188 



dry up the soil near its surface ; when cut down, the trees die at once, not 

 making any attempt to shoot or break. 



Metrosideros lucicla, Menz. A very handsome myrtle-like foliaged shrub, 

 growing in many places to a large tree ; in its native state the Rata is usually 

 found growing amongst the crevices of rocks, which, during the month of 

 January, are enlivened with its brilliant scarlet blossoms. "We have had this 

 plant under cultivation for many years ; in good soil, it makes fine vigorous 

 growth ; it may be raised from seed (which requires a considerable time to 

 ripen) ; it can be propagated by cuttings ; after a shift or two, it forms such a 

 mass of fibrous roots that it can be removed with perfect safety. It is hardy 

 enough for any aspect ; a free cvirrent of air is absolutely necessary to preserve 

 its compact habit. 



Metrosideros tomentosa, Cunn. The Pohutukawa under cultivation grows 

 in a compact form, and blossoms freely ; with us, its growth is slower than 

 that of M. lucida, but it is hardy enough to withstand the rigour of our winter. 



Myrtus hidlata, Banks and Sol. A nice-looking upright-growing shrub, 

 which often may be noticed under cultivation in the ISTorth. The yellowish 

 green leaf presents a blistered apjjearance. 



Myrtus ohcordata, Hook. f. Common about the bays of Port Cooper, 

 where it may be fi'equently observed on the outskirts of the bush, attaining 

 the size of a small tree, from 6 to 12 inches diameter. It is of slow growth, 

 but compact habit ; its small pale green obcordate leaves are variegated with 

 a brownish green tint on the margin and along the course of the nerves. 

 Flowers in December. 



Myrtus p^dunculata, Hook. f. Far less compact than the preceding 

 species ; its glaucous leaves are somewhat oblong. Blossoms in December ; 

 grows best in a shady situation. 



The Myrtles thrive in any light soil, not too wet, and are easily raised 

 from seed. 



Passiflore^. 

 Passiflora tetrandra, Banks and Sol. This lofty climber shows itself best 

 when clothing a round-topped tree of moderate height, adorned with its bright 

 clusters of orange coloured fruit ; although it is found on the outskirts of the 

 bush, it requires a sheltei'ed situation, the frost afiecting it far more than 

 winds. It is easily removed, and grows freely from seed ; thrives best in light 

 soil, not too dry. 



Araliace^. 



Panax lo-ngisswium, Hook. f. This peculiar looking tree presents a 

 complete contrast to all other natives, from its straight erect rod-like stem with 

 drooping coriaceoiis leaves, that sometimes measure above 2 feet in length. 

 After some years the stem becomes branched about ten or twelve feet from 



