RARE SIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 17, 20 January 1934, Page 12

RARE SIGHT.

MILES OF DAISIES.

TRIP TO GARVIE RANGE. MANY SPECIMENS SECUBED. Mountain daisies covering an area estimated to be about 1000 acres were seen by a party which visited the Garvic Range in Southland recently, and on one occasion the members of tho party rode through daisies for two miles. Mam' specimens of botanical interest were seen on the higher altitudes 011 the range, and an unclassified specimen of veronica was discovered by Mr. 11. L. Darton; secretary of the Christchurch Horticultural Society, who organised the party.

There were nine in tho party, and thnv were all interested in the collecting of specimens, said Mr. Darton. He had organised the party to have another visit to the Garvie Mountains, partly for tho purpose of collecting specimens for the Beekonham rock gardens, and partly to give several interested friends an opportunity to prospect the country. Excellent weather was experienced until tho party was' returning to their base, and then it rained so heavily that Mr. Darton said he was satisfied he had never been wetter.

When the Christchurch members of the party and Miss E. Heine, M.So., botanist to the Dominion Museum, Wellington, reached Gore, they were joined by Mr. James Speedon of that town, who took charge of the trip from there into the mountains. Miles of Daisies. The Garvie Mountains were a veritable daisy land, Mr. Barton said. When they started up into the range there was nothing of interest for a party of botanists, but as they climbed rare specimens began to appear, and it was difficult to keep the party moving. When they reached Blue Lake, at about 4GOO feet, they discovered acres upon acres of daisies (celemisia) and collected 22 specimens out of the 43 listed by Cheeseman as existing in New Zealand. Several of those listed were not on the mainland, ho added, so that more than half of the daisies found in New Zealand were to be found on the Garvio Range. The daisies stretched for a great dis-. tance, Mr. Darton said, and as they rode along they passed through a field of them that stretched for two miles. The large varieties could bo picked from horseback, and the whole scene made a sight that would not readily be forgotten.

Specimens of two aeipliylla (Spaniard or spear grass) which have never been found elsewhere were secured by the party. These were aeiphylla Poppelwelli, first discovered by Mr.'Poppelwell, of Gore, and aeiphylla simplex. Nine years ago Mr. Speedcn discovered a flower on one of the latter plants, and this was regarded as a rare find, but on the occasion of this trip, said Mr. Darton, they had discovered acres of plants in flower. Suitable Season. The flowers were a soft creamy white colour and were very beautiful "as well as being a very rare sight. Mr. Speedon had said that it might be another 100 years before anyone would have an opportunity to sec such a field of blooms. The season had evidently been suitable for flowering.

While at Gov's Lake Mr. Darton discovered an undescribed veronica and collected specimens to submit for identification. Strangely enough, said Mr. Darton, this was a fairly large specimen, and it was surprising that it had not been discovered and classified previously. He considered that it would make an interesting addition to the list of classified veronicas.

A sack full of specimens for planting in the city reserves was collected by Mr. Darton.