218 LANTS OP NEW ZKALANJ) 



Linaceae. 



Thk Flax Family. 



Distribution. — A large family, found chiefly in tropic;il regions, and not 

 luilike the ilalvaceae in the mucilaginous character of the seeds, and the 

 tenacity of the fibres. Linseed Oil is prepared from the oily seeds of the 

 Linunr (or flax), and the woven material laiown to us as linen takes its name 

 from this plant, which produces it. The flowers of the flax are of a delicate 

 pale-hlue, and the petals fall readil\-. 



Gen It H Lin II III. 



This is the largest genus of the order, and is usually found in temperate 

 climates. The New Zealand species is endemic, hut several other species have 

 heen naturalized. 



Linum monogynum (Tlw True New Zealand Flax). 



A perennial woody herlj, G in. -24 in. in height, with pale-green shining 

 leaves, and ternrinal corymbs of white, mallow-like flowers. Flowers tin. in 

 diameter. Usually found on dry banks and cliffs, especially near the coast. 

 North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands. Fl. Oct. -.Tan. 

 Native name RnuJiidn. 



This is the true New Zealand flax ; the plant which is usually 

 so called being a lily. The only point of resemblance between 

 the two plants is the possession by each of a strong fibre. 



Rutaceae. 



The Kue Family. 



Distribution. — A large family, found in warm and tropical regions. These 

 plants are usually remarkable for their [lowerful and aromatic odour. The leaves 

 contain glands filled with a bitter volatile oil. The common Rue {Ruta 

 yraveolens) is used in nredicine as an a.iiti-s[)asmodic. Dictmnnus fraxinella, 

 the false Dittany, is said to exhale so much of this volatile oil that the 

 surrounding air becomes charged with it, and faint flashes of light mav be 

 ■ ibtained on warmi still evenings, if a flame be brought near the plant. Of the 

 78 genera comprised in the ordei-, only two are found in New Zealand. 



