90 My New Zealand Garden 



Eleocarpus dentatus, which flourishes especially 

 well near Wellington, is so much like Clethra 

 arborea that it almost takes an expert to tell the 

 difference between them. But, judging by the 

 specimens which I have seen, Clethra arborea looks 

 the superior plant, being richer in flower and 

 foliage. But it is curious that two plants belong- 

 ing to different families and countries should be 

 so nearly alike. They are quite twin ' duxes.' 



The Hoheria populnea is a beautiful, small tree, 

 fit for any garden, and it seems to do well in them 

 all. Its pretty foliage and snow-white flowers 

 render it a favourite native tree. Its vernacular 

 names are ' Ribbon Wood ' and ' Lace Bark,' for 

 when the bark is pulled off and cut into strips 

 it reminds one of insertion lace. Beautiful little 

 ornamental baskets are made of it, and even trim- 

 mings for hats. It has yet another name of 

 ' Thousand Jackets,' owing to the number of lace- 

 like layers of bark. 



Corynocarpus levigata, or Karaka, sometimes 

 called the ' New Zealand Laurel,' makes a fine 

 large evergreen tree 40 feet high. It has dark, 

 shiny leaves, which contrast well with its long 

 yellow berries. They are poisonous when raw, 

 but the Maoris eat them after they have been 

 soaked or steamed. I had rather a horror of the 

 tree on first acquaintance, having been told that, 

 even when they recovered from its deadly effects, 



