17'2 PLANTS OP NEW ZEALAND 



sdinetimes so luuch inrolled as almost completely to ovei-arcli 

 the stomatic areas. 



This metliod of obtaining wind-calm spaces is known in 

 other groups of plants. The leaves of many of the 

 Papilionaceae, for example, are infolded to protect the 

 stomatic surfaces. 



Tn other species of the genus Caltha, normal leaf-structure is 

 f(jund. Thus, in C. andicula of the Upper Andes, the stomata 

 are borne on the lower surface, and the leaf is otherwise of 

 the usual type. Intermediate forms between this and C. 

 novap-Zelandiae are found elsewhere. The abnormal form 

 is evidently an adaptation to an alpine environment. 



Magnoliaceae. 



The Magnolia P'amily. 



Distribution. — The plants of this order are chiefly natives of southern 

 North America, a.nd of tropical and temperate Asia. Many of thein are hand- 

 some shrubs, cultivated for their beauty and for the sweet scent of their flowers. 



Geiiin Di'iiiu/s. 



Sepals '2-i ; petals .5 or G, in two rows. Stamens many ; fruit a l)crry. 

 (Name from the (ireck, signifying jj((iif7«(/). 3 sp. 



Dpimys axillaris [The Axil-Jioiuered Driinys). 



A small, e\'ergreen tree, with glossy, alternate leav'es, and black bark. The 

 tlowci's occur in the leaf axils, or in the scars of fallen leaves, hence the name 

 a.rUhiiia. Leaves simple, alternate, pellucid-dotted. Stamens 10-20. There is 

 ill the South Island a pungent species, T). coloratn, which has leaves 

 blotched with red, with a purple bloom on the under-surface and '2-seeded berries. 

 The wood of this tree is reddish in colour, and is used for inlaid work. The bark 

 is very aromatic, and is a tonic and astringent. A decoction of the leaves is often 

 used by bushnien as a medicine, and has earned the name of ' ' Maori Painkiller. ' ' 

 Flowers yellowish-green. Fl. Oct. -Dec. Galled by settlers the Pepper Tree, 

 ^laori name Honijnto. 



