# Manual of the New Zealand Flora/Scrophularineæ

Additions and Corrections
Order LIV. SCROPHULARINEÆ.
Herbs or shrubs, rarely small trees. Lower leaves usually opposite, upper alternate, or all opposite oi' all alternate; stipules wanting. Flowers generally irregular, hermaphrodite. Calyx inferior, persistent, 4-5-toothed or -lobed, sometimes of 5 free sepals. Corolla gamopetalous, hypogynous, commonly 2-lipped but sometimes almost regular, 4–5-lobed; lobes imbricate in bud. Stamens inserted on the tube of the corolla, either 2, or 4 in 2 pairs, 2 long and 2 short (didynamous), sometimes the rudiment of a fifth stamen is present or rarely all five are present and perfect; anthers 1–2-celled, cells distinct or confluent. Ovary superior, 2-celled; style simple; stigma entire, 2-lobed or 2-lamellate; ovules usually numerous in each cell, anatropous or amphitropous, placentas afifixed to the septum. Fruit a 2-celled many-seeded capsule, rarely an indehiscent berry. Seeds small, generally numerous, various in form; albumen fleshy, seldom wanting; embryo straight or rarely curved.
A large order, scattered over the whole world, but far better represented in temperate regions or in mountainous districts than in very warm climates. Genera about 160; species estimated at 2000. The medicinal properties of the order are very various. A few species are purgative, others are astringent or tonic, a far greater number are acrid and bitter or even poisonous. The foxglove (Digitalis) is the only one largely used medicinally, although many others are occasionally employed. The family contains many handsome garden-plants, especially of the genera Calceolaria, Antirrhinum, Pentstemon, Mimulus, Digitalis, and Veronica. Of the 11 genera found in New Zealand, 2, Anagosperma and Siphonidium, are endemic; Calceolaria occurs elsewhere only in South America; Ourisia is also mainly South American, but extends to Tasmania as well; Glossostigma is confined to Australia and New Zealand. The remaining 6 have a wide distribution in both temperate and tropical regions.
A. Antirrhinidæ. Upper lip (or two upper lobes) of the corolla always outside the others in bud. :
| * Stamens 2. |
| Calyx 4-partite. Corolla 2-lipped, lips inflated | 1. Calceolaria. |
| Calyx 5-partite. Corolla 2-lipped, lips not inflated | 4. Gratiola. |
| ** Stamens 4. |
| Flowers axillary in the New Zealand species. Calyx 5-angled and -toothed. Corolla 2-lipped. Stigma 2 lamellate | 2. Mimulus. |
| Flowers in terminal racemes. Calyx 5-partite, not angled. Corolla 2-lipped. Stigma 2-lamellate | 3. Mazus. |
| Flowers axillary, solitary. Calyx 3–4-lobed. Corolla nearly regular. Stigma spathulate | 5. Glossostigma. |
| Flowers axillary. Calyx 5 - toothed. Corolla rotate. Stigma clavate | 6. Limosella. ​ |
| B. Rhinanthideæ. Under-lip or lateral lobes of the corolla covering the upper in bud. ||
| * Stamens 2. |
| Shrubs or herbs. Leaves opposite, often imbricate and quadrifarious in the New Zealand species. Corolla rotate or tube short; limb 4-lobed or rarely 5-lobed | 7. Veronica. |
| ** Stamens 4. |
| Corolla 5-lobed, campanulate or nearly so, tube short. Stigma capitate | 8. Ourisia. |
| Corolla 2-lipped, tube short. Ovary usually with several ovules in each cell, rarely reduced to two | 9. Euphrasia. |
| Corolla 2-lipped, tube long. Ovary with one ovule in each cell | 10. Anagosperma. |
| Corolla 2-lipped, tube exceedingly long, gibbous, upper lip entire. Stigma 2-lobed | 11. Siphonidium. |
1. CALCEOLARIA, Linn.
Herbs or small shrubs. Leaves opposite or whorled, rarely alternate. Flowers in axillary or terminal few- or many-flowered cymes or panicles, rarely solitary. Calyx inferior or slightly adherent to the base of the ovary, 4-partite; segments valvate. Corolla-tube very short or almost wanting; limb 2-lipped; lips nearly equal and both inflated in the New Zealand species, but in the majority of the American ones the upper lip is small, rounded, and entire, and the lower large, much inflated, and slipper-shaped. Stamens 2, lateral, afiixed near the base of the corolla; anthers 2-celled. Ovary 2-celled; ovules numerous in each cell; style simple; stigma minute. Capsule ovoid-conic, septicidally 2-valved; valves 2-fid. Seeds numerous, striate.
A large genus of about 135 species, with the exception of the two species found in New Zealand purely American, stretching along the chain of the Andes from the Straits of Magellan to Colombia and Mexico.
| Stems erect. Leaves ovate, 1–3 in. long. Panicles usually many-flowered | 1. C. Sinclairii. |
| Stems creeping. Leaves broadly ovate or orbicular, ½–1 in. long. Panicle 1–5 flowered | 2. C repens. |
1. C. Sinclairii, Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 561.—More or less glandular-pubescent in all its parts. Stems slender, erect, laxly branched, 6–18 in. high. Leaves opposite, on slender petioles 1–3 in. long; blade 1–3 in., ovate or elliptic-ovate, obtuse or subacute, obliquely rounded or almost cordate at the base, coarsely crenate-toothed or -lobed, the lobes again toothed, membranous, pubescent on both surfaces, paler below. Panicles terminal, branched, few- or many-flowered; pedicels slender. Flowers small, ¼–⅓ in. diam., white or yellow spotted with purple. Calyx-lobes small, deltoid, acute. Corolla pubescent, divided about ⅓-way down into 2 nearly equal concave lips, the upper lip but slightly smaller. Stamens on very ​short filaments; anthers orbicular. Capsule ⅙ in. long.—Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 187; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 201; Bot. Mag. t. 6597. C. albula and C. Sturmii, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 391, 392.
North Island: Hicks Bay and the East Cape to Hawke's Bay and the Ruahine Mountains, Sinclair, Colenso! Bishop Williams! Adams and Petrie! &c. November–February.
2. C. repens, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 187.—A slender much-branched creeping and rooting pubescent herb, stems 4–12 in. long; branches very slender, prostrate or ascendmg, sparingly leafy. Leaves opposite, on long slender petioles; blade ½–1½ in. long, broadly oblong or ovate to orbicular, coarsely and irregularly doubly toothed or crenate, very thin and membranous, sparingly pubescent on both surfaces. Panicles terminal, small, 1–5-flowered; pedicels almost filiform. Flowers about ¼ in. diam., white spotted with purple. Calyx adherent to the ovary at the base; lobes ovate, acute. Corolla divided about half-way down into two nearly equal concave entire lips, upper lip slightly smaller. Capsule ovoid-conic, membranous.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 202.
North Island: East Cape and Poverty Bay, Bishop Williams! ravines at the base of the Ruahine Range, Colenso! Mount Egmont, Buchanan! source of the Patea River, T.F.C.; Rimutaka Range, Kirk! Wainuiomata, T. P. Arnold. South Island: Nelson—Cedar Creek and valley of the Lyell, W. Townson! Westland—Otira and Teremakau Valleys, Petrie! Cockayne! 250–2000 ft. December–February.
2. MIMULUS, Linn.
Erect or prostrate herbs. Leaves opposite, entire or toothed. Flowers solitary and axillary, or the upper ones sometimes forming a terminal raceme. Calyx tubular or campanulate, 5-angled, 5-toothed. Corolla tubular at the base, 2-lipped above; upper lip erect or spreading, 2-lobed; lower spreading, 3-lobed; throat usually with two protuberances. Stamens 4, didynamous; anthers all perfect, 2-celled; cells divergent, often confluent at the top. Style slender; stigma of 2 flat laminæ. Capsule loculicidally dehiscent, valves usually splitting away from a central column which bears the placentas. Seeds small, numerous.
A genus of about 50 species, most numerous in western America, found more sparingly in eastern and tropical Asia, South Africa, and Australia; not known in Europe in the wild state. The single New Zealand species extends to Australia and Tasmania.
M. repens, R. Br. Prodr. 439.—Perfectly glabrous. Stems stout, succulent, creeping and rooting at the joints; branches prostrate or ascending or erect, 1–5 in. long. Leaves opposite, sessile, often stem-clasping, ⅙–¼ in. long, broadly ovate to oblong, obtuse, quite entire, thick and succulent, pitted when dry. Flowers few, ​axillary and solitary; peduncles stout, usually shorter than the leaves. Calyx broadly funnel-shaped or almost obconic, truncate at the mouth, minutely toothed. Corolla variable in size, ¼–½ in. diam., white with a yellow throat; tube dilated upwards, much longer than the calyx; lobes broad, rounded. Capsule broadly oblong, obtuse, enclosed in the calyx, about ¼ in. long.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 188; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 202; Bot. Mag. t. 5423; Benth. Fl. Austral. iv. 482. M. Colensoi, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. iii. (1871) 179.
North and South Islands: Salt marshes from the North Cape to the south of Otago, not common. November–January.
Mr. Kirk's M. Colensoi is a form with erect sparingly divided branches, but it does not otherwise differ from the type. The species is common in many parts of Australia and Tasmania.
3. MAZUS, Lour.
Small herbs, often prostrate and creeping. Lower leaves opposite or rosulate, upper ones when present often alternate. Flowers in terminal subsecuud racemes or solitary. Calyx campanulate, 5-partite, not angled. Corolla-tube short; upper lip erect, 2-fid; lower larger, spreading, 3-fid; throat with 2 protuberances. Stamens 4, didynamous; anther-cells divergent, often confluent at the tip. Style slender; stigma 2-lamellate. Capsule loculicidally dehiscent, valves entire. Seeds numerous, very minute, ovoid.
A small genus of 6 or 7 species, extending northwards through Australia to the Malay Archipelago, India, and China. One of the New Zealand species is found in Australia and Tasmania, and is very closely allied to the Indian M. rugosus; the other is endemic.
| Slender. Leaves ¾–3 in., linear-obovate or obovate-spathulate, membranous. Flowers small, about Jin. long | 1. M. pumilio. |
| Stout. Leaves ½–2 in., obovate or oblong. Flowers large, ¾ in. long | 2. M. radicans. |
1. M. pumilio, R. Br. Prodr. 439.—A small perennial herb with a creeping underground stem, putting up short leafy branches. Leaves close together, forming an erect tuft, variable in size, ¾–3 in. long including the petiole, obovate-spathulate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into the petiole, membranous, entire or irregularly sinuate-toothed, glabrous or sparingly pilose. Peduncles slender, usually exceeding the leaves, 1–6-flowered; pedicels long, each with a linear-setaceous bract. Calyx narrow-campanulate; lobes narrow, acute. Corolla ¼–½ in. long, white or blueish-white with a yellow centre; tube exceeding the calyx; lobes broad, rounded. Capsule included in the persistent calyx.—Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 567; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 189; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 202; Benth. Fl. Austral. iv. 484.
North Island: Auckland—Ahipara, T.F.C.; Matapouri, Colenso! Lower Waikato, T.F.C, Petrie! Carse! Thames River, Adams; East Cape, Bishop Williams! Wellington—Manawatu River, Colenso! Otaki, Buchanan! Pencarrow Lagoon, Kirk! South Island: Canterbury—Banks Peninsula, Lyall; Canterbury Plains, Haast! Armstrong. November–February.
2. M. radicans, Cheesem.—Stems creeping and rooting at the joints, often subterranean, putting up short erect leafy branches 1–3 in. high. Leaves close together, spreading, petiolate, ¾–2 in. long including the petiole, obovate or linear-obovate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into the petiole, entire or very obscurely sinuate, pilose or almost glabrous. Peduncle terminal, 1–3-flowered, usually longer than the leaves; pedicels with 1 or 2 linear-subulate bracts. Flowers large, ½–¾ in. long, white with a yellow centre. Calyx campanulate, 5-cleft, not angled, pilose with jointed hairs. Corolla-tube much exceeding the calyx; upper lip erect; lower lip much larger, spreading. Capsule ⅓ in. long, ovoid, enclosed in the persistent calyx.—Mimulus radicans, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 188; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 202.
North Island: Wellington—Head of the Wairarapa Valley and Tararua Mountains, Colenso! Buchanan! South Island: Not uncommon throughout in wet places in mountain districts. 500–3500 ft. November–February.
Imperfect specimens of this were described by Sir J. D. Hooker as a Mimulus. It has, however, the habit, inflorescence, and calyx of Mazus, and I have consequently transferred it to that genus.
5. GRATIOLA, Linn.
Herbs, glabrous or glandular-pubescent. Leaves opposite, entire or toothed. Flowers axillary and solitary, 2-bracteolate. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments nearly equal. Corolla-tube cylindric; lips spreading, upper entire or 2-fid, lower 3-fid. Perfect stamens 2, included; anther-cells distinct, parallel; staminodia or barren stamens 2, filiform, sometimes wanting. Style filiform; stigma dilated and deflexed, entire or 2-lamellate. Capsule ovoid, loculicidally or septicidally dehiscent, 4-valved, valves separating from a columnar placentiferous axis. Seeds numerous, small, reticulate.
A genus consisting of about 25 species, scattered over the temperate and subtropical portions of both hemispheres. One of the New Zealand species has a wide range in Australia and extra-tropical South America; the other extends to Victoria and Tasmania alone.
| Suberect, usually glabrous. Leaves ¼–¾ in. long | 1. G. peruviana. |
| Procumbent, usually glandular-pilose. Leaves ⅙–¼ in. | 2. G. nana. |
1. G. peruviana, Linn. Sp. Plant. 17.—Stems stout, glabrous or slightly viscid-pubescent, laxly branched, ascending or suberect from a decumbent or almost prostrate base, 3–12 in. high. Leaves opposite, sessile, ¼–¾ in. long, ovate or ovate-lanceolate or oblong, dis​tantly and sometimes obscurely serrate, usually 3-nerved. Flowers in the axils of the leaves; peduncles very short, sometimes almost wanting. Calyx-segments lanceolate, acuminate. Corolla ⅓–½ in. long, white or yellowish-white with a yellow throat, the lips broad, much shorter than the tube. Anthers connivent; cells transverse, parallel. Staminodia filiform, elongated. Capsule ovoid-globose, ⅕ in. long, membranous.—Benth. Fl. Austral. iv. 493. G. sexdentata, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 383; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 189; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 203. G. latifolia, R. Br. Prodr. 435; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. iii. (1871) 165. G. glandulifera, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvii. (1885) 245.
North Island: Common in lowland swamps throughout. South Island: Nelson—Buller Valley; Charleston, Townson! Otago—Lake Te Anau, Petrie. Sea-level to 1500 ft. November–February.
Also common in Australia and Tasmania, and in many parts of extra-tropical South America.
2. G. nana, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 404.—Stems procumbent or creeping, much branched, often matted, 2–8 in. long, usually more or less clothed with jointed glandular hairs, but sometimes almost glabrous; branches ascending at the tips. Leaves sessile or very shortly petiolate, ⅙–¼ in. long, broad or narrow-oblong or obovate, obtuse or subacute, narrowed at the base, obtusely toothed, glabrous or glandular-pilose. Flowers few, on short peduncles. Calyx glandular-pilose; segments often toothed. Corolla ¼–⅓ in. long, white or white with pinkish veins, throat yellow; lobes short, rounded. Anthers connivent; cells transverse, parallel. Staminodia filiform, elongated. Capsule broadly ovoid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 203; Benth. Fl. Austral. iv. 493. G. pubescens, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 189 (not of R. Br.). G. concinna, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 264.
North Island: Auckland—Bay of Islands, R. Cunningham (Handbook); swamps between the Manukau Harbour and Waikato River, Carse! Hawke's Bay—Norsewood, Colenso! Taranaki—Ngaire Swamp, Kirk! South Island: From Nelson to Southland, but not common. Sea-level to 2500 ft. November–February.
Apparently a variable little plant. South Island specimens are stouter and more densely leafy, and have larger flowers than those from the North Island. Also found in Victoria and Tasmania.
5. GLOSSOSTIGMA, Arn.
Very small perfectly glabrous creeping and rooting herbs. Leaves opposite or fascicled at the nodes, quite entire. Flowers minute, axillary, solitary, ebracteolate. Calyx campanulate, shortly and obtusely 3–4-lobed. Corolla-tube short; lobes 5, nearly equal. Stamens 2 or 4, affixed to the corolla-tube; filaments filiform; anther-cells diverging at the base, confluent at the top. Ovary perfectly or imperfectly 2-celled; style short, dilated upwards into ​a broad and thin spoon-shaped stigmatic lamina which usually curves over the stamens. Capsule globular or ovoid, included in the persistent calyx, loculicidally 2-valved; valves entire, separating from a central placentiferous axis. Seeds small, ovoid.
In addition to the two species found in New Zealand, one of which extends to Australia, there are two others in Australia, one of them found also in tropical Asia and Africa.
| Forming broad matted patches. Leaves ⅛–¼ in., linear obovate. Flowers 1/10–1/8 in. diam. Stamens 4 | 1. G. elatinoides. |
| Minute, very slender, matted. Leaves 1/12–1/5 in., linear or narrow linear-spathulate. Flowers very minute, 1/20 in. diam. Stamens 2 | 2. G. submersum. |
1. G. elatinoides, Benth. in Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 189.—A small creeping intricately branched moss-like plant, forming dense matted patches 2–6 in. across or more; stems slender, rooting at the nodes, rarely suberect at the tips. Leaves opposite, ⅛–¼ in. long, linear-spathulate or linear-obovate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into a petiole equalling the blade. Peduncle at first shorter than the leaves, but often elongating after flowering. Flowers minute, 1/10–1/8 in. diam., white. Calyx with 4 short obtuse lobes. Corolla-tube shorter than the calyx; lobes rounded, obtuse, fringed with minute cilia. Stamens 4, included. Style short; stigma very large, spoon-shaped, irritable. Capsule small, ovoid-globose.—Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 203; Benth. Fl. Austral. iv. 502. Tricholoma elatinoides, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 426. Lobelia submersa, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 424.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Abundant in lakes and marshes from the North Cape southwards, often entirely submerged. Sea-level to 2500 ft. November–February.
Also found in south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. For an account of the fertilisation, see a paper by myself in Trans. N.Z. Inst. x. 353.
2. G. submersum, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiii. (1891) 401.—A minute very slender intricately branched plant, forming small but dense matted patches; stems creeping and rooting at the nodes. Leaves opposite or fascicled, 1/12–1/4 in. long, linear or narrow linear-spathulate, quite entire, gradually narrowed into a petiole equalling the blade or rather shorter than it. Peduncles slender, axillary, about as long as the leaves. Flowers very minute, 1/20 in diam. Calyx obtusely 3-lobed. Corolla small, not much longer than the calyx; lobes short, rounded. Stamens 2, included. Capsule not exceeding the calyx, globose, 1/15 in. diam.
South Island: Otago—Tidal shores of Lake Waihola, usually submerged at high water, Petrie!
A very curious little plant, apparently closely allied to the Queensland G. spathulatum, Arn., but my flowering specimens are insufficient for a proper comparison.
6. LIMOSELLA, Linn.
Small tufted creeping glabrous marsh or aquatic plants. Leaves opposite or fascicled at the nodes, rarely alternate on barren shoots, long-petioled, linear or spathulate, quite entire. Flowers minute, axillary, solitary. Calyx campanulate, 5-toothed or -lobed. Corolla campanulate or almost rotate; tube short; lobes 5, nearly equal. Stamens 4; filaments filiform; anther-cells confluent. Ovary 2-celled at the base; style short; stigma clavate or subcapitate. Capsule obscurely dehiscent or septicidally 2-valved; valves thin, membranous. Seeds numerous, small, ovoid, transversely rugulose.
A genus comprising 6 or 7 species, found in most parts of the world.
| Leaves ½–1½ in. long; lamina not much broader than the petiole. Flowers pedicelled; corolla and capsule longer than the calyx | 1. L. tenuifolia. |
| Leaves 2–5 in. long; lamina ovate, suddenly contracted into the slender petiole. Flowers sessile; corolla and capsule shorter than the calyx | 2. L. Curdieana. |
1. L. tenuifolia, Nutt. Gen. N. Amer. ii. 43.—Annual or perennial, creeping and tufted, often forming patches 1–2 in. diam. or more. Leaves densely fascicled, ½–1½ in. long, rarely more, narrow-linear or linear-subulate, often with little or no distinction between petiole and blade, but sometimes dilated towards the tip and becoming narrow linear-spathulate. Flowers minute, 1/12 in. diam., axillary, on very short pedicels. Calyx 5-toothed. Corolla rather longer than the calyx; lobes ovate-oblong. Capsule ovoid-globose, exceeding the calyx when mature.—L. australis, R. Br. Prodr. 443. L. aquatica var. tenuifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 190; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 204. L. ciliata. Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxi. (1889) 96.
North and South Islands: Common in wet places throughout. Sea-level to 3000 ft. November–February.
Often considered to be a variety of the widely diffused L. aquatica, Linn., but the leaves have not the conspicuous lamina of that species, and the whole plant is usually much smaller. It also occurs in Australia and Tasmania, in temperate North and South America, and in some parts of Europe.
2. L. Curdieana, F. Muell. Fragm. Phyt. Austral. ix. 166.—A perennial herb with tufts of radical leaves, emitting short thick stolons terminating in other tufts, glabrous in all its parts. Leaves numerous; petiole 2–4 in. long or more, filiform, terete, dilated towards the base; blade ¼–¾ in. long, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse, suddenly contracted into the petiole, rather thin; main veins 3–5, parallel, with reticulating veinlets between. Flowers crowded at the bases of the petioles, sessile, minute. Calyx 1/10 in. long or less, tipped with 5 minute teeth. Corolla altogether included in the ​calyx, shortly 5-lobed. Stamens 4, inserted on the corolla-tube. Style short; stigma capitate. Capsule included within the persistent calyx, 1/10–1/8 in. diam., globose, rupturing irregularly. Seeds very numerous; testa reticulated.
South Island: Otago—Watery places in the Manuherikia Valley, Petrie. Also in Australia.
A very curious plant, differing from all states of L. aquatica in the sessile flowers, included corolla, and capsule shorter than the calyx. I have seen no specimens except Mr. Petrie's, the flowers of which appear to be cleistogamic.
7. VERONICA, Linn.
Herbs or shrubs, rarely small trees. Leaves opposite or rarely the cauline alternate, often connate at the base, large or small and scale-like, spreading or appressed, often closely quadrifariously imbricate. Flowers in bracteate axillary or terminal racemes, more rarely in spikes or panicles or corymbs, sometimes solitary in the axils of the leaves or terminal. Calyx usually 4-partite, rarely 3- or 5-partite. Corolla-tube longer or shorter than the calyx, sometimes very short; limb spreading, usually 4-lobed, sometimes 5-lobed, seldom 3- or 6-lobed; lobes unequal or rarely equal, imbricate in the bud, the lateral ones or one of them outside. Stamens 2, very rarely 4 or 5; filaments long or short, inserted on the corollatube; anther-cells diverging or parallel, confluent at the tip. Ovary small, 2-celled; style slender; ovules few or many in each cell. Capsule 2-celled, compressed or turgid, grooved on each side, either septicidally dehiscent with the placentas separating, or loculicidal with the valves remaining attached to the undivided placental column or separating from it. Seeds few or many, ovate or orbicular, compressed, attached by the inner flat surface.
A genus of nearly 200 species, most abundant in New Zealand and in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, rare and almost absent in the tropics. In New Zealand it is by far the largest genus of flowering-plants, and in montane or subalpine districts forms a conspicuous portion of the vegetation. Many of the species are singularly beautiful in form, foliage, and flower; and from that reason, and from the ease with which they can be cultivated, a considerable number have become well established in gardens throughout the colony and in Europe. Of the 84 species admitted in this book, all but three are endemic. These are V. elliptica, which is found in the Falkland Islands, Fuegia, and South Chili; V. plebeia, which is not uncommon in east Australia; and V. Anagallis, which has a wide distribution in the north temperate zone. But the last is probably an introduction. The distribution of the species within the colony is peculiar. Fourteen are confined to the North Island, and no less than 55 to the South Island, while only 11 species are found in both Islands. Three are endemic in the Chatham Islands, and one in the Auckland and Campbell Islands. Of the 84 species, 49 are purely montane or alpine, not one of them descending below 1000 ft. altitude; 13 are both lowland and montane; 12 are purely lowland, but do not evince any special predilection for the seacoast; while 10 are never seen far from the sea.
​Veronica presents great difficulties to the systematist. Many of the species are singularly protean in habit, foliage, and inflorescence, varying so much in appearance that it is no easy matter to fix their real limits. Intermediate forms are numerous, connecting species that would otherwise appear most distinct, and in not a few cases these intermediates blend so freely into one another that an apparently continuous series of forms is produced, while several species hybridise so readily in cultivation that the supposition at once arises that natural hybrids may also occur. So great has been the difficulty in deciding what are the limits of the species, and in properly characterizing them, that the late Baron Mueller, in his little book on the vegetation of the Chatham Islands, boldly proposed to solve the question by referring no less than 13 of the species considered to be distinct by Hooker to a collective species to which he gave the new name of V. Forsferi! It is hardly necessary to say that this extreme view has not received the sanction of any botanist familiar with the vegetation of the colony.
