264 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



as it is mature, or there may be a space between the anther 

 and stigma. In this case the pollen grains put out their 

 tubes, which attach themselves to the stigmatic surface. Thus 

 pollination is effected with certainty. It is obviously better for 

 the plant to be self-pollinated, than to remain infertile. In 

 New Zealand, cleistogamy has been studied in the genus Viola 

 by Mr. G. M. Thomson.* 



In Viola filicaulis, cleistogamic flowers are often found in 

 the months of January and February. They are borne very 

 close to the root, on short curved stalks less than an inch in 

 length. The sepals are normal, and the petals, in place of 

 being irregular in shape, as they are typically in the violet, 

 are all of the same form. The stamens are apparently all 

 represented, and have the anthers, when present, appressed 

 to the pistil. (However, in many cases, one or only two 

 filaments have anthers, and in no case is the connective 

 produced backward into a spur). The style is as long as 

 usual, but if straight, would be beyond the reach of the 

 anthers. It therefore lies coiled up on the top of the ovary. 



In V. Cunninghamii, the reduction of cleistogamic flowers 

 has been carried further even than in V. filicaulis. In the 

 former species there is no trace of petals, and the stamens 

 are much more rudimentary. Only two are provided with 

 anthers, and these, enclosed in their hoods, are closely applied 

 to the stigmatic surface. 



Genus Melicytus. 



Small trees, with regular flowers and alternate leaves. Fruit a berry, 

 containing angular seeds. Found only in New Zealand and Norfolk Island. 

 (Name from the Greek, signifying honey and a cavity, in reference to the small 

 scales behind the anthers, at first mistaken for nectaries). 4 sp. 



Melicytus ramiflorus (The Branch- flowered Melicytus). 

 A tree, sometimes 30 ft. in height, with white stems and greenish-yellow 

 flowers. The latter are produced in fascicles upon the branches below the leaves, 

 and are minute, being only in. in diameter. Leaves oblong, serrate. Berry 

 violet-coloured. Both islands. Fl. Nov. -Jan. Maori names Mahoe, Ina-ina . 



*TranB., Vol. XI. p. 415. 



