"BUSH DAISY."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 206, 1 September 1933, Page 5

"BUSH DAISY."

GIRDLING RANGITOTO. GROWING AMIDST ROCKS. A NATIVE NEW ZEALANDER. At the moment Eangitoto is girdled with, flowers— a wide belt of daisies covering thousands of acres and encircling the island. To many Aucklanders Eangitoto with its triple peaks is but a picnic resort, where from the summit splendid panoramic views may be obtained of Auckland and its island-strewn gulf, but to botanists it is a rare, rich field for investigation, for in addition to the native flora many exotics have found a footing. The flowering daisy, which is at present lending its charm to Eangitoto, is botanically known as Senecio Kirkii. It has not a native name; so far it has not even a popular name, although "bush daisy" has been suggested. It is found in different parts of the North Island, growing often to a height of 12 feet, although on Eangitoto the average height is from 4ft to 6ft. It has a slender stem with umbrella-shaped head of glossy green or reddish green leaves. The large Tounded flower heads are of the daisy type, with regular petals. The daisy belt is above the fringe of pohutukawas and pukas on the low levels of the island, where the plants have thrived amazingly on' the lava beds and amid the rocks. Visitors to the island recently have commented upon the spectacular touch which the daisy fields are giving to the island. It is a plant which will grow readily in an Auckland suburban garden, it has the merit of being a true native, and it is worthy of cultivation.