PYAGB MERYTA SINCLAIRII. 
cluster, and two minute bractlets below each flower. The calyx consists of four 
free sepals, alternating with four stamens, the corolla being absent. In the 
female flowers the calyx-tube is adherent with the ovary, the upper portion being 
usually divided into five or six sepals, shorter than those of the male; the ovary 
is five-celled, and crowned with as many short styles, usually surrounded by four 
abortive stamens with weak filaments. The fruit is an ovoid berry, nearly in, 
containing five or, rarely, six compressed bony seeds. 
The branches of the female panicle are shorter and stouter than those of 
the male. 
The tree stated to have been planted by the Maoris at Whangaruru was 
tabooed, and destroyed by them on their discovering that Mr, Mair had taken 
fruits from it. The Ohora Natives planted a specimen on one of the Fanal 
Islands, which grew very slowly for a few years, but I am not aware if it is still 
in existence. | | 
Mr. Colenso kindly informed me that it is termed ‘‘puka”’ by the Maoris: 
it will be remembered that the same name is applied to Griselinia lucida.* 
Meryta Sinclair flowers from January to April. 
long 
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PROPERTIES AND USES. 
The wood of Meryta Sinclairi is white and brittle, but of no special value 
so far as known. The resin which exudes whenever any part of the plant is 
wounded or bruised in all probability possesses medicinal properties, but it has 
not been subjected to analysis. 
Meryta Sinclairii is of great value as an ornamental tree, and is easily culti- 
vated in Auckland, Taranaki, and Hawke’s Bay, but is unable to resist the 
light frosts experienced at Wellington. It is easily propagated from seeds, and, 
under cultivation, makes a handsome symmetrical tree, very different in habit 
from the somewhat naked irregularly-branched trees on the Taranga Islands. 
The finest cultivated specimen is one raised by Mr. Justice Gillies from a 
cutting brought from the Taranga Islands in 1869. Its present height is 25ft., 
the trunk is 4ft. Sin. in circumference, and the spread of its branches 28ft. 
DISTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS. 
Meryta comprises six species found on various islands in the South Pacific; 
one in Norfolk Island, and one in New Zealand. 
DIsTRIBUTION OF THE SPECIES. 
Meryta Sinclairit is only known with certainty to be found on two or three 
islands of the Taranga group, opposite the entrance of Whangarei Harbour, in 
the Auckland District. It is reported to grow on the Poor Knights, farther to 
the north, and may possibly occur on one of the Three Kings Islands, about 
thirty miles from the North Cape. 
DESCRIPTION. 
Meryta Sinclairii, Seemann. 
Botryodendrum Sinclairit, Hook. f. 
A small dicecious tree, t2ft. to 20ft. high, branches robust, naked below. 
Leaves on very long stout petioles, crowded near the ends of the branches, from 
gin. to 30in. long (including the petioles), and from din. to roin. broad, very 
coriaceous, ovate or oboyvate-oblong or rarely oblong ; mid-rib stout, with stout 
* Plate XLI, 
