CAMPBELL ISLAND PLANTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19015, 10 November 1923, Page 3

CAMPBELL ISLAND PLANTS.

THEIR ACCLIMATISATION. Among the plants brought up from the islands south of New Zealand by the Tntanekai some months ago were specimens of pleurophyllum, stilbocurpa polaris, bulbinella Rossii, lygusticum, olcaria Lyallii, oelmisia vernicosa. and some myosofis, gentians, and smaller things. These were planted in a Mornington garden, and have nearly all maintained their vitality well. Bulbinella Rossii is specially vigorous, and is showing its bold flower buds. Celmisia vernicosa from the Campbell Islands, the flower of which has tne distinction of being purple in colour, is holding its own, its stiff dark green leaves looking strong and healthy, but the plants show no signs of coming into bloom so far. Flower-buds of the myosotis are about to open, and. unlike a Stewart Island variety, whoso flowers are white, the Campbell Island plants are showing a dark blue colour. , The pleurpphyllums- look fresh and healthy and have undoubtedly; made progress 'in growth. Whether they will ever bloom in New Zealand is another question. In its native peaty soil, pure vegetable mould, constantly saturated with moisture, the pleurophyllum, in its lavish purple bloom, is a great feature of the landscape. Plants of the pleurophyllum that have heretofore been brought to New Zealand from 'Campbell Island have not prospered, and have gradually lessened in vitality and finally died. It is hoped that the present experiment may have a more fortunate termination, but the plants have yet to stand the test of the summer months. Meantime, they are being plentifully watered and are apparently responding to the treatment. Another plant around which special ■ interest is centred is veronica Bcnthamii, a native of Campbell Island., Only one plant of this species could be found before the Tntanekai left, and this was brought to Dunedin and planted in another garden in the city. It is a small plant, but has done 1 well in its new home, and is now in flower. From this plant some cuttings were taken, and these .struck readily. The foliage is a rich dark green and to the great satisfaction of the propagator one of the small cuttings- lias also developed flower buds. One of these opened a few days ago, and the single, dark blue flower is quite striking - in its contrast with the line green foliage of ! the little cutting. It is hoped by those who are interesting themselves in the growth of these plants form the far South, that further specimens of'tne various'species will he obtained when the Tntanekai next visits the islands, or perhaps earlier if any steamer is sent down by the syndicate" which has interests on Campbell Island, as it is expected will be the case about February next.