68 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



though Colenso states that its correct name is Pahautea. The polysyllabic name 

 " Totarakirikotukutuku" has also been applied to it, but Colenso, with admirably 

 unconscious humour, states that " no old Maori would have thought of such a 

 thing." It and the previous species are sometimes also called the New Zealand 

 Cedar, but must not be confused with Dysoxylum spectabile, to which this name 

 is often applied. 



Genus Podocarpus. 



Shrubs or trees. Leaves very variable. Catkins variable. Fruit a drupe, 

 often edible. A large genus found in tropical and sub-tropical countries. 

 According to the theory of Celakowsky, the female flower consists of one carpel, 

 and one ovule with two integuments. In most of the New Zealand species, as 

 the ovule ripens, the integuments become crimson and fleshy, thus attracting 

 birds. (Name from the Greek signifying foot- fruited, in allusion to the fleshy 

 peduncle). 7 sp. 



Podocarpus ferruginea (The Busty Podocarpus or Miro). 

 A large tree, covered with a grey or blackish bark, 

 which peels off in large flakes. The leaves are narrow and 

 pointed, and are set in two rows on the branches. Male 

 and female flowers are on separate trees both axillary. 

 The fruit is of the size of a small plum. It is of a bright 

 red colour, and is covered when first ripe with a waxy 

 powder, which gives it a delicate bloom. Native pigeons are 

 very fond of the miro berries, and become very fat and 

 lazy when feeding on them. These fruits have the odour and 

 the taste of turpentine. They ripen in July and August, and 

 the flowers are produced in October and November. The 

 timber is hard and tough. It is not easily worked, neither is 

 it so durable as that of most of the other pines. The gum 

 which oozes from this tree possesses healing properties. It is 

 found in both islands The specific name alludes to the rusty 

 colour of the leaves. 



Podocarpus nival is (The Mountain Totar n). 



A much smaller tree than the preceding, often only a low shrub, densely 

 branched. The branches grow outwards rather than upwards, and send out 

 roots from their lower surfaces, thus forming a matted growth over the surface 

 of the ground. These matted roots serve to hold together the loose soil and 

 shingle of the alpine slopes, thus preventing landslips. The leaves are thick and 

 leathery, with a stout midrib. The integuments of the ovule become very 



