58 



TEE ART ALBUM OF NEW ZEALAND FLORA. 



r.L.S. It Avas at one time svipjjosed, by Mr. Allan Cunningham, the Australian botanist, 

 to liaA'e been introduced into New Zealand; but Mi*. Colenso, F.L.S., whose long and 

 large botanical experience in the Colony stands unquestioned, affirms that the plant is 

 certainly indigenous. At the preseiit time, it is exceedingly rare, and only to be met 

 Avith in few and retired places. The inroads of civilisation, with its attendant improve- 

 meiifs, assisted by fire and cattle, may l)e said to have practically annihilated one of the 

 prettiest and most ornate specimens of NeAV Zealand plants. This species is likewise 

 indigenous to Australia, where it is much prized, and kept under cultivation as a garden 

 flower. It is propagated Ijy seed, as are all the single-flowered varieties, which come 

 up true to their respective colours. The New Zealand plant has pale primrose- coloured 

 flowers, with a purple patch at the bottom of each lobe, a purjile staminal tube, and 

 orange-coloured anthers. It is stated in some districts, that the flowers are devoid of 

 the purple colouring. Our jilate repi'esenting "The New Zealand Hibiscus," is taken 

 from a plant raised in the vicinity of Pouawa, East Coast ; and we trust that our 

 endeavours to perpetuate the memory of so lieautiful a pliant will be acceptable to our 

 readers. The S2)ecific name of Trioniim, accorded this species, is someAvhat vague, but it 

 may possibly bear allusion to the Constellation " Triones," the seven stars of the Greater 

 Bear ; but the reason is not altogetlier clear, nor the connection apparent. 