Two papers of considerable importance dealing with the New Zealand species have appeared since the publication of the Handbook. The first is Mr. Armstrong's "Synopsis of the New Zealand Species of Veronica" (Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. 344). This is mainly based on observations made during the author's explorations in the Alps of Canterbury, and on the study of the fine collection of living plants which he had amassed in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. It contains descriptions of a considerable number of new species, and many observations of value. Unfortunately, Mr. Armstrong did not distribute types of his new species, so that in some cases their identification is uncertain. The second is Mr. Kirk's "Notes on certain Veronicas" (Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. 515). In this Mr. Kirk transfers to the genus those species which had been erroneously placed in Logania and Mitrasacme by previous authors. Descriptions are also given of five or six new forms, in addition to much new matter bearing on the geographical distribution, &c., of the species already known. Another contribution of considerable value consists of the coloured drawings and descriptions published from time to time by Sir J. D. Hooker in the Botanical Magazine. Altogether, about 20 species have been beautifully illustrated and described by him, the value of the descriptions being enhanced by the critical notes which accompany them. Since the publication of the Handbook, too, the important fact has been made known by Kirk and others that the whole of the species with minute scale-like leaves (answering to Section III. of the following conspectus) have dimorphic foliage, the leaves of the young state being widely different from those of the mature plant. It has also been shown that these early leaves are often produced by reversion on old specimens, especially when cultivated in a cool and moist situation. The student will find the early leaves of several species fully described in the excellent series of papers on the "Seedling Forms of New Zealand Phænogams," contributed by Mr. Cockayne to the recent volumes of the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute.
I have followed the "Genera Plantarum" and Engler and Prantl's "Naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien" in reducing Hooker's genus Pygmea to Veronica, the differences of a 5- or 6-lobed corolla and leaves not quadrifariously arranged hardly being of generic importance, especially now that it is known that several true Veronicas have a 5-lobed corolla. The arrangement and limitation of the species, and the preparation of the necessary diagnoses, has proved to be a most difficult and perplexing task, and I am far from satisfied with the result. But, imperfect though it may be, it represents many months' assiduous study, and the examination of some thousands of specimens, and is, at any rate, an honest effort to clear away some of the difficulties which have hitherto impeded the study of the genus. I have to acknowledge the great assistance rendered to me by Mr. N. E. Brown, of the Kew Herbarium, in comparing sets of my specimens with the types preserved at Kew, and for many full and valuable notes thereon.
​Students using the conspectus should bear in mind that the characters employed are in many cases arbitrary ones selected to show how the dominant forms of a certain species differ from those of another species, and do not always include the entire range of variation of a species. Plants like V. salicifolia, macrocarpa, parviflora, Traversii, buxifolia, pinguifolia, &c., which run into numberless varieties, are probably quite incapable of rigid definition.
It should be mentioned that several species from the Northern Hemisphere have become naturalised in New Zealand, the most abundant being V. serpyllifolia, V. arvensis, V. agrestis, and V. persica. Descriptions of these will be found in any British Flora.
Subdivision A. Leaves quite entire (sometimes minutely incised in V. salicifolia, amabilis, diosmœfolia, Colensoi, and others; occasionally toothed in V. Haastii).
Section I. Large shrubs or small trees. Leaves 1–6 in. long, broad or narrow,, lax, spreading, not imbricating. Racemes simple, longer than the leaves many-flowered. :
| * Leaves obovate to oblong-lanceolate or lanceolate, usually more than ⅓ in. broad (sometimes less in V. divergens, ligustrifolia, and chathamica). ||
| Leaves 2–4 × 1–1¾ in., obovate, obtuse, dark-green. Racemes not much longer than the leaves, broad and dense. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Capsule ¼–⅓ in., twice as long as the calyx | 1. V. speciosa. |
| Leaves 2–4 × ½–1 in., linear-oblong, fleshy, pale-green. Racemes 3–5 in. Flowers ¼ in. diam. Capsule ⅕–¼ in., nearly thrice as long as the calyx | 2. V. Dieffenbachii. |
| Leaves 1¼–2 × ⅓–⅔ in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, fleshy. Racemes 1½–2½ in. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Capsule ⅙ in., twice as long as the calyx | 3. V. Barkeri. |
| Leaves 1½–3 × ½–1½ in., obovate-oblong to linear-oblong. Racemes 2–5 in., often curved, very dense. Flowers ⅛–⅙ in. diam. Capsule ⅛ in., nearly twice as long as the calyx | 4. V. macroura. |
| Leaves ¾–1¼ × ¼–½ in., oblong or elliptic-oblong. Racemes 2–3 in., dense-flowered. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, equalling the short corolla-tube. Capsule ⅙ in., elliptic, twice as long as the calyx | 5. V. divergens. |
| Leaves 1–2 × ¼–½ in., linear-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute. Racemes 2–3 in., lax. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute, longer than the short and broad corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in. | 6. V. ligustrifolia. ​ |
| Leaves 1½–3 × ⅓–½ in., oblong-lanceolate, pubescent with short soft hairs. Other characters as in V. salicifolia | 7. V. pubescens. |
| Leaves 2–6 × ⅓–⅔ in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute, glabrous. Racemes 3–10 in. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Corolla-tube longer than the calyx. Capsule ⅛–⅙ in., ovate, acute, scarcely twice the length of the calyx | 8. V. salicifolia. |
| Leaves 3–4 × ¾–1¼ in., oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, subacute. Racemes 3–6 in. Flowers ⅕ in. diam. Capsule ⅕ in., suborbicular, obtuse, twice as long as the calyx | 9. V. rotundata. |
| Leaves 3–6 × ⅓–1 in., lanceolate, acute. Racemes 3–7 in. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Capsule large, ¼–⅓ in., ovate, acute, thrice as long as the calyx | 10. V. macrocarpa. |
| Leaves 1–3 × ½–1 in., elliptic-lanceolate or elliptic-oblong, acute. Racemes 2–4 in., lax. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments acute. Capsule ¼ in., twice as long as the calyx | 11. V. amabilis. |
| Leaves 1½–2½ × ¾–1 in., oblong or elliptic-oblong, margins and midrib and branchlets pubescent. Racemes short, stout, 2–2½ in. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., bluish-white. Capsule ¼ in., twice as long as the calyx | 12. V. Lewisii. |
| Prostrate or trailing. Leaves ½–1½ × ¼–¾ in., obovate-oblong to elliptic-oblong, obtuse. Racemes short and dense, obtuse. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam. Capsule twice as long as the calyx | 13. V. chathamica. |
| ** Leaves narrow, linear-lanceolate or narrow linear-oblong, never more than ⅓ in. broad. ||
| Small shrub. Leaves 2–3 × ⅙–¼ in., linear-lanceolate, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in. Calyx-segments long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, exceeding the short and broad corolla-tube | 14. V. acutifolia. |
| Large spreading shrub. Leaves 1½–3½ × ⅙–¼ in., narrow-linear or linear-lanceolate, often deflexed. Racemes 2–5 in., longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Calyx-segments small, oblong, obtuse, one-third the length of the narrow corolla-tube | 15. V. angustifolia. |
| Large shrub or small tree, 6–20 ft. Leaves 1–2½ × ⅙–¼ in., linear-lanceolate, acute. Racemes equalling the leaves, dense-flowered. Flowers ⅙ in. diam. Calyx-segments broadly oblong, obtuse, half the length of the broad corolla-tube. Capsule ⅙ in. | 16. V. parviflora. |
| Leaves ¾–1¼ × ⅕–⅓ in., linear-oblong, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in., much longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments small, oblong, obtuse, about half the length of the corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in., broadly oblong | 17. V. leiophylla. |
| Leaves 1–2½ × ⅕–⅓ in., lanceolate, acute, flat. Racemes 3–5 in., much longer than the leaves. Flowers ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Calyx-segments short, obtuse, not much shorter than the corolla-tube. Capsule ⅕ in. long, broadly oblong | 18. V. gracillima. ​ |
| Section II. Large or small shrubs, erect or decumbent below. Leaves ⅙–1¼ in. long, usually close-set, often imbricate, flat or concave or keeled. Racemes or spikes usually short, simple or corymbosely branched, often crowded towards the ends of the branches. ||
| * Flowers racemose; racemes more or less corymbosely branched, rarely simple. ||
| Leaves ¾–1¼ × ⅙–⅓ in., oblong-obovate, flat or nearly so, glaucous. Racemes corymbosely branched, ¾–1½ in. long. Flowers ¼ in. diam., lavender-blue. Calyx segments ovate, acute. Corolla tube half as long again as the calyx. Capsule more than twice as long as the calyx | 19. V. insularis. |
| Leaves ½–¾ × ¼ in., elliptic-oblong, acute, flat or nearly so. Racemes much branched, forming a terminal panicle 2 in. diam. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments narrow-ovate, acute. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx | 20. V. venustula. |
| Leaves ½–1 × ⅛–⅙ in., linear-oblong, rigid, acute, keeled. Racemes about 1 in., much corymbosely branched. Calyx usually 3-partite; segments obtuse. Corolla-tube not much longer than the calyx. Capsule ⅙ in., twice as long as the calyx | 21. V. diosmœfolia. |
| Leaves ½–1 × ⅙–¼ in., lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute, flat or slightly keeled. Racemes 1–2 in., much corymbosely divided. Calyx 4-partite; segments acute. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ⅕ in. | 22. V. Menziesii. |
| Leaves ¾–1½ × ⅕–⅓ in., linear-oblong, acute, flat, glaucous, margins often incised. Racemes exceeding the leaves, sparingly divided, rarely simple. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube shorter than the calyx | 23. V. Colensoi. |
| Leaves ½–¾ × ⅙–¼ in., linear-oblong or narrow obovate-oblong, acute, keeled, rigid, glaucous. Racemes short, equalling the leaves, trifurcate. Calyx- segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ⅛–⅙ in. | 24. V. rigidula. |
| Leaves ½–1 × ¼–⅓ in., long-petioled, linear-obovate to linear-oblong, obtuse, flat, glaucous. Racemes trifurcate. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube half as long again as the calyx. Capsule ¼ in. long, broadly oblong | 25. V. rupicola. |
| Leaves ⅓–⅔ × ⅕–⅓ in., ovate-oblong or obovate-oblong, closely imbricate, rigid, keeled. Racemes ¾–1¼ in., corymbosely branched. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube less than twice as long as the calyx | 26. V. lævis. |
| ** Flowers racemose; racemes simple, rarely branched. ||
| Leaves ½–1¼ × ¼–½ in., elliptic-oblong, apiculate, petiolate. Branchlets and margins of leaves hoary. Racemes 1–1½ in. long. Flowers large, white, ½ in. diam. or more, sweet-scented. Capsule ¼–⅓ in. | 27. V. elliptica. |
| Leaves ¾–1½ × ⅓–⅔ in., oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse, flat. Racemes 2–4 in. long, dense. Flowers large, white or purplish, ⅓ in. diam. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx | 28. V. Matthewsii. ​ |
| Leaves ⅓–¾ in., elliptic-ovate, margins red. Racemes 2–3 in. long. Flowers large, pale violet-blue, ⅓–½ in. diam. Calyx-segments acute, equalling the short corolla-tube | 29. V. Balfouriana. |
| Leaves ½–¾ × ⅙–⅓ in., ovate-lanceolate to narrow elliptic-oblong, acute, flat, glaucous. Racemes ¾–1½ in. long. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx-segments broadly ovate, almost as long as the corolla-tube | 30. V. Darwiniana. |
| Leaves ½–1 × ⅙–⅓ in., elliptic-oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute, keeled or flat, often close-set. Racemes 1–3 in. long. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx-segments broadly oblong, obtuse, corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx (longer in var. elegans) | 31. V. Traversii. |
| Leaves ¾–1½ × ⅕–⅓ in., lanceolate, acute or subacute, flat. Racemes 1–2 in. long. Calyx-segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube scarcely longer than the calyx; limb longer than the tube | 32. V. subalpina. |
| Leaves ¼–⅔ × ⅙–⅓ in., obovate-oblong, flat, obtuse or apiculate, often distichous. Racemes ½–1½ in. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule twice as long as the calyx or more | 33. V. vernicosa. |
| Leaves ¾–1 × ¼–⅓ in., narrow-obovate, obtuse, flat or nearly so. Racemes 1–2 in., lax. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx | 34. V. obovata. |
| Leaves ⅔–1 × ⅓–½ in., obovate-oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, slightly concave, usually close-set. Racemes 1–1½ in. long. Calyx-segments oblong-ovate, obtuse. Corolla-tube scarcely longer than the calyx | 35. V. monticola. |
| Leaves ⅓–⅔ × ¼–⅓ in., oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse, flat, glaucous beneath, black when dry; branchlets pubescent. Racemes ½–1 in. Flowers ¼–⅓ in., white. Calyx-segments ovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube as long as the calyx | 36. V. Cockayniana. |
| *** Flowers spicate (often racemose in V. decumbens). Spikes usually simple. Leaves close-set, imbricate, concave, rounded or keeled at the back. ||
| Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅓ in., obovate-oblong, closely imbricate, keeled, truncate or subcordate at the base. Spikes crowded at the ends of the branches; bracts large, coriaceous | 37. V. buxifolia. |
| Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅛–⅕ in., linear-oblong, keeled. Spikes crowded, forming a short terminal panicle. Corolla often 3-lobed, the auticous lobe either suppressed or very small | 38. V. anomala. |
| Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅓ in., oblong-obovate, flat or slightly concave, margins bright-red. Racemes short, dense. Calyx-segments ovate, acute. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous | 39. V. decumbens. |
| Leaves ⅓–¾ × ¼–½ in., ovate, margins fringed with long soft hairs. Racemes slightly longer than the leaves, densely villous. Calyx-segments lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx | 40. V. Gibbsii. |
| Leaves ⅓–¾ × ⅕–⅔ in., broadly obovate or suborbicular, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes crowded, short, stout, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous | 41. V. carnosula. ​ |
| Leaves ½–1¼ × ⅓–⅔ in., cordate or semiamplexicaul, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes 1–1½ in. long, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule oblong, obtuse, pubescent | 42. V. amplexicaulis. |
| Leaves ¼–¾ × ⅙–½ in., obovate-oblong or suborbicular, deeply concave, glaucous, nerveless. Spikes short, dense. Calyx-segments obtuse, equalling the corolla-tube. Capsule oblong or obovate, obtuse, pubescent | 43. V. pinguifolia. |
| Leaves ⅛–⅓ × ⅙–¼ in., broadly oblong or suborbicular, concave, nerveless, very coriaceous. Spikes short, dense, villous. Calyx-segments obtuse, exceeding the corollatube. Capsule oblong, obtuse, pubescent | 44. V. Buchanani. |
| Leaves ⅛–⅓ in., obovate-oblong to lanceolate, usually lax, glaucous, obtusely keeled. Spikes ½–1 in., villous. Calyx-segments ovate, acute, exceeding the corolla-tube. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous or pubescent | 45. V. pimeleoides. |
| Section III. Small shrubs, erect or decumbent or prostrate. Leaves dimorphic; of mature plants small, short and thick, densely quadrifariously imbricated or rarely in distant pairs; of young plants larger, spreading, entire or irregularly lobulate or pinnatifid. Flowers crowded near the tips of the branches or in subterminal 2–4-flowered abbreviated spikes. ||
| * Prostrate or decumbent, rarely erect. Flowers in 2–4-flowered abbreviated spikes near the ends of the branches and distinct from them. ||
| Laxly branched, 3–12 in. long; branches ⅓ in. diam. Leaves ⅙–⅓ in., erecto-patent, linear-oblong, obtuse, margins strongly ciliate-denticulate | 46. V. Gilliesiana. |
| Much and closely branched, 3–9 in. diam.; branches 1/12–1/10 in. diam., tetragonous with the faces concave. Leaves most densely quadrifarious, 1/14–1/10 in., ovate or narrow-deltoid, narrowed to a subacute point | 47. V. tetrasticha. |
| Much and closely branched, 3–9 in. diam.; branches 1/15 in. broad, tetragonous with the faces flat. Leaves most densely quadrifarious, 1/18–1/16 in. long, broadly triangular, acute | 48. V. quadrifaria. |
| ** Erect or spreading or rarely decumbent. Flowers 3–8 near the ends of the branches, forming small terminal heads; bracts similar to the leaves or broader. ||
| † Leaves densely imbricate with the opposite pairs connate and appressed, concealing the branch and giving it somewhat of the appearance of whipcord. ||
| Prostrate, forming patches 6–18 in. across; branches 1/12–1/10 in. diam., obtusely tetragonous. Leaves densely quadrifarious, 1/15–1/12 in. long, broadly ovate-deltoid, obtuse, tumid | 49. V. tumida. |
| Stout, erect; branches tetragonous, 1/10–1/6 in. diam. Leaves 1/12–1/10 in. long, deltoid-ovate, obtuse | 50. V. tetragona. |
| Stout, erect; branches tetragonous, 1/10–1/6 diam. Leaves 1/12–1/10 in. long, broadly deltoid-ovate, suddenly narrowed into a short obtuse cusp | 51. V. lycopodioides. |
| Stout, erect; branchlets terete or obscurely tetragonous, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., blackish-brown when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/10 in. long, orbicular-oblong, obtuse | 52. V. Hectori. ​ |
| Stout, erect or decumbent; branches terete or obscurely tetragonous, 1/12–1/10 in. diam., blackish-brown when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/10 in. long, tips obtuse or subacute | 53. V. coarctata. |
| Strict, erect; branchlets terete, 1/14–1/12 in. diam., yellowgreen when dry. Leaves connate into a closely appressed ring 1/15–1/12 in. long, subacute or truncate at the tip | 54. V. salicornioides. |
| Spreading, much branched; branches often flabellate; branchlets terete, slender, 1/16–1/14 in. diam. Leaves connate into an obconic sheath or ring 1/10 in. long loosely investing the branch, and which is open at the top and truncate or nearly so | 55. V. Armstrongii. |
| Spreading or decumbent; branchlets terete, very slender, 1/20 in. diam. Leaves connate into a narrow sheath 1/10–1/8 in. long, lower part adnate to the branch, upper part free and slightly expanded | 56. V. propinqua. |
| †† Leaves in remote decussate pairs. |
| Branchlets slender, 1/30 in. diam. Leaves minute, appressed or patent, 1/25–1/15 in. long | 57. V. cupressoides. |
| Section IV. Small decumbent or prostrate shrubs; branches short, ascending. Leaves small, ¼–⅓ in. long. Flowers in terminal oblong or ovoid heads continuous with the branch. Corolla-tube long and narrow; limb small. ||
| Leaves densely imbricated, fleshy when fresh, erect or spreading, not keeled | 58. V. Haastii. |
| Leaves densely imbricated, spreading and recurved, coriaceous, sharply keeled | 59. V. epacridea. |
| Leaves not imbricated, spreading, oblong, flat. Bracts very numerous, crowded, linear | 60. V. Petriei. |
| Section V. Small prostrate woody plants 2–6 in. long. Leaves closely quadrifariously imbricate, rigidly coriaceous, 1/10–1/6 in. long. Flowers large, ¼–½ in. diam., solitary and terminal, pentamerous. ||
| Branches ¼ in. diam. Leaves oblong-obovate, ⅛–⅙ in. long. Calyx hispid below | 61. V. dasyphylla. |
| Branches ⅙ in. diam. Leaves oblong, 1/10–1/8 in. long. Calyx hispid throughout. Ovary villous at the tip | 62. V. uniflora. |
Subdivision B. Leaves crenate-toothed or serrate (obscurely toothed or entire in V. erecta).
| * Flowers racemose. |
| Rigid, sparingly branched. Leaves ½–1 in., narrow-obovate. Racemes short, 5–8-fiowered. Flowers 4-merous, large, white, ¾ in. diam. | 63. V. macrantha. |
| Much branched. Leaves ½–1½ in., linear-oblong, margined with white down. Racemes long, many-flowered. Flowers 5-merous, bright-blue, ⅓–½ in. diam. | 64. V. Benthami. |
| Sparingly branched, erect. Leaves ¾–1 in., oblong-lanceolate, entire or obscurely toothed. Racemes long, 3–4 in., strict. Flowers small, ⅕ in. diam. | 65. V. erecta. ​ |
| ** Flowers sessile in branched panicles or corymbs. |
| Laxly branched, 1–3 ft. high. Leaves 1–2 in., broadly ovate. Panicle terminal, slender, much branched, 6–12 in. long. Flowers ¼ in. diam. | 66. V. Hulkeana. |
| Decumbent below, 4–8 in. high. Leaves ⅓–1 in., broadly ovate. Flowers in a dense corymb 1–2 in. across | 67. V. Lavaudiana. |
| Decumbent or erect, 4–12 in. high. Leaves ⅓–¾ in., oblong-spathulate. Flowers in lateral and terminal clusters, often forming a close terminal panicle | 68. V. Raoulii. |
Division II., Pygmea. Capsule turgid, the septum across the broadest diameter. Small depressed pulvinate herbs. Leaves minute, densely imbricated all round the branches. Flowers solitary and terminal. Corolla-limb 5-lobed or rarely abnormally 6-lobed.
| Leaves 1/10 in., linear-oblong, margins and both surfaces above the middle hoary with long white hairs | 69. V. pulvinaris. |
| Leaves 1/10–1/8 in., rhomboid-obovate, margins and back above the middle hispid, rarely almost glabrous | 70. V. Thomsoni. |
| Leaves ⅛–⅙ in., broadly obovate-spathulate, coriaceous, margins ciliate with long stiff hairs, both surfaces glabrous | 71. V. ciliolata. |
Division III., Euveronica. Capsule laterally compressed, the septum across the narrowest diameter. Perennial herbs, sometimes woody at the base. Stems prostrate or decumbent or suberect. Leaves toothed or serrate, rarely entire. Flowers in axillary racemes or solitary. Corolla-tube short.
| * Flowers racemose. |
| Stems woody, much branched, 6–12 in. high; branches slender. Leaves ⅛–⅙ in., ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire or toothed. Racemes short, crowded at the tips of the branches | 72. V. loganioides. |
| Stems procumbent and ascending, diffusely branched, 2–9 in. long. Leaves ⅓–1 in., linear, obtuse, entire | 73. V. linifolia. |
| Stems prostrate below, erect above, simple or sparingly branched, 6–24 in. long. Leaves ½–4 in., lanceolate to ovate, serrate. Racemes 3–9 in. long | 74. V. catarractæ. |
| Stems prostrate and rooting, diffusely branched, 3–18 in. long. Leaves ¼–¾ in., ovate or oblong, serrate, glabrous. Racemes slender, glabrous or nearly so | 75. V. Lyallii. |
| Stems prostrate and rooting, much branched, 3–10 in. long. Leaves minute, 1/10–1/4 in., with 1 or 2 teeth on each side. Peduncle long, strict, erect | 76. V. Bidwillii. |
| Stems stout, prostrate, 3–10 in. long. Leaves crowded, ¼–½ in., ovate, serrate, usually pubescent on both surfaces. Raceme very stout, densely glandular-pubescent, 4–8 flowered. Capsule broadly oblong | 77. V. Hookeriana. |
| Stems rather slender, prostrate, 3–6 in. long. Leaves ¼–½ in., ovate, serrate, glabrous. Racemes rather slender, pubescent, many-flowered. Capsule oblong | 78. V. Olseni. ​ |
| Stems tufted and prostrate, much branched, 3–6 in. long. Leaves ⅙–½ in., ovate- or deltoid-spathulate, crenate-lobed, glandular-pubescent; petioles long. Racemes very short | 79. V. spathulata. |
| Stems prostrate, elongated, 1–3 ft. long. Leaves petiolate; lamina ½–1 in., ovate-deltoid, coarsely toothed. Racemes lateral, short, 2–5 in. long | 80. V. plebeia. |
| Stems suberect, glabrous, 6–18 in. high. Leaves 1–3 in., linear-oblong, serrate, sessile. Racemes 4–10 in. long, many-flowered | 81. V. Anagallis. |
| ** Flowers solitary. |
| Stems prostrate, 6–12 in. long; branchlets erect. Leaves ⅙–⅓ in., oblong or obovate, toothed or entire. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam. | 82. V. Muelleri. |
| Densely tufted, forming rounded patches 2–5 in. across. Leaves ⅓–½ in., narrow-obovate, coarsely toothed. Flowers ⅛ in. diam. Calyx-segments toothed | 83. V. Cheesemanii. |
| Creeping, matted. Leaves minute, 1/12–1/10 in., ovate, entire. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam. | 84. V. canescens. |
V. carnea, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 357, is a garden-plant of unknown origin, and has never been found in the wild state. It is probably a hybrid. V. macrocalyx and V. rugulosella, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiv. (1892) 391, and V. oligantha, Col. l.c. xxv. (1893) 333, are proved by the types in Mr. Colenso's herbarium to be nothing more than slight varieties of the naturalised V. serpyllifolia, Linn. Similarly, V. longiracemosa, Col. l.c. xx. (1888) 203, and V. hirsuta, Col. l.c. xxiv. (1892) 393, are V. arvensis, Linn.; and V. areolata, Col. l.c. 392, is V. persiea, Poir (V. Buxbaumii, Ten), both species being now naturalised throughout the colony. In the absence of authentic specimens, I have been unable to precisely identify V. Rakaiensis, Armstr. l.c. xiii. (1881) 356, and V. polyphylla, Col. l.c. xxxi. (1899) 277.
1. V. speciosa, R. Cunn. in Bot. Mag. sub. t. 3461.—A stout glabrous shrub 2–5 ft. high with numerous spreading leafy branches; branchlets thick, angled, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Leaves spreading, sessile or on very short thick petioles, 2–4 in. long, 1–1¾ in. broad, obovate or obovate-oblong, rounded at the tip, truncate or slightly cordate at the base or narrowed into the petiole, thick and coriaceous, dark-green and glossy, midrib downy above, lateral veins obsolete, margins entire. Racemes axillary and opposite, near the tips of the branches, not much longer than the leaves, very stout and dense-flowered, sometimes exceeding 1½ in. diam.; rhachis puberulous; pedicels short, spreading. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., dark reddish-purple or violet-purple. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate, subacute or obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube broad, funnel-shaped, half as long again as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse, the dorsal lobe rather larger than the lateral, anterior the smallest. Capsule ¼–⅓ in. long, ovate, compressed, more than twice as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 373; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 191; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 206; Bot. Mag. t. 4057; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. V. Kermesina, Loud. Encyc. Pl. 1546.
