840 PLANTS OF >;]:w zkalaxd 



Apocynaceae. 



The Pekiwinkle Family. 



Distribution. — A large familv of aljout a thousand species, chiefly tropical, 

 of which the Periwinkle (Tincn) is the only British genus. Jlany of the plants 

 possess more or less poisonous properties, though some have edible fruit. The 

 Oleander, every part of which is poisonous, is cultivated for the Vjeauty of it* 

 Howers. 



Geiiii.s Parsoiisia. 



A small genus (about 10 species) of climbing plants. Leaves remarkably 

 variable. Flowers in panicles. Fruit of two, long, narrow, pod-like capsules. 

 Seeds silky-haired. (Named in honour of Parsons, a botanist). 2 sp. 



PaPsonsia heterophylla (Tlie Varied-leaved Par.sonsia). 



Stems as thick as a quill, shining. Leaves leathery, 1 in. -'2 in. broad, oblong, 

 or lanceolate, 8 in. -4 in. long, with lobed margins. Flowers white, scented, J in. 

 long. Anthers within the corolla. Both islands. Fl. Nov. -Dec. 



PaPSonsia capsulapis (Tlie Capsiilate Pmsousia). 



Stems slender. Leaves usually 2 in. -3 in. long, narrow. Panicles few- 

 flowered. Corolla I'll in. long, white, red, or rarely yellow. Anthers jjrotruding 

 beyond the corolla. Both islands. Fl. Nov. -Dec. 



There can be but little doubt that the New Zealand species 

 are insufficiently defined. It is probable that there are still 

 one or niore undescril)ed species in the country. The young 

 plants, with their long, narrow, leathery, red-brown leaves, 

 will not be recognized, unless their development has been 

 watched. The l)eautiful fragrairt panicles of white or red 

 jessamine-like flowei's are much sought after, by visitors to 

 the bush. 



