FLORA OF THE GROUP. 225 



sand feet elevation. The stems are so touuh and have the fronds so locked to- 

 gether that they often form a barrier through which it is most fatiguing to 

 force one 's way. 



The enormous rhubarlj-shaped, thick, rough leaves of the apeape,"' tliree 

 to five feet across, are occasionally to be seen by the more hardy mountain 

 climbers who visit the Waianae Mountains and the higher mountains on the other 

 islands of the group. The leaves are the largest of any plant in Hawaii and 

 are said to be the largest of any of the dozen or more species belonging to the 

 genus Gunnera. Nearly the same name (ape or apii) was applied by the natives 

 to a plant ^" that grows on dry land in the lower zone. The latter plant belongs 

 to the taro family and is a native of India, but has long been naturalized and 

 cultivated in Polynesia as a substitute for taro and is generally known in Ha- 

 waii as dry-land tarn. It is remarkable for the strong, sickening smell (if the 

 flowers. 



The ohelo,"^- described in the chapter on fruits, is common in the high 

 mountains of this zone, and its shining, fleshy berries, famous in native song 

 and story as an ofit'ering to Pele, are also delightful for their slightly astringent, 

 but cool and refreshing flavor. They are much enjoyed by those who visit the 

 region in which they grow. 



A much-branching shruli of the region, growing from three to six feet 

 high with very small, stiff thick leaves, is known as the Christmas berry or 

 puakeawe.-^^ It is one of the most characteristic plants of the islands, particu- 

 larly of the higher mountain regions. The minute white flowers are followed by 

 small red, or red and white berries. The berries and leaves do not readily fall 

 and for this reason it is increasing in favor for use in Christmas decorations. 



The Hawaiian mistletoe ^^^ is a curious parasitic plant of the forest belt 

 that is found growing quite commonly on the koa and ohia branches, securing 

 its substance entirely from the host plant. 



The Hawaiian representatives of the order LoheUacece is one of the most 

 interesting and characteristic groups of plants in the whole island flora. They 

 are herbs, shrubs and small trees, all with woody stems and a milky juice. 

 jMore than sixty species are now known, belonging to six well-defined genera 

 which differ widely in appearance. The majority, however, are tall and shruli- 

 like with simple undivided trunks, and of somewhat palm-like growth owing to 

 the fact that they have rough scars on the trunks to mark the attachment of 

 of discarded leaves. They are without doubt survivors of an ancient flora which 

 has been superseded by other forms, and doubtless we have at present only a 



*^ Gtinnern petnloidea. *' Alnmnin marrorrhizn. ^^ Yacciniion retirtilatum. 



*8 Cyathodes lameianieice. ^'^ Yiscum articulatum. 



(Description of Plate Continued from Opponite Page.) 



wicensis). 5. Ahaniu {ClafJ'mm = (Baumca) Mci/niii). (i. Typical Lobelia (Lobelia hypn- 

 leuca). 7. Gahnia beecheyi. 8. Ohe (Tetraplasandra wcianclra). 9. Kanawau (Broussai.sin 

 ixilJucida). 10. Emoloa {Eragrostis variabilis). 11. Painui (A.slclia venifroi<hs). 12. lihyit- 

 chospora ih)/r.soidea. 



