THE MISTLETOE FAMILY 145 



however, it is the tarata [Pittosporum eugenioides) which is attacked almost 

 exclusivel}'. Cases of double parasitism have been frequently observed in 

 connection with Tupeia. Thus, in Riccarton Bush, Mr. J. B. Armstrong 

 discovered Loranthus inicrantJuos growing upon it. At Broken River, Mr. T. 

 Kirk found Loranthus tetrapetalus growing on Nothofagics Solandri, and itself 

 bearing T. antarctica. 



The staminate flowers of Tupeia are found in panicles, in 

 which the individual blossoms are not only more numerous, 

 but larger in size than those on the pistillate panicles. Both 

 forms are of a greenish yellow hue. The berries are beautiful 

 and very varied in colour, ranging from white and pink to 

 deep purple on the same branch. The flowers and leaves 

 droop immediately the parasite is cut away from its host. 



Tupeia antarctica {The Antarctic Tupeia). 



Leaves h, in.-li in. long, obovate, with short petioles, pale-green. Panicles 

 6-10 flowered. Flowers ^ in. in diameter, greenish-yellow. Both islands. Fl. 

 Oct. -Dec. 



Proteaceae. 



Distribution. — A remarkable family, found chiefly in Australia and the 

 Cape of Good Hope. ]\Iany sjjecies are grown for their curious or brilliant 

 flowers. The Australian Bottle-Brush (Banksia) is one of the most remarkable 

 species. Leucodendron argenteum is the Silver-Tree of the Cape, 



Key to tlie Genera. 



A small tree. Leaves entire. Fruit a drupe. Persoonia. 



A lofty tree. Leaves serrate. Fruit dry. Knightia. 



Genus Knightia. 



Slender, lofty trees. Leaves leathery, shining, serrate. Flowers in dense 

 cone-shaped racemes. Perianth a club-shaped tube, the 4 segments finally 

 separating and becoming revolute. Ovules 4. Follicle 1-celled. Seeds winged 

 at the tip. A genus of two species, one of which is found in New Caledonia. 

 (Named after Knight, a writer on vegetable physiology). 



11 



