THE GARDEN. NATIVE PLANTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2004, 21 July 1892, Page 5

THE GARDEN. NATIVE PLANTS.

(By J. Gebbie, jun., Curator Oamaru Public Gardens.) Planting being now in full swing, a few notes on our native flora may act as an incentive to many to plant freely of our New Zealand trees and shrubs, which are far more ornamental than many of the introduced plants which are used for the decoration of our gardens. Amongst our indigenous plants are varieties suitable for all purposes, from the tiny Veronica canesens, fit for a corner of the rockery, to the lofty Dammara Australia, specimens of which have been found measuring 150 ft in height and 72ft in circumference. We have here in our Public Gardens between 200 and 300 varieties of New Zealand trees and shrubs all thriving luxuriantly. Some of the best specimens have been planted about 15 years, and are now quite a feature in the grounds. Others are of more rceent introduction, and addition* are being constantly made so that the collection is now very interesting to visitors. Mr George Matthews, of the Hawthorn Hill Nurseries, Dunedin, makes a specialty of New Zealand plants, so that well-established plants of those enumerated and many others are easily obtained ; and as they are all hardy no one need be afraid to plant. Brachyglotis Repanda. — A large growing shrub reaching the hight of 20ft, with very large leaves 6in to 12in long, light green above, the underside white. A very attractive and desirable shrub. Carpodetus Serratus. — A very handsome shrub 'with mottled leaves and hawthornscented flowers, generally found growing on the banks of streams, where it sometimes attains the height of 30ft. The wood is tough and pliable, and is used for axe handles. Cassinia Fulvida and Vauvilliersii. — These are two dense growing shrubs dwarf, and the foliage is of a yellowish colour. Cordylino Australis. — Our common cabbage tree is too well known to need description.

Cordylineßanksii. — This is a beautiful species growing to a height of 10ft, with leaves sft: or 6ft long, and producing a large panicle of bloom 2ft to sft in length. Cordylina Indivisa. — A magnificent plant, with broad thick leaves, having red veins and huge panicles of large flowers. When going through Matthews' nurseries I noticed several other varieties, the most conspicuous being C. variegata-green striped with white, and C. purpurea, with purple foliage, both handsome plants. AH the varieties are well worth growing, as they are so distinct from all other natives in their appearance, giving a somewhat tropical look to the garden. Clianthus Puniceous. \ — One of the most beautiful flowering shrubs grown ; known by the name of kaka beak. Coprosma Lucida, Robusta, Baueriana, and several others are good evergreen shrubs, the variegated forms being very fine. Dammara Australis (kauri pine). — This has been termed, and justly so, the monarch of New Zealand forests. I have not seen any thriving specimens in cultivation, but I have been told that it succeds well in some situations. It is well worth giving a, trial. Dracophyllum Longifolium. — A shrub or small tree with grass-like foliage ; very ornamental. Drimy* Colorata (pepper tree of the colonies). — A very pretty dwarf growing shrub. Fagus Solandri, F. Menziesii, and F. Fusca. — True beeches, although called birches by the settlers on account of their small foliage. They are all handsome growing evergreen trees. A specimen of F. solandri in the grounds here is over 30ft in height, and straight as a dart. Griselina Littoralis (broadleaf). — A handsome evergreen. Makes a beautiful specimen on the lawn. Griselina Lucida. — An erect, much-branched shrub, 10ft to 12ft high, with leaves sin to 7in : long. Hoheria Populnea. — One of the ribbon-wood family. A quick-growing shrub or small tree, with handsome foliage and snow-white flowers in great profusion ; said to flower in the spring. A large specimen here flowers regularly in the autumn, and is then very attractive. ' Libocedrus Bidwillii (native cedar). — A compact-growing tree somewhat like an Arboryitas. Melicytus Ramiflorus. — A white - barked shrub or small tree with bright green foliage. A very ornamental shrub. Melicytus Lanceolatus. — A slender shrub, light green foliage, 4in to 7in long. A very quick growing shrub. Metrosideros Lucida (South Island rata or ironwood). — One of the most magnificent flowering trees in the colony. It much resembles a myrtle in habit and foliage, and is very easily grown. I have seen plants about 6ft high in several gardem a solid mass of brilliant scarlet flowers. Should find a place in every garden large or small. Metrosideros Tomentosa (Pohutukawa of the natives). — This is another magnificent variety of the rata producing large panicles of blood-red flowers, commonly found growing on the rocky shores of the North Island. ; Not hardy enough for general planting, but may succeed in sheltered places. I know of a few places in Dunedin where it is thriving very well. (To be continued.)