THE DAPHNE FAMILY 269 



Kaituna. The ake-ake is not uncommon in several places. 

 Many specimens of it may be seen near the Maori village at 

 Eapaki. 



According to Colenso, the dried wood of the passion-flower 

 formed an excellent slow match, by means of which the Maoris 

 were able to carry a spark from village to village. 



Thymelaceae. 



THE DAPHNE FAMILY. 



Distribution. A family of about 500 species, most of which are natives of 

 Australia and South Africa. The flowers of Daphne are sweet-scented, and the 

 berries of some of the species are poisonous. The Lace-bark tree of the West 

 Indies is a member of this family, and the fibre of other Indian and Chinese 

 species is made into paper. 



Key to the Genera. 



Stamens, 2. Pimelea. 



Stamens, 4. Drapetes (not further described). 



Genus Pimelea. 



Erect or prostrate shrubs, with opposite leaves, and terminal heads of white 

 or yellow flowers. Perianth tubular, 4-lobed. Stamens 2. Fruit dry or pulpy. 

 A genus peculiar to Australia and New Zealand. (Name from the Greek, 

 signifying fatness, in allusion to the oily seeds). 12 sp. 



Pimelea longifolia (The Long-leaved Pimelea). 



A shrub, 2 ft. -6 ft. in height. Leaves numerous, shining, 1 in. -2 in. long, 

 ^in.-iin. broad, flat. Flowers silky, fragrant, white, in. long. Stamens 

 exserted. Nut enclosed in the tube of the perianth. Abundant in the North 

 Island ; found also in the northern parts of the South Island. 



Pimelea arenaria (The Pimelea of the Sand-dunes). 



A small, silky, shining plant, white, with soft hairs. Stem 8 in. -24 in. high. 

 Leaves close-set, spreading, Jin.-^in. long, oblong or rounded, hairy, silky, and 

 shining. Flowers white, silky, J in. across. Fruit pulpy, edible. Both 

 islands : sand-dunes. Fl. Jan. -April. 



