104 LYCOPODIACE^. [Lycopodium 



densely imbricating, ^J in. long, lanceolate, with a short sharp point, 

 dark-green (reddish when dry), erect or spreading. Capsules in the 

 axils of the upper leaves, which are similar to the stem-leaves, and 

 not forming a spika 



Distribution. — Common in most arctic, antarctic, and cold moun- 

 tainous regions of the globe. 



In the N". Island of New Zealand this characteristically alpine 

 club-moss has only been collected in one locality, viz., at Mutokino, 

 by Mr. Kirk. In the South Island it is common in the mountain 

 districts, at elevations between 1,500 and 6,000 ft. 



3. L. varium, Br. 



A. very variable plant, intermediate between L, selago and L.'> 

 hilla/rdieri, with which latter it is sometimes included as a variety. 

 Stems 6-18 in. long, decumbent or erect, often pendulous from trees. 

 Leaves crowded round the stem, linear-lanceolate, obtuse, spreading 

 or erect, \-^ in. long, dark-green. Spikes 1-4 in. long, solitary or 2 

 or 3 together, terminal, 4-gonous, usually drooping ; scales \-\ in. 

 long, ovate, obtuse. 



Syrwnym. — L. sulcinervium. Spring. 



Distribution. — Australia, Tasmania (where it is abundant), and 

 apparently in S. Africa and some of the Pacific Islands. Also 

 occurring in the Chatham, Auckland, and Campbell Islands. 



In the mountain districts of both Islands of New Zealand ; com- 

 mon in Otago up to 6,000 ft. It is said to be rare in Canterbury, 

 and has been recorded by Mr. Kirk from Kawau. It is often 

 confused by collectors with the next species. 



3. L. billardieri, Spring. 



Stems 2-4 ft. long, usually pendulous from trees, flexuous, and 

 much branched. Leaves \\ in. long, linear-oblong or -lanceolate, 

 obtuse or acute, imbricating all round, rather loosely below, densely 

 above. Spikes 2-6 in. long, slender, 4-gonous, dichotomously 

 branched ; scales broadly ovate, obtuse, keeled, often shorter than the 

 capsules, laxly imbricating. 



Synonyms. — L. flagellaria, A. Rich. ; L. phlegmaria, A. Cunn. 

 (not of Linnseus, which is an Australian species). 



Distribviion. — Confined to New Zealand, where it ranges from the 

 Bay of Islands to Stewart Island, ascending to 2,500 ft. at the 

 Thames. It is common wherever there is bush land. According 

 to Sir J. D. Hooker it " almost passes into various tropical forms, 

 but is not exactly similar to any." 



Owing to its tufted habit, this is one of the most easUy cultivated 

 species of the genus, and should be found in every fernery. It is 

 very hardy, is easily transplanted, and in a damp, shady situation 

 forms a very handsome plant. No doubt L. varkmi could be as 