Var. brevifolia, Cheesem.—Leaves smaller and narrower, 1–2½ in. long by ½–¾ in. broad, oblong-obovate to linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute. Racemes and flowers smaller.
North Island: North Cape (var. brevifolia), T.F.C.; south head of Hokianga Harbour, R. Cunningham, Kirk! Maunganui Bluff, Petrie! Urenui (Taranaki), T.F.C.; Port Nicholson, Lyall. South Island: Marlborough—Ship Cove, Lyall; Pelorus Sound, J. Rutland! November–March.
A remarkably rare and local species, confined to cliffs near the sea. All the wild specimens that I have seen have the flowers dark reddish-purple, but in cultivation they frequently become violet-purple. It hybridises freely with V. salicifolia, macrocarpa, elliptica, and probably other species, and several of the hybrids have become common garden-plants.
2. V. Dieffenbachii, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 459.—A robust much-branched shrub; branches widely divaricating, 2–5 ft. long or more; branchlets stout, green, terete, ⅙–¼ in. diam., glabrous or puberulous. Leaves spreading, often recurved, sessile and semiamplexicaul, 2–4 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, linear-oblong, rarely broader and almost oblong, acute or subacute, coriaceous or almost fleshy, pale-green, midrib stout, prominent beneath, lateral veins very indistinct, margins slightly recurved when fresh. Racemes pedunculate, suberect, exceeding the leaves, 2½–5 in. long, ¾–1 in. diam., dense-flowered; rhachis stout; pedicels spreading, 1/10–1/8 in. long, with a minute subulate bract at the base. Flowers ¼ in. diam., usually lilac-purple. Calyx small, 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong or ovate-lanceolate, acute, ciliolate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, exceeding the calyx; limb 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes broadly oblong, anterior narrower. Capsule ⅕–¼ in. long, ovate, acute, glabrous, about 2½ times as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 191; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 206; Bot. Mag. t. 7656; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 531; Gard. Chron. ii. (1898) p. 154, t. 41. V. Forsteri, F. Muell. Veg. Chat. Is. 46 (in part).
Chatham Islands: Apparently not uncommon, Dieffenbach, H. H. Travers Enys! Cox and Cockayne!
In cultivation this puts out numerous stout almost horizontal branches close to the ground, so that a single plant occupies quite a large space without rising to a greater height than 3 ft. or 4 ft.; but Mr. Cockayne informs me that this peculiarity is not so noticeable in the wild state. I am also indebted to him for a series of specimens showing a considerable range of variation in the size and shape of the leaves and their texture, the length of the raceme, size of the flowers, &c., apparently accompanied by slight differences in the mode of growth. It seems doubtful whether the whole of these are referable to V. Dieffenbachii, but the question is one that cannot be settled without much more ample material than I possess.
3. V. Barkeri, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 421.—A stout branching shrub; branches erect, not divaricating, terete, the younger ones brownish-purple. Leaves spreading, sessile, 2 in. ​long, ⅓–⅔ in. broad, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute or subacute, narrowed towards the base, thick and fleshy, pale dull-green, midrib scarcely prominent beneath. Racemes opposite near the ends of the branches, about as long as the leaves, dense-flowered; rhachis and pedicels pubescent; bracts subulate, half as long as the pedicels. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., pale-lilac. Calyx small, deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx; limb spreading, 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes subequal, broadly oblong, obtuse, anterior lobe smaller. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ovate, acute, about twice as long as the calyx.
Chatham Islands: Barker, Cockayne!
I fear that this is much too close to V. Dieffenbachii, but my specimens are very indifferent. According to Mr. Cockayne, it differs "in its erect not spreading habit, smaller leaves, shorter racemes, in its extremely pubescent style, and in the midrib not conspicuously raised."
4. V. macroura, Hook. f. ex Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 549.—A much-branched glabrous shrub 1–5 ft. high; branches rather stout, spreading, terete. Leaves spreading, sessile or very shortly petiolate, 1-3 in. long, ½–1¼ in. broad, obovate-oblong to obovate-lanceolate or linear-oblong, obtuse or acute, hardly coriaceous, flat, glabrous or the margins minutely pubescent. Racemes longer than the leaves, 2–4 in. long, ½–¾ in. diam., often curved, very densely many-flowered; rhachis and pedicels finely pubescent, the latter slender, spreading or subsecund, often pendulous in fruit. Flowers small, densely compacted, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., white or pale bluishwhite. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments narrow-oblong, acute, finely pubescent, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube slender, exceeding the calyx; limb small, with narrow-oblong obtuse lobes. Capsules densely crowded, usually pendulous, small, ovate, compressed, ⅛–⅙ in. long, scarcely twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 191; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 207; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 531.
Var. Cookiana, Cheesem.—Stouter and more robust. Leaves larger, 2–3½ in. long, 1¼–1¾ in. broad, oblong or oblong ovate, broad at the base, pubescent on the margins and sometimes on the midrib beneath. Racemes 3–6 in. long, conspicuously curved. Calyx more pubescent.—V. Cookiana, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 201.
Var. dubia, Cheesem.—Smaller; branches very diffuse, often procumbent. Leaves smaller and broader, 1–2 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, broadly obovate to elliptic-oblong, obtuse or acute, subcoriaceous, glabrous except the margins, which are edged with a white pubescent line. Racemes smaller, 1½–2½ in. long, not so dense. Flowers rather larger, ⅕ in. diam. Calyx conspicuously ciliate. Capsules ⅕ in. long.
North Island: Whangarei, Colenso (Handbook); East Cape district, from Hicks Bay to Mahia Peninsula, Colenso! Bishop Williams! H. Hill! Cook Strait, Colenso (Handbook). Var. Cookiana: Table Cape, H. Hill! Var. dubia: Coast north of the Manukau Harbour, T.F.C.
​Best recognised by the dense curved racemes, small flowers, narrow corolla-lobes, and small densely compacted capsules. It is a purely littoral plant, abundant on cliffs near the sea in the East Cape district, but has not been seen at Whangarei or Cook Strait of late years. The South Island locality of Tarndale, ascribed to it in the Handbook, is almost certainly erroneous.
5. V. divergens, Cheesem. n. sp.—A much-branched shrub 2–5 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, the younger ones puberulous. Leaves spreading, sessile or very shortly petiolate, ¾–1¼ in. long, ¼–½ in. broad, oblong or linear-oblong to elliptic-oblong or -ovate, acute or obtuse, narrowed at the base, flat, coriaceous, quite glabrous, midrib distinct on both surfaces, margins entire. Racemes axillary and opposite near the tips of the branches, stout, peduncled, 2–3 in. long or more, dense-flowered; rhachis pubescent; pedicels as long as the calyx; bracts equalling the pedicels or rather shorter. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., white. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblongovate, obtuse or acute, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, not exceeding the calyx; limb longer than the tube, 4-lobed; lobes broadly oblong, obtuse, the anterior one narrower. Stamens exserted. Capsule ⅙ in. long, broadly elliptic-oblong, subacute, compressed, glabrous, twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Nelson—Coast near Brighton, to the south of Westport, Townson!
Although unwilling to create new species in a genus like Veronica, I feel compelled to assign specific rank to this, which appears to be well characterized by the small oblong or elliptic-oblong flat spreading leaves, dense racemes, very short and broad corolla-tube, and broadly oblong subacute capsule. In some respects it approaches V. macroura var. dubia, but its nearest ally is probably V. salicifolia var. Kirkii.
6. V. ligustrifolia, A. Cunn. in Bot. Mag. sub t. 3461.—A small laxly branched glabrous shrub 1–3 ft. high, rarely more; bark greyish-brown; branchlets slender, twiggy, terete. Leaves spreading, sessile or nearly so, 1–2 in. long, rarely more, ¼–½ in. broad, oblong or linear-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute or more rarely acute, flat, quite entire. Racemes near the tips of the branches, 2–3 in. long, slender, rather lax-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts puberuious or almost glabrate. Flowers rather small, white, ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute, glabrous or the margins minutely ciliolate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, shorter than the calyx; limb longer than the tube, spreading, 4-lobed; lobes acute. Capsule ⅕ in. long, ovate, acute, compressed, hardly twice as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 375; Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 460; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192, and Handb. N.Z. Fl. 208 (in part only).
North Island: Auckland—North Cape district, J. Adams and T.F.C.; Bay of Islands, Cunningham, Colenso, and others; Whangarei, T.F.C.
​The plant herein described is the original V. ligustrifolia of A. Cunningham, and of Bentham in De Candolle's Prodromus. It by no means corresponds with the ligustrifolia of Hooker, who included in the term Bentham's V. acutiflora and my leiophylla, and possibly other plants. As a species it comes nearest to V. salicifolia, differing in the smaller size, paler bark, and more twiggy habit, in the much smaller and more obtuse leaves, in the lax-flowered racemes, in the acute and almost glabrous calyx-segments, and in the short broad tube of the corolla and its acute spreading lobes. I am indebted to Mr. N. E. Brown for comparing my North Cape specimens with Cunningham's type.
7. V. pubescens, Banks and Sol. ex Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 460.—A slender diffusely branched shrub 4–6 ft. high; branches terete, the younger ones villous with soft spreading white hairs. Leaves spreading or suberect, shortly petiolate, 1½–3 in. long, ⅓–⅔ in. broad, oblong-lanceolate or lanceolate, acute, narrowed towards the base, quite entire, midrib and margins and the whole of the under-surface villous with short soft white hairs. Racemes axillary, 2–4 in. long, ½ in. diam., rather slender, many-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and calyx densely villous. Flowers small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube slender, longer than the calyx; limb with 4 rather narrow oblong lobes. Capsule ovate, acute, glabrous, nearly twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 208; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351.
North Island: Auckland—Mercury Bay, Banks and Solander; Shoe Island (off Tairua Harbour) and Cabbage Bay, Adams!
Very near to V. salicifolia var. stricta, but at once separated by the copious hairs on the young shoots, margins and midribs of the leaves, and inflorescence. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that Mr. Adams's specimens correspond precisely with Banks and Solander's type. Both Bentham and Hooker describe the plant as being "everywhere covered with red-brown hairs," but on the upper surface of the leaves the hairs are confined to the midrib and margins.
8. V. salicifolia, Forst. Prodr. n. 11.—An erect much-branched glabrous shrub 3–10 ft. high, more rarely taller and reaching 12–15 ft., with a trunk 9 in. diam.; branchlets slender, terete, glabrous or the younger ones minutely puberulous. Leaves sessile or nearly so, spreading, 2–6 in. long, ⅓–¾ in. broad, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, usually narrowed at the base, entire or with a few obscure incisions, rather thin, pale-green, glabrous or slightly downy on the midrib and margins, margins flat, midrib usually prominent beneath, especially towards the base of the leaf. Racemes slender, longer than the leaves, 3–10 in. long, very many-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent or almost glabrate; pedicels slender, variable in length. Flowers ⅛–⅕ in. diam., white with a pale-lilac tinge to pale bluish-purple, rarely quite white. Calyx 4-partite; segments lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate to ovate-oblong, acute or subacute, ​glabrate or more or less pubescent. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, from half as long again to twice as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed, lobes oblong, obtuse. Capsule ⅛–⅕ in. long, broadly ovate, acute, compressed, from half as long again to twice as long as the calyx.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 186; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 374; Benth. in. D.C. Prodr. x. 459; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 191; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 207. V. Lindleyana, Paxt. Mag. Bot. xii. (1846) 247. V. Parkinsoniana, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxi. (1889) 97.
Var. stricta, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 191.—Racemes, pedicels, and calyx-segments much more hairy, sometimes almost villous. Capsule smaller, more acute.—V. stricta, Banks and Sol. ex Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 459.
Var. gigantea, Cheesem.—Forming a small round-headed tree 15–25 ft. high; trunk distinct. Leaves 2–4 in. long, ⅓–½ in. broad, lanceolate, acute; margins ciliolate. Racemes shorter than the leaves or barely equalling them. Flowers white, ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Corolla-tube very short, hardly longer than the calyx.—V. gigantea, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxiv. (1902) 319.
Var. Kirkii, Cheesem.—A shrub 6–12 ft. high; branches robust, darkbrown, polished. Leaves smaller, ¾–1½ in. long, oblong or oblong- lanceolate, coriaceous. Racemes 4–8 in. long. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Capsule broadly ovate, acute, hoary-pubescent, ⅙ in. long.—V. Kirkii, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 356.
Kermadec Islands: Leaves broader and thinner; racemes shorter than the leaves; calyx-segments almost equalling the capsule—perhaps a distinct species, but specimens very imperfect. North and South Islands, Stewart Island: The typical form and var. stricta abundant throughout. Var. gigantea: Chatham Islands, H. H. Travers, Cox and Cockayne! Var. Kirkii: Canterbury, Upper Rangitata Valley, Armstrong! Sea-level to 3500 ft. Koromiko. December–March.
The most widely distributed of the New Zealand species, and one of the most variable. In addition to the varieties characterized above, the student will find numerous forms which appear to connect it with V. macroura, Dieffenbachii, macrocarpa, ligustrifolia, and others. In cultivation it hybridizes freely with most of the allied species, and several of the hybrids are now common in gardens, especially V. Andersoni (Lindl. & Paxt. Flow. Gard. ii. 3) the result of a cross with V. speciosa.
9. V. rotundata, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 530.—A laxly branched shrub 2–6 ft. high; branches terete, glabrous. Leaves spreading, sessile or very shortly petioled, 3–4 in. long by ¾–1¼ in. broad, oblong-lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, subacute, hardly coriaceous, flat, veins obscure. Racemes usually longer than the leaves, 3–6 in. long, 1 in. diam., densely many-flowered; rhachis and pedicels puberulous. Flowers large, ¼ in. diam., violet-purple or lilac. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong-ovate, acute or subacute. Corolla-tube short and broad, hardly equalling the spreading 4-lobed limb. Stamens long, far exserted. Capsule about ⅕ in. long, suborbicular, compressed, obtuse, about twice as long as the calyx.
North Island: Vicinity of Wellington, Kirk! South Island: Canterbury—Southbridge, Kirk! July–September.
Nearest to V. macrocarpa, but separated from it, and from all the large-leaved species, by the almost orbicular capsule rounded at the tip. The leaves are also broader and more obtuse than in any of the forms of V. macrocarpa.
10. V. macrocarpa, Vahl. Symb. Bot. iii. 4.—An erect branching shrub 4–8 ft. high; branchlets rather stout, terete, glabrous. Leaves sessile or very shortly petioled, spreading, 3–6 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, narrow oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, acute, rather coriaceous, dark-green, smooth and glabrous, flat, veins obscure. Eacemes usually rather longer than the leaves, 3–7 in. long, many-flowered, cylindrical, acute, sometimes attenuate at the tip; rhachis and pedicels glabrate or puberulous. Flowers large, white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. or even more. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube broad, about twice as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse. Stamens very long, far-exserted. Capsule large, ¼–⅓ in. long, ovate, compressed, acute, three times as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 376; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 207; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 529.
Var. latisepala, Cheesem.—Habit and foliage of the type, but racemes usually shorter than the leaves; flowers and capsules often secund. Calyx-segments rather broader. Flowers deep-violet.—V. latisepala, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 530.
Var. affinis, Cheesem.—Leaves smaller, 2–4 in. long. Racemes shorter, 3–5 in.; flowers smaller, white. Capsules ⅕–¼ in., twice as long as the calyx. Apparently a passage-form into V. salicifolia.
Var. crassifolia, Cheesem.—Leaves smaller and narrower, 2–3 in. long by ¼–⅓ in. broad, linear-lanceolate, very thick and coriaceous, rigid when dry. Racemes equalling the leaves or longer than them, glabrate. Flowers not seen. Calyx-segments oblong-ovate to oblong-lanceolate, acute or subacute. Capsule ⅕–¼ in., ovate, acute, twice as long as the calyx. Perhaps a distinct species.
North Island: From Hokianga and Mongonui southwards to Poverty Bay and Taranaki, not uncommon. South Island: Queen Charlotte Sound, Banks and Solander. Var. latisepala: Great and Little Barrier Islands, Whangarei Heads, Kirk! T.F.C. Var. crassifolia: Nelson, between Karamea and Westport, W. Townson! Sea-level to 4000 ft. August–November.
The typical state of this, with large somewhat coriaceous leaves, long racemes of large white flowers, and very large acute capsules, is a most striking plant, and can be recognised at a glance. But there are many intermediates between it and V. salicifolia which are difficult to place, and the one which I have called var. affinis might be referred to either species. Mr. Kirk's V. latisepala, which I have had repeated opportunities of studying at the Little Barrier Island, does not differ from the type except in the violet flowers and shorter often secund racemes, and is best treated as a variety. Mr. Townson's plant from Karamea, which I have called var. crassifolia, differs markedly in the smaller and narrower much more coriaceous and rigid leaves, and in the acute calyx-segments, and may prove to be a separate species.
​11. V. amabilis, Cheesem. n. sp.—A tall branching shrub 6–15 ft. high or even more; branches rather slender, terete, quite glabrous or the younger ones minutely puberulous. Leaves spreading, shortly petiolate, 2–4 in. long, ⅔–1 in. broad, oblong-lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, firm but hardly coriaceous, flat, smooth and glabrous, midrib obscurely puberulous above, margins entire. Racemes axillary and opposite near the tips of the branches, 4–6 in. long, slender, lax-flowered, usually attenuate at the tip; pedicels slender, the lower ones often ⅓ in. long or more. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam., white. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, equalling the calyx or rather longer than it; limb 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovate, acute, twice as long as the calyx.—V. salicifolia var. gracilis, T. Kirk, Forest Fl. t. 120.
Var. blanda, Cheesem.—Apparently a closely branched shrub. Leaves rather close-set, spreading, often distinctly petiolate, 1–2½ in. long, ½–¾ in. broad, elliptic-lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute or acuminate, coriaceous, flat, glabrous or puberulous on the margins and midrib above; margins thickened, entire or remotely notched. Racemes 2–3 in. long, often 1 in. broad, dense- or lax-flowered. Flowers large, white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx-segments acute. Ripe capsules not seen.
South Island: Otago—Bluff Hill, Kirk! Var. blanda: Port Chalmers, Petrie! Preservation Inlet, Kirk! Stewart Island: Port William, Lyall; Paterson's Inlet, G. M. Thomson! Ruapuke Island, H. J. Matthews!
The plant from the Bluff Hill, which I have taken for the type of the species, was referred by Mr. Kirk to V. salicifolia, from which it appears to me to differ altogether in the broader and shorter leaves, more lax-flowered racemes, longer pedicels, much larger flowers, acute calyx-segments, shorter and broader corolla-tube, and larger capsule. It is much nearer V. macrocarpa, but the leaves are shorter and broader, the racemes laxer, and the calyx-segments acute. Var. blanda has still shorter and broader leaves, with the margins often thickened and peculiarly notched, and the racemes are shorter and denser, but the flowers are very similar. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that Lyall's Port William specimens, mentioned in the Handbook under V. macrocarpa and V. ligustrifolia, are both referable to it.
12. V. Lewisii, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 357.—A handsome closely branched erect shrub 3–6 ft. high; branches stout, terete, clothed with short and fine greyish-white pubescence. Leaves pale-green, spreading, shortly petiolate, 1½–2½ in. long, ¾–1 in. broad, oblong or elliptic-oblong, acute or subacute, rounded or truncate or subcordate at the base, coriaceous, glabrous above, midrib often puberulous beneath, margins edged with a soft white pubescent line. Racemes near the tips of the branches, short and stout, 2–2½ in. long, 1 in. diam., dense-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts finely pubescent. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam. or even more, pale-blue. Calyx 4-partite; segments ​ovate-oblong, acute, ciliolate. Corolla with a short and broad funnel-shaped tube and large spreading 4-lobed limb; dorsal and lateral lobes subequal, anterior rather smaller. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Canterbury—Downs near the sea in the south of the province, Armstrong! near Timaru, Buchanan!
Easily distinguished by the softly pubescent branches, pale-green leaves with a pubescent margin, and short broad racemes with very large flowers.
13. V. chathamica, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vii. (1875) 338, t. 13, f. 1.—A prostrate or trailing shrub, with much-branched stems 6–18 in. long; branches numerous, terete, sparingly softly pubescent or almost glabrous. Leaves usually close-set, spreading, sessile or very shortly petiolate, ½–1 in. long, elliptic or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, fiat, subcoriaceous, glabrous or nearly so. Racemes several towards the tips of the branches, peduncled; flowering portion ½–1 in. long and almost as broad, broadly oblong, obtuse, dense-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent, the latter equalling or exceeding the pedicels. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., purple. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube short, not much longer than the calyx; limb 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes nearly equal, anterior smaller. Capsule about ⅕ in. long, ovate, subacute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 528.
Var. Coxiana, Cheesem.—Branches stouter, suberect. Leaves rather larger and more distant, 1–1½ in. long, obovate-oblong or elliptical, rounded at the apex, almost membranous, softly pubescent on both surfaces. Corolla-tube rather longer.—V. Coxiana, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 529.
Chatham Islands: Not uncommon on rocks near the sea, H. H. Travers! F. A. D. Cox! L. Cockayne!
A well-marked species, easily recognised by the trailing or prostrate habit and short broad very obtuse racemes. Mr. Kirk distinguished his V. Coxiana mainly by the softer and more herbaceous habit and more pubescent leaves and branches, characters which entirely break down when a large suite of specimens is examined.
14. V. acutiflora, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 460.—A small erect sparingly branched shrub; branches slender, terete, glabrous or the ultimate ones very minutely puberulous. Leaves sessile, spreading, 2–3 in. long, ⅙–¼ in. broad, linear-lanceolate, narrowed to an obtuse tip, flat or nearly so, quite smooth and glabrous or the midrib puberulous above, margins entire. Racemes opposite and axillary near the tips of the branches, 2–4 in. long, slender, lax-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent or glabrate;. pedicels slender, the lowest ⅙ in. long. Flowers ⅙–⅕ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, ​pubescent or glabrate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, short and broad, not nearly equalling the calyx; limb deeply 4-lobed; lobes longer than the tube, oblong, acute or subacute. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ovate-oblong, acute, about twice as long as the calyx.—V. ligustrifolia var. acutiflora, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192.
North Island: Auckland—Kerikeri Falls (Bay of Islands), Cunningham, Colenso! Kirk!
My knowledge of this is confined to a few specimens in Mr. Colenso's herbarium and two or three in Mr. Kirk's. Mr. Colenso's specimens have the pedicels and calyces nearly glabrate; in Mr. Kirk's they are softly pubescent. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that they differ from the typical acutiflora in the rather shorter leaves, smaller flowers, and shorter calyx-segments; but I have little doubt but that they belong to that species. V. acutiflora is nearest to V. ligustrifolia, but is at once separated by the much narrower and longer leaves and different calyx.
15. V. angustifolia, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 187.—An erect much-branched glabrous shrub 5–8 ft. high; branches slender, erect, naked below, bark often purplish-brown. Leaves sessile, spreading or deflexed, 1½–3½ in. long, ⅙–¼ in. broad, narrow-linear or narrow linear-lanceolate, often falcate, acute, dark-green and channelled above, paler and keeled beneath, quite glabrous, margins entire. Racemes numerous near the tips of the branches, opposite and axillary, erect or spreading, longer than the leaves, 2–5 in. long, slender, tapering, usually rather lax-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent; pedicels short, slender. Flowers rather small, ⅙ in. diam., pale-lilac. Calyx very small, deeply 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube tubular, 2 or 3 times as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes broadly oblong, obtuse. Capsule about ⅙ in. long, ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.—Raoul, Choix, 43. V. squalida, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 528. V. parviflora var. angustifolia. Hook. f. in Bot. Mag. t. 5965.
North Island: Hawke's Bay, Colenso! H. Hill! South Island: Nelson and Marlborough, abundant, D'Urville, Buchanan! Travers! Kirk! T.F.C., &c. December–February.
Very near to V. parviflora, and chiefly separated by the smaller size, longer and often drooping leaves, longer and more lax-flowered racemes, and longer corolla-tube. Hooker's plate in the Botanical Magazine is excellent.
16. V. parviflora, Vahl. Symb. Bot. iii. 4.—A much-branched shrub or small tree 6–20 ft. high, with a rounded dome-shaped head; trunk sometimes 2 ft. diam. at the base; branches slender, twiggy, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves sessile, spreading or suberect, 1–2½ in. long, ⅙–¼ in. broad, narrow linear-lanceolate, acute, almost flat or channelled above, keeled beneath, quite smooth, margins entire. Racemes near the tips of the ​branches, 1–3 in. long, equalling the leaves or only slightly longer than them, dense-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent; pedicels short, rather stout. Flowers small, ⅙ in. diam., white with a lilac tinge. Calyx short and broad, deeply 4-partite; segments broadly oblong, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, about half as long again as the calyx, seldom more; limb 4-lobed; lobes about as long as the tube, broadly oblong or almost orbicular, obtuse. Capsule about ⅙ in. long, ovate, acute, about twice as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 378; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192, and Handb. N.Z. Fl. 207 (in part only); Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 526. V. stenophylla, Steud. Nom. Bot. ed. ii. 760. V. arborea, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vi. (1874) 242.
