RANUNCULACE^ 365 



This species may be spread by means of its achenes, but it is 

 more likely that fragments of the stems are carried on the feathers 

 and feet of aquatic birds. 



It is visited by Apis mellifica, Bombus terrestris and Eristalis tenax. 



Ranunculus Flammula, Linn. Lesser Spear-wort 

 Recorded by Cheeseman in 1906 as occurring in the Waiharakeke 

 Stream, Piako; and again in 1912 from the vicinity of Kaitaia, col- 

 lected by H. B. Matthews, in wet Kahikatea forest. This species is 

 likely to increase rapidly on account of its long creeping runners, 

 which will grow from 20 to 24 inches in a year. 



Ranunculus sceleratus, Linn. Celery-leaved Buttercup 

 First recorded from the Otago Goldfields in 1876 by Dr Petrie. 

 In the Manual of the Flora, Cheeseman records it as occurring in 

 "damp pastures and waste places from Mongonui to Southland, 

 local." It is, however, very abundant in many localities, and in times 

 of drought has proved fatal to cattle. (Fl., Nov. to March.) 

 Visited by Lucilia ccesar and Musca corvina. 



Ranunculus acris, Linn. Field Buttercup 

 Probably introduced at an early date in the settlement of the 

 country; first recorded by Kirk in 1867, among the plants of the 

 Great Barrier Island. 



Cheeseman in 1906 records it as occurring in " pastures and waste 

 places in both islands, but not common." It is extraordinarily com- 

 mon in some parts, for instance near Dunedin. (FL, Nov. to Jan.) 



Ranunculus repens, Linn. Creeping Buttercup 



Probably introduced as early as R. acris, but recorded along with 

 it in 1867. One of the most abundant weeds in New Zealand, 

 spreading in all directions, both by its seeds and its creeping stolons. 

 (Fl., Nov. to Jan.) 



Ranunculus bulbosus, Linn. Bulbous Buttercup 



First recorded in 187 1 by Armstrong from the Canterbury district. 

 Cheeseman in the Manual (1906) states that it is abundant in pastures 

 and waste places in both islands. It is not, however, at all common 

 in Otago and Southland. (Fl., Oct. to Dec.) 



These three species of buttercup, R. acris, R. repens and R. bul- 

 bosus are in Europe visited by Apis mellifica, Eristalis tenax and 

 Calliphora erythrocephala. 



Ranunculus sardous, Crantz. Hairy Buttercup 



First recorded from the North Cape by Cheeseman in 1896. In 

 his Manual he states that it is common in pastures and waste places 



