STRANGE CURIOSITIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 August 1930, Page 1 (Supplement)

STRANGE CURIOSITIES.

MAORI NATURE NOTES,

(By

J.H.S.

—Copyright.)

Flower of the Underworld.—

The Pua Reinga, literally The Flower of the Underworld, is unlike any other plant or flower in this world. True to name, it is overlasting- for roots, stem, leaf, and flower appear to have been carved from hard wood by the Immortal Sculptor, It was discovered in 1857 by the Rev. Richard Taylor near the banks of the Wanganui River. The seed attaches itself in some mysterious way to the root of only two species of trees, and seems to enter the bark and to become incorporated with the wood, which it fashions into a true parasitic flower about the size and shape of one’s fist. Around it are clusters of buds, and together they come to the surface for light as do all beautiful things. •It was at first classed as a fungus; but is,no.more related than a penguin is to a fish. There are several specimens in the homes of Palmerston residents. When growing, it is said to emit a daphne-like fragrance. ■ ■ The ’ Penwiper Rosette.— The Pore taka (a circle) is the penwiper rooette of the mountains. It >rrows freely at three to four thousand feet, so is but little known to any of us. It is a perfect rosette of thick leaves lying in treble’ row close to the ground like hawkweed on the lawn. It has a spongy bunch of small white flowers in the centre,' and seems to have no stem. Those living on the high hill country use it as an ornamental pot plant, prized also for its delicate fragrance.