OUR SUPPLEMENT

New Zealand Graphic, 25 December 1899, Page 31

OUR SUPPLEMENT

4 THE NATIVE FLORA OF V C"? NEW ZEALAND EUfcj "> aS HE coloured Supplement issued TgJ with this Christmas number of SB' the “Graphic” claims some special yjql notice on account both of the in- ‘ (311 terest of the subject and the value fcgjjgj] of the picture as an artistic production. It is the first < evasion 0,1 "'hwh tl ,e floral beauties of srA,§?$ r A,§? Maoriland have been reproduced Sfe, in this form. Never In fore h is XyCMoftF/r! there been an attempt to delineate \3 v -/y ‘ n *l ,e ’ r natural hues so many of our native flowers in one picture; V and the reproductions which have appeared have, as a rule, been crude and imperfect efforts. In the very few instances of first-class reproductions the cost of the pictures has put them quite out of the reach of all but wealthy purchasers. For the benefit of those who are not acquainted with the flora of New Zealand, a short account of the flowers in the picture will not be out of place. Commencing with the most prominent, wc have the white flower <27) "Tawhara.” or Kie kie (Freycinetia Banksii), the inner leaves and spike of which are of a thick white juicy substance, edible, and much esteemed by the natives. It flowers in November. In the centre of the group (14) is the bloom of the Rata-piki (Metrosideros Florida). The colour varies from scarlet to yellow, and flowers in autumn, while the other ra’as flower in spring. Near this, on the right, is (15) the Pohutukawa (Metrosideros Tomentosa), which grows in the North Island, principally along the coast from Auckland to the North Cape. It is called the Christmas tree in Auckland, because it flowers at that season A little above this is (13) the New Zealand scariet mistletoe, "Pinta” (Loranthus Colensoi). Underneath is (16) the sub-alpine plant "Gentian" (Gentian.! Pleurogynoides), with its beautiful white bell-like flowers. It blooms in February. Next the top is (6 and 8) a large bunch of white spiked flowers. This is the White Rata (Metrosideros albiflora). It is confined to the northern parts of the North Island, and is often seen growing on the lower portions of the trunk of the kauri pine. About the centre at the top of the collection is (5) a large spike of yellow flowers with broad grass-like leaves. This is the Anthericum Hookerii. which grows on Mt. Egmont. and flowers in December. The fine, large head of yellow flowers, with their wealth of foliage, on the extreme right (o) is the Senecio Huntii. It grows in the Chatham Islands, and flowers in February. The large white flower on the left of the group (20) is the Mountain, or Shepherd’s Lily (Ranunculus Lvallii). It is an alpine plant, confined to the Middle Island, generally growing at an altitude of about 3.000 feet, and flowers in January. A little above is (3) the spray of purple flowers Olearia Semidentata. a graceful, shrubby plant, a native of the Chatham Islands. On the left of the bowl is (32) the wild clematis. Puawhananga (Clematis Indivisa), which flowers in October. On the right, with its fern-like foliage is (24 and 25) “Nikau” palm (Areca Sapida). It has lovely lilac drooping flowers, and is used bv the Maoris for roofing their huts. It flowers in March. Near the bowl, in the centre of the group, is (23) the scarlet “Kowhai-ngutu-kaka,” or parrot's bill (Clianthus Pttnicens). It is peculiar to the North Island, and was alluded to by Sir J. D. Hooker as one of the most beautiful plants known. Alongside it is (22) the yellow Kowhai (Sophora Tetraptera). This nlant h-s peculiar medicinal qualities. On the left of the bowl, over the Maoti head, is (jo) the large smooth-leave 1 “Karaka” (Corynocarpus Laevi<-a'a). It blossoms in October, but it is seen at its best in February, when tlv trees are laden with tempting-looking fruit, which the natives gather and use as an article of food. Coming to the smaller flowers of the group, we have (1) the I.eptospermtim scoparium. known to the natives as “Manuka.” and to the colonists as ti-trec: and (17) the handsome purple berries if the “Mahoe” (Melicytus Ramiflorus). The sm? 1 ! leaf and fruit (11) is the "Rama Rama” (Myrtus Bnl'ata): and next to it (7) the “Rohutu” (Mvrtus obcordata). There is also (37) a representation of the “Maire Tawhake” (Fugenia Maire). with its red berries, and (12) the “Tawhero.” or "Kainai” (Weinmannia Raceniosa). with its white spiral bloom. Drooping over the bowl is (34) the purple “Tupakihi” (Coriaria Ruscifolia), and in the centre of the picture is (21) the purple fruit of the “Tawa” (Nesodaphnc Tawa). The other small flowers represented are tne “Geranium Traversii,” the "Karo,” (Pittisponun Crassifolium). the small vellow flower (28) “Kopata” (Germ Urbantun), and (26) the New Zealand fuchsia (Fuchsia Procumbens). The background comprises a selection of New Zealand ferns, and the group, of flowers is contained in a “Kumete.” or carved wooden Maori bowl.