North Island: Auckland—Whangarei Heads and Taranga Islands, T.F.C.; Great Barrier Island, Kirk! East Cape district, Kirk. Hawke's Bay, Colenso! Wellington—Cape Terawhiti and hills near Wellington, Buchanan! Kirk! South Island: Marlborough—Queen Charlotte Sound, Banks and Solander. December–February. Sea-level to 2000 ft.
There is some little doubt as to the plant that Vahl described as V. parvifloras but it is probably identical with the V. floribunda of Banks and Solander's manuscripts and the V. arborea of Buchanan. It is chiefly characterized by its large size—sometimes considerably over 25 ft.—small linear-lanceolate leaves, small dense racemes usually not much exceeding the leaves, and short and broad corolla-tube. In the Flora and in the Handbook it is united with V. angustifolia, A. Rich, which I take to be quite distinct.
17. V. leiophylla, Cheesem. n. sp.—A large spreading perfectly glabrous shrub 4–12 ft. high; branches terete. Leaves spreading, sessile or very shortly petiolate, ¾–1¼ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, linear-oblong or narrow oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or acute, flat, smooth, coriaceous, glabrous or the midrib obscurely puberulous above. Racemes towards the tips of the branches, much longer than the leaves, 2–4 in long, slender; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts puberulous; pedicels longer than the calyx. Flowers rather densely placed, ⅙–⅕ in. diam. by ¼ in. long or more. Calyx small, 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube about twice as long as the calyx; limb equalling or shorter than the tube, 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse, the anterior one rather narrower. Capsule ⅕ in. long, broadly oblong, subacute, compressed, glabrous, nearly three times as long as the calyx.—V. parviflora var. phillyreæfolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 192.
South Island: Apparently not uncommon throughout, from Nelson to Otago. Sea-level to 3000 ft. December–February.
This appears to me to be a perfectly distinct species, easily distinguished from V. parviflora, under which it was placed by Hooker, by the flat linear-oblong usually obtuse leaves and much larger flowers and capsules. I suspect that Kirk's V. parviflora var. strictissima, of which I have only seen two im​mature specimens, is simply a state with more acute leaves and strict suberect racemes. It is frequently named V. Traversii in gardens, but is altogether unlike what I take to be the typical state of that species.
18. V. gracillima, Cheesem. n. sp.—A much-branched glabrous shrub; branches spreading, terete. Leaves spreading, sessile or nearly so, 1–2½ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, linear-lanceolate or lanceolate, gradually tapering to an acute or acuminate apex, flat, coriaceous, glabrous or puberulous on the midrib above. Eacemes numerous towards the tips of the branches, exceeding the leaves, 3–5 in. long, slender; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts puberulous; pedicels slender, longer or shorter than the calyx. Flowers rather densely placed, large, ⅕–¼ in. diam. by almost ⅓ in. long. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong-ovate, subacute or obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, shorter than the limb and often barely exceeding the calyx; limb large, 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes about equal, oblong, obtuse; anterior lobe narrow, linear-oblong, acute. Capsule ⅕ in. long, broadly oblong, acute, compressed, glabrous, more than double the length of the calyx.—V. ligustrifolia var. gracillima, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 527.
South Island: Nelson—Abundant in the vicinity of Westport, Dr. Gaze! W. Townson!
This differs from V. acutiflora in the larger size, longer and more dense-flowered racemes, and especially in the short obtuse or subacute calyx-segments, which are altogether unlike the lanceolate acute or acuminate calyx-segments of acutiflora. It agrees with acutiflora in the short corolla-tube and large deeply divided limb. From V. parviflora it is at once separated by the larger flowers and differently shaped corolla.
19. V. insularis, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxix. (1897) 392.—A small erect or decumbent robust shrub 1–3 ft. high; blanches scout, spreading, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, pubescent towards the tips. Leaves close-set, spreading or suberect, sessile or very shortly petiolate, ¾–1¼ in. long, ⅓–½ in. broad, elliptic-oblong or oblong-obovate, subacute or obtusely mucronate, quite entire, very coriaceous, flat or slightly keeled, often glaucous, midrib prominent beneath, margins thickened. Racemes corymbosely branched, peduncled, ¾–1½ in. long, many-flowered, in opposite pairs near the tips of the branches; rhachis and pedicels puberulous; bracts rather large. Flowers ¼ in. diam., pale lavender-blue. Calyx short and broad, 4-partite; segments broadly ovate, acute, ciliolate. Corolla-tube broad, about half as long again as the calyx; limb 4-lobed. Capsule ovoid, turgid, acute, rather more than twice as long as the calyx.
North Island: Three Kings Islands, rocky places on both the Great King and the Western King, but not common, T.F.C. November–December.
​This has the corymbose inflorescence of V. diosmæfolia, but differs altogether in the stout spreading or decumbent habit, much larger broader leaves, and in the calyx and corolla.
20. V. venustula, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 393.—A small compact bushy shrub 6–9 in. high; branchlets short, numerous. Leaves close-set, decussate, spreading, shortly petiolate, ½–¾ in. long, ¼ in. broad, oblong or elliptic-ovate, acute, coriaceous, flat or slightly concave, not keeled, dark-green and glabrous; midrib prominent beneath, excurrent; margins entire. Racemes terminal, much branched, forming a terminal many-flowered corymb 2 in. diam.; pedicels slender, puberulous; bracts lanceolate, acute, equalling the pedicels. Flowers white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, rather longer than the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes subequal, broadly ovate, obtuse. Capsule ¼ in. long, broadly ellipsoid, obtuse, more than twice as long as the calyx.
North Island: Hawke's Bay—Eastern side of the Ruahine Range, County of Waipawa, A. Olsen!
Of this species I have only seen two small scraps, but these both agree in the very distinct character of the inflorescence, which forms a dense terminal corymb similar to that of V. diosmæfolia, from which plant it differs totally in the leaves, calyx, and corolla. Mr. N. E. Brown, who has examined some specimens forwarded to Kew by Colenso, also states that it is "a very distinct species near to V. diosmæfolia." It is curious that so far it has escaped the notice of any collector except Mr. Olsen.
21. V. diosmæfolia, R. Cunn. in Bot. Mag. sub. t. 3461.—A small much-branched shrub, usually from 2–5 ft. high, but sometimes attaining a height of 15 ft., with a slender trunk 4–6 in. diam.; branches glabrous or puberulous, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves close-set, spreading or suberect, shortly petioled, ½–1 in. long, ⅛–⅙ in. broad, linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate to elliptic-oblong, straight or slightly falcate, acute, entire or with 2–4 minute incisions on each side near the apex, coriaceous, dark-green above, paler and often slightly keeled by the midrib beneath, veinless. Racemes about 1 in. long, peduncled, corymbosely branched, usually near the tips of the branches, but sometimes lateral; rhachis and pedicels slender, puberulous; bracts shorter than the pedicels. Flowers about ¼ in. diam., white or pale lavender-blue. Calyx usually 3-partite with the upper segment broader and 2-fid, rarely equally 4-partite. Corolla-tube short, funnel-shaped, not much longer than the calyx; limb 4-lobed, the posticous lobe the largest. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ovoid, turgid, about twice as long as the calyx.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 381; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209; Armstr. ​in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. V. diosmæfolia var. trisepala. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 525; Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7539. V. trisepala, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 324.
North Island: Auckland—In various localities from the North Cape to Whangarei, but far from common. Hawke's Bay—North end of Te Kaweka Mountain, A. Hamilton!
The distinguishing characters of this well-known species are the narrow acute leaves, truly corymbose inflorescence, usually 3-partite calyx with obtuse segments, and comparatively short corolla-tube. Its nearest ally is V. Menziesii, which is separated mainly by the equally 4-partite calyx with acute segments, long corolla-tube, and larger capsules. Mr. Kirk has divided it into 2 varieties; one, which he considered to be the typical state, with rather broader and shorter entire leaves and a 4-partite calyx; the other, which answers to the V. trisepala of Colenso, and which he called var. trisepala, with narrower incised leaves and a 3-partite calyx. But entire or incised leaves occur in both forms, so that the difference between the two varieties really consists in the number of calyx-segments alone, or rather in the extent to which the two upper sepals are united. It seems hardly worth while keeping up a distinction founded on such a slight character, but if it is retained the form with a 3-partite calyx should be considered as the type, seeing that it extends through the whole range of the species, whereas the form with the calyx 4-partite is rare in the wild state. Cunningham does not mention the number of calyx-segments in the original description, but both Bentham (D.C. Prodr. x. 460) and Hooker (Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193) give the number as 3.
22. V. Menziesii, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 461.—A compact perfectly glabrous shrub 3–8 ft. high; branches terete, leafy. Leaves usually rather close-set, shortly petioiate, suberect or spreading, ½–1 in. long, ⅕–¼ in. broad, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute, rigid, coriaceous, flat or slightly keeled beneath. Racemes crowded near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long, peduncled, corymbosely branched, very rarely simple, erect or erecto-patent; rhachis slender, puberulous; pedicels variable in length. Flowers white or pale-lilac, ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, subacute or obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx, funnel-shaped; lobes oblong, obtuse or subacute, the anterior one narrower than the rest. Capsule ovoid, acute, more than twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193. V. Colensoi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209 (in part only).
Var. divaricata, Cheesem.—More sparingly branched; the branches slender, spreading. Leaves narrower, lanceolate, acute, often falcate, spreading or deflexed, not so closely placed nor so coriaceous as in the type. Racemes copiously corymbosely branched. Calyx-segments narrower, ovate-lanceolate, acute. Has much of the habit and general appearance of V. diosmæfolia, but differs markedly in the longer corolla-tube and narrower acute calyx-segments.
South Island: Marlborough—Pelorus and Tinline Valleys, J. H. Macmahon! Nelson, Bidwill! Maitai Valley, Kirk! T.F.C.; Lake Rotoiti, Monro, T.F.C.; Hanmer Plains, T.F.C.; Clarence Valley, Kirk! ​Otago—Dusky Bay, Menzies. Sea-level to 3000 ft. December–February. Var. divaricata: Not uncommon in the Pelorus and Rai Valleys, Marlborough, Macmahon!
V. Menziesii was founded by Bentham on specimens collected by Menzies in Dusky Bay in 1791. In the Flora Hooker united Menzies's plant with another gathered by Bidwill in the vicinity of Nelson; but in the Handbook he referred Menzies's specimens to V. elliptica, and associated Bidwill's specimens with a plant gathered on the Ruahine Mountains by Colenso, and with others collected in various localities in the South Island by Sinclair, Travers, and Haast, giving the name of Colensoi to the species thus described. But as Colenso's plant was described as having simple racemes and glaucous leaves, while Bidwill's (judging from a specimen in my possession) had compound racemes and dark-green leaves, this arrangement did not appear at all satisfactory. At my request Mr. N. E. Brown has carefully examined the types in the Kew Herbarium, and reports that Menzies's and Bidwill's specimens undoubtedly belong to one and the same species, and that Hooker was in error in referring the former to V. elliptica. He further states that Colenso's Ruahine Mountain plant is totally difierent, and is the species subsequently described by Colenso under the name of V. Hillii. Under these circumstances, the name of V. Menziesii must be restored, the species being characterized by the narrow acute rigid leaves, corymbosely branched racemes, 4-partite calyx with subacute segments, and a corolla-tube almost twice as long as the calyx. Its nearest ally is V. diosmæfolia, to which my var. divaricata is very close indeed. A plant collected by Petrie at the foot of Ruapehu, and by Messrs. Hill and Andrew on the Ruahine Range, is doubtfully referred to V. Menziesii for the present, but the specimens are not sufficient for precise determination.
23. V. Colensoi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209, as regards the North Island specimens only.—A small erect or spreading perfectly glabrous shrub 9–18 in. high; branches leafy above, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves below. Leaves rather close-set, suberect or spreading, sessile or narrowed into a very short broad petiole, ¾–1½ in. long, ⅕–½ in. broad, linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, acute or subacute, entire or remotely incised, coriaceous, flat or nearly so, dark-green above, glaucous beneath; midrib stout, prominent beneath. Racemes few near the tips of the branches, slightly exceeding the leaves, slender, peduncled, simple or sparingly branched, many-flowered; rhachis slender, puberulous or glabrate; bracts exceeding the short pedicels. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube broadly funnel-shaped, shorter than the calyx; limb rather longer than the tube, 4-lobed; lobes spreading or reflexed, narrow-ovate, subacute. Stamens short, not exceeding the corolla-lobes. Capsule narrow-ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.—V. Hillii, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 606; Kirk, l.c. 524.
North Island: Hawke's Bay—By the Ngaruroro River at Kuripapango; between the Rangitikei ford and Erewhon, H. Hill! A. Hamilton! D. Petrie! Ruahine Mountains, Colenso. South Island: Otago, locality not stated, Buchanan!
​The V. Colensoi of the Handbook, as already stated, was based upon a mixture consisting of specimens collected on the Ruahine Mountains by Colenso, on V. Menziesii, and two or three other species. If the name is to be retained at all, it should clearly be restricted to Colenso's plant, which Mr. N. E. Brown informs me is identical with that subsequently described by Colenso under the name of V. Hillii. It can be distinguished by the small size, glaucous leaves, slender simple or sparingly branched racemes, narrow acute calyx-segments, and short corolla-tube. The V. Colensoi of the Botanical Magazine (t. 7296) is quite a different plant, but I have seen no specimens, and it does not seem to be known except in cultivation in England.
24. V. rigidula, Cheesem. n. sp.—A small much-branched erect perfectly glabrous shrub 6–24 in. high, rarely more; branches stout, erect, scarred, almost black, leafy at the tips. Leaves close-set, almost imbricating, suberect or rarely spreading, petiolate, ½–¾ in. long, ⅙–¼ in. broad, linear-oblong or narrow obovate-oblong, acute or subacute, very thick and coriaceous, rigid, dark-green and concave above, glaucous and keeled by the thick and prominent midrib beneath; margins thickened, entire. Racemes or spikes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, about equalling the leaves, usually branched, dense-flowered; rhachis stout, pubescent; pedicels wanting or the lower flowers very shortly stalked; bracts ovateoblong, obtuse, almost as long as the calyx. Flowers small, white, ⅕ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube tubular, nearly twice as long as the calyx; limb rather short, not equalling the tube; lobes subequal, oblong, obtuse. Stamens slightly exceeding the corolla. Capsule small, ⅛–⅙ in. long, ovoid-oblong, acute or subacute, barely twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Marlborough—Pelorus and Rai Valleys (on rocks by the side of streams), Mount Duppa, Maungatapu, J. H. Macmahon! Nelson—Wairau Gorge, T.F.C. Sea-level to 4000 ft. December–February.
Apparently a very distinct little plant. It has somewhat of the habit and general appearance of the V. Colensoi of this work (V. Hillii, Colenso), but in reality differs altogether in the smaller and closer-set petiolate suberect keeled leaves, shorter and stouter dense-flowered racemes, smaller flowers, obtuse calyx-segments, and longer corolla-tube with a shorter limb.
25. V. rupicola, Cheesem. n. sp.—An erect sparingly branched shrub 1–4 ft. high; branches stout, erect or spreading, glabrous or the younger ones faintly bifariously pubescent. Leaves not very close-set, spreading, petiolate, ½–1 in. long, ¼–⅓ in. broad, linear-oblong or elliptic-oblong or linear-obovate, obtuse or subacute, gradually narrowed into the rather long petiole, flat or slightly concave, coriaceous, glaucous when fresh, quite entire, midrib prominent beneath. Racemes or spikes lateral or towards the tips of the branches, much exceeding the leaves, 1–2 in. long, peduncled, usually trichotomous, very rarely simple; rhachis stout, strict, ​puberulous or almost glabrate; pedicels wanting or the lower flowers alone shortly stalked; bracts oblong-ovate, obtuse, large, often exceeding the calyx. Flowers crowded on the branches of the raceme, about ¼ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, with pale membranous ciliolate margins. Corollatube about half as long again as the calyx; limb equalling the tube or nearly so; lobes oblong-ovate, obtuse or subacute. Capsule broadly oblong, obtuse or subacute, about ¼ in. long, not twice the length of the calyx.
South Island: Marlborough—Awatere Valley, Sinclair! Kaikoura Mountains, Buchanan! gorge of the Conway River, Cockayne!
A well-marked plant, easily recognised by the peculiar habit, spreading and long-petioled linear-obovate glaucous leaves, trichotomous racemes much longer than the leaves, almost sessile flowers, and large bracts. Its nearest ally is probably V. Colensoi.
26. V. lævis, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 461.—A small perfectly glabrous densely branched shrub 1–5 ft. high; branches stout, erect, densely leafy above, below ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves; bark black. Leaves decussate, close-set, erect and appressed, rarely further apart and spreading, ⅓–⅔ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, ovate-oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse or acute or apiculate, abruptly narrowed into a short thick petiole, very thick and coriaceous, rigid, concave above, keeled at the back; midrib stout, prominent beneath, usually excurrent at the tip; margins entire. Racemes 2–4 near the ends of the branchlets, corymbosely branched, rarely simple, ¾–1½ in. long, dense-flowered; rhachis stout, pubescent; bracts small, oblong-ovate, coriaceous, usually exceeding the lower pedicels. Flowers white, ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse. Corolla-tube rather broad, less than twice as long as the calyx; segments oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse. Capsule ovate or ovate-oblong, acute, about twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 194; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. (?)V. azurea, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 277.
North Island: Mount Hikurangi, Adams and Petrie! Mount Egmont, T.F.C. Tonagariro, Bidwill, Capt. G. Mair! Ruapehu, H. Tryon! H. Hill! Ruahine Mountains, Colenso! H. Hill! A. Hamilton! Tararua Mountains, Buchanan! South Island: Marlborough—Mount Duppa, Macmahon! 2500–5000 ft. December–February.
The typical state of this is distinguished by the close-set imbricating and more or less appressed leaves, which are keeled at the back, but not truncate or subcordate at the base as in V. buxifolia, and by the usually corymbosely branched racemes. This latter peculiarity, Mr. N. E. Brown assures me, is well shown by the type specimens at Kew. It has been recorded from many districts in the South Island, from Nelson to Otago, but I have not seen any specimens that satisfactorily match those from the North Island. Most are referable to ​Armstrong's V. monticola, which is a larger plant, with larger laxer foliage, and longer always simple racemes. Others correspond with the V. Cockayniana of this work, which has flatter and more obtuse glaucous leaves, black when dry, simple very pubescent racemes, and larger flowers. States of V. Traversii, with more closely placed leaves than usual, have also had the name of V. lævis applied to them.
27. V. elliptica, Forst. Prodr. n. 10.—A copiously branched shrub or small tree 5–20 ft. high; branches terete, ringed v?ith the scars of the fallen leaves, the younger ones more or less hoary with short soft white hairs, which are often arranged in two opposite lines. Leaves petiolate, close-set, horizontally spreading, uniform, ½–1¼ in. long, ¼–½ in. broad, elliptic-oblong or obovate-oblong, apiculate, slightly truncate at the base, pale-green, coriaceous, nerveless, margins edged with a white pubescent line, midrib prominent beneath; petioles short, erect and appressed to the branch. Racemes numerous near the tips of the branches, short, 1–1½ in. long, erect, glabrous or nearly so, laxly 4–12-flowered; pedicels slender, each with a small lanceolate bract at the base. Flowers large, ⅓–⅔ in. diam., white or white with purple lines, sweet-scented. Calyx ⅛–⅙ in. long, 4-partite; segments ovate, acute or acuminate. Corolla-tube slightly longer than the calyx; limb large, 4-lobed; lobes spreading, ovate. Capsule ¼ in. long, broadly ovate, acute, twice as long as the calyx.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 189; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 379; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 58; Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. 526. V. decussata, Ait. Hort. Kew, i. 20; Bot. Mag. t. 242.
Var. odora, Cheesem.—Smaller, 2–4 ft. high, sparingly fastigiately branched. Leaves smaller and more closely placed, horizontally spreading, ½–⅔ in. long, about ¼ in. broad, elliptic-ovate, rigid, somewhat concave. Flowers large, white, ⅓ in. diam., very sweet-scented. Calyx-segments obtuse.—V. odora, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 62, t. 41.
South Island: Western coast from West Wanganui and Cape Foulwind southwards; east and southern coasts of Otago. Chatham Islands: H. H. Travers! Capt. G. Mair! Stewart Island: Not uncommon on the coast, also on the islands in Foveaux Strait and on The Snares. Auckland and Campbell Islands: Abundant. Var. odora: Auckland Islands, in woods near the sea, not uncommon, Sir J. D. Hooker. December–January.
A most distinct species, easily recognised by the pale-green elliptic apiculate petiolate leaves, and very large white flowers. It is also a native of the Falkland Islands, Fuegia, and South Chili. I have ventured to refer to it the V. odora of Hook, f., a platit which is only known by the description and plate in the "Flora Antarctica." In the Handbook Hooker reduced it to V. buxifolia, a view which was also adopted by Kirk (Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. 524). But judging from the description and plate, for I have seen no authentic specimens, it cannot possibly be placed with that plant, which differs altogether in habit, in the smaller densely imbricated shining leaves, in the shorter racemes with large concave bracts, and in the smaller flowers, which I have never ​observed to be fragrant. On the other hand, it agrees with V. elliptica in habit, in the shape of the leaves, in the crowded terminal racemes, and in the large white fragrant flowers, differing mainly in the smaller size and more rigid concave leaves. Mr. N. E. Brown, who has kindly examined the types for me, states that the plant is quite distinct from V. buxifolia, and in his opinion should be regarded as a distinct species endemic in the Auckland Islands.
28. V. Matthewsii, Cheesem. n. sp.—An erect glabrous shrub 2–4 ft. high or more; branches stout, terete, often purplish-red when young. Leaves close-set, sessile, suberect or spreading, ¾–1½ in. long, ⅓–⅔ in. broad, oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, rounded at the base, thick and coriaceous, flat, quite entire. Racemes near the tips of the branches or rarely lateral, large, 2–4 in. long including the stout naked peduncle, obtuse or tapering, densely many-flowered; rhachis stout, pubescent; pedicels very short, stout; bracts ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute or obtuse. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. or more, white or purplish. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse, often with purplish margins. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx; limb spreading, 4-lobed; lobes subequal, broadly oblong, rounded at the tip. Ovary pubescent at the tip. Capsule ¼ in. long, elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, about twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Canterbury—Southern Alps, Haast! Armstrong! Otago—Milford Sound, Enys! Humboldt Mountains, H. J. Matthews!
A handsome plant, often cultivated in gardens in the South Island as a variety of V. Traversii, but a much stouter plant with a different habit of growth, and with thicker and more coriaceous oblong obtuse leaves, and larger and stouter racemes with much larger flowers. It is nearer to V. Balfouriana, but that species has smaller leaves, acute calyx-segments, and a corolla-tube hardly longer than the calyx.
29. V. Balfouriana, Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7556.—"An erect glabrous shrub 3 ft. high, with dark-brown bark and suberect flexuous purplish-brown or reddish branches. Leaves subsessile, ⅓–¾ in. long, in loosely approximate pairs, spreading and decurved, elliptic-ovate, obtuse or subacute, quite entire, coriaceous, bright pale-green and shining above, with narrow red-brown margins. Racemes opposite, axillary from the base of the last year's shoots, 2–3 in. long, erecto-patent, very many-flowered, peduncle stout, flowers crowded; pedicels about as long as the calyx, puberulous; bracts ovate, obtuse or acute, about as long as the pedicel. Sepals about ⅙ in. long, acute, ciliolate. Corolla pale violet-blue, ½ in. diam., tube as long as the sepals; lobes rounded, three upper subequal, the lower narrower. Stamens as long as the corolla-lobes or shorter; anthers red-brown, bases of cells rounded. Capsule ellipsoid, about one-third longer than the sepals or less."
​Apparently a distinct species. It was raised at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh, from seeds sent from New Zealand, but from what locality is not stated. Its nearest ally is probably V. Traversii, from which it differs in the smaller leaves with red-brown margins, in the usually longer racemes, in the much larger violet (not white) flowers, in the longer acute sepals, which almost equal the short corolla-tube, and in the shorter and broader capsule. I have seen no specimens, and have consequently reproduced the original description.
30. V. Darwiniana, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxv. (1893) 332.—A small compact rounded shrub; branches numerous, terete, glabrous or the younger ones faintly pubescent; bark brownish-green. Leaves rather laxly placed, decussate, sessile or nearly so, horizontally spreading, ½–¾ in. long, ⅙—⅓ in. broad, ovate-lanceolate or narrow elliptic-oblong, acute, rather thick and coriaceous, glaucous on both surfaces, slightly concave above, not keeled beneath; margins entire, minutely ciliolate when young. Racemes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, ¾–1½ in. long, dense-flowered, tapering to the tip; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent; pedicels about as long as the calyx or shorter. Flowers white. ¼ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments broadly ovate, obtuse or subacute. Corolla-tube short and broad, about as long as the calyx, throat pubescent within; lobes longer than the tube, broadly oblong, obtuse. Ovary pubescent or glabrous. Capsule ovate, acute, compressed, more than twice as long as the calyx. V. glaucophylla, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 422.
North Island: Hawke's Bay—Hills in the interior. Colenso! South Island: Nelson—Mountains behind Hamner, Cockayne! Canterbury—Craigieburn Mountains, Cockayne!
This is probably nearer to some of the forms included under V. Traversii than to any other, but can be separated by the more distant not keeled glaucus leaves, tapering racemes, and short corolla-tube hairy in the throat. Mr. Cockayne's plant has rather smaller and narrower leaves than Colenso's type, but otherwise there is little difference between them.
