Systematic Botany.] StJBANT ARCTIC ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND. 425 



This is a plant which is very imperfectly understood, and the systematic position 

 of which is consequently doubtful. In the " Flora Antarctica " Hooker figured and 

 described it as a distinct species ; but in the subsequently published Handbook he 

 merged it with the widely spread V. huxifolia, Benth. Kirk, in his paper on Veronica. 

 published in the " Transactions of the New Zealand Institute " (vol. xxviii, p. 524), 

 also referred it to huxifolia, but as a separate variety, comprising Hooker's Auckland 

 Island plant and a patent-leaved form of huxifolia common in mountain districts 

 from Nelson to Stewart Island. Looking at the matter solely from the point of view 

 of Hooker's plate and description, this reduction to Veronica huxifolia has always 

 appeared to me to be highly doubtful. According to Hooker's description, odora 

 differs from huxifolia in the delicate fragrance of the flowers, in the shorter corolla- 

 tube and more obtuse corolla-lobes, in the absence of the large concave bracts so 

 conspicuous in huxifolia, and in the regularly patent and more distantly placed 

 leaves. In all these points it shows an affinity with F. elliptica, and in the Manual 

 I consequently placed it under that species. In this view I was fortified by the 

 opinion of Dr. Cockayne, who states (Trans. N.Z. Inst., xxxvi, 322) that it " is at 

 most a form of ellijotica.^' On the other hand, Mr. N. E. Brown, who examined for 

 me the whole of the New Zealand Veronicas in the Kew Herbarium, and who had the 

 advantage of inspecting Hooker's original specimens, informed me that odora was 

 distinct from huxifolia, and constituted a good species. Unfortunately, the collections 

 submitted to me for determination do not include any specimens which I can refer 

 to V. odora. But I am informed by Mr. Aston that a Veronica was observed at 

 Norman's Inlet and Port Ross which resembled V. huxifolia, but which was not seen 

 in a flowering state. A living plant is now in cultivation at Wellington, a scrap from 

 which has been kindly forwarded by Mr. Aston. The material is not sufficient to 

 form the basis of any opinion, but the foliage certainly comes nearer to the plate of 

 V. odora than any other specimen I have seen. An approach to V. huxifolia is also 

 evident, but there are differences which would seem to preclude the union of the 

 two plants, and until flowering specimens are ' obtained it is best to treat the two 

 as distinct. 



It may be remarked that should future investigation prove the specific identity 

 of V. odora and V. huxifolia, then odora must be the name retained. It was described 

 by Hooker in 1844, whereas F. huxifolia was not published until 1846, two years 

 later.* 



Veronica Benthami, Hook. f. 



Veronica Benthami, Hook, f., Fl. Antarct., i, 60, t. 39, 40 (1844). 



Auckland and Campbell Islands : In open and rocky places from a short distance 

 above sea-level to the summit of the hills, abundant ; Hooker and all subsequent 

 collectors. (Endemic.) 



Excellently figured and described by Hooker, and a very distinct and beautiful 

 plant, with flowers of the deepest blue. Like Hooker, I find that abnormal flowers 

 frequently occur, in which the calyx and corolla are 6-lobed, with 3 stamens and a 

 3-celled ovary. 



* For further information respecting Veronica odora see page 447. 



