The value of this grass in pasture is probably insignificant, and, therefore, its limited distribution 
in New Zealand is not much to be regretted. It appears to be chiefly confined to the Auckland District 
and the Islands to the Eastward. It may be noticed as a reason why this grass should not be cultivated 
in New Zealand, that this species, or a variety of it, is in very bad repute in the East Indies. Quoting 
from Lindley’s “Vegetable Kingdom,” p. 113, “A variety of JPaspcdum scrobitulatum , called ‘ Hureek ’ 
in India (Graham’s 4 Bombay Plants,’ p. 234), which is, perhaps, the Ghohona grass, a reputed Indian 
poisonous species, is said to render the milk of cows that graze upon it narcotic and drastic.” 
(“Madras Journal,” 1837, p. 107.) It does not follow, however, that the same species of any tropical 
poisonous plant, grown in the temperate climate of New Zealand, would prove equally noxious, as it is 
well known that the poisonous principle of many plants, such as the opium poppy, is considerably 
modified by cultivation under a reduced temperature. In New Zealand this species is not much 
relished by cows, where other grasses can be got, therefore its reputed evil effects on milk, if any, may 
not be worth consideration. Distribution in New Zealand: NORTH ISLAND: BAY OF 
ISLANDS—Banks and Solander; ISTHMUS OF AUCKLAND and GREAT BARRIER 
ISLAND—Kirk; TITIRANGI—Cheeseman ; KAWAU ISLAND—Buchanan. 
1 
Reference to Plate X. A: Fig. 1. Plant. 2. Spikelet open. 3,3k Spikelet closed, front and 
side view. 4. Palea. 5. Nervation of empty glumes. 6. Ovary with penicillate stigmas and stamens. 
7. Scale. 8, 8k Grain, front and side views. 