31. V. Traversii, Hook f. Handb. NZ. Fl. 208 (in part)—A small perfectly glabrous shrub, usually forming a round compact bush 2–5 ft. diam; branches terete, densely clothed with decussate leaves. Leaves spreading, petiolate or subsessile, uniform in size and shape, ½–1 in. long, ⅙–⅓ in. broad, elliptic-oblong or elliptic-lanceolate to linear-oblong, acute or subacute, usually narrowed to an acute base, coriaceous, channelled above, more or less keeled beneath, nerveless, margins entire, midrib usually strong. Racemes near the tips of the branches, 1–3 in. long and tapering or short and obtuse, simple, many-flowered; rachis slender, puberulous; pedicels variable in length; bracts small. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments broadly oblong or ovate, obtuse, margins often membranous, ciliolate. Corolla-tube from slightly longer to nearly twice as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; ​lobes subequal, oblong, obtuse. Capsule elliptic-ovate, acute, compressed, twice as long as tbe calyx.—Bot. Mag. t. 6390, and t. 7296, f. 5; Masters in Gard. Chron. 1873, p. 1046; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351.
Var. fallax, Cheesem.—Not so closely branched, often reddish-brown when fresh. Leaves more laxly placed, sessile, linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, acute or obtuse, flat or nearly so. Racemes lax-flowered; pedicels very short. Corolla-tube short, only slightly exceeding the calyx.
Var. elegans, Cheesem.—Branches slender. Leaves more laxly placed spreading, narrow linear-oblong, flat. Racemes oblong, obtuse; pedicels long, slender. Calyx small. Corolla-tube long, narrow, two or three times the length of the calyx.
South Island: Abundant in mountain districts from Nelson to Otago. 500–3500 ft. December–February.
There is much confusion as to the limits of this species. The description given in the Handbook evidently includes more species than one; but without an examination of the material which Hooker had before him it is not easy to decide which should be taken as the type. 1 have selected the plant figured in the Botanical Magazine (t. 6390), which is also identical with that described by Dr. Masters in the Gardeners' Chronicle. It appears to have been included in the original description, has a wide distribution in the South Island, and is the form usually cultivated under the name of V. Traversii; but I am unable to say whether it was actually collected by Travers. On the other hand, Mr. N. E. Brown, who has lately examined the whole of the New Zealand Veronicæ in the Kew Herbarium, is of opinion that my var. elegans should be regarded as the type. It was collected by both Travers and Haast, but seems to be a local plant, all the specimens I have seen having come from the Canterbury Provincial District. It differs conspicuously from the Botanical Magazine plant in the long and slender corolla-tube, in that and other respects approaching V. leiophylla. Probably the two plants are distinct, but I hesitate to describe them as such until more conclusive evidence has been obtained.
32. V. subalpina, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 420.—A much-branched erect shrub 3–6 ft. high; branches suberect or spreading, terete, glabrous or the younger ones minutely puberulous, leafy above, below ringed with the sears of the fallen leaves. Leaves spreading, sessile, ¾–1½ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, broadest below the middle, acute or subacute, subcoriaeeous, pale glistening green, slightly concave above when fresh, flat when dry, margins entire. Racemes 2–4 near the tips of tbe branches, equalling the leaves or longer than them, 1–2 in. long, simple, dense- or lax-flowered; rhachis slender, puberulous; lower pedicels slender, usually exceeding the calyx; bracts small. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate or ovate-oblong, acute, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, hardly exceeding the calyx; limb longer than the tube, 4-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Nelson—Clarence Valley, Kirk! T. F. C.; Lake Tennyson, T. F. C. Canterbury—Arthur's Pass and Upper Waimakariri, Enys! Kirk! ​T. F. C.; Rakaia Valley, Haast! Mount Cook district, T. F. C. Westland—Kelly's Hill, Jackson's, &c., Petrie! Cockayne! Otago—Hector and Buchanan; Lake Harris, Kirk! Clinton Valley, Petrie! 2500–4500 ft. December–March.
Very close to V. Traversii, but I think sufficiently distinct in the difierent habit, flatter lanceolate leaves, which taper from below the middle to an acute or subacute apex, acute calyx-lobes, and short and broad corolla-tube. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that specimens collected by Haast and Hector and Buchanan. exist in the Kew Herbarium, but were referred to V. Traversii by Hooker.
33. V. vernicosa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 208.—A small usually rather stout erect or decumbent shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, often in the same plane, pubescent at the tips or almost glabrous. Leaves close-set, decussately inserted but often becoming almost distichous from the twisting of the petioles, spreading, petiolate, ¼–⅔ in. long, ⅙–⅓ in. broad, obovate or obovate-oblong, obtuse or apiculate, suddenly contracted into the short petiole, coriaceous, flat or slightly concave; midrib impressed above, thick and prominent beneath, excurrent; margins entire, sometimes ciliolate when young. Racemes few or many near the tips of the branches, ½–1½ in. long, simple, usually dense-flowered but sometimes lax; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent; pedicels variable in length, sometimes almost wanting, at other times equalling the bracts. Flowers white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong, obtuse; margins usually pale, membranous, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short and broad, usually about as long as the calyx, rarely slightly exceeding it; limb 4-lobed, longer than the tube; lobes spreading,, ovate-oblong, obtuse. Capsule ovate, acute, compressed, glabrous,, rather more than twice as long as the calyx.—Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 526. V. canterburiensis, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 355.
Var. gracilis, Cheesem.—Much more slender and more sparingly branched; branches widely divaricating. Leaves distichously spreading, narrower and less coriaceous than in the type, linear-obovate or linear-oblong to oblong-obovate, obtuse or subacute. Racemes 1–4 near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long, very slender and lax-flowered; pedicels longer. Capsule narrow-ovate, acute.
Var. multiflora, Cheesem.—Racemes very numerous, forming a crowded mass near the tips of the branches, slender, tapering, many-flowered.—(?)V. Grayi, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 354.
South Island: Mountain districts in Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Westland, not uncommon. Sea-level to 4500 ft. December–February.
A well-marked species, recognised without much difficulty by the spreading habit and numerous short and broad leaves, which, although decussately inserted, usually spread in a more or less distichous manner through a twist in the petiole. In the typical state the racemes are generally numerous and rather short and dense-flowered; but in var. gracilis, which is a shade-form most common by the side of streams at low elevations, the racemes are usually fewer and much more slender and lax-flowered. Var. multiflora I have only seen in cultivation. It is known in gardens as V. Grayi, but I am not quite sure that it is the plant described by Armstrong under that name. Armstrong described his V. ​canterburiensis as having membranous leaves and the racemes in pairs at the end of the branches, so that probably he had var. gracilis in mind when he described the species; but for many years he applied the name to the typical form in the Botanical Gardens at Christchurch.
34. V. obovata, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ix. (1877) 502.—An erect sparingly branched glabrous shrub 4–5 ft. high; branches stout, erect, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves shortly petioled, erect or suberect, laxly imbricating, ¾–1 in. long, ¼–⅓ in. broad, narrow-obovate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into the short broad fiat petiole, slightly concave when fresh, thick and coriaceous, margins entire. Racemes 2 or 3 near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long, slender, erect, lax-flowered; rhachis puberulous; pedicels short; bracts small, ovate, acute. Flowers white, ⅕ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube short and broad, hardly longer than the calyx; limb 4-Iobed; lobes spreading, oblong, obtuse. Ripe capsules not seen.
South Island: Canterbury—Broken River, Kirk! Mount Cook district, T. F. C. Otago—Upper Hawea, Petrie! Mount Earnslaw, Cockayne! 2000–4500 ft.
The above description is based on Kirk's type specimens from the Broken River. My own specimens from the Mount Cook district, and Petrie's and Cockayne's from Otago, have rather smaller and less obovate leaves and longer racemes, and may be referable to V. monticola, if, indeed, the two species should not be combined.
35. V. monticola, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 354.—A much-branched glabrous shrub 2–5 ft. high; branches erect or spreading, densely leafy above, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves below; bark brown. Leaves close-set, more or less imbricate, suberect or spreading, ⅔–1 in. long, ⅓–½ in. broad, obovate-oblong or elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, narrowed into a very short thick petiole, thick and coriaceous, slightly concave above, somewhat rounded but not keeled beneath; midrib impressed beneath when dry. Racemes near the tips of the branches, longer than the leaves, 1–1½ in. long, dense-flowered; rhachis puberulous; pedicels very short, stout; bracts ovate-lanceolate, subacute. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments oblong-ovate, obtuse or subacute. Corolla-tube short and broad, barely longer than the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes ovate, spreading. Capsule ovate-oblong, acute, about twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Mountain districts from Nelson to Otago, not uncommon. 2000–4500 ft. December–February.
This is the plant to which the name of lævis is usually applied in the South Island, but I believe erroneously, the true lævis having smaller and more rigid keeled leaves and a corymbose inflorescence. It agrees with an authentic specimen of V. monticola in Kirk's herbarium, but differs in several ​respects from Armstrong's original description. Kirk's V. obovata only differs in the more truly obovate leaves, and I have little doubt that it will ultimately be merged with that species.
36. V. Cockayniana, Cheesem. n. sp.—A small densely branched shrub 2–4 ft. high; branches rather stout, densely leafy above, conspicuously marked with the scars of the fallen leaves below; younger ones more or less bifariously pubescent. Leaves close-set, decussate, suberect or spreading, shortly petiolate, uniform in size and shape, ⅓–⅔ in. long, ¼–⅓ in. broad, oblong or elliptic-oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse, flat or slightly concave, thick and coriaceous, often black on the upper surface when dry, glaucous beneath; midrib puberulous above, thick and prominent beneath; margins entire. Racemes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, rather longer than the leaves, ½–1 in. long, simple, usually lax-flowered; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts pubescent. Flowers white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, obtuse; margins pale, membranous, ciholate. Corolla-tube short and broad, equalling the calyx or slightly longer; limb 4-lobed; lobes longer than the tube, broad, rounded, veined. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovate, acute, twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Lyell and Mount Murchison, Townson! near Reefton, R. W. Raithby! Otago—Humboldt Mountains, Cockayne! Clinton Valley, Petrie! 2000–4500 ft. December–February.
I look upon this as a perfectly distinct species, perhaps nearest to V. lævis, but easily distinguished by the pubescent branchlets, fiatcer and more spreading leaves glaucous beneath, by the simple lax-flowered racemes, and larger flowers with very short broad tube and broad rounded lobes. The blackish colour of the leaves when dried is very peculiar.
37. V. buxifolia, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 462.—A stout erect much or sparingly branched perfectly glabrous shrub 1–5 ft. high; branches strict, densely leafy, below closely ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves closely imbricate, ⅙–⅓ in. long, ⅛–¼ in. broad, broadly oblong-obovate, obtuse or subacute, suddenly truncate or cordate above the very short thick petiole, concave, keeled by the prominent midrib, rigid, very coriaceous, dark-green and polished above, paler and usually minutely dotted beneath, quite glabrous, entire. Spikes in the axils of the upper leaves, ¼–1 in. long, dense-flowered, often very numerous and crowded, forming a corymbose head to the branches; rhachis puberulous; bracts large, ovate, concave, coriaceous, equalling the calyx or sometimes exceeding it. Flowers sessile, white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments coriaceous, oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube equalling the calyx or rather longer than it; limb 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes broad, rounded; anticous narrower and subacute. Capsule broadly oblong, obtuse, compressed, almost twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 194; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 210; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 523.
Var. patens, Cheesem.—Leaves spreading. Spikes more numerous. Flowers rather larger.—V. buxifolia var. odora, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 524 (but not V. odora, Hook, f.)
North Island: High mountains of the interior, from Hikurangi, Tongariro, and Mount Egmont southwards to the Tararua Range. South Island: Abundant in mountain districts throughout. Var. patens: Plentiful from Nelson to Foveaux Strait. Stewart Island: Not uncommon. Usually from 2000 ft. to 4000 ft., but descends to sea-level in Stewart Island. December–March.
An abundant plant in mountain districts, recognised without any difficulty by the stout erect rigid habit, dark-green closely imbricated keeled leaves, which are conspicuously truncate or subcordate at the base, and by the usually numerous short spikes massed into a compact terminal inflorescence. Mr. Kirk considered my var. patens to be identical with V. odora, Hook f., which Hooker had reduced to V. buxifolia in the Handbook; but Mr. N. E. Brown, who has kindly examined the types of V. odora for me, states that this view is altogether incorrect. I refer V. odora to V. elliptica.
38. V. anomala, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. iv. (1872) 291.—An erect perfectly glabrous much-branched shrub 3–5 ft. high; branches long, slender, fastigiate, leafy, purplish towards the tips. Leaves spreading, sessile or nearly so, ⅓–¾ in. long, ⅛–⅙ in. broad, linear-oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, subacute, keeled, coriaceous, dark-green and shining above, paler beneath, midrib obscure. Spikes crowded together at the tips of the branches, 5–10-flowered, forming a short terminal panicle; rhachis puberulous; bracts ovate, acute, coriaceous, as long as the calyx. Flowers sessile, white or pale-pink, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx 3-partite with one of the segments broader and emarginate or 2-lobed, more rarely 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube slender, tubular, about twice as long as the calyx; limb either 3-lobed with the anticous lobe entirely suppressed, or 4-lobed with the anticous lobe small and narrow-linear; the dorsal and lateral lobes oblong, obtuse. Capsule ovate-oblong, obtuse, glabrous, half as long again as the calyx.—Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 355; Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7360.
South Island: Canterbury—Rakaia Valley, Mount Peel, Mount Cook, Armstrong! 3000–4000 ft. December–February.
A very handsome and attractive species. Its nearest ally is V. buxifolia var. patens, narrow-leaved states of which approach it very closely. Sir J. D. Hooker remarks that in England he has never seen cultivated specimens with the anticous lobe of the corolla entirely suppressed, although it is always much smaller and narrower than the other three. In New Zealand cultivated specimens are variable in this respect. Usually some of the flowers want the anticous lobe and others possess it, but it is easy to find plants in which it is either always absent or always present. The few wild specimens that I have seen have no trace of the anticous lobe; but I suspect that a larger series would show that it is frequently developed.
39. V. decumbens, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352.—A small decumbent much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, purplish-black, bifariously pubescent. Leaves ​close-set or rather distant, spreading, shortly petiolate, ⅓–¾ in. long, ⅕–⅓ in. broad, oblong-obovate or elliptic-oblong or narrow oblongovate, subacute or obtuse, coriaceous when dry, almost fleshy when fresh, quite glabrous, flat or slightly concave, dark-green with brightred margins. Racemes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, equalling the leaves or slightly longer than them, shortly peduncled, dense-flowered; rhachis pubescent; pedicels very short, sometimes almost wanting; bracts small, much shorter than the calyx. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate, acute, margins minutely ciliolate. Corolla-tube twice as long as the calyx or rather longer; limb 4-lobed; lobes broadly oblong, obtuse, the anterior one narrower. Capsule ovate, acute, compressed, glabrous, twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Marlborough, and North Canterbury, not uncommon. 1500–4500 ft. December–February.
A very beautiful little plant, well marked off from all its allies by the polished purplish-black branchlets, almost flat green leaves with red margins, shortly pedicellate flowers, small bracts, long corolla-tube, and short limb. Mr. Armstrong's description is by no means good; but there is no question as to the identity of the plant.
40. V. Gibbsii, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 524.—A sparingly branched shrub 9–18 in. high; branches as stout as a goose-quill, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves decussate, close-set, imbricating, erect or spreading, sessile, ⅓–¾ in. long, ¼–½ in. broad, ovate or ovate-oblong, acute or obtuse, coriaceous, glaucous, often tinged with purplish-red, glabrous except the margins, which are fringed with long soft white hairs. Spikes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, peduncled, longer than the leaves, dense-flowered; rhachis and bracts villous with soft white hairs; bracts lanceolate, acute, exceeding the calyx. Flowers ⅕ in. diam., white, sessile or the lower ones very shortly pedicelled. Calyx 4-partite; segments lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acute, margins villous. Corolla-tube narrow, about twice as long as the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes ovate, acute. Style glabrous or sparingly villous near the base. Capsule narrow-ovate, acute, compressed, about twice as long as the calyx.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Rintoul and Ben Nevis, alt. 3000–4000 ft., F. G. Gibbs!
A distinct species, nearest to V. carnosula, but at once separated by the less concave and more acute leaves with conspicuously villous margins, acuminate bracts, and narrow acute calyx-segments.
41. V. carnosula, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 210.—A much-branched erect or decumbent woody shrub 6 in. to 3 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, the younger ones pubescent towards the tips. Leaves closely imbricating, spreading or erect, sessile, ⅓–¾ in. long, ¼–⅔ in broad, broadly ​obovate or almost orbicular, obtuse, very coriaceous, concave, not keeled, quite glabrous, nerveless or the midrib very obscure, glaucous; margins smooth and even. Spikes crowded near the ends of the branches, often forming a dense terminal head, short, stout, very dense-flowered; peduncle, rhachis, and bracts pubescent or almost villous; bracts equalling the calyx, ciliolate. Flowers about 1 in. diam., sessile, white. Calyx 4-partite; segments erect, ovate-oblong, obtuse, slightly ciliate. Corolla-tube equalling the calyx or rather shorter than it; limb 4-lobed. Ovary and style glabrous. Capsule ⅙–⅕ in. long, ovate, acute, glabrous, compressed^ about twice as long as the calyx.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. V. lævis var. carnosula, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 194.
South Island: Mountain districts from Nelson to Otago, but apparently not so abundant as V. pinguifolia. 2500–4500 ft. December–March.
Very closely allied to V. pinguifolia, differing mainly in the rather larger ovate-acute glabrous capsule. The capsule of V. pinguifolia is obovate-oblong, rounded or emarginate at the tip, and more or less pubescent.
42. V. amplexicaulis, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352.—An erect or decumbent shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves; branchlets terete, glabrous or puberulous. Leaves decussate, imbricate, suberect or spreading, sessile, ½–1 in. long, ⅓–⅔ in. broad, broadly oblong or elliptic-oblong, rounded at the tip, subcordate and almost amplexicaul at the base, very coriaceous, glaucous, concave, nerveless, not keeled; margins smooth and even. Spikes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, 1–1½ in. long, stout, oblong, very dense-flowered, simple or trifurcate; peduncles stout, exceeding the leaves, and with the rhachis pubescent with soft spreading hairs; bracts large, equalling the calyx, broadly oblong, concave, obtuse, margins ciliate. Flowers white, ¼ in. diam., sessile. Calyx 4-partite; segments erect, oblong, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube about the length of the calyx; limb 4-lobed; dorsal lobe the broadest, erect; the other three narrow-oblong, obtuse, spreading or decurved. Ovary pubescent. Capsule oblong, rounded at the tip, pubescent, about half as long again as the calyx.—Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7370.
South Island: Canterbury—Upper Rangitata, Armstrong!
Closely related to V. pinguifolia, from which it differs in the larger leaves, which are cordate and semiamplexicaul at the base, and in the larger and often branched spikes. Mr. Armstrong describes the corolla-tube as "long," but it barely equals the calyx in all the specimens I have seen, including an authentic one from him.
43. V. pinguifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 210.—An erect or decumbent much-branched glaucous shrub 6 in. to 4 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, the younger ones bifariously pubescent. Leaves closely ​imbricating, spreading or erecto-patent, sessile, ¼–¾ in. long, ⅙–½ in. broad, broad or narrow obovate-oblong to broadly oblong or suborbicular, obtuse, narrowed to a broad base, concave above, rounded at the back, very coriaceous or almost fleshy, quite glabrous, nerveless, glaucous, margins often edged with red. Spikes crowded near the tips of the branches, short, stout, dense-flowered, exceeding the leaves; peduncle and rhachis pubescent; bracts oblong, concave, as long as the calyx. Flowers white, ¼–⅓ in. diam., sessile. Calyx 4-partite; segments erect, oblong, obtuse, puberulous, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube short, not exceeding the calyx; limb 4-lobed; lobes ovate-oblong or broadly oblong, obtuse, the anterior one narrower than the others. Ovary pubescent; style usually villous towards the base. Capsule oblong or obovate, obtuse, rounded at the tip, pubescent, from half as long again to nearly twice as long as the calyx.—Bot. Mag. t. 6147; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. V. carnosula, Hook. f. in Bot. Mag. t. 6587 (not of Handh. N.Z. Fl. 210).
South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Otago, abundant. 2500–4500 ft. December–February.
A very variable plant, especially in size and mode of growth, and in the size, shape, and colour of the leaves. Its nearest allies are V. carnosula and V. amplexicaulis, the first of which differs in the glabrous ovary and acute capsule, the latter in the larger leaves subcordate at the base, and larger often branched spikes. Small states, with smaller and narrower and more rigid leaves, approach var. major of V. Buchanani. From the other species of the section it is at once removed by the deeply concave obtuse leaves rounded (not keeled) at the back.
44. V. Buchanani, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 211.—A small woody shrub 4–12 in. high, much branched from the base; branches stout, terete, spreading or decumbent, sometimes tortuous, closely ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves; bark black; branchlets usually pubescent at the tips. Leaves decussate, closely imbricate, sessile by a broad base, suberect or spreading, rarely deflexed, ⅛–¼ in. long and almost as broad, broadly oblong or almost orbicular, obtuse or more rarely subacute, very thick and coriaceous, concave, rarely obscurely keeled, nerveless, quite glabrous. Spikes 2–4 near the tips of the branches, short and stout but much longer than the leaves, oblong, dense-flowered, shortly peduncled; peduncle and rhachis villous-pubescent; bracts large, concave, ciliate, equalling the calyx or exceeding it. Flowers ⅕ in. diam., white, sessile. Calyx 4-partite; segments erect, oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short, included in the calyx or barely equalling it; limb 4-lobed; lobes broadly oblong, obtuse. Ovary and style pubescent. Capsule nearly twice as long as the calyx, oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse, pubescent.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350; Kirk, l.c. xxviii. (1896) 523.
Var. major, Cheesem.—Taller and stouter. Leaves larger, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, obovate or obovate-oblong, narrowed to the base, midrib often distinct beneath. Spikes larger, 1 in. long; peduncle and rhachis densely villous. Style conspicuously villous.
Var. exigua, Cheesem.—Branches numerous, twiggy. Leaves narrower, ⅙–¼ in., oblong-ovate, subacute, obscurely keeled. Spikes small, ⅓ in. long, few-flowered.
South Island: Canterbury—Mount Cook district (var. major and exigua), T.F.C. Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan! Mount Arnould, Perie! Mount Kyeburn (var. major), Petrie! H. J. Matthews! 3000–6000 ft. December–February.
Also a very variable plant. The extreme state, represented by Buchanan's Mount Alta specimens, is easily recognised by the small uniform close-set almost orbicular spreading leaves and capitate spikes; but larger forms approach V. pinguifolia so closely that it is difficult to draw a line of demarcation between the two species. My var. major might be referred to either.
45. V. pimeleoides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195.—A small much-branched prostrate or suberect shrubby plant 3–18 in. high; branches rather slender, straggling, pubescent or almost villous, rarely glabrous. Leaves usually rather laxly placed, rarely closeset, spreading or suberect, sessile, ⅙–⅓ in. long, obovate-oblong or ovate-oblong to elliptic-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute, coriaceous, glaucous, obtusely keeled. Spikes near the tips of the branches, peduncled, exceeding the leaves, ½–1 in. long; rhachis villouspubescent; bracts large, almost or quite equalling the calyx, ciliate. Flowers ¼ in. diam., dark purplish-blue, sessile. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate, acute, ciliate. Corolla-tube very short, not equalling the calyx; limb broad, spreading, 4-lobed; lobes broad, obtuse, the anterior one narrower than the others. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ovate, acute, turgid, glabrous or slightly pubescent, twice as long as the calyx.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 211; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350.
Var. glauco-cærulea, Cheesem.—Larger and stouter, more intensely glaucous. Leaves ⅓–½ in. long, obovate or obovate-oblong, shortly petiolate. Flowers dark-blue or purple. V. glauco-caerulea, Armstr. l.c. 353.
Var. minor. Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 738.—Smaller, 1–4 in. high, sparingly branched. Leaves smaller and narrower, ⅛–⅙ in. long, lanceolate to oblongovate, usually acute. Spikes small, few-flowered.
South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Canterbury, and Otago, not uncommon in dry places. 1000–3500 ft. November–January.
Well marked by the small size, prostrate or straggling habit, small glaucous leaves, villous spikes, and purplish-blue flowers.
46. V. Gilliesiana, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 519.—Stems prostrate or decumbent, much branched, 3–12 in. long; branches spreading or suberect, densely leafy, tetragonous, with the leaves on ¼–⅓ in. diam., bright-green when fresh, black when dry. Leaves densely imbricating, opposite pairs connate by ​the dilated bases, spreading above, ⅙–⅓ in. long, linear or linearoblong, obtuse and tumid at the tip, deeply concave in front, convex on the back, rather fleshy; margins ciliate-denticulate along their whole length. Leaves of young plants linear, irregularly lobulate or pinnatifid, glabrous. Flowers small, white, ⅙–¼ in. diam., usually arranged in axillary 2–4-flowered spikes near the tips of the branches, the spikes often forming a subcapitate head, more rarely the flowers are solitary and axillary. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube short; lobes 4, spreading, orbicular-oblong, obtuse, almost equal, but the dorsal one slightly broader and the anticous one slightly narrower than the others. Stamens 2 or very rarely 4; filaments very short, altogether included. Style included. Capsule exceeding the calyx, ovoid-oblong, subcompressed, seated within a cupular disc.—Logania ciliolata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 737. Mitrasacme Hookeri, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 348, t. 29, f. 1.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur and Mount Owen, T. F. C; Mount Mantell, Mount Buckland, W. Townson! Mount Franklin, F. G. Gibbs! Mount Percival, T. F. C; Amuri, Kirk! Canterbury—Arthur's Pass and Waimakariri Glacier, Kirk! T. F. C, Cockayne! Browning's Pass and Rangitata Valley, Haast! Mount Cook district, T. F. C. Westland–Kelly's Hill, Petrie! Mount Alexander, Cockayne! Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan! 3000–5500 ft. December–March.
