CARPODETUS SERRATUS, Forster. 
THE PUTAPUTA-WETA. 
OrRDER—SAXIFRAGEA. 
(Plate XLVII.) 
Tuts interesting plant was originally discovered by Banks and Solander in 1769, 
and in 1772 was collected by Forster, who described it in his “‘ Nova Genera 
Plantarum ”’ under its present name. It is frequently termed “ piripiri-whata,” 
but Mr. Colenso considers this to be an error: I am indebted to the Ven. Arch- 
deacon W. L. Williams for the correct Native name, “putaputa-weta.”’ The 
former name is frequently applied by settlers, who also term it ‘“ mapau,” 
‘white mapau,’”’ “white maple,’ and “white birch,” so that it affords a good 
instance of the misuse of both Native and common names. 
The genus Carpodetus consists of a single species only, which is generally 
distributed through the length and breadth of New Zealand, but does not occur 
elsewhere. In its-most highly developed state it forms a small tree, rarely 
exceeding 30ft. in height, with a trunk from 6in. to gin. in diameter; but more 
frequently it is reduced to a much-branched shrub, the branches spreading ina 
fan-shaped manner. Its white flowers bear. some resemblance to those of the 
hawthorn, although of very different structure, and, as they are produced in 
great profusion, the tree presents an attractive appearance during the flowering 
season. In young specimens the branches are few and very slender, with the 
leaves small, distant, and varying in shape, but in the mature state the branches 
are somewhat stiff, the leaves much closer, and of thicker texture: the branches 
are more or less hairy, especially when young. 
The leaves are alternate, and are carried on short leaf-stalks ; they are 
frequently mottled or variegated with brown or dull-yellow dots and patches. 
They vary in length from in. to t}in., but never exceed rin. in breadth; the 
apex is obtuse, and the margins are cut into rather distant sharp teeth. The 
flowers are white, arranged in short broad panicles, springing from the axils of 
the leaves, the branches of the panicle and the pedicels being clothed with long 
hairs. Petals, five or six; stamens, five or six. Fruit small, almost fleshy, 
three- to five-celled. Seeds small. 
The flowers are produced from November to January, and the fruit requires 
nearly a year to ripen. Flowers and ripe fruit may frequently be found on the 
tree at the same time. 
PROPERTIES AND USEs. 
The wood of Carpodetus serratus is white, rather open in the grain, but 
strong, tough, and elastic: some specimens are prettily marked. It is prized 
by bushmen and settlers for the handles of axes and other tools, fence-rails, and 
similar purposes, but is not durable when in contact with the ground: it is 
occasionally utilised by the cabinetmaker. Its mean specific gravity is *822, its 
weight per cubic foot 51-24lb., and its breaking weight 177°6lb.* 
* Balfour : Experiments on the Strength of New Zealand Timbers. 
Pp § 
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