Page 5 Advertisements Column 1

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7135, 5 February 1930, Page 5

MAORI NATURE NOTES (Specially written tor the “Manawatu Daily Times”) [Copyright J.H.S.] OPUKAPUKA (fiat surface), known as Shepherd’s or Mount Cook lily, is not a lily, but a giant buttercup. White bloom from a foot to eighteen inches across and leaves as large, it may easily take first place in its stately beauty among New Zealand’s rare Alpine flowers. The great leaves when mature are circular and cup-shaped, whether to hold moisture or to protect its breathing surface from the wind is not yet determined. Easily transported and not over difficult to grow, this, and others of our rare buttercups might well tempt overseas collectors, and rival the prices paid for orchids. What a promising, but neglected field for nurserymen! It is true, however, that special treatment is required, for its habit is a contradiction to all rule. In summer it must ha,ve maximum heat, and in winter maximum cold. These it seeks on alternately sunny and frozen open spaces 5,000 feet up. On the Otira in the old coaching days,.it grew in masses on the mountain side and may still be seen near the railway.