A very remarkable and distinct species, quite unlike any other.
47. V. tetrasticha, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 212.—A small much-branched shrub forming depressed patches 4–12 in. diam.; branches very numerous, decumbent below, erect or spreading above; branchlets acutely tetragonous with the faces more or less concave, with the leaves on 1/12–1/10 in. diam., black when dry. Leaves most densely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pairs connate at the base and forming a short ring clasping the branch, spreading above, 1/14–1/10 in. long, ovate-deltoid, narrowed into a short subacute tip, thick and coriaceous, concave in front, rounded or flat on the back, not keeled; margins ciliolate. Leaves of young plants linear-spathulate, flat, spreading, ciliolate and sparsely hispid. Flowers in short 2–4-flowered spikes near the ends of the branchlets, small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., white; rhachis and peduncle villous. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube short; limb with four equal spreading rounded lobes. Stamens 2, at first included, but the filaments lengthen before the flower withers. Ovary seated in a cupular disc. Capsule twice as long as the calyx, obovoid, compressed, obtuse.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; Kirk, l.c. xxviii. (1896) 521; Cockayne, l.c. xxxi. (1899) 377 (development of seedling).
South Island: Nelson—Wairau Mountains, Travers, T. F. C.; Mount Captain, Kirk! Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Cockayne! Black Range, Enys! Kirk! T. F. C., Petrie! Cockayne! Hopkins River, Haast. 3000–6000 ft. December–March.
​A well-marked plant, the only near ally of which is the following species, which may prove to be a form of it.
48. V. quadrifaria, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 521.—Habit, size, and general appearance of V. tetrasticha, but the branchlets are more slender and wiry, about 1/15 in. diam. with the leaves on, tetragonous with the faces flat, not concave. Leaves most densely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pairs very shortly connate at the base and forming a ring clasping the branch, closely appressed, 1/18–1/16 in. long, broadly triangular, acute or subacute, coriaceous, concave in front, rounded on the back, not keeled; margins ciliolate towards the base or throughout their whole length. Flowers small, white, 1/10 in. diam., arranged in very short axillary 2–4-flowered spikes, the spikes usually capitate at the tip of tiie branchlets. Calyx 4-partite ahnost to the base; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short, equalling the calyx; lobes 4, rounded, spreading. Stamens 2; filaments short. Ovary seated in a cupular disc. Capsule twice as long as the calyx, oblong-obovoid, compressed, obtuse.—Mitrasacme Cheesemanii, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 348, t. 29, f. 2.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Percival, T. F. C.; Mount Charon, Cockayne! Canterbury—Mount Dobson, T. F. C. Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan! 3500–6000 ft. December–March.
Very near to the preceding, from which it differs in the more slender branchlets, which are tetragonous with almost flat sides, not concave; and in the smaller leaves, which are more closely appressed, and are broadly triangular with straight edges. In V. tetrasticha the leaves are rather suddenly narrowed above the broad base, so that the margin is curved, not straight. The flowers and capsules are also smaller than in V. tetrasticha.
49. V. tumida, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 521.—A prostrate or decumbent much-branched plant forming broad depressed patches 6–18 in. diam.; branches very numerous, obtusely tetragonous, with the leaves on 1/12–1/10 in. diam., black when dry. Leaves densely imbricated, opposite pairs connate at the base, 1/15–1/12 in. long, broadly ovate-deltoid, tumid, obtuse, concave in front, rounded or obtusely keeled at the back, margins ciliolate. Flowers in 2–4 flowered abbreviated spikes at the ends of the branchlets, small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., white. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short; limb with 4 nearly equal spreading oblong obtuse lobes. Stamens 2, included; anthers almost as long as the filaments. Ovary seated in a cupular disc. Capsule exceeding the calyx, subcompressed. broadly oblong, obtuse.
South Island: Nelson—Gordon's Nob and St. Arnaud Mountains, Monro, T. F. C.; Mount Rintoul and Ben Nevis, F. G. Gibbs! Mount Starveall, W. H. Bryant! Mount Richmond, J. H. Macmahon! Otago—Herb. Buchanan! (exact locality not stated). 3000–5000 ft. December–February.
​Nearest to V. tetrasticha, from which it is separated without any difficulty by the obtusely tetragonous branchlets, tumid obtuse leaves, and broader shorter capsule. Mr. N. E. Brown informs me that the specimens quoted in the Handbook under V. tetragona from Gordon's Nob (Monro) and Waiau-au Valley (Travers) in reality belong to this species.
50. V. tetragona, Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 580.—A small usually erect much-branched shrub 6 in. to 3 ft. high; stems ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves; branches stout, rigid, erect, obtusely 4-angled when adult, 1/10–1/6 in. diam. Leaves most densely quadrifariously imbricated, erect, opposite pairs connate at the base, 1/12–1/10 in. long, broadly deltoid-ovate, obtuse, keeled at the back, very thick and coriaceous, smooth and shining, margins and base usually ciliolate or woolly. Flowers 3–8, sessile among the uppermost leaves and forming small terminal heads, ¼–⅓ in. diam., white. Bracts conspicuously furrowed, woolly at the base. Calyx-segments unequal, linear-oblong, obtuse, furrowed. Corolla 4-lobed; lobes spreading, dorsal the largest, obovate, entire or emarginate, anticous the smallest, narrow-oblong. Capsule broadly oblong, subacute, compressed, exceeding the calyx.—Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 194; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 211; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. V. subsimilis, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 278.
North Island: Mountain districts from Mount Hikurangi and Tongariro southwards to the Tararua Range, abundant. 2000–5500 ft. December–February.
A very remarkable species. Flowerless specimens so closely resemble a Podocarpus or Dacrydium that Sir W. J. Hooker had a plate prepared for the "Icones Plantarum" under the name of Podocarpus Dieffenbachii. I have seen no specimens from the South Island, and it is now quite certain that most (if not all) of the South Island localities assigned to the species in the Handbook belong to other species.
51. V. lycopodioides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 211.—A stout much-branched shrub 1–4 ft. high; branches rigid, erect, clothed with densely imbricating leaves, acutely or obtusely 4-angled wnen adult, 1/10–1/6 in. diam. Leaves dimorphic, the adult state most densely quadrifariously imbricated, the opposite pairs connate at the base, 1/12–1/10 in. long, 1/10–1/8 in. broad, very broadly ovate-deltoid, concave in front, keeled on the back, suddenly narrowed into a stout obtuse cusp or point, very coriaceous, smooth or more or less distinctly grooved on the back, margins glabrous or ciliolate. Leaves of young plants (frequently found by reversion on older ones as well) twice as long as the mature ones, spreading, linear-subulate with a broad base, entire or more frequently irregularly lobed or almost pectinate-pinnatifid. Flowers crowded at the tips of the branches, forming small terminal heads, ⅓ in. diam., white. Bracts furrowed, ciliolate. Calyx-segments unequal, oblong. Corolla-tube about equal to the calyx; lobes 4, spreading, the ​dorsal one the largest. Capsule broadly oblong, subcompressed, exceeding the calyx.—Bot. Mag. t. 7338; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351.
South Island: Not uncommon in subalpine localities throughout. 2500–5500 ft. December–February.
Very closely allied to V. tetragona, from which it can only be distinguished by the more acutely 4-angled branches and rather broader leaves, which are suddenly narrowed into a bluntish cusp or point.
52. V. Hectori, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 212.—A small robust much-branched shrub 6–30 in. high; stem woody, terete, closely ringed by the scars of the fallen leaves; branches terete or very obscurely tetragonous, stout, rigid, erect, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., blackish-brown when dry. Leaves densely imbricated, opposite pairs connate to the middle or higher and forming a closely appressed ring surrounding the branch (sometimes slightly open at the mouth), 1/10–1/8 in. long, broader than long, broadly orbicular-oblong, obtuse, concave in front, rounded and polished at the back, not keeled, extremely thick and coriaceous, margins of the younger leaves often ciliolate. Leaves of young plants not seen. Flowers axillary, crowded at the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads, about ¼ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube about as long as the calyx; lobes oblong, obtuse, dorsal one the largest. Capsule exceeding the calyx, broadly oblong, subcompressed, obtuse.—Bot. Mag. t. 7415; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352.
South Island: Canterbury—Southern Alps, Haast, Armstrong; Mount Cook district, T. F. C. Otago—Mount Alta, Hector and Buchanan! Mount Tyndall and the Hector Mountains, Petrie! Humboldt Mountains, Cockayne! Mount Earnslaw, H. J. Matthews! 3500–6000 ft. January–March.
Most nearly allied to V. lycopodioides, but recognised without any difficulty by the terete branchlets, and by the leaves being connate to above the middle, and obtuse, not pointed. The much stouter branchlets at once separate it from V. salicornioides and V. Armstrongii.
53. V. coarctata, Cheesem. n. sp.—A small stout much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches close, spreading; branchlets numerous, rather stout, 1/12–1/10 in. diam, terete or obscurely tetragonous, densely clothed with appressed imbricating leaves, blackish when dry. Leaves of mature plants densely imbricating, about 1/10 in. long, the opposite pairs connate to above the middle into a ring or sheath closely appressed to the branch, obtuse or subacute, thick and coriaceous, smooth and polished on the back; margins usually ciliolate. Leaves of young plants not seen. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., white, from 4 to 8 near the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads; bracts broad, ciliolate. Calyx short; segments oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube included in the calyx; lobes spreading, the dorsal one the largest. Capsule about ⅙ in. long, nearly twice as long as the calyx, ovoid, obtuse.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur and Mount Owen, T. F. C.; Mount Owen and Brunner Range, Townson! / 3500–5000 ft. January–March.
I describe this as a new species with some hesitation. It appears to be intermediate in characters between V. Hectori and V. Armstrongii, but is much more slender and more copiously branched than the first, and from the latter it differs in being stouter, and in the shorter and broader tightly appressed leaves, which do not form the lax obconic sheaths so characteristic of V. Armstrongii.
54. V. salicornioides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 212.—A small much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches strict, erect, terete, clothed with imbricating leaves, 1/14–1/12 in. diam., yellowish-brown when dry. Leaves most densely imbricated and appressed to the branch, opposite pairs connate to considerably above the middle and forming a ring surrounding the branch, 1/15–1/16 in. long, subacute or almost truncate, concave in front, rounded at the back; margins usually ciliolate. Leaves of young plants not seen. Flowers 4–8 towards the tips of the branchlets. forming small terminal heads; rhachis villous. Bracts short and broad, ciliolate. Calyx-segments oblong, obtuse, margins ciliolate. Corolla white, ¼ in. diam.; tube short; limb 4-lobed, lobes spreading. Capsule longer than the calyx, subcompressed, oblong, obtuse, glabrous.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352; N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron. (1888) vol. i. p. 20, f. 3.
South Island: Nelson—Cobb Valley, F. G. Gibbs! Wairau Mountains, Rough, Travers; Wairau Gorge, T. F. C.; Mount Charon (Hanmer), Cockayne! Canterbury—Rangitata Valley, Haast, Armstrong. 2500–5000 ft. January–March.
This has been much misunderstood, the name having been erroneously applied, both in England and in the colony, to the plant described herein as V. propinqua, from which it differs in the more erect habit, in the stouter strict branches, and in the more closely placed broader and shorter leaves.
55. V. Armstrongii, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xi. (1879) 464.—A small much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, often flabellate; branchlets very numerous, slender, terete, clothed with appressed imbricating leaves, 1/16–1/12 in. diam. Leaves of mature plants closely imbricating, appressed but not very closely so, about 1/10 in. long, opposite pairs connate for the greater part of their length, forming a sheath investing the branch which is wider at the top than the base, and thus almost obconic in shape, truncate or nearly so at the apex, tumid and coriaceous, smooth and rounded on the back, margins usually ciliolate. Leaves of young plants (frequently produced by reversion on old ones as well) spreading, 1/10–1/8 in. long, linear, acute, flat, entire or irregularly lobulate. Flowers ⅕–¼ diam., white, 4–8 or more towards the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads; rhachis villous. Calyx-segments unequal, oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short, about equalling the calyx; lobes spreading. Capsule ⅙ in. long, ​about twice as long as the calyx, oblong-ovoid, compressed, obtuse or slightly retuse.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 352; Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 396, t. 28, 29.
South Island: Mountain districts from Nelson to Otago, but not common. 2000–5000 ft. December–February.
Closely allied to V. Hectori and V. salicornioides, from both of which it differs in the more spreading and much more copiously branched habit, and especially in the leaves, which are connate into an almost obconic sheath which is free from the branch at the tip, and truncate, or nearly so.
56. V. propinqua, Cheesem. n. sp.—A small much-branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, sometimes decumbent or tortuous; branchlets numerous, slender, about 1/20 in. diam. Leaves of mature plants densely imbricated, the opposite pairs connate for the greater part of their length, each pair forming a closed sheath round the branch 1/10–1/8 in. long, the lower part of which is adnate to the branch, the upper part free and somewhat expanded, the free tips of the leaves very short, obtusely triangular, thick and coriaceous; margins ciliolate. Leaves of young plants free, linear or spathulate, entire or irregularly lobulate-pinnatifid. Flowers ⅕–¼ in. diam., white, 4–8 near the tips of the branchlets, forming small terminal heads; rhachis villous. Calyx small; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube about equalling the calyx; lobes spreading, unequal, the dorsal the largest. Capsule nearly twice as long as the calyx, about ⅛ in. long, ovoid, compressed, obtuse.—V. salicornioides, Hort. (not of Hook. f.). V. cupressoides var. variabilis, N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron. (1888) vol. i. 20, f. 5 (exclude F).
South Island: Otago—Upper Waipori and Maungatua, Petrie! Mount Ida and Mount Bonpland, H. J. Matthews! 2500–5000 ft. December–February.
This has been cultivated in gardens for many years under the name of V. salicornioides, from which, however, it is altogether distinct, as was first pointed out by Mr. N. E. Brown in the Gardeners' Chronicle. It was referred by Mr. Brown to V. cupressoides, but it differs from that plant in size, mode of growth, leaves, and in the flowers and capsule, and Mr. Brown now agrees with me in considering it to be a distinct species. Its nearest affinity is with V. Armstrongii, but the branches are much more slender, and the leaves smaller and narrower.
57. V. cupressoides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 212.—A much and closely branched round-topped shrub 3–6 ft. high; branches divaricating; branchlets numerous, green, very slender, 1/30 in. diam. or less, terete, very minutely puberulous or glabrous, clothed with decussate scale-like leaves resembling those of a cypress. Leaves of mature plants in rather remote pairs, considerably shorter than the internodes, 1/20–1/15 in. long, not broader than the branch, ovate-oblong, obtuse, opposite pairs connate at the base, appressed or patent, rather fleshy, glabrous or minutely ciliolate. Leaves of young plants (often produced by reversion on the branches of old ​ones) 1/10—1/4 in. long, linear-oblong to oblong or oblong-spathulate, acute, narrowed into short free petioles, entire or irregularly lobulate or pinnatifid. Flowers small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., pale bluish-purple or rarely white, sessile or nearly so, 3—8 near the tips of the branchlets. forming small terminal heads. Calyx unequally 4-lobed; lobes short, oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube very short; lobes spreading, dorsal the largest, oblong- obovate, anticous the smallest, linear-oblong. Capsule small, 1/12 in. long, about twice as long as the calyx, linear-obovoid or narrow cuneate-obovoid, retuse at the tip.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351; N. E. Brown in Gard. Chron. (1888) vol. i. 20, t. 4 and 6; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 520.
South Island: Nelson—Upper Wairau Valley, Sinclair, T. F. C.; Lake Tennyson, T. F. C.; Fowler's Pass and Stanley River, Kirk! Waiau Valley, Travers! Canterbury—Broken River basin, Enys! Kirk! T. F. C.; Harper's Pass and Ashburton Valley, Haast! Otago—Lindis Pass and Lake district, Hector and Buchanan! Lammerlaw Hills, Petrie! 2000—4500 ft. December—February.
A very remarkable species, easily distinguished by its cypress-like appearance, very slender branchlets, small scale-like leaves in remote pairs, and small narrow obovoid capsules.
58. V. Haastii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 213.—A prostrate or decumbent much or sparingly branched glabrous shrub, black when dry; stems woody, tortuous, 4—12 in. long; branches ascending, densely uniformly leafy, obscurely tetragonous, ⅓—⅔ in. diam. with the leaves on. Leaves closely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pars connate at the very base, spreading or suberect, ¼–½ in. long, broadly oblong to obovate, obtuse, concave in front, not keeled at the back, fleshy when fresh, extremely coriaceous and rigid when dry; margins ciliate at the very base. Flowers small, white, most densely compacted in terminal ovoid heads ½–1½ in. long, formed of numerous reduced spikes in the axils of leafy bracts. Bracts oblong or ovate-oblong, about equalling the calyx. Calyx 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube longer than the limb, rather shorter than the calyx; limb exserted, ^in. diam., 4-lobed; lobes ovate, subacute. Capsule about equalling the calyx, ovoid-oblong, acute.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350.
Var. macrocalyx.—Much more copiously branched, prostrate and trailing, brown when dry. Leaves ⅓–⅔ in. long, obovate or broadly obovate-spathulate, obtuse, bright green and fleshy when fresh. Bracts lanceolate or linear, acute. Calyx-segments linear, obtuse or subacute, almost equalling the corolla. Corolla-tube longer than the narrow limb.—V. macrocalyx, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 353.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur, T. F. C. Canterbury—Mount Torlesse and Mount Dobson, Haast, T. F. C.; mountains above the Broken River, Enys! T. F. C; Mount Darwin and Mount Cook, Haast. Var. macrocalyx: Mount Rolleston and Waimakariri Glacier, Armstrong! T. F. C., Cockayne! Rangitata Valley, Armstrong. 3500–6500 ft. December–February.
​A well-marked species. The var. macrocalyx principally differs in its more branched and trailing habit, longer and narrower leaves, which are not so coriaceous when dry, longer and narrower bracts and calyx-segments, and shorter narrower corolla. Mr. N. E. Brown is inclined to treat it as a distinct species, but it appears to me to be connected with the type by intermediate forms.
59. V. epacridea, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 213.—A small much-branched prostrate or decumbent rigid shrub; stems woody, tortuous, 3–12 in. long; branches curved, ascending at the tips, densely leafy, obscurely tetragonous, ¼–½ in. diam. with the leaves on, glabrous or pubescent above. Leaves closely quadrifariously imbricated, opposite pairs connate at the base, spreading and recurved, ⅛–¼ in. long, broadly oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, concave in front, keeled at the back, rigid, very coriaceous; margins usually red, thickened, ciliate towards the base. Flowers small, white, densely packed in terminal ovoid heads ½–1 in. long, formed of numerous reduced spikes in the axils of leafy bracts. Bracts obovate or ovate to linear-obovate, ciliate. Calyx deeply 4-partite, segments unequal, linear-oblong, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube long, narrow, equalling the calyx; limb small, ⅛ in. diam., 4-lobed; lobes ovate, acute, spreading or recurved. Capsule small, ovoid-oblong, exceeding the calyx.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350; Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 380 (development of seedling).
South Island: Nelson—Gordon's Nob, Mount Arthur and Mount Peel, mountains above the Wairau Gorge, T. F. C.; Tarndale, Sinclair; mountains flanking the Clarence and Waiau Valleys, Travers, Kirk! T. F. C. Canterbury—Mount Torlesse and Broken River Basin, Enys! Kirk! Cockayne! T. F. C.; Ashburton Valley, Godley Glacier, Mount Darwin, Haast; Mount Dobson, T. F. C. Otago— Mount Arnould, Petrie! 3000–6500 ft. December–February.
Very close to V. Haastii, and there are forms which are quite intermediate, but in the usual state it is easily separated by the smaller size, sharply recurved leaves, and ciliate bracts and calyx-segments.
60. V. Petriei, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 517.—A decumbent or prostrate sparingly branched woody little plant; branches ascending, 3–6 in. long. Leaves not close-set, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, oblong or linear-oblong, rounded at the apex, narrowed into a short broad petiole, flat, slightly coriaceous, glabrous or the margins minutely glandular-ciliate; the opposite petioles connate at the base and forming a, short sheath clasping the branch. Flowering branches clothed with numerous erect linear or linear-lanceolate foliaceous obtuse bracts, each branch ending in a narrow-oblong many-flowered spiciform head ½–1½ in. long. Flowers small, ⅛–⅙ in. diam., solitary and sessile in the axils of the bracts, which slightly exceed the calyx. Calyx deeply 4–5-partite; segments very unequal in size, linear, obtuse, minutely ciliate. Corolla hardly exceeding the calyx; tube ​cylindrical, longer than the limb, which is 4-lobed, the lobes spreading or reflexed. Stamens included. Capsule small, oblong, turgid.—Mitrasacme Petriei, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 349, t. 30, f. 1.
South Island: Otago—Mount Bonpland, Petrie! Bold Peak, near Kinloch, B. C. Aston!
A most distinct little plant, not nearly allied to any other. The crowded linear bracts are a very remarkable character.
61. V. dasyphylla, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 519.—A prostrate rigidly coriaceous woody little plant. Stems much branched, 2–6 in. long; branches short, 1–2 in. high, ascending or erect, pubescent, densely leafy, tetragonous, ¼ in. diam. with the leaves on. Leaves closely quadrifariously imbricate, opposite pairs connate at the base and forming a short ring clasping the stem, spreading above, ⅛–⅙ in. long, oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse, very coriaceous, concave in front, rounded or obscurely keeled at the back; margins ciliate towards the base, cartilaginous above. Flowers large, ⅓–½ in. diam., solitary at the tips of the branchlets, sessile. Calyx 5-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, hispid-pubescent towards the base, margins ciliate. Corolla-tube short, broad; limb with 5 large rounded spreading lobes. Stamens 2; filaments short; anthers large, included. Ovary seated in a cupular disc. Capsule altogether included in the calyx, oblong, turgid, coriaceous, 4-valved.—Logania tetragona, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 188, 737; Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 347, t. 28, f. 2.
South Island: Otago—Lake district, Mount Alta, sounds of the West Coast, Buchanan! Old Man Range, Mount Pisa, Ben Lomond, Mount Bonpland, Petrie! Mount Kyeburn, B. C. Aston! 3500–6000 ft.
A very peculiar species, remarkable for the large terminal flower and 5-lobed calyx and corolla. Sir J. D. Hooker gives the number of stamens as 5, but all the flowers that I have examined are diandrous, and Kirk and Buchanan make the same statement.
62. V. uniflora, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 522.—A small rigid prostrate little plant, much and closely branched branches ascending or erect, ½–1½ in. long, tetragonous, ⅙ in. diam with the leaves on. Leaves densely quadrifariously imbricated opposite pairs connate at the base, ovate-oblong, obtuse, very coriaceous, concave, margins ciliate below. Flowers solitary, terminal ¼ in. diam. Calyx 5-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse, hispid glandular throughout. Corolla 5-lobed; lobes rounded, spreading Stamens 2, included. Ovary villous at the top. Capsule included in the calyx.—Logania Armstrongii, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 347, t. 28, f. 3.
South Island: Otago—Hector's Col, Mount Aspiring, Buchanan and McKay! 5000 ft.
​Probably only a small state of V. dasyphylla, but I retain it until further specimens can be examined. Buchanan's drawing of it is by no means good, the branches not being nearly so acutely tetragonous as shown by him. I have only seen one indifferent specimen.
63. V. macrantha, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 213.—A short stout sparingly branched erect shrub 1–2 ft. high; branches erect or spreading, rigid, terete or obscurely tetragonous, glabrous or faintly puberulous above. Leaves ½–1 in. long, obovate-lanceolate to obovate or broadly oblong-ovate, obtuse or acute, narrowed into a short stout petiole, obtusely serrate, very thick and coriaceous, smooth, flat, glossy, margins thickened. Eacemes few or many, axillary, 3–8-flowered; peduncle slender, usually longer than the leaves; bracts narrow-lanceolate. Flowers large, ¾ in. diam., pure white; pedicels shorter than the calyx. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments lanceolate, acuminate, coriaceous, ¼–⅓ in. long. Corolla-tube short; lobes 4, broad, rounded. Capsule broadly ovoid, acute, equalling or slightlv exceeding the calyx-segments.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350.
South Island: Alpine grassy slopes from Mount Arthur (Nelson) to Lake Te Anau (Otago), chiefly in the central chain of mountains. 2500–5000 ft. December–February.
One of the most distinct species of the genus, easily recognised by the sparingly branched rigid habit, very coriaceous toothed leaves, and large pure-white flowers. Specimens from Mount Arthur and other parts of the Nelson District have shorter broader leaves, more numerous racemes, and smaller flowers than is usual in Canterbury and Otago, and may be distinguished as var. brachyphylla.
64. V. Benthami, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 60, t. 39, 40.—An erect branching shrub 2–4 ft. high; branches stout, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, naked below, leafy above, younger ones bifariously pubescent. Leaves crowded towards the ends of the branches, sessile, opposite pairs connate at the very base, ½–1½ in. long, linear-oblong to obovate-oblong, obtuse, narrowed to the base, flat, coriaceous, veinless, entire or with a few coarse serratures above the middle, margins with a line of white down. Racemes terminating the branches, elongated, 1½–3 in. long, many-flowered, clothed with numerous leafy imbricating bracts ¼–½ in. long. Flowers pedicelled, not exceeding the bracts, ⅓–½ in. diam., bright-blue. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments unequal, oblong-spathulate, margined with white down. Corolla-tube shorter than the calyx; limb 5-lobed, more rarely 3–6-lobed; lobes obovate, obtuse. Stamens 2, rarely 3, short, included. Capsule broadly ovoid, acute, about as long as the calyx.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 214; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350. V. finaustrina, Homb. and Jacq. Voy. au Pole Sud, Dicot. t. 9, fig. y.
