392 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



The larger species of Coprosma bear little resemblance to 

 coprosma-scrub. They have often leaves several inches in 

 length, which are of a brighter green than those of the 

 shrubby forms. Some of these are well known plants, and 

 are frequently cultivated. Thus C. lucida, which with several 

 other arboreous species, is known as Karamu, is frequently 

 found in gardens, being valued on account of the beauty of its- 

 small orange-red berries. It has been suggested that the 

 seeds of this and of C. Baueri might be ground for coffee, as 

 the genus is not far removed from that of the coffee plant. 

 Indeed, a member of the Wellington Philosophical Society 

 once provided his fellow members with " coffee " from the 

 latter plant. This drink was said to possess a splendid aroma, 

 but the experiment does not seem to have been repeated. 



C. Baueri is much used for hedges in Wellington and Mel- 

 bourne. In the former place it is generally known as taupata 

 (sometimes naupata) ; in the latter it is called the looking- 

 glass plant. It is a sea-side plant with bright glossy green 

 leaves, which possess a two-layered epidermis. In this 

 respect it differs from many other species of the genus. 



Veronica speciosa, another sea-side plant, differs similarly 

 from many of the other veronicas. C. Baueri seems to 

 flourish best, when in reach of the ocean spray. The stipules 

 of this and of other species possess an apical gland , 

 which secretes a viscid fluid that protects the tender leaf bud. 

 Similarly, the bud scales of the horse-chestnut are covered with 

 an extremely sticky secretion, that protects the bud in winter. 



In many of the species there are developed in the axils 

 of the lateral veins, and the midrib, small pits that have 

 given rise to much investigation, * but their function is still 

 unknown. 



POLLINATION IN COPROSMA. 



Probably the flowers of all species of Coprosma are wind- 

 pollinated. Pistillate and staminate flowers are formed on 



*Greensill : Leaf structure of Coprosma, Trans. XXXV., p. 342. 



