T. Krrk,—-Occurrence of Rhagodia in New Zealand. 369 
Arr. XXXI.— Notice of the Occurrence of a Species of Rhagodia at Port 
Nicholson. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. & 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 14th November, 1883.] 
Tux genus Rhayodia has long been supposed peculiar to Australia, its addi- 
tion to the New Zealand Flora is therefore a matter of considerable interest 
as it increases the number of important genera common to both countries. 
In this district a species belonging to the genus occurs in rocky places 
by the sea on the Miramar Peninsula, and in other localities on the coast. 
It closely resembles Chenopodium triandrum in external characters, and it is 
to this cause that we must attribute the fact of its having so long escaped 
notice. It may, however, be distinguished from any species of Chenopodium 
by its succulent bright crimson fruits. 
Our plant was originally added to the Flora and identified as Rhagodia 
nutans, R. Br., var., by Mr. T. F. Cheeseman, of Auckland, who discovered 
it on an island in the Hauraki Gulf, and kindly favoured me with specimens 
in May last. On a recent examination of a collection of plants formed by 
my youngest son, H. B. Kirk, I was agreeably surprised to find the plant 
represented by specimens collected at Miramar, in the vicinity of Welling- 
ton, and have but little doubt that most of the littoral stations recorded for 
Chenopodium triandrum will prove to belong to the New Zealand form of 
ithagodia nutans. 3 oit : 
The Wellington plant appears to be more robust than the Auckland 
plant; the leaves of the latter also are green and membranous, while those 
of the former are mealy-white beneath. 
Our plant is eharaeterized by slender branches one to two feet long or 
more, trailing amongst rocks or supporting themselves amongst the lower 
branches of shrubs. The stems are woody at the base, and sometimes of 
considerable thickness ; leaves usually mealy-white, opposite or rarely alter- 
nate, about 3" long, on slender petioles, broadly lanceolate with an angular 
base (never hastate in the specimens examined), not unfrequently the points 
turned inwards, acute. Inflorescence in axillary fascicles, near the ex- 
tremity of the branches, or in slender, shortly-branched terminal panicles. 
Fruit succulent, bright crimson. 
Further acquaintance with the plant will probably show that it is worthy 
of permanent distinction as a variety, in which case it might be appro- 
priately designated :— 
Rhagodia nutans, R. Br., var. nove-zealandia, 
Apparently it was first observed in this colony by Dr. Hector, who sup- 
posed it to be a form of Chenopodium triandrum with succulent fruits. 
Sir Joseph Hooker, in the supplemental reference to C, triandrum in 
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