The Botanical Provinces. 299 
ı. The Kermadec Province. 
This embraces the Kermadec group. The flora is of a fragmentary character 
and contains not only New Zealand species but others belonging to Norfolk 
Island, Lord Howe Island and Polynesia, respectively, which are wanting in New 
Zealand. The total number of species is ıı5 of which ı3 are endemic. The 
chief characteristic of the vegetation is Metrosideros villosa forest containing 
abundance of the endemic palm, Rhopalostylis Cheesemanii. 
2. The Northern Mainland Province. 
Se This includes that part of the North Island of New Zealand, as shown on 
Re the phytogeographical map, N. of a line‘) passing from Tauranga to Te Kuiti 
and thence to Rua Point, together with the various outlying islands including. 
= the Three Kings group, but excluding Mayor Island. The total number of 
Bin. species is about 756 of which 87 are confined to the province and to these must be 
5 added 33 important species which only penetrate the Central province for a 
; short distance”). Lorsoma, Ackama and Colensoa are endemic genera. 
Ecologically, the province is specially distinguished by the presence of 
kauri forest, gumlands’ heath and mangrove swamp and, except to a limited 
extent in the Thames subdistrict, the absence of alpine Haste, 
3. The Central Mainland Province. 
This includes all the North Island to the S. of the southern boundary of 
the Northern Province together with the area containing the Marlborough 
Sounds in the South Island and the portion of Marlborough and Nelson lying 
to the W. as shown on the map°). Also the outlying islands together with Mayor 
island are included. The total number of species is at least 980 of which 69 are 
confined to the province which is distinguished by the presence of vast taxad-forests 
of different kinds and also of Norkofagus forest both at high and low levels. There 
is a rich alpine vegetation made up of but few species (174) compared with. that. = 
‚of the Southern province. Certain of the more common alpine plants occur a 
in the South Island only in the North-western distriet *) while 33 en some 2 
very characteristic, are confined to ‚the province. 
4- Ehe Southern Mainland Province. I; | 
Excepting the small portion in the N. E. belonging to the Centr 
the agree, of the South Island is included under this head t g 
1) This is is quite groriana Fra is vr m 
2) y respects the most en line of ne be ck this 
would not fit in with the arrangement as under with regard. to. N canic Plateau 
= It. 380° could be the dividing line. i 
modietion of dis statement further on. 
Meg — Ai a \ er 
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