 sheltered gullies the Veronica is erect and there may be a close growth O8 
Rock and Chft. 31 
d. Phormium Cookianum association. 
Phormium Cookianum is a common feature of coastal cliffs in the E..of 
the Central province and it extends S. to the North-Eastern district and on 
the W. to Stewart Island. The coastal plant differs somewhat from the subal- 
pine forms. The leaves crowded and bunched together are about 1.4 mlong - 
by 9 cm.broad, the lower half of each is erect, owing to the sides of the blade 
being pressed together, but the upper half droops downwards. In many localities 
a spreading semi-prostrate or prostrate Veronica may be present; in others 
the Phormium, Coprosma Baueri, Poa anceps var. condensata and various 
halophytes Tai the association. On East Cape Island a species of ee 
is common with ‚Heshy green leaves in rosettes 2ı cm in diam. 
ı. Veronica macroura sub-association. 
V. macroura is a shrub of spreading, drooping habit, the stems leafy near 
the extremities only, the leaves moderate-sized, rather broad and the flowers 
white and sweet-scented. Ecologically similar is V. Atkinsonii of the hr 
bourhood of Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds. 
On the soft shale cliffs of the East Cape district, the en Y 
clumps of P. Cookianum are dominant. V. macroura is abundant’ and it may 
grow through the frequent mats of Poa anceps var. condensata and hang down 
the cliff-face. Other associated plants are: — Scirpus nodosus, Apium prostratrum, 
Samolus and probably other halophytes, Zobdelia anceps, Lagenophera pumila, 
Cassinia leptophylla, Senecio Banksü, S. Colensoi and ‚Sonchus littoralis. In 
“ 
undo, Coriaria ruscifolia and the Phormium. 
On the northern shores of Cook Strait the rock is önech harder; there is 2 
great variety of stations and. accompanying variety of species. Phormium Cook 
ianum accompanied by Veronica Atkinsonü. is common in many places nakiı 
a well-defined association. But alongside, or connected by er ir 
binations to be IE rather to Mes: eg re 1 placı 
