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THE ABT ALBUM OF NEW ZEALAND FLORA. 



nor dilated petioles. The order takes its name from the geniis Rannncnlns. All the 

 New Zealand genera, which consist of the following, are also British : — (1). Clematis, 

 climbing sliruhs ; (2). Myosorus, herb; (3). Ranunculus, herbs ; (4). Caltha, herb. 



GENUS I. 

 CLEMATIS CLliui.J The Clematis or Virgin's Bower. 



Gkxeeic Chakacter. — Much branclicd, slender, climb- 

 ing shrubs, with opposite compound leaves, and panicles of 

 white or creaui-coloured polygamous flowei's ; Sepals, 3-8, 



petaloid, valvate; Stamens, 5-20; Carpels many, 1-ovuled. 

 Aehenes indeliiscent — the styles elongated into long feathered 

 awns. — Handbook of New Zealand Flora, p. 1. 



Description, etc. — A large and widely-diffused genus, of which many foieign 

 species have blue or purj^le flowers, herbaceous, or erect stems, entire leaves, or minute 

 petals. The New Zealand species are very variable, passing one into the other; 

 their flowers are almost unisexual, the males having no carpels, and the females few 

 stamens. The anthers have no appendage at the tip, as most of the Australian sjiecies 

 have ; C. parvljlora alone having a very minute one. 



The name "Clematis" which signifies "a little vine," alludes to the habit of 

 growth of these species. 



1. CLEMATIS INDIYISA (Willd.J The Entire-leaved Clematis. 



Specific Chaeacter. — A large, strong, woodv-climber, 

 with trunk often V ft. in diameter. Leaves, 3-foliolate, 

 coriaceous, glabrous or downy ; Leaflets, 1-4 in. long, vary- 

 : from linear-oblong to ovate-cordate, all petioled, entire. 



rarely lobed. Flowers, 1-4 in. diameter; most abundantly 

 produced; white, sweet-scented. Sepals, 6-8, broad or narrow- 

 oblong. Anthers obtuse, oblong. Aehenes very downy. — 

 Handbook of New Zealand Flora^ p. 2. 



Description, etc., Plate No. 1.— The " PUAWANANGA."— This handsome 

 bt is abundant in most districts throughout the Islands. It is found more especially 

 fthe skirts of inland forests, where it climbs the loftiest of trees, and garlands them 

 !th its chaste flowers and handsome foliage. It is the largest and choicest member of 

 family, and gladdens the Spring (month of Octolier) with its presence. On account 

 of its climbing habit, it is at times impossible to obtain its floral treasures, which, pen- 

 dant from the highest branches of the stately forest trees, defy all attempts, at the hands 

 of the coveteous ones below, to possess them. The flowers are remarkable for their size, 

 whiteness, and elegance of form. Many of the European species are exquisitely pure 

 and produce a long succession, and a great profusion of large, variously-coloured beautiful. 