Auckland and Campbell Islands: Rocky places, abundant, Sir J. D, Hooker, Kirk! Chapman! H. J. Matthews! December–February.
​A very distinct and beautiful plant, excellently figured in the "Flora Antarctica." As pointed out by Hooker, abnormal flowers are frequently seen in which the corolla is 6-lobed, with 3 stamens and a 3-celled ovary. Other flowers have a 3-lobed corolla, but with the usual number of stamens and a 2-celled ovary.
65. V. erecta, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 517.—A sparingly branched shrub 6–18 in. high; branches few, slender, strict, erect, terete, sparingly leafy, puberulous above. Leaves in distant pairs, spreading, sessile, ¾–1 in. long, oblong-lanceolate or obovate-lanceolace, acute, entire or obscurely toothed, subcoriaceous, margins minutely puberulous or ciliate. Racemes 2–6, solitary in the axils of the upper leaves, 3–4 in. long, strict, erect, naked below; rhachis pubescent, as are the bracts and short pedicels. Flowers about ⅕ in. diam., often obscurely fascicled or whorled. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, acute, ciliate. Corolla -tube short and broad, shorter than the large spreading limb; lobes 4, broadly ovate, acute. Stamens long, exserted; anthers large, broadly ovate. Immature capsule exceeding the calyx, compressed, oblong, acute.
South Island: Otago—Said to have been collected on Mount Bonpland, but exact locality doubtful.
A species founded on cultivated specimens sent to Mr. Kirk by the late Mr. Martin, of the Fairfield Gardens, near Dunedin. It does not seem to be closely allied to any other New Zealand species, and its strict erect habit and elongated racemes give it a very peculiar appearance. For the present I place it near to V. Hulkeana, but more specimens are required before its exact position can be determined.
66. V. Hulkeana, F. Muell. ex Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 213.—A slender erect laxly branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches spreading, sparingly leafy, terete, puberulous above. Leaves in remote pairs, spreading, 1–2 in. long, broadly ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse or acute, obtusely or acutely coarsely serrate, rather fleshy when fresh, dark-green and shining, petiole ¼–½ in. long. Panicle slender, terminal, much branched, 6–12 in. long by 2–6 in. broad, finely pubescent; branches opposite, the lower ones again compound; bracts minute, 1/15 in. long, broadly ovate, obtuse, ciliate. Flowers very numerous, small, sessile, ⅕–¼ in. diam., pale-lilac. Calyx rather narrow, 4-partite; segments ovate, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla tube very short; lobes 4, rounded. Stamens 2; anthers broadly ovate, yellow. Capsule small, oblong, obtuse, twice as long as the calyx. Bot. Mag. t. 5484; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350.
Var. oblonga, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 518.—Leaves narrow-oblong, 1–8 in. long including the petiole.
Var. Fairfieldii, T. Kirk, l.c.—Smaller and stouter. Leaves smaller, seldom more than 1 in. long, crenate-dentate, with reddish margins. Panicle shorter and broader. Calyx segments narrower, linear oblong, pubescent.—V. Fairfieldii, Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7323.
​South Island: Marlborough—Lower Wairau, Travers, Monro; Macrae's Run, Monro; Awatere Valley, MacMahon! Kirk! Kaikoura Mountains, Sinclair, Buchanan! Kirk! Canterbury—Hills in the northern part of the province, Armstrong! Var. oblonga; Marlborough—Awatere Valley, Kirk! J. H. MacMahon! Mount Fyfe, Cockayne! Sea-level to 3000 ft. November–December.
A handsome species, better known in cultivation than in a wild state. Mr. H. J. Matthews informs me that the var. Fairfieldii, which was descrioed as a distinct species by Hooker, originally appeared in the Fairfield Gardens, near Dunedin, where many species of Veronica are cultivated, and has never been found in a wild state. It is probably a hybrid between V. Hulkeana and V. Lavaudiana.
67. V. Lavaudiana, Raoul, Choix Pl. Nouv. Zel. 16, t. 10.—A small sparingly branched shrub 3–9 in. high; branches rather stout, decumbent at the base, then erect, leafy, terete, glabrous below, puberulous above. Leaves rather crowded, spreading, ⅓–1 in. long, broadly obovate or obovate-spathulate, rounded at the tip, gradually narrowed into a short stout petiole, crenate-serrate, very coriaceous, dark-green usually margined with red. Spikes short. ¼–¾ in. long, arranged in a broad hemispherical many-fiowered corymb sometimes 2 in. diam. or more; peduncle rather long, erect, and with the pedicels glandular-pubescent; bracts ovate or ovate-lanceolate, pilose and ciliate. Flowers small, sessile, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, pubescent. Corolla-tube rather longer than the calyx; lobes 4, spreading, unequal, obtuse. Capsule exceeding the calyx, oblong, obtuse, pubescent.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 214; Bot. Mag. t. 7210; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350.
South Island: Canterbury—Abundant in rocky places on Banks Peninsula, Raoul, Lyall, &c.; river-beds of the Canterbury Plains, rare, Lyall, Travers, Armstrong! Sea-level to 2500 ft. November–December.
68. V. Raoulii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 214.—A stout much-branched woody little shrub 4–12 in. high; branches often procumbent below, terete, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves, leafy above, pubescent. Leaves spreading or suberect, ⅓–¾ in. long, oblong-spathulate, obtuse or acute, gradually narrowed into a rather long petiole, crenate-serrate, very thick and coriaceous, yellow-green, flat, veinless. Spikes very short, either arranged in a broad terminal panicle or corymb 1–2 in. across, or forming smaller lateral corymbs or heads; peduncles and pedicels puberulous; bracts ovate, ciliolate. Flowers small, sessile, ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube short; lobes 4, broadly oblong, rounded. Capsule exceeding the calyx, oblong, obtuse.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 350; Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 379 (development of seedling).
South Island: Nelson—Upper Wairau, Travers, Monro; Upper Clarence, Jollies' Pass, Jack's Pass, &c., T.F.C.; Waiau Valley, Kirk! Canterbury—Banks Peninsula, Raoul, Armstrong! Kowai River, Haast, Petrie! Broken River basin, Enys! Kirk! Cockayne! T.F.C. 500–3500 ft. October–November.
69. V. pulvinaris, Hook. f. and Benth. Gen. Plant. ii. 964.—A small densely tufted hoary moss-like plant, forming soft rounded cushions 1–3 in. diam.; branches closely compacted, ⅛ in. diam. Leaves very densely imbricate, 1/10 in. long, linear-oblong or linear–spathulate, obtuse or subacute, not coriaceous, quite entire, the margins and both surfaces above the middle hispid with copious long white hairs. Flowers terminal, solitary, very shortly pedicelled, about ⅛ in. long, white. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments linear, ciliate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube narrow, slightly longer than the calyx; limb flat, spreading, 5-lobed. Stamens included; filaments very short. Ovary pilose at the tip. Capsule not seen.—Pygmea pulvinaris, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 217; Ic. Plant. t. 1047; Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 352, t. 32, f. 2.
South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Marlborougb, and Canterbury, abundant. 3500–6500 ft.
This and the two following species differ from Veronica in the 5- or 6-partite corolla and in the leaves not being quadrifariously arranged, and constituted the genus Pygmea of the Handbook. In the "Genera Plantarum" the genus was reduced to a section of Veronica, and this view has also been followed by Wettstein in "Die Naturlichen Pflanzenfamilien."
70. V. Thomsoni, Cheesem.—Very similar in most respects to V. pulvinaris, but rather larger and stouter. Leaves very densely imbricate, 1/10 in. long, rhomboid-obovate or obovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, somewhat thick and fleshy towards the tip, membranous towards the base, quite entire, usually copiously hispid on the margins and back above the middle, upper surface often glabrous. Flowers solitary, terminal, rather larger than in V. pulvinaris. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments linear, obtuse, ciliate. Corolla-tube much longer than the calyx; limb spreading, 5-lobed. Stamens included; filaments very short. Ovary pilose at the tip. Capsule narrowly obcordate, turgid, about as long as the calyx.—Pygmea Thomsoni, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 353, 4. 32, f. 3.
Var. glabra.—Glabrous, or with a few scattered hairs on the margins of the leaves.
South Island: Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan and McKay! Kurow Mountains, Mount St. Bathan's, Mount Pisa, Petrie! 4500–6500 ft.
Very near to V. pulvinaris, but the leaves are broader and the corolla larger, with a much longer tube. It is easily confounded with Myosotis pulvinaris.
71. V. ciliolata, Hook. f. and Benth. Gen. Plant. ii. 964.—A small densely tufted moss-like plant, forming rounded cushions ​1–3 in. diam.; branches rather stout, ½–1 in. high, rarely more, with the leaves on ⅕–¼ in. diam. Leaves densely imbricate, ⅛ in. long, broadly obovate-spathulate, rounded at the tip, coriaceous, quite entire, both surfaces glabrous or nearly so, margins ciliate from below the middle with long stiff white hairs. Flowers solitary, terminal, sessile or nearly so, 1/10–1/8 in. long, white. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments linear-spathulate, ciliate. Corolla salver-shaped; tube cylindrical, rather longer than the calyx; limb flat, spreading, 5- or rarely 6-lobed; lobes oblong, obtuse. Stamens usually included; filaments short; anthers large. Ovary glabrous. Capsule not seen.—Pygmea ciliolata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 217; Ic. Plant. t. 1047; Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 352, t. 32, f. 1.
South Island: Nelson—Discovery Peaks, Travers. Canterbury—Hopkins River, Haast. Otago—Mount Alta and Hector's Col, Buchanan! 5000–6500 ft.
Distinguished from the two preceding by the stouter branches and more coriaceous broader leaves, ciliate on the margins only. When dry the margins of the eaves are incurved, the hairs all pointing inwards.
72. V. loganioides, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 359.—A dwarf shrub 6–14 in. high; stems woody, decumbent at the base, erect above; branches numerous, slender, terete, leafy above, ringed with the scars of the fallen leaves below, pubescent or almost villous with lax soft greyish-white hairs. Leaves decussate, in rather close-set opposite pairs, erecto-patent, sessile, ⅛–⅙ in. long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, entire or sometimes with one or two small teeth on each side, dull-green, coriaceous, keeled. Racemes near the tips of the branches, forming a small corymb-like head, short, few-flowered, rhachis and pedicels pubescent or almost villous. Flowers ¼ in. diam., white or white with pink veins. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, acute, ciliolate. Corolla-tube broad and short, not equalling the calyx; limb 4-lobed; dorsal and lateral lobes subequal, orbicular-oblong, obtuse; anticous lobe narrower, oblong. Capsule elliptical-oblong, didymous, turgid, notched at the tip, rather shorter than the calyx.—Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7404.
South Island: Canterbury—Rangitata Valley, Armstrong! Clyde Valley, W. Gray.
A very remarkable plant, of dubious affinity, quite unlike any other. Mr. Kirk has pointed out that the capsule is didymous, with the septum across the narrowest diameter; and the short tube of the corolla and large rounded lobes also show a relationship to the herbaceous section of the genus. But the habit of the plant, with its woody stems and small close-set leaves, is nearer that of the section including V. lycopodioides and its allies. Mr. Armstrong's original description is by no means characteristic of the specimens cultivated by him in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.
​73. V. linifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 214.—A small much and diffusely branched procumbent herb; branches slender, often rooting below, ascending at the tips, terete, glabrous, 2–9 in. long or more. Leaves numerous, closely placed, spreading, ⅓–1 in. long, 1/10–1/6 in. broad, linear, obtuse at the tip, narrowed into a rather long broad petiole, flat, subcoriaceous, quite entire; margins of petiole ciliate. Racemes 1–3 towards the ends of the branches, 1–2 in. long, slender, naked below, 2–5-flowered; bracts ⅛–⅓ in. long, linear, obtuse; pedicels long, ¼–1 in., slender, curved. Flowers large, ⅓–½ in. diam., white or pale-rose. Calyx ⅙ in. long, deeply 4-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube very short; limb broad, spreading, 4-lobed; lobes broad, rounded, veined. Stamens equalling the corolla-lobes. Capsule broadly obcordate, rather shorter than the calyx.—Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 349.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Owen, W. Townson! Mount Franklin, Park; Lake Tennyson, T.F.C. Canterbury—Broken River, Petrie! Craigieburn Mountains, Cockayne; Upper Waimakariri, Enys! T.F.C.; Ashburton Mountains, Potts! Clyde Glacier and Mount Darwin, Haast. Westland—Otira Valley, T.F.C.; Okarito, A. Hamilton. Otago— Lake Wanaka, Buchanan! mountains near Arrowtown, Petrie! 1500–4500 ft. December–January.
A very distinct and well-marked plant.
74. V. catarractæ, Forst. Prodr. n. 9.—Stems slender, terete, sparingly branched, suberect, or prostrate below and then ascending, 6–24 in. long, glabrous or bifariously pubescent, woody at the base. Leaves rather distant, shortly petiolate, spreading, 1–4 in. long, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, coarsely and sharply serrate, coriaceous or submembranous, flat, 1-nerved, paler beneath. Racemes few or many towards the tips of the branches, solitary and axillary, slender, curved or erect, 3–9 in. long, many-flowered; pedicels slender, puberulous, ⅓–1 in. long; bracts linearsubulate. Flowers ⅓–½ in. diam., white or pale-rose. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-lanceolate or oblong-ovate, acute or acuminate. Corolla with a very short tube and 4 rounded spreading lobes. Capsule broadly oblong, turgid, emarginate or almost 2-lobed, usually about ⅓ longer than the calyx.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 189; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 380; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216. V. irrigans, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ii. (1870) 94.
Var. lanceolata, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195.—Stems shorter and more slender. Leaves ½–1½ in. long, 1/12–1/8 in. broad, linear or narrow linear-lanceolate.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216. V. lanceolata, Benth. in. D.C. Prodr. x. 462.
Var. diffusa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216.—Procumbent, diffusely branched. Leaves ½–1½ in. long, ovate or ovate-oblong, acute. Calyx-segments ovate, acute.—V. diffusa, Hook. f. Ic. Plant. t. 645; Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 195.
North and South Islands: From the Thames goldfields to the south of Otago, but often local. Most plentiful on the west coast of the South Island. Sea-level to 3000 ft. November–January.
​An exceedingly variable plant. Forster's type, judging from the description given by A. Richard, is a rather small-leaved state, with lanceolate leaves 1–2 in. long; and according to Mr. N. E. Brown corresponds to the var. minor of the "Flora Novæ-Zealandiæ." But it passes insensibly into a much more luxuriant state, with leaves sometimes over 4 in. long, and with longer racemes. This again varies into var. lanceolata, Mr. Kirk's V. irrigans being about half-way between the two. Var. diffusa is also connected by numerous intermediates.
75. V. Lyallii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 196.— Stems slender, prostrate and rooting, much and diffusely branched, 3–18 in. long, more rarely suberect from a prostrate base; branches terete, usually bifariously pubescent, sometimes conspicuously so, rarely almost glabrous. Leaves shortly petioled, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, broadly ovate or almost orbicular to oblong-ovate, obtuse or subacute, with 2 or 3 coarse blunt serratures on each side, thick and coriaceous, glabrous, often reddish on the midrib beneath and on the petiole. Racemes several, few- or many-flowered, on slender erect peduncles 2–6 in. long usually springing from near the ends of the branches but sometimes lateral, glabrous or more or less pubescent; pedicels slender, the lowest ½ in. long or more. Flowers ⅓ in. diam., white with pink veins. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, acute, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube very short; limb broad, spreading, with 4 rounded lobes. Stamens shorter than the corollalobes. Capsule broadly obovate-oblong, turgid, 2-lobed or emarginate, exceeding the calyx.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 215; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 349.
Var. suberecta, Cheesem.—Stem woody at the base; branches slender, wiry, erect or suberect. Leaves usually narrower, oblong or obovate-oblong, with coarser and more numerous teeth, sometimes almost lobed.—V. Lyallii var. β. Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 196.
North Island: Ruahine and Tararua Mountains, apparently not common. South Island: Hilly or mountainous districts, abundant, especially on the west side of the Island. Sea-level to 4500 ft. November–March.
A very variable little plant, but on the whole recognised without much difficulty by the prostrate and diffusely branched mode of growth, small broad glabrous leaves, and slender many-ilowered racemes of rather large flowers. V. catarractæ is a much taller and more erect plant, with much longer and narrower leaves and larger flowers. V. Bidwillii differs in its smaller leaves and longer strict racemes. V. Olseni is smaller and stouter, with more of the habit of V. Hookeriana, and has more pubescent racemes and fewer flowers; while V. Hookeriana is separated by the stouter and more rigid habit, pubescent leaves, and much stouter glandular-pubescent raceme with fewer white flowers. The V. Lyallii of the Botanical Magazine (t. 6456) seems to me to be quife different from the true Lyallii in the greater size, erect habit, larger ovate acute leaves, and larger flowers, and probably represents a distinct species intermediate between V. Lyallii and V. catarractæ, but I have seen no specimens.
76. V. Bidwillii, Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 814.—Stems slender, prostrate and rooting, much branched, woody at the base, 3–12 in. long; branches creeping, often matted, glabrous or pubescent. Leaves rather distant, shortly petioled or almost sessile, minute, 1/10–1/4 in. ​long, broadly obloug or obovate, obtuse, with 1 or 2 deep notches on each side or entire, thick and coriaceous, black when dry. Peduncles axillary, remote from the ends of the branches, very long, 3–9 in., slender, strict, erect, glabrous or puberulous, few- or many-flowered; pedicels slender, erect, ¼–½ in. long; bracts small, oblong or linear-oblong, obtuse. Flowers about ⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate or oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube very short; limb with four spreading rounded lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule broadly oblong, retuse, exceeding the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 196; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 215; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 349.
South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts as far south as central Otago, usually on shingle-beds by the sides of streams, ascending to 4000 ft. November–February.
A much more prostrate plant than V. Lyallii, with smaller leaves which usually have only one or two serratures on each side, and with very long strict peduncles.
77. V. Hookeriana, Walp. Rep. iii. 341.—A small stout much or sparingly branched prostrate herb 3–10 in. long; branches short, stout, ascending, leafy, glandular-pubescent. Leaves crowded, very shortly petiolate, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, broadly ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse, coarsely and obtusely crenate, thick and coriaceous, rigid, often black when dry, pubescent on both surfaces or glabrous above. Peduncles usually several, lateral or near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long, stout, erect, densely pubescent, bearing a 4–8-flowered corymbose raceme at the top; bracts, pedicels, and calyces densely glandular-pubescent. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam., white or white streaked with pink. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovate, obtuse. Corolla-tube very short; limb broad, spreading, 4-lobed; lobes rounded. Stamens rather shorter than the lobes. Capsule broadly oblong, about one-third longer than the calyx when mature.—V. nivea, Hook. f. Ic. Plant. t. 640 (not of Lindl.). V. nivalis, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 477; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 196; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 215. V. compacta, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 202.
North Island: Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, Bidwill, Hill! Ruapehu, Kirk! Rev. F. H. Spencer! Petrie! 3000–5000 ft.
The usual state of this plant is excellently figured in the "Icones Plantarum." Its distinguishing characters are the stout habit, rather large closely placed almost sessile rigid and coriaceous leaves, stout glandular-pubescent peduncles, and short corymbose racemes of rather large flowers.
78. V. Olseni, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 607.—Stems prostrate, sparingly branched; branches short, rooting at the nodes, densely pubescent with short spreading hairs. Leaves shortly petioled, rather close-set, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, broadly ovate or almost orbicular, obtuse, deeply and coarsely serrate, ​thick and coriaceous, glabrous, dark-green. Racemes many-flowered, on strict erect densely pubescent lateral peduncles 3–5 in. long; pedicels ¼–½ in. long, slender. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. diam., white with pink veins. Calyx deeply l-partite; segments broadly ovate, obtuse, margins ciliolate. Corolla-tube very short, limb with 4 rounded spreading lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule broadly oblong, turgid, emarginate, one-third as long again as the calyx.
North Island: Ruahine Range, Colenso! Olsen! Petrie! 2000–4000 ft. December–March.
I retain this as a species for the present, although far from satisfied as to its distinctness from V. Hookeriana, from which it differs mainly in the more slender mode of growth, glabrous leaves, more slender and less pubescent manyflowered racemes, and in the narrower capsule. It is apparently intermediate between V. Hookeriana and V. Lyallii.
79. V. spathulata, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 477.—A small prostrate excessively branched pubescent little plant, forming dense patches 3–9 in. across; branches short, stout, ascending, leafy, clothed with crisped white hairs. Leaves crowded, spreading, petiolate, ⅙–½ in. long including the petiole, ovate-spathulate or deltoid-spathulate, obtuse, coarsely crenate or crenate-lobed, thick and coriaceous, black when dry, more or less hairy on both surfaces; petiole about as long as the blade, broad, channelled. Peduncles near the tips of the branches, short, stout, pubescent, equalling the leaves or nearly twice as long as them, 2–5-flowered; bracts foliaceous, and with the pedicels and calyces densely pubescent. Flowers ¼ in. diam., white. Calyx 4-partite; segments oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube short; limb broad, 4-lobed, lobes rounded. Stamens 2, shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule equalling or slightly exceeding the calyx, broadly obcordate, pubescent.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 197; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216; Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 349. V. vulcanica, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 203. V. subrosulata, Col. l.c. xxxi. (1899) 278.
North Island: Tongariro, Bidwill; Ruapehu, Tryon! Hill! Petrie! Rev. F. H. Spencer! Ruahine Mountains, Hill! 3000–6000 ft.
Nearest to V. Hookeriana, but more depressed and much more branched, leaves spathulate on longer petioles, peduncles much shorter, and capsule broader and obcordate.
80. V. plebeia, R. Br. Prodr. 435.—Stems slender, leafy, prostrate and rooting, much and diffusely branched, elongated, 1–3 ft. long, usually minutely pubescent. Leaves on rather long petioles; blade ½–1 in. long, broadly ovate or deltoid, obtuse or subacute, cordate or truncate at the base, coarsely and irregularly acutely toothed, 3-nerved, glabrous or sparsely hairy. Racemes lateral, axillary, pedunculate, 2–5 in. long, slender, loosely 5–10-flowered; ​pedicels spreading, ⅓–½ in. long; bracts linear-obovate. Flowers small, ⅙ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments obovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, enlarging in fruit. Corolla-tube very short; limb with 4 rounded lobes. Stamens shorter than the corollalobes. Capsule transversly oblong or orbicular, compressed, slightly emarginate, altogether included in the enlarged calyx.—Benth. Fl. Austral. iv. 510. V. elongata, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 478; Hook, f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 197; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216. V. calycina, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 382 (not of R. Br.).
North Island.—In lowland situations from the North Cape to the Thames River, rare and local.
81. V. Anagallis, Linn. Sp. Plant. 12.—Stems stout, succulent, glabrous, decumbent at the base, then erect, simple or sparingly branched, 6–18 in. high. Leaves sessile and semiamplexicaul, 1–3 in. long, oblong-lanceolate or linear-oblong, subacute or obtuse, often cordate at the base, more or less serrate or almost entire, membranous when dry. Racemes numerous towards the ends of the branches, axillary, suberect, 4–10 in. long, many-flowered; bracts small, linear or lanceolate. Flowers small, ⅕–¼ in. diam., pale-blue or almost white. Calyx 4-partite; segments ovateoblong, obtuse or subacute. Corolla-tube very short; limb 4-lobed, spreading. Capsule broadly oblong, notched, shorter than the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 197; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 216.
North Island: Hawke's Bay, watery places, Colenso!
This has not been observed since its original discovery by Mr. Colenso, more than fifty years ago. Although a widely distributed plant in the Northern Hemisphere it is unknown in the southern, except in South Africa, where it is supposed to be an introduction, and in New Zealand. Possibly Mr. Colenso's specimens were introduced as well; but if so, it is remarkable that the plant should have apparently disappeared.
82. V. Muelleri, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 351, t. 32.—Stems prostrate or rooting, branched, 6–18 in. long, putting up numerous short suberect branchlets ½–2 in. long. Leaves crowded towards the tips of the branchlets, spreading, petioled, ⅕–⅓ in. long, linear-obovate to ovate-oblong, obtuse, entire or with 1 or 2 coarse notches on each side, coriaceous, glabrous or the petioles ciliate on the margins. Flowers solitary and axillary at the tips of the branches, almost hidden by the leaves, sessile or shortly pedicelled, ⅓ in. diam. Calyx 4-partite; segments linear-obovate, obtuse. Corolla-tube rather long, exceedmg the calyx; limb spreading, 4-lobed. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Capsule equalling the calyx or rather shorter than it, transversely oblong, didymous.
South Island: Otago—Hector's Col, Mount Aspiring Range, alt. 5000ft., Buchanan and McKay!
​Of this I have only seen two very indifierent specimens in Mr. Buchanan's herbarium, both long past flower. It is clearly a very distinct species, and, if Mr. Buchanan's plate is correct, differs widely from all the New Zealand species belonging to the section with didymous capsules in the elongated tube of the corolla.
83. V. Cheesemanii, Benth. in Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 1366a.—Small, greyish-green, densely tufted, forming rounded cushions 2–5 in. diam., pubescent in all its parts; branches slender, closely compacted. Leaves spreading, ⅛–½ in. long, narrow-obovate, obtuse, coarsely and obtusely toothed or lobed, puberulous on both surfaces, narrowed into a long or short broad petiole. Flowers solitary and axillary, subsessile, small, white, ⅛ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite, segments linear-spathulate, spreading, coarsely toothed towards the tip. Corolla slightly longer than the calyx; tube very short; limb with 4 obovate emarginate lobes. Stamens shorter than the corolla-lobes. Ovary broadly ovoid, hispid. Capsule shorter than the calyx, broadly didymous, slightly compressed, hispid, 4-valved to the base.—Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 299.
