438 



PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



S. saxifragoides, supposed by Kirk to be confined to Banks 

 Peninsula, is undoubtedly the typical S. lag opus of Eaoul 

 (Choix 21. T. 17). It still produces its large-leaved rosettes 

 on the southern faces of cliffs, where Eaoul found it, 

 near Akaroa. It is also plentiful behind Lyttelton, often 

 growing in altogether inaccessible localities, and it is the only 

 Senecio which haunts these situations on the peninsula. It 

 may be found in flower from early spring to late autumn ; but 



Fig. 156. Senecio Lyallii (^nat, size). 



its blossoms are produced in greater profusion in summer. 

 S. sciadophilus is an interesting liane, the only New Zealand 

 climber of the genus. It is known from only a few scattered 

 habitats in the South Island. It may occasionally be seen in 

 the neighbourhood of Akaroa, covering the green top of some 

 tree with its network of yellow flowers. S. rotundifolius 

 is the mutton-bird scrub of Stewart Island. Its leaves are 

 much used by tourists for post cards, the white tomentum of 

 the underside affording a suitable surface for writing. 



