'250 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



Elseocarpus Hookerianus (Hooker's Elceocarpus). 



A smaller species, called Pokaka by the Jlaoris. The flowers do not open 

 out so widely as those of the Hinau, and are greenish-white in colour. Drupe 

 blue, small. Pound in both islands. Fl. Nov, -Jan. 



Malvaceae. 



The Family of Mallows and Ribbon-woods. 



Distribution. — An important and widely distributed family, occurring 

 chiefly in tropical and sub-tropical countries. (.)f the 60 genera belonging to the 

 order, only four are found in New Zealand, and of these, three are endemic. The 

 JIalvaceae are generally mucilaginous, and non-poisonous. The most v.aluable 

 genus is Gossypiiim. The delicate unicellular hairs which cover the seeds of these 

 plants, form the cotton so largely used in manufacture. 



The Hollyhock {Altluca), the tree-mallow {Lavatera), the Abutilon, and the 

 Hibiscus, are much cultivated for their flowers. Hibiscus cannabimus is the 

 Deccan Hemp of western India. A decoction of the Marsh Mallow is used in 

 throat affections. 



Some of the New Zealand trees of this order are noted for the strength and 

 beauty of their inner bark, which is used for various ornamental purposes. 



Keti to the Genera. 



1. Ovary 1 or 2 celled. Plagianthus, p. 253. 

 Ovary 5 celled. 2 



2. One ovule in each cell, Hoheria, p. 250. 

 Two or more ovules in each cell. Hibiscus, p. 260. 



5. Ovary 10-12 celled. Gaya, p. 260. 



GetiKS Holieiia. 



Trees with tough inner bark. Leaves extraordinarily variable. Flowers 

 white, axillary, on jointed peduncles. (Hoheria is a modification of the native 

 name). Maori names Hotti, Whamohi, Houliere. 1 sp. 



Plants of both this and of the next genus (Plagiantlms), are popularly 

 known as Ribbmtwoods. The bast or inner bark is perforated by the medullary 

 rays, and this gives to it a characteristic ribbon-like appearance. This genus is 

 endemic in New Zealand. 



Hoheria populnea (The Poplar-lika Ribbon-wood). 

 The varied names given by the Maoris in different districts 

 to this plant, are aU said to spring from the same root. Wliau 



