Rn ein, exaltata, Dryopteris giaheli and Blechnum erg Es a few 
ron: above 
252 The Vegetation of the Kermadec Islands. 
‚elsewhere but closely related to the New Zealand-Kermadec-Norfolk-Howe 
C. Baueri‘), = 
The general ecological conditions of the Kermadecs are a combination 
of a moist humid climate, coastal conditions and an extremely porous soil. 
‚According to OLIVER, (1910: 12 5), calm days are rare and the wind often blows 
with great violence. The rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the 
year. In cloudy and rainy weather a mist continually hangs about the hilltops 
and its influence is reflected by a distinct forest-association. 
2. The leading Physiognomic Plants. 
The following are the leading physiognomic plants of the Kermadec 
'vegetation, all of which are either identical with, or closely related to mainland 
‚species: — Metrosideros villosa (Myrtac.), Rhopalostylis Cheesemanit”) (Palmae), 
Rapanea kermadecensis (Myrsinac.), Ascarina lanceolata (Chloranthac.), Myoporum 
 laetum (Myoporac.), Corynocarpus laevigata (Corynocarp.), Miliegiis ramiflorus. 
(Violac.), Coprosma petiolata (Rubiac.), Macropiper excelsum var. major (Piperac.), 
the endemic tree-ferns (Cyatkea Milnei, C. kermadecensis) and a number ‘of 
herbaceous. ferns, especially, — Pieris comans, Polystichum aristatum, Nephro- 
need a brief noti 
is more or % 
eu. case, trunk-like branches pass are from the 
‚.erea  roots are extremely abundant in both forms; in the 
ey grow ‚downv ards, pass into the soil and function as stems; in 
the prostrate form they make entangled masses at the base of the trunk, 
Se The PEN are similar to those of M. tomentosa but smaller. “ 
fe Rhopalostylis Cheesemanü closely resembles A. sapida but is taller. apa 
ermadecensis is a low tree, 6—-ı0 m high with smooth reddish-gray bar 
and dense foliage of en dark-green, eörieceons leaves an 
the, ‚small on produced on its fruit is 
