. The flowers are produced in large spreading 

 panicles, like those of the Cabbage-tree {Cordyline). The 

 male and female flowers are found upon separate plants, 

 and owing to the height at which they grow, there has been 

 some difficulty in matching the sexes. Now and again, in 

 traversing the bush, one will find a mass which has been torn 

 from its support by its own weight, and has fallen to the ground. 

 In such a case it is possible to examine at leisure the long, 

 silky, chaffy leaves, with their sharply defined nerves, and — if it 

 happens to be the flowering or fruiting time — the great silky 



