j 
38 OLEA APETALA. 
and these had remained on the tree several months after they had attained 
maturity. 
The specific name is given on account of the absence of petals, but this 
character is common to all the New Zealand species. 
PROPERTIES AND USEs. 
The wood is of even texture, compact, heavy, and of great strength. It was 
utilised at the copper-mine on the Great Barrier Island for mine-props, machine- 
bearings, and other purposes; but, as the mine has been abandoned for many 
years, it is not possible to state results. 
It is adapted to many purposes of the millwright and wheelwright, and 
for turners’ work; but it is too local and restricted in its habitats to prove of 
commercial value. 
In Norfolk Island, where it is more abundant and attains larger dimensions 
than in New Zealand, it is highly valued for its strength and durability, and is 
locally termed “ ironwood.”’ 
DISTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS. 
The genus Olea comprises thirty-five species, distributed through the Medi- 
terranean region, tropical and temperate Asia, tropical and south Africa, the 
Mascarene Islands, and New Zealand. One species is found in Australia and 
New Caledonia. 
The four New Zealand species belong to a section of the genus termed 
Gymnelea, characterized by dicecious flowers destitute of a corolla, as well as 
by dimorphic foliage. 
DIsTRIBUTION OF THE SPECIES. 
Olea apetala evinces a marked preference for situations in the vicinity of the 
sea: it has been collected on the Great Barrier Island, Nelson Island, Arid 
Island &c., Little Barrier Island, Hen and Chickens Islands, Bream Head, &c. 
It ascends from sea-level to nearly 8o0oft. 
It is also found on Norfolk Island. 
DESCRIPTION. 
Olea apetala, Vahl. (Not of Cunningham.) 
A shrub or small tree, never exceeding 2oft. in height, glabrous in all its 
parts. Bark on old specimens furrowed and corky; on young plants brown or 
grey, warted. Leaves shortly petioled, opposite or sub-opposite: on young 
plants broadly ovate or orbicular-ovate, 3in. to 6in. long, 2}in. to 3in. broad, 
acute or obtuse, narrowed at the base, acuminate, coriaceous, glossy, entire; 
on mature plants lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, 1}in. to 3in. long, Tin. to 1}in. 
broad; with the midrib distinct on both surfaces. Flowers in axillary racemes } 
male not seen; female, tin. long, pedicels slender, perianth unequally four- 
lobed, ovary two-celled ; ovules, two in each cell, pendulous. Fruit an ovoid 
drupe, 41in. long. 
EXPLANATION OF Prates XXVII. anp XXVIII. 
XXVIII. Olea apetala, Vahl. Leaves of young state. 1. Raceme of female 
flowers, natural size. 2. Female flower, magnified. 
XXVIII. Olea apetala, Vahl. Mature state, with newly-formed fruit. 
