49 



more : Carex, 17 ; Veronica, 16 ; Celmisia, 15 ; Epilobium, 14 ; 

 Coprosma, 12 ; Ranunculus, 10. But the greater part of the area 

 is botanically unexplored, so that the above estimate may be 

 considerably below the mark. 



The natural shrubbery near the Hermitage is made up chiefly of 

 the following : Dacrydium Bidwillii, Phyllocladus alpinus, Podocarpus 

 nivalis, Discaria toumatou, A ristotelia fruticosa, Gay a Lyallii, Hymen- 

 anthera dentata var. alpina, Coprosma rugosa, C. propinqua, C. parvi- 

 flora, C. rhamnoides, and Senecio cassinioides the last-named abundant, 



FIG. 21. The Mountain-lily (Ranunculus Lyallii], the largest 

 buttercup in the world. 



and very showy when in full bloom with its multitude of yellow 

 flowers. 



The famous Ranunculus Lyallii (fig. 21), known as the " mountain- 

 lily," grows luxuriantly in many parts of the Hooker Valley, and in 

 its company is Celmisia coriacea, almost the finest of this beautifinl 

 genus. When the stiff-leaved C. Lyallii is also present, hybrids 

 between the two may sometimes be found. 



The species of Veronica are not as numerous as in some localities, 

 but almost the most charming of all, V. macrantha, is both extremely 



