PHORMIUM OR NEW ZEALAND FLAX 87 
Examine one. of these branches, and observe’ that. the 
flowers are borne on short stalks arranged’ at’ intervals 
along a central axis. Hxamine a flower and make out 
six dull-red leaves—the three outer ones bemg sepals, and 
the three inner ones petals—six stamens surmounted by 
' Fig. 65.—New Zealand Flax. . 
conspicuous anthers, and a three-angled style ending _ in a 
three-lobed stigma. Notice that. the base of the flower 
secretes a quantity of sweet nectar. The flowers are con- 
tinuously visited by birds, attracted by. this nectar, and i in 
this way are cross- fertilised. 
