PANAX EDGERLEYYI, Hook. f 
THE RAUKAWA. 
OrpDER—ARALIACE/?. 
(Plates XLIV., XLV., and XLVa.) 
Tue raukawa is a small but handsome evergreen tree, rarely exceeding 4oft. in 
height, with glossy foliage which emits an govenable aout It was discovered 
By Mr. Colenso and Mr. Edgerley. The foliage of the young state bears but a 
slight resemblance to that of the mature tree, and the male and female flowers 
are produced on different trees. 
In the young state the leaves are compound, consisting of three or five 
leaflets, 2in. to gin. long, springing from the top of a common leaf-stalk from 
3in. to 5in. in length. The margin of each leaflet is more or less cut into large 
blunt teeth or deep lobes, which in some instances extend nearly to the mid-rib. 
In the mature state the leaves are carried on jointed leaf-stalks, and reduced to 
a single leaflet, the margins of which are usually quite entire; the leaves are a 
bright glossy green, presenting a most attractive appearance. 
The flowers, which are produced in panicles, are green or greenish-yellow, 
and unattractive. The male flowers have well-developed petals and five 
stamens, while the female flowers are destitute of both stamens and petals: 
the female flowers have a three- or four-celled ovary, and the same number of 
recurved styles. The fruit is spherical, mottled, three- or four-seeded. 
The flowers are produced in November and December, and the fruit 
becomes mature in May and June. 
PROPERTIES AND USEs. 
The wood is white, even, and compact, with small silver grain, but is of 
little value, although occasionally used by cabinetmakers for inlaying, and by 
settlers for fence-rails. 
The raukawa is prized by the Natives on account of its perfume: Mr. 
Colenso states that they rub their hmbs and bodies with the fresh leaves, and 
I have been informed that the leaves are also used for scenting oil. It seems 
probable that the perfume might be extracted and form a profitable article of 
commerce. 
The tree is highly ornamental, and may be easily cultivated. 
DIsTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS. 
Panax as now limited comprises nearly thirty species, of which seven are 
restricted to Australia, and eight to New Zealand. The remaining species are 
found chiefly in tropical and eastern Asia, Mantchuria, tropical Africa, and the 
Pacific Islands. 
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