THE SNAP-DRAGON FAMILY 



883 



and floral decorations. Unfortunately, however, it is not well 

 known, and is in cultivation only in a few gardens near 

 Cliristchurch. 



Veronica Hidkeana, on the other hand, is not infrequently 

 to be seen listed in gardeners' catalogues. It is an allied 

 species from the mountains and river gorges of eastern Nelson, 



Fig. 1-2. \'eronica cataractae (life size). 



and bears long sprays of lilac-coloured flowers in loose panicles, 

 sometimes a foot in length. It is one of the handsomest and 

 most graceful species of the genus. 



Veronica cataractae {Tlie Waterfall Ycwnica). 



A small, slender herb. Stems prostriitc at the liu.se, and ascending. Leaves 

 very variable, oval or oblong", I in. -Gin. long, serrate. Racemes very slender, 

 few-flowered. Corolla « in. -J in. broad, white with red spots. Stamens short. 

 North Island: East Coast, Rnahine ^lountains. South Island; Western Otago. 

 PI. Feb. -March. 



