166 PLANTS OP NEW ZEALAND 



may not be shaded, or hidden from the sight of tlie insects 

 upon which it depends for poUination. 



The leaf-stems coil themselves spirally round the branches 

 of other trees, and so drag the plant up to the sunshine, which 

 IS needed for the expansion of their flowers. When young, 

 these leaf-stems are remarkably sensitive, and, if gently rubbed, 

 will turn in the direction from which the friction comes. 

 They will seize, therefore, and coil themselves around any 

 twig or branch against which they are blown by the wind. 



Clematis hexasepala (The Six-sepalcd Clematis). 



Very similar to C. indirisa, but smaller. Pomid throughout the islands, 

 but not so commonly as the former. Fl. Sep. -Nov. 



Clematis afoliata (The Leafless Clematis). 



A remarkable plant, with leafless branches, and yellow flowers ; often 

 binding together, with its long wiry stems, the bush upon which it grows. 

 Pound chiefly in the South Island : not common. It may still he collected 

 within a short distance of the foot of Colombo Street, Ghristohuroh. PI. Oct. 

 Clematis fcetida (The Pcetid Clematis) produces fragrant, greenish-yellow 

 flowers in great profusion, on long sprays. PI. Sept. -Nov. Clematis parviflora 

 (The Small-flowered Clematis) — Flowers fewer, leaves smaller and softer than in 

 C. fcpfida. Rather local in the North Island, and rare in the South Island. 

 PI. Oct. -Nov. 



GeiiK.'i Ranunculus. 



Most of the species of this genus are known as Buttercups. Sepals 3-.5. 

 Stamens many. Fruit a head of beaked achenes. 37 sp. 



Ranunculus Lyallli (Lyall's Banuncidus). 



Stem erect, without runners. Achenes silky. Leaves peltate, flowers 

 white. Alpine districts of the South Island. PI. Jan, -March. 



This stately plant is the finest species of the genus. The 

 leaves, which are kidney-shaped in the young plants, are 

 circular and concave in mature specimens, thus forming saucers. 

 In them water often collects, and, as there are deep grooves 

 over the leaf-veins, fJiels considers that moisture may be 

 absorbed at these places, but the matter has not yet been sub- 

 jected to experiment. The plant is known to colonists as the 

 Mountain, Shepherd's, or Mount Cook Lily. The name is 



