THE MISTLKTOE FAMILY 145 



however, it is the tarata (Pittospm-um eugenioides) which is attacl^cd ahnost 

 exclusively. Cases of double parasitism have been frequently observed in 

 connection with Tupeia. Thus, in Riecarton Bush, Mr. ,T. B. Armstrong 

 discovered Loranthns micrantlms growing upon it. At Brolfcn River, Mr T 

 Kirli found Loranthns tetrnpetahis growing on Nothofagus Solmulri, and itself 

 bearing T. antarctica. 



The staminate flowers of Tupcia are found in panicles, in 

 which tlie individual blossoms are not only more numerous, 

 but larger in size than those on the pistillate panicles. Both 

 forms are of a greenish yellow hue. The berries are beautiful 

 and very varied m colour, ranging from white and pmk to 

 deep purple on the same branch. The flowers and leaves 

 droop immediately the parasite is cut away from its host. 



Tupeia antarctica {The Antarctic Tupcia). 



Leaves i in.-li in. long, obovate, with short petioles, pale-green. Panicles 

 6-10 flowered. Flowers J in. in diameter, greenish-yellow. Both islands. PI. 

 Oct. -Dec. 



Proteaceae. 



Distribution. — A remarliable family, found chiefly in Australia and the 

 Gape of Good Hope. Many species are grown for their curious or brilliant 

 flowers. The Australian Bottle-Brush (Banksia) is one of the most remarkable 

 species. Lcucodoulron argenteum is the Silver-Tree of the Cape. 



Key to tJie Genera. 



A small tree. Leaves entire. Fruit a dnipe. Persoonia. 



-\ lofty tree. Leaves serrate. Fruit drj-. Kni^htia. 



Gc/i/ifi Kttujlitia. 



Slender, lofty trees. Leaves leathery, shining, serrate. Flowers in dense 

 cone-shaped racemes. Perianth a club-sliaped tube, the 4 segments fiually 

 separating and becoming revolute. Ovules 4. Follicle 1-celled. Seeds winged 

 at the tip. A genus of two species, one of which is found in New Caledonia. 

 (Named after Knight, a writer on vegetable physiology). 



11 



