92 CLAS8-BOOK OF BOTANY. 
numerous linear leaves, which, however, are not equitant, and 
its large many-branched panicles of fragrant white flowers, 
These have also 6 nearly separate perianth-leaves, 6 perigy- 
nous stamens, a 3-celled superior ovary with a single style 
8-lobed stigma and numerous ovules. But in maturing, the 
pericarp becomes somewhat succulent, so that, instead of 
being capsular, the fruit is a whitish berry containing angular 
black seeds. There are several species of Cordyline in New 
Zealand, showing interesting gradations of stem- and leaf- 
structure. 
(b.) In nearly all parts of the colony where bush occurs, 
species of Astelia are to be found. The commonest of these 
in the North Island is A. solandri, while in the South Island 
A. grandis is one of the most familiar. The former species 
chiefly grows on tree-trunks, the latter on the ground. They 
are reaaily recognised by their large linear flax-like leaves, 
which are commonly strongly-nerved, and are more or legs 
clothed with silky or chaffy hairs on their sheathing-bases. 
The flowers are produced in large panicles near the bases of 
the ieaves, and in the number and arrangement of their parts 
are similar to the preceding plants, but the species ave strictly 
dicecious, the g flowers having no pistils, while the ? haye 
at the most only rudiments of stamens (staminodia). In 
some, also, two of the three carpels remain almost undeveloped, 
so that the ovary becomes reduced to one cell only, haying 
parietal placentation; but as a rule all three cells are deve- 
loped, when of course the placentation is axile. The fruit 
is a berry, often more or less sunk in the perianth. In 
A. solaudri, according to Mr. Kirk, the flowers are lemon- 
coloured, and are produced in January or February, followed 
in June or July by bright-crimson fruit: A. grandis blooms 
about October. Its flowers are dark-green in colour, and are 
produced in short thick panicles among the leaves, and are 
therefore easily overlooked; but they are very fragrant, and 
produce a considerable quantity of nectar, thus rendering 
them very attractive to many species of Diptera (flies), which 
no doubt are the cross-fertilising agents. The bright-orange 
berries are ripe im 
February and March. 
(c.) Other interest- 
ing species of this type 
are common in many 
| = parts of New Zealand, 
Fig. 174. Ovary of Fig. 175. Dehiscing such as Arthropodium, 
Anthericunz, trans. (loculicidal) cap- : ‘ ; if 
; A th its panicles 0 
section (mag.). sule of Anthericum. be P 
pretty little lily -like 
white flowers, and Anthericum, or Maori Onion, a very abun- 
dant plant in nearly all elevated open parts of both Islands, 
