Alpine Plants of Otago.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 13, 1880, Page 434

1. “Alpine plants of Otago,” by J. Buchanan, F.L.S. Dr. Hector said this paper would describe the results of a botanical exploration of a district in Otago which he first collected from in 1862, and which then yielded many new and interesting species. He accordingly had sent Mr. Buchanan to join the geological survey party this season, which, under Mr. S. McKay, has been at work in this district. Mr. Buchanon had, with Mr. McKay's help, brought from the Otago ranges an enormous collection of 25,000 plants, many of which were wholly new, and about others very little was known. Among others there were some beautiful specimens of the alpine plants, which were brought alive, and were exhibited on the table. Dr. Hector explained these in a most interesting manner, they being a number of specimens of plants not higher than moss, but really miniature shrubs. Seen under the lens, they were remarkably beautiful, being covered with flowers. Dr. Hector said prior to this not five people had seen these plants alive, as they were only to be found in the Southern Alps, and were under the snow nine months a year. Among the plants brought Dr. Knight, F.L.S., had discovered a most interesting new species, of Lichen respecting which he furnishes a separate notice. (Transactions, p. 385).