so PLAKTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



Pandanaceae. 



The Sc'kew-Pine Family. 



Distribution. — Chietly a tropical family. Some of the species form large 

 trees, Imt the majority are thick bushes. The name Screw-pine was gi\'en on 

 account of the renrarkalile twisting of the stem in some species. The various 

 species of Pcmdcmus are noted for the large aerial roots, which, like flying 

 buttresses, prop the stem. Their leaves contain a strong fibre, which is used 

 in the making of sugar-sacks and fish-bags. 



Freycinetia Banksii (The Kie-l-ic). 



A lofty, climbing shrub. Leaves '2ft. in len,gth, finely-toothed, concave, 

 sheathing at the base, with prickly margins. Flowers in terminal spikes. 

 3in.-4in. long, surrounded by white, fleshy bracts. Male flowers consisting of 

 bundles of stamens, female of several ovaries, surrounded by infertile stamens. 

 Fruit an oblong green spadix, with numerous, closely compressed carpels, 

 each Jin. long ; the lower part soft and hollow, filled with pendulous seeds ; the 

 upper part hard and solid. Seeds small, numerous, oblong. The fieshy white 

 bracts and yomig spikes of fruit are eaten by the natives and by children . The 

 long fibrous leaves are used in the manufacture of baskets. North Island ; 

 and west coast of the South Island to Milford Sound. Fl. Sept. -Oct. Maori 

 name Ku'-hte. The fruit is usually called Tawhrira. 1 sp. 



Palmaceae. 



The Palm Family. 



Tr<-cs or shrubs, rarely climbers. Tjcaves large, di\ided, fan-like, with 

 sheathing petioles. Flowers on a luMucbed a,xis, enclosed in a spathe. 

 Periantli of C segments ; sta.mens G. Fruit a berr\' or drupe. 



Distribution. — This family of plants, which is said to he more valuable than 

 a.ny other, is represented on the mainland of New Zealand by a single species — 

 the Nik'au Palm — Rhopah'styJis ^npida. This tree is closely related to the Betel- 

 nut of the East (Areca CidecJin}. 



Palm-trees arc chiefly found in tropical regions, where they are often of 

 wonderful utility, in bestowing upon the inhabitants of those lands shelter, food, 

 light, beat, and clothing. The Coco-nut Palm, the Date Palm, the Sago Palm, 



