17 



(6.) The Species of Sophora (Kowhai). 



There are four species, S. grandi flora, S. tetraptera, S. micro- 

 phylla, and S. prostrata, the last being a shrub and also a 

 permanent juvenile form of 5. microphylla. All the species 

 are exceedingly handsome when covered with their gorgeous 

 golden-yellow flowers each 1-2 in. in length. Also, the narrow 

 pinnate leaves, several inches long, add to the charm of the tree. 

 All are fairly hardy. S. grandiflora is the most showy, and 

 blooms at an earlier age than do the other species. 



4. EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 



(1.) Alseuosmia macrophylla (Hoihoi). 



A half-hardy shrub of irregular habit, 4-8 ft. high, with 

 slender branches, glossy dark-green leaves (variable in shape, but 

 often ovate-lanceolate) 3-6 in. long. The flowers are deliciously 

 scented, yellow or crimson, and i-ijin. long. Requires cultivat- 

 ing in a moist shady situation. 



(2.) The Species of Cassinia. 



C. Vauvilliersii, C. albida, and C. fulvida are quite hardy, 

 C. leptophylla, C. retorta, and C. amoena are more tender. 

 All are somewhat heath-like in appearance. They are of 

 pleasing aspect, and showy when in bloom with their white 

 flower-heads. C. amoena is 1-2 ft. high, but the others may 

 reach 6 ft. The small leaves are covered beneath with a 

 thick mat of hairs which are generally white, except in the 

 case of C. fulvida, where they are dull yellow. All the 

 species are easy to cultivate, and will grow in almost any 



soil and situation, except shade. 



\ 



(3.) Clianthus puniceus (Kowhai-ngutukaka, Red Kowhai, Par- 

 rot-bill). 



Exceedingly handsome with its abundant brilliant scarlet 

 pea-like flowers 2-3 in. long, and linear-oblong pinnate leaves 

 4-6 in. long. It attains a height of 6ft. or more. The 

 stems, in part, are herbaceous rather than woody. There is 

 a desirable white-flowered variety which comes " true " from 

 seed. Both are fairly hardy. 



Inset N.Z. Plants, &c. 



