58 DACRYDIUM BIDWILLI. 
there are also densely-crowded rings of young plants, with open centres of 
similar diameter. In the oldest specimens the stem is found to branch at the 
surface of the ground, the main branches being prostrate, 5ft. to roft. in length, 
and from 5in. to 6in. in diameter, rooting at their extremities. If the trunk is 
injured or decays from age, the branches gradually die, leaving their rooted tips 
to form a ring of young plants; but more frequently erect secondary branches 
are given off along their entire length, and a compact symmetrical clump is 
formed. This remarkable habit is occasionally exhibited by various pines, even 
by the Scandinavian spruce, Picea communis, but under any circumstances must 
be regarded as exceptional. Where development is prevented by the density of 
the surrounding vegetation, the plant soon becomes strageling and unattractive. 
PROPERTIES AND USES. | 
Dacrydium Bidwillii, owing to its small size, is of little economic value except 
for firewood. It is of great durability; dead branches are frequently to be met 
with in a sound condition after protracted exposure. 
Its symmetrical habit of growth and attractive character will render it a 
favourite plant wherever ornamental planting is required. 
DIsTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS. 
See under Dacrydium cupressinum, p. 31, ante. 
DisTRIBUTION OF THE SPECIES. 
Dacrydium Bidwilli is restricted to New Zealand. In the North Island it 
occurs sparingly in several localities in the Taupo country, near Rotoaira, | 
believe it is found also on the Ruahine and Tarawera Mountains, but have seen 
no specimens from these localities. In the South Island it is not uncommon in 
mountain situations in Nelson, Canterbury, and Otago, extending to Stewart 
Island, where it descends to the sea-level. It ascends to 4,500ft. in the Alps of 
Canterbury. 
DESCRIPTION. 
Dacrydium Bidwillii, Hook. f. T. Kirk, Trans. N.Z. Inst., x., 
p- 336. | 
A dicecious shrub, 2ft. to raft. high. Leaves of young state linear, }in. to 
}in, long, flat, coriaceous, sessile, crowded, ascending; on mature plants, 
arranged spirally in four rows, imbricating, coriaceous, triangular, keeled, obtuse, 
attached by broad bases. Male catkins terminal, solitary, ~,in. long, connective 
obtuse; female, solitary or two together, near the tips of branchlets. Nut 
striate, compressed, keeled, obtuse; involucral cup sometimes tumid, fleshy, 
white. 
a, erecta. Erect, main branches ascending, forming a pyramidal or conical 
tree. Mid-rib of linear leaves obscure ; fruiting branches very slender. 
8, reclinata. Branches prostrate or horizontal; linear leaves with a distinct 
costa ;. fruiting branches stouter. 
EXPLANATION OF Prate XXXVII. 
Dacrydium Bidwilli, Hook. f. 1. Mature state, with male flowers. 2. 
Mature state, with female flowers. 3. Young plant, with linear leaves. 1. Fruit, 
natural size. 2', 3’. Fruit, magnified. 4’. Longitudinal section of fruit. 
