A Note From “The Hoe."

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 114, 7 February 1935, Page 7

A Note From “The Hoe. "

Leafless Shrubs 7“ ' ? New Zealand is noted for curious plants, but few are more interesting than our- native brooms, the carmichaelias. which are leafless shrubs. The most popular variety of the species is C. Australis, which usually grows to a height of about six feet. • The flowers are veyy small, but are of a delicate lilac shade and are borne in great profusion. They are shaped like the blooms of the common broom, both plants being members of the pea family. The stems have flattened surfaces, and except in the plant’s early stages, are generally leafless. Botanists are of the opinion that the plant has dispensed with the use of leaves in an endeavour to check the top rapid loss' of- moisture. Unlike most New Zealand shrubs, it is generally found in open and dry country (I have seen it growing near the Waimarino Plains), and lacking the protective shade of other trees, has gradually devised this means of counteracting the illeffects of too, much sun. Carmichaelia australis is' a native that requires very little attention.