108 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



power of such cells is equal to that of the best wrought iron 

 or hammered steel, while their ductility is from ten to fifteen 

 times as great as that of iron. Moreover, such mechanical 

 tissues are generally sc arranged as to withstand the maximum 

 amount of strain, though occupying the minimum amount of 

 space in the leaf. 



Habitat : Both islands, and Norfolk Island. Fl. Nov.-Jan. P. Cookianum, 

 a small species, is found in both islands on dry hill sides. It is occasionally 

 epiphytic. 



Fig. 29. Herpolirion novae-Zelandiae. 



Genus Herpolirion. 



Creeping, wiry herbs, with narrow, sheathing leaves. Flower-bud enclosed 

 in one or more spathes. Perianth 6-parted, tubular. Stamens 6. Fruit a. 

 capsule. A' small alpine genus of two species, one found in New Zealand, and 

 one in Australia and Tasmania. (Name from the Greek, signifying a 

 creeping lily.) 1 sp. 



Herpolirion novae-Zelandiae (The New Zealand 



Herpolirion). 



This little plant is found in elevated swamps in Nelson and Canterbury, on 

 the Taupo plains, and in lowland swamps in Otago and Stewart Island. The 

 leaves are narrow and glaucous, lin.-2in. long ; the flowers |in.-in. across,, 

 white, or pale blue, almost sessile ; the bud is enclosed in a single spathe. FL. 

 Dec.-Feb. 



