386 PLANTS OF NEW ZEALAND 



C-rtnius Ge}tiodo)na. 



Shrubs. Flowurs small, axilhif}-. Calyx 5-cloft. Corolla bell-shai)ed, 

 5-partrd. Stamens 5. Eniit a capsule. Tho genii's is also found in Madagascar 

 and the Bourbon Islands, and in the Asiatic and Polynesian Islands. (Name from 

 the Greek, signifying bearded Diouth, in allusion to the hairs at the mouth of tho 

 corolla). 1 sp. 



Geniostoma ligustnifolium (77/*' Privct-lcarcd Gcniosfoma). 



A sma.ll tree, with shining, pale-green leaves. Ijca^es lAin.-8in. long, ovate- 

 nhlonu, membranous, pointed. Flowers in short corymbs on t)ie branches, I in. 

 across, green or white. Corolla lobes reliexed. Stigma, large, i^-lobed. Capsule 

 round, pointed, I in. ni diameter, valves separating from the plaeentiferous axis. 

 North Island: not unconnnon. Fl. Sept. -Oct. 



Gentianaceae. 



The Gentian Family. 



Distribution. — The plants of this family range over the entire glolie. 

 They contain a l^itter tonic principle, which is used medicinally. The New 

 Zealand species are chiefly alpine, hut the little pink Centaury (Brytltrcea 

 Ceiitmirium) , an introduced plant, is common on waste ground throughout the 

 Colony. The Gentians are the most striking flowers of the European Alps. 



Kc'lj tv tlie Genera. 



Flowers larKe, ovary with one style. Geutiana.ii. 33B. 



Flowers small, o\'ary with 2 styles. '■ SeliH^a. 



*Not fiu'ther descrilieil. 



(jrenits Ge)iii(ma. 



Erect herbs, with opposite leaves, and solitary or cymose flowers. Calyx 

 4-.5-cleft. Corolla hcU-shapcd, 4-.5-cleft. Flowers blue, yellow, or white, large 

 and conspicuous. H sp. 



Gentiana saxosa {Tha Gentian of the liocks). 



An erect herb. Stem-leaves few. Flowers large, § in. long, white, 

 numerous. Root-leaves usually in a rosette, 4 in. -3 in. long, often thick and 

 fleshy. Both islands : in mountainous districts. FI. Feb. -March. 



Gentiana cepina {The Waxi/ Genticm). 



A trailing herb, with shining leaves, and thick fleshy stems. Flowers 

 crowded at the ends of the liranches, J in. long. Corolla white, striped with 

 reddish-purple. Auckland Islands. 



