GARDENING

Press, 22 June 1984, Page 15

GARDENING

by

M.Lusty

The general unavailability of species of Cyathodes from our nurseries makes it easy to understand why these plants are so rarely to be seen growing in private gardens. There are six endemic and two native species of this fairly hardy and not difficult to grow genus of shrubs. Most if not all could not be classed as particularly noteworthy of flower, but the prominence and profusion of drupes which are subsequently produced certainly draw attention. A drupe is the term applied to a succulent

fruit consisting of a fleshy outdr wall and a hard inner layer enclosing a single seed. Two good common examples are the plum and the cherry.

Cyathodes juniperina, right, which is found in both the North and South Islands, as well as Stewart Island where the photograph was taken, has small, sharply pointed leaves somewhat reminiscent of the juniper, hence the specific epithet. The drupes on this particular specimen were almost pure white in colour, but, as with other species of this genus, considerable variability exists. They may range through pink to purplish.

C. juniperina, is very tolerant to pruning back, as are other members of the genus. However, if

this is contemplated it should be done before

there is an absolute need for it, as it will then help

to maintain a denser and more shapely specimen.