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THE ART ALBUM OF NEW ZEALAND FLORA. 



1. ARISTOTELIA RACEMOSA {Rook., F.) The Racemose-flowered Aristotelia. 



Specific Character. — A small handsome tree, 6-20 ft. 

 liigli, with blackish bark and pubescent twigs. Leaves on 

 long petioles, membranous, pubescent, variable iu form, 3-5 in. 

 long, ovate-cordate or oblong-laneeolate, acuminate ; deeply, 

 irregularly and acutely serrate ; often red or purple beneath. 

 Kacemes panicled, axillary, many-flowered ; peduncles and 



pedicels slender. Flowers dicecious, small, the males largest, 

 i-i in. diam., nodding. Petals 4, 3-lobed, rosy, ot the female 

 flower very small. Stamens numerous, yellow, minutely hairy ; 

 anthers larger than the filaments ; ovai'v usually 4-celled. 

 Berrv, size of a pea, eaten by the natives. — Handbook of New 

 Zealand Flora, p. 33. 



Description, etc., Plate No. 14. — The "MAKO-MAKO."— This very handsome, 

 quick-growing small tree is common to both the Northern and Middle Islands. It rarely 

 exceeds twenty feet in height, and does not attain great dimensions. The bark is 

 blackish, and the twigs are covered Avith short soft hairs. One of the principal features 

 of beauty in this tree is its leaves, which are a rich green on top and crimson below, 

 and have somewhat the appeai'ance of shot silk. As seen from underneath they are 

 semi-transparent, which in the sunlight produces a most charming effect. The grace of 

 the foliage and its varied hues of colour is a delightful spectacle. When in blossom the 

 2)i"ofuse display of dainty pink flowers, add much to its beauty. 



" To rest awhile beneath the Mako's shade, 



And feast the eye with vistas draped in sheen ; 

 'Midst leafy visions green with crimson laid, 



And glints of sunlight, struggling in between ; 

 A rich delight ; where tempting berries sway. 



And rays prismatic softly intertwine ; 

 Softening down the purer light of day. 



Into shadows delicate and fine." 



The Mako-]Mako is fully in blossom in the early part of October, the male trees, which 

 display the largest and most numerous flowers, present a charming picture — the female 

 trees are not nearly so handsome. They grow usually on the edges, or in the more open 

 parts of the bush. The flowers haA'e not any perceptible fragrance, and produce no llone3^ 

 In some districts the tree is known as the " Wine-berry," and wine has been prepared 

 from its abundant and juicy fruit. The berries are about the size of a garden currant, 

 and dark crimson in colour ; they are eaten by the Maoris, and the native birds evince a 

 decided partiality for them. The wood is white, very light, and is in request for the 

 purpose of making veneers. Though the tree is abundant, or even common throughout 

 the colony, its genei'al airy and beautiful character, should claim for it a j)lfice in our 

 gardens or shrubberies. It is fairly hardy, and young plants can be ol^tained from 

 nurserymen, or from the bush at the foot of the parent tree. The plant improves under 

 cultivation, and becomes a very pleasing addition around the homestead. The foliage is 

 eaten l)y cattle, and is not injurious. Our plate is a representation of the male tree in 

 rich profusion of l)lossom. -: 



