. LEPTOSPERMUM ERICOIDES, 4. Richard. 
THE MANUKA-RAURIKL 
WYRE ACEH Aes 
: ORDER 
(Plate L XIX.) 
Tuts species is one of the plants commonly called ‘ manuka”’ by the bushmen, 
but I believe that name is correctly applicd to Leptospermum scoparium only. 
Mr. Colenso informs me that ‘‘rawiri,’’ as it is sometimes called in the North 
Island, is erroneous, and that the proper name is manuka-rauriki, as stated 
above. I am indebted to the Ven. Archdeacon W. L. Williams for informing 
me that it is known as ‘‘kanuka” and ‘‘maru”’ in the East Cape district. 
a name also given to 
It is everywhere termed ‘“ tea-tree’’ by the bushmen 
L. scoparium. Young trecs are sometimes termed ‘‘ white tea-tree,” as they are 
supposed to belong to a different plant, owing, I believe, to the wood being 
whiter and more elastic than in old speeimens. 
Leplospernium ericoides forms an elegant evergreen tree, with linear leaves 
and a vast profusion of white flowers, which, although small, are produced in 
such abundance that the leaves are almost hidden during the flowering season. 
ts maximum height is from 4oft. to 6oft., with a trunk Tft, to 3ft. m diameter ; 
but iv frequently produces flowers when only a few feet in height, and when 
erowing at high levels it becomes not more than rft. or aft. in height, or is even 
prostrate. 
As its seeds are matured in immense abundance, when a forest-clearine is 
made the ground is frequently carpeted with a close growth of scedlings, the 
weakest of which are gradually killed by the more vigorous growth of their 
neighbours ; the survivors decrease in number year by year, and by the time 
they have attained the height of from toft. to 15ft. many have commenced to 
produce flowers and seed, but the seedlings produced by the young plants usually 
die off, except on the outskirts of the patch. The young flowering plant is 
remarkably graceful and elegant; its slender feathery branches, with the leaves 
hidden by a multitude of flowers, are most attractive. The plants that fower 
earhest are the first to succumb in the later struggle for existence, and, although 
they may endure for a longer period if growing in the open, they never develop 
into large trees; but those that are late in flowering, if crowded in their growth, 
form straight stems, and, after killing off their rivals, form well-developed trees. 
Large groves or forest-patches consisting entirely of this species were not 
unfrequent in many localities, but the excellence of the timber for firewood, and 
its value in the arts, have led to their destruction in the vicinity of settled 
districts, The chief firewood-supply of the City of Auckland was for many years 
obtained from Crown lands on the Island of Waiheke without payment, the 
woodcutters not considering 1t worth while to ask permission to fell timber on 
the pubhe estate. | 
The trunk and older branches are clothed with loose, thin, ragged bark, 
which falls away in narrow mbbons: the main branches are few in number, 
with light ‘airy spray. The leaves are crowded, and rarely exceed fin. in 
