NATIVE FLORA.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 90, 18 April 1927, Page 6

NATIVE FLORA.

Tho shrubbery of native trees planted on the slopes beneath the walls of the Auckland University College building has already reached an interesting stage. This is the first systematic attempt on the part of Aueklanders to plant native trees and shrubs On the bank at either side of the main entrance of the building are red and yellow kowhais. houheres (lacebark), ramaraina (myrtle), titoki, pohutukawa, kumarahou (poverty tree) coprosma lucida, ti (the cabbage tree), harekeke' (Xew Zealand flax), several kinds of ponga, various varieties of koromiko (veronica), horoeka (lancewood) whau (the Xew Zealand corkwood), red ti-tree, rimu, and one specimen of the bronzeleafed kauri. The kumarahou will flower in the early spring with a mass of creamy blossom. At the moment can be seen a specimen of dark winecoloured Rangiora, the flowers of which poison the wild honev.

In the early days of Xew Zealand botanising the two ferns were believed to be different species of trees, one being under observation for thirtv years. The fruiting of the titoki was eagerly awaited. When its red and black berries cluster against the vivid green and beautifully-shaped leaves, it becomes one of the most distinguished of New Zealand's trees. The plantation was established when the new arts building of the University College in Princes Street was opened at the beginning of 1026. It promises to serve a very useful purpose, and teachers of primary schools will welcome the opportunity of pointing out to their pupils living specimens of Xew Zealand flora. The intention is, later, to label the different shrubs for the purpose of identification. E.W.W.