184 



ViOLARIE/E. 



Melicytus ramiflorus^ Forst. In many parts of Banks' Peninsula, this tree 

 is known as " Cowleaf," from the avidity with which its leaves are devoured 

 by cattle. Tolerably hai'dy, this close-growing shrub, with its dark green 

 lanceolate leaves, is admirably adapted for screen hedges ; it will bear cutting-in 

 to any extent. It thrives in any ordinary soil, is easily raised from seed. Its 

 bluish black frviit, with which its sprays are clustered, form a favourite food 

 for birds. In June, 1868, we found on the Peninsula, a variety of this species 

 with white seeds. Flowering season is in November. 



Melicytus lanceolatus, Hook. f. A handsome pale green shrub with very 

 long lanceolate leaves, its purplish flowers are very small. This plant will not 

 thrive well in a very bleak exposure, but with a little attention to shelter its 

 growth will be found very rapid. Flowers as early as August. 



PlTTOSPORE^E. 



PittosiJorwm Colensoi. An ornamental tree, as a single specimen plant or 

 with plenty of room it maintains a beautiful conical form of growth ; it bears 

 close pruning well, and is adapted for screens. Its dai'k purple flowers are in 

 blossom from ISTovember to January. This species is frequently mistaken for 

 P. tenuifolium. 



Pittosporuiin tenuifolium. Has a very compact form of growth ; it bears 

 a strong resemblance to the preceding species, but the leaves are smaller and 

 paler green. 



Pittosporumj ohcordatum, Paoul. Not very common ; we have met with speci- 

 mens having stems about 8 inches in diameter. It is of straggling growth, the 

 branches much interlaced, and is better adapted for mixing with other shrubs 

 rather than for planting in a front row or open sjjace. 



PittosiJoruni fasciculatum, Hook. Our specimens were procured from the 

 Otira Gorge. This handsome close-growing species is of robust habit, and a 

 fast grower. 



Pittosporum crassifoUimi, Banks and Sol. This large shrub contrasts well 

 with other Pittosporece ; its obovate leaf frequently measures 3| inches in 

 length, the sides slightly recurved ; both leaf and stem exhibit resinous 

 exudations. 



Pittosporu7n eugenioides, Cunn. This beautiful shi'ub always excites admi- 

 ration^ from its shapeliness and the delicate green of its long finely-veined 

 undulated leaf, to which the almost white midrib lends its share of beauty. 

 Not only do the corymbs of pale yellowish blossoms yield a delicate fragrance, 

 but the leaves, when bruised, emit a strong lemonish scent. With space, the 

 Tarata maintains a shape which renders it one of the chief ornaments of the 

 shrubbery. The seeds are less abundantly covered with gluten than some of 

 the species, and require two years to ripen. Blooms in October. 



