278 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



Leptospermum scoparium, is climatic rather than defensive, 



is shown by the fact, that, in certain mountain locahties, 



the leaves become less rigid, more rounded, and less acute. 



(See, however, under Entelea for a further discussion of the 

 matter.) 



Metrosideros robusta, showing encircling roots. 



Genus Metrosideros. 



Shrubs or trees, often climbing. Leaves opposite, leathei\v. PlowersBin 

 terminal cymes, umbels, or racemes, white, pink, or scarlet, often very showy. 

 Calvx 5-lobed ; petals 5, small. Stamens numerous, very long, white or scarlet. 

 (Name from the Greek, meaning iron-liearted, in allusion to the iron-like 

 hardness of the timber). Plants of the genus are usually known to the colonists, 

 by the Maori name Rata. 11 sp. 