South Island: Nelson—Summit of Gordon's Nob and the Raglan Mountains, T.F.C.; Mount Starveall, F. G. Gibbs! Canterbury—Shingle-slopes near the source of the Otira River, T.F.C., Cockayne! 3500–5500 ft.
A peculiar little plant, with much of the aspect of a small Euphrasia.
84. V. canescens, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ix. (1877) 503, t. 19.—A small creeping and rooting herb with intricately branched stems 1–4 in. long, often forming broad matted patches, everywhere hispid with greyish-white hairs. Leaves minute, spreading, shortly petioled or subsessile, 1/12–1/10 in. long, obtuse, entire, more or less densely clothed on both surfaces with curved hispid hairs. Flowers solitary and axillary, large for the size of the plant, ¼–⅓ in. diam., pale-blue; peduncles short, slender, ¼ in. long, with two hispid bracts below the middle. Calyx 4–5-partite; segments linear-oblong, hispid. Corolla-tube very short; limb spreading, 4-lobed; lobes unequal, oblong, often emarginate. Capsule small, broadly oblong, slightly compressed, retuse, altogether included in the calyx.—Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 516.
South Island: Canterbury—Lake Forsyth, Kirk! Lake Ellesmere, Armstrong; Lake Lyndon, Enys! Kirk! T.F.C.; Mackenzie Plains, Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, T.F.C. Otago—Near Oamaru, Buchanan! central Otago, plentiful, Petrie! Wycliffe Bay, near Dunedin, B. C. Aston! Sea-level to 3000 ft. December–March.
Usually found on the dried-up margins of lakes and pools. It is probably not uncommon in suitable localities on the eastern side of the South Island, but is easily overlooked, except when in flower.
8. OURISIA, Comm.
Perennial herbs, erect or decumbent or more or less prostrate. Leaves opposite, mostly radical, entire or more usually crenate. ​Flowers axillary and solitary, or racemose or subumbelled on a scapiform peduncle. Calyx 5-lobed or 5-partite. Corolla more or less oblique or curved; tube long or short; lobes 5, spreading, imbricate in the bud, one of the lateral ones on the outside. Stamens 4, didynamous, included; filaments short; anthers reniform, the cells diverging at the base, confluent at the tip. Ovary 2-celled; style filiform; stigma capitate; ovules numerous in each cell. Capsule 2-celled, turgid or sub-compressed, grooved on each side, loculicidally 2-valved, the placentas attached to the middle of the valves. Seeds numerous; testa loose, reticulate.
A handsome genus of about 20 species, confined to Andine South America, New Zealand, and Tasmania. All the New Zealand species are endemic.
A. Erect or decumbent at the very base. Leaves all radical. (Stems often creeping in O. sessilifolia). :
| Stout, glabrous or nearly so, 9–24 in. high. Leaves coriaceous, long-petioled. Upper bracts whorled. Flowers ¾–1 in. diam. | 1. O. macrocarpa. |
| More slender, pubescent or pilose, 6–24 in. high. Leaves submembranous, long-petioled. Upper bracts whorled. Flowers ½–¾ in. diam. | 2. O. macrophylla. |
| Small, slender, pubescent, 2–9 in. high. Leaves submembranous, long-petioled. Upper bracts in pairs, rarely in threes. Flowers ½–⅔ in. diam. | 3. O. Colensoi. |
| Stout, most densely glandular-hairy, 2–6 in. high. Leaves obovate, narrowed into short broad petioles. Bracts in pairs. Flowers ¾ in. diam. | 4. O. sessilifolia. |
| B. Creeping, often matted or ccsspitose. Leaves close-set along the creeping stem, usually distichous. ||
| Glabrous or nearly so. Leaves ¾–1¼ in., ovate-spathulate, thickly coriaceous, crenate. Flowers ¾–1 in. diam. | 5. O. Cockayniana. |
| Glabrous or nearly so. Leaves ⅛–⅓ in., obovate-spathulate, thickly coriaceous, entire or with 2-3 deep notches | 6. O. cæspitosa. |
| Leaves ⅓–⅔ in., upper surface densely glandular-pubescent. Peduncles and bracts sparingly pubescent | 7. O. prorepens. |
| Leaves ¼–¾ in., margins ciliate with long jointed hairs. Peduncles and bracts thickly glandular-pubescent | 8. O. glandulosa. |
1. O. macrocarpa, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 198.—Stems stout, erect from a short thick creeping rhizome, 9–24 in. high, purplish below, glabrous or with faint hairy lines recurrent from the bases of the bracts. Radical leaves numerous, on stout petioles 2–6 in. long; blade 1–5 in., ovate-oblong to broadly oblong or orbicular, obtuse or subacute, cuneate at the base or narrowed into the petiole, crenate, dark-green above, paler beneath, very thick and coriaceous, quite glabrous except the margins towards the base, which are ciliate. Flowering-stem very stout. Cauline leaves 1 or 2 pairs, ovate or oblong, almost connate at the base, sessile. Inflorescence of 4–8 superposed whorls of pedicelled flowers. Bracts 3–6 in a whorl, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, coriaceous, ​crenate. Flowers large, ¾–1 in. diam., white; pedicels 1–3 in. long. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments ⅛ in. long, linear-oblong, obtuse, coriaceous, glabrous or the margins alone ciliate. Corolla-tube short and broad, villous within; lobes obovate, retuse. Capsule ⅓–½ in. long, ovoid-oblong.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 218. O. calycina, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxi. (1889) 97.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Franklin, Park. Canterbury—Arthur's Pass, Kirk! T.F.C.; Ashburton Mountains, T. H. Potts! Mount Cook district, T.F.C. Westland—Kelly's Hill, Rangitaipo, Petrie! Franz Joseph Glacier, Haast. Otago—Sounds of the south-west coast, Lyall, Buchanan! Clinton Valley, Petrie! Sea-level to 3500 ft. November–January.
The finest species of the genus. It is allied to the following, but is easily separated by the much stouter and more coriaceous habit, by being nearly glabrous, and by the larger flowers and capsules.
2. O. macrophylla, Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 545, 546.—Erect from a short stout decumbent rhizome, 6–24 in. high, more or less pubescent or pilose with soft spreading hairs, rarely almost glabrous. Radical leaves variable in size and shape, on long petioles; petioles 1–6 in. long, stout or slender, sheathing at the base; blade 1–5 in., ovate or ovate-oblong to orbicular-oblong, obtuse, oblique and cordate or cuneate at the base, crenate, rather thin and membranous, sparsely pubescent or almost glabrous. Flowering-stem erect, rather stout or slender. Cauline leaves 1 or rarely 2 pairs, ovate, sessile. Inflorescence of 3–7 superposed whorls of pedicellate flowers, in small varieties sometimes reduced to a few-flowered terminal umbel. Bracts 3–8 in a whorl, linear-oblong or linear-obovate to linear, crenate. Flowers large, ½–¾ in. diam., white or white with purplish streaks; pedicels ½–2 in. long, slender, erect. Calyx deeply 5-partite; segments ¼ in. long, lanceolate or linear, glandular-hairy. Corolla-tube slightly curved, villous within; lobes obovate, retuse. Capsule ¼ in. long, ovoid-oblong, turgid, membranous.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 197; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 218. O. robusta, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvii. (1886) 246.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Not uncommon in damp mountainous localities from Moehau (Gape Colville) southwards. Sea level to 4500 ft. November–January.
In its fully developed state this is an exceedingly handsome plant. It is perhaps nowhere more abundant than on Mount Egmont, where it was originally discovered by Dieffenbach.
3. O. Colensoi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 218.—Rhizome slender, creeping; stems erect, 2–9 in. high, pilose with soft spreading hairs. Leaves all radical, on slender petioles ½–1 in. long; blade about the same length, oblong or ovate-oblong, obtuse, subcordate or cuneate at the base, crenate, rather membranous, sparsely glandular-hairy on both surfaces or almost glabrous. Flowering-stem or scape 1–8-flowered; bracts in pairs or rarely in ​threes, linear-oblong, crenate. Flowers ½ in. diam., white; pedicels ¼–1 in. long. Calyx 5-partite; segments linear, glandularpubescent. Corolla-tube short, curved; lobes obovate, retuse. Capsule broadly oblong, turgid.
North and South Islands: Mountainous districts from Lake Taupo and the Ruahine Mountains southwards. 1500–3500 ft. December–January.
Probably only a reduced state of O. macrophylla.
4. O. sessilifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 218.—Rhizome stout or slender, creeping and rooting, branched, glandular-hairy above. Leaves all radical, spreading and appressed to the surface of the ground, 1–2 in. long, broadly ovate- or obovate-spathulate, obtuse, suddenly narrowed into broad short petioles, crenate, scarcely coriaceous, pale-green, upper surface and margins densely villous with glandular hairs, under-surface not so thickly clothed but rarely glabrate. Peduncle stout, 2–6 in. high, 2–8-flowered, most densely villous, as are the bracts, pedicels, and calyces. Bracts obovate or oblong, crenate; pedicels short, stout. Flowers large, ¾ in. diam., white shading into purple at the base. Calyx ⅓ in. long, 5-partite; segments linear-oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube broad; lobes large, rounded, retuse at the tip. Capsule ovate-oblong, not seen quite ripe.
South Island: Marlborough—Kaikoura Mountains, Buchanan! Nelson—Mount Buckland, W. Townson! Canterbury, Westland, and Otago—Not uncommon on the higher mountains of the dividing-range. Stewart Island: Summit of Mount Anglem, Kirk! 3500–6500 ft. December–February.
This can hardly be described as erect, the leafy part of the stem being sometimes elongated and creeping. There seems to be two forms—one large and stout, very densely villous and with large flowers; the other smaller, with darker green leaves which are not so hairy, and with fewer smaller flowers.
5. O. Cockayniana, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxix. (1897) 426.—Forming large matted patches. Stems 3–6 in. long or more, branched, rather stout, creeping and rooting, glabrous or nearly so. Leaves in close-set opposite pairs, spreading and recurved, ¾–1¼ in. long, ovate or ovate-spathulate, obtuse, suddenly narrowed into rather long sheathing petioles, crenate, bright-green above, often purplish below, coriaceous, glabrous or the margins of the petioles ciliate. Peduncles stout, erect, purplish, 3–6 in. high, 3–6-flowered, glabrous or nearly so. Bracts rather large, narrow obovate-spathulate, crenate, margins sometimes ciliate towards the base; pedicels slender, 1–1½ in. long. Flowers large, ¾–1 in. diam., white. Calyx ⅓ in. long, 5-partite; segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube broad, rather longer than the calyx; lobes broadly oblong, retuse. Ripe capsules not seen.
South Island: Canterbury—Arthur's Pass and source of the Poulter River, Cockayne! Westland—Source of the Otira, Kelly's Hill, Mount Alexander, Cockayne! Otago—Cosmos Peaks, Lake Wakatipu, H. J. Matthews! 3000–4500 ft. December–January.
Allied to O. cæspitosa, but distinguished by the larger size, much larger ovate-spathulate long-petioled leaves, and larger flowers.
6. O. cæspitosa, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 198.—Forming broad matted patches. Stems often much branched, 2–6 in. long or more, creeping and rooting, stout or rather slender, leafy, glabrous or sparingly pilose or tomentose; branches short, ascending. Leaves close-set, spreading and recurved, usually distichous, ⅙–⅓ in. long, obovate-spathulate, obtuse, narrowed into a short broad sheathing petiole or almost sessile, coriaceous or almost fleshy, bright-green, glabrous or the margins of the petioles ciliate, entire or more usually with 1–3 deep notches or crenatures. Peduncles strict, erect, 1–3 in. long, 1–5-flowered, glabrous, as are the bracts, pedicels, and calyces. Bracts 1 or 2 pairs, similar to the leaves; pedicels slender. Flowers ½–⅔ in. diam., white. Calyx ¼ in. long, 5-partite; segments oblong or linear-oblong, obtuse, often dilated at the tip. Corolla-tube broad, rather longer than the calyx; lobes broad, rounded. Capsule ⅕ in. long, ovate-oblong.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 219.
Var. gracilis, Hook. f. l.c. 738.—Much more slender. Leaves smaller, 1/10–1/6 in. long. Peduncles slender, 1–2-flowered; bracts small. Flowers smaller, ⅓–½ in. diam. Calyx-segments linear-oblong.
North Island: Summit of Mount Hikurangi, Adams and Petrie! Ruahine Mountains, Colenso! Petrie! Tararua Mountains, T. P. Arnold! W. Townson! South Island: Not uncommon in mountainous localities from Nelson to Otago. Stewart Island: Summit of Mount Anglem, Kirk! 3000–6500 ft. December–February.
A pretty little plant, easily recognised by the matted habit, small bright-green almost glabrous leaves, and glabrous peduncle, bracts, and calyces.
7. O. prorepens, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxv. (1893) 272.—Stems rather slender, branched, creeping and rooting, 2–4 in. long, glandular-hairy. Leaves close-set, spreading, distichous, ⅓–⅔ in. long, obovate, rounded at the tip, narrowed into a broad thin petiole at the base, crenate, densely glandular-pilose above, almost glabrate with the veins conspicuous beneath. Peduncles erect, 2–4 in. high, sparingly glandular-pubescent, 3–6-flowered. Bracts 1 or 2 pairs, similar to the leaves, nearly glabrous; pedicels slender. Flowers large, ¾ in. diam., white. Calyx about ¼ in. long, 5-partite; segments oblong, obtuse, sparingly glandular-pubescent. Corolla-tube longer than the calyx; lobes broad, rounded. Ripe capsules not seen.
South Island: Otago—Mount Bonpland, Petrie! Mount Kyeburn, H. J. Matthews! 4000–5000 ft.
​A puzzling plant, agreeing in some of its characters with O. sessilifolia, O. glandulosa, and O. cæspitosa, but which cannot be satisfactorily placed with any of the three.
8. O. glandulosa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 219.—Forming broad patches. Stems stout, branched, creeping and rooting, glabrous or nearly so, 2–6 in. long. Leaves close-set, imbricating, usually distichous, spreading or recurved, ¼–¾ in. long, obovate-spathulate, rounded at the tip, gradually narrowed into a short broad petiole or sessile, entire or obscurely crenate, thick and coriaceous, margins densely ciliate with long jointed hairs, upper surface glandular-pilose towards the tip, under-surface glabrous, veined. Peduncles stout, erect, 1–3 in. long, 1–6-flowered, thickly covered with spreading glandular hairs, as are the bracts, pedicels, and calyces. Bracts 1 to 3 pairs, similar to the leaves; pedicels slender. Flowers ½–¾ in. diam., white. Calyx ¼–⅓ in. long, 5-partite; segments oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube short and broad; lobes obovate, rounded at the tip. Capsule nearly ⅓ in. long, ovoid, acute, equalling the calyx-segments.
South Island: Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan! Kurow Mountains, Dunstan Mountains, Mount Cardiona, Mount St. Bathan's, Petrie! 3500–6000 ft. November–January.
9. EUPHRASIA, Linn.
Annual or perennial herbs, more or less parasitic. Leaves opposite, toothed or laciuiate or palmately 3–5-fid, on the flowering branches often insensibly passing into leafy bracts. Flowers in terminal spikes or racemes, or few towards the tips of the branches. Calyx tubular or campanulate, 4-lobed; lobes equal or connate in pairs. Corolla-tube narrow below, dilated above; limb 2-lipped; upper lip erect, concave, 2-lobed; lower lip 3-lobed. Stamens 4, didynamous, converging beneath the upper lip; anther-cells distinct, parallel, equally or unequally mucronate at the base. Style pilose; stigma capitate. Capsule oblong or oblong-orbicular, compressed, loculicidally dehiscent. Seeds usually numerous, pendulous, oblong, longitudinally grooved.
A genus found in the temperate regions of both hemispheres. The species are extremely variable and difficult to characterize, and are variously estimated at from 20 to 80, according to the dificrent views of authors. I have to express my indebtedness to Dr. R. von Wettstein's elaborate monograph for much information respecting the New Zealand forms, all of which are endemic.
| * Ovary with several ovules in each cell. |
| Perennial, erect, 6–30 in. high, much branched. Leaves narrowed into a distinct petiole, margins fiat. Flowers numerous, large, ½–¾ in. long | 1. E. cuneata. |
| Perennial, usually erect, 3–8 in. high, sparingly branched. Leaves close-set, not narrowed into a distinct petiole, margins recurved. Flowers large, ½–¾ in. long | 2. E. Monroi. ​ |
| Annual, or the rootstock alone perennial, erect or decumbent, slender, 1–4 in. high. Leaves distant, sessile, margins recurved. Flowers large, ½–¾ in. long | 3. E. revoluta. |
| Annual, erect, sparingly branched, 1–4 in. high. Leaves remote, ovate, toothed. Flowers ⅓–½ in. long, yellow | 4. E. Cockayniana. |
| Annual, erect or decumbent, much or sparingly branched, 1–4 in. high. Leaves remote, ovate, toothed. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. long, white | 5. E. zealandica. |
| ** Ovary with only 2 ovules in each cell. |
| Annual, slender, much branched from the base, 1–3 in. high. Leaves with 2–4 obtuse teeth. Flowers ⅓–½ in. long; peduncles long, slender | 6. E. Cheesemanii. |
| Annual, branched from the base, ½–1½ in. high; branches weak, not rooting. Leaves deeply 5-lobed. Flowers ¼ in. long, almost sessile, tube of corolla short | 7. E. Dyeri. |
| Perennial, very slender, creeping and rooting, 1–4 in. long. Leaves remote, minute, deeply 3-lobed. Flowers axillary, peduncled, ⅓–½ in. long; tube of corolla long | 8. E. repens. |
1. E. cuneata, Forst. Prodr. n. 234.—Perennial, 6–30 in. high or even more; stems erect or decumbent, firm, sometimes almost woody at the base, usually much branched and often excessively so, rarely simple; branches slender, virgate, leafy, puberulous or rarely almost glabrous. Leaves variable in size and shape, ⅕–⅔ in. long, broad or narrow obovate-cuneate, rounded at the tip, narrowed at the base into a distinct petiole of variable length, coriaceous, glabrous, with 1–3 more or less distinct notches on each side, rarely entire; margins flat, not recurved. Flowers usually very numerous, in large specimens from the repeated branching of the flowering stems and the reduction of the upper leaves to bracts forming a quasi-paniculate inflorescence, in smaller forms spicate; peduncles shorter than the calyx. Calyx small, narrow, 4-lobed; lobes obtuse, shorter than the tube. Corolla large, ½–¾ in. long, white with a yellow eye, sometimes with purplish streaks, pilose externally; upper lip 2-lobed, lobes emarginate; lower lip 3-lobed. Capsule linear-cuneate, emarginate, hairy or at length glabrous, exceeding the calyx. Seeds numerous, elongate.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 191; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 384; Raoul, Choix, 43; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 199; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 219; Wettst. Monog. Euphr. 247, t. v. f. 369-374, and t. xiv. f. 1. E. tricolor, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 264.
North Island: From the East Cape and Taupo southwards to Cook Strait, not uncommon. South Island: Has been recorded from several stations from Nelson to Otago, but I have seen no specimens which I can refer to it. Sea-level to 4500 ft. December–March.
A distinct species, well marked by the large size, much-branched perennial habit, cuneate leaves narrowed into a distinct petiole, large pedicelled flowers, and long narrow capsule. There seems to be two main varieties—one tall and slender, with numerous leafy branches, narrow long-petioled leaves, and copious inflorescence; the other, which is principally montane or subalpine, and which ​corresponds to Colenso's E. tricolor, is not so much branched, the leaves are shorter and broader, on shorter petioles, and the flowers are spicate along the upper part of the branches. It might be distinguished as var. tricolor.
2. E. Monroi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 220.—Perennial, sometimes woody at the very base; stems erect or decumbent below, 3–8 in. high, leafy abovie, sparingly branched, faintly bifariously pubescent. Leaves rather close-set, spreading, ⅕–⅓ in. long, obovate or obovate-spathulate, obtuse, narrowed to the base but not evidently petiolate, coriaceous, glabrous, furnished with one or two short obtuse teeth on each side, margins thick, recurved. Flowers in short few-flowered leafy spikes towards the ends of the branches, sessile or very shortly peduncled; bracts similar to the leaves. Calyx 4-lobed; lobes short, thick, obtuse or subacute, margins recurved. Corolla ½–⅔ in. long; tube funnel-shaped, exceeding the calyx; upper lip bilobed, lower lip trilobed; lobes refuse. Capsule obovate, retuse, equalling the calyx or slightly longer than it.—Wettst. Monog. Euphr. 248, t. v. f. 375–382, and t. xiv. f. 2.
South Island: Not uncommon on the mountains of Nelson and Marlborough. Canterbury—Hurunui Mountains, Travers; Southern Alps, Sinclair and Haast (Handbook). 3000–5000 ft. December–March.
Very closely allied to E. cuneata, but a smaller much more sparingly branched plant, with close-set uniform leaves not obviously petiolate and with the margins recurved. It is also without the copious branched inflorescence of the typical state of E. cuneata, the flowers being few towards the tips of the branches. It should be mentioned that in both E. cuneata and E. Monroi it is only a part of the plant which is perennial, the flower-bearing branchlets perishing during winter, their places being taken by new shoots produced during the following season.
3. E. revoluta, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 199.—Annual, or sometimes the rootstock perennial. Stems 1–4 in. high, very slender, much or sparingly branched from the base, often creeping and putting up few or many ascending branchlets, more or less glandular-pubescent. Leaves in rather distant pairs, sessile, very variable in size, the lowest usually the smallest, ⅛–½ in. long, obovate-cuneate, obtuse or subacute, narrowed to the base, furnished with 1–3 teeth on each side, glandular-pubescent or glabrous, margins revolute. Mowers few towards the tips of the branches, large, ½–¾ in. diam.; peduncles shorter or longer than the leaves. Calyx shortly 4-lobed; lobes triangular, acute, much shorter than the tube. Corolla-tube funnel-shaped, exceeding the calyx; limb spreading; upper lip 2-lobed; lower lip 3-lobed, lobes deeply emarginate. Capsule oblong, obtuse; seeds numerous in each cell.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 220; Wettst. Monog. Euphr. 266, t. xiv. f. 8.
North Island: Mount Hikurangi, S. Dodgshun; Ruahine Mountains, Colenso! H. Hill! Petrie! Ruapehu, H. Hill! South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts throughout. 2500–5500 ft. December–March.
​All exceedingly variable plant, best distinguished from the two following by the different habit, much larger flowers and usually longer peduncles.
4. E. Cockayniana, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvi. (1894) 269.—Annual. Stems slender, erect, 2–5 in. high, sparingly branched from the base; branches ascending, more or less clothed with short crisp glandular pubescence. Leaves in remote opposite pairs, ⅕–⅓ in. long, ovate or rhomboid-ovate, subacute, cuneate at the base, furnished with 2–3 rather large teeth on each side, both surfaces more or less glandular-pubescent, margins reflexed. Flowers few towards the tips of the branches, sessile or very shortly peduncled, nearly ½ in. long, bright-yellow. Calyx oblongcampanulate, 4-lobed to the middle, lobes subacute. Corolla-tube longer than the calyx; upper lip 2-lobed, lobes entire; lower lip 3-lobed, lobes emarginate. Capsule broadly oblong, included in the enlarged calyx, glabrous or nearly so.—E. Berggreni, Wettst. Monog. Euphr. 265, f. 4, 5.
South Island: Canterbury and Westland—Arthur's Pass, Berggren, Kirk! Cockayne! T.F.C.; Kelly's Hill, Petrie! 3000–4500 ft. December–March.
The only species yet recognised in New Zealand with the flowers wholly yellow. Except in the colour of the flowers and in the larger corolla it hardly differs from some states of E. zealandica.
5. E. zealandica, Wettst. Monog. Euphr. 264, t. vi. f. 430–435, and t. xiv. f. 10.—Annual. Stems slender, erect, 1–4 in. high, much or sparingly branched from the base, or in depauperated specimens simple, more or less bifariously pubescent with short crisp white hairs; branches spreading or ascending, sometimes prostrate. Leaves in distant opposite pairs, sessile, ⅙–⅓ in. long, ovate, obtuse or subacute, cuneate at the base, furnished with 2–4 rather large teeth on each side, both surfaces glandular-pubescent, margins reflexed. Flowers few towards the tips of the branches, sessile or very shortly pedicelled, ¼–⅓ in. long, white; peduncles elongating in fruit. Calyx oblong-campanulate, 4-lobed; lobes usually shorter than the tube. Corolla-tube scarcely longer than the calyx; upper lip short, arched, 2-lobed; lower lip 3-lobed; all the lobes entire. Capsule broad, almost orbicular, scarcely exceeding the enlarged calyx; seeds several in each cell.—E. antarctica, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 199; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 220 (not of Benth.). E. pygmæa, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1889) 279.
North Island: Ruahine Mountains, Colenso! Tryon! Olsen! Upper Wairarapa, Buchanan. South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts throughout. 2000–6000 ft. December–March.
Distinguished from E. revoluta by the different habit, much more conspicuously toothed leaves, and much smaller flowers; from E. Cockayniana by ​the smaller flowers, which are never altogether yellow; and from E. Cheesemanii by the almost sessile flowers, shorter and narrower corolla, and especially by the numerous ovules.
6. E. Cheesemanii, Wettst. in Osterr. Bot. Zeit. (1900) 381, f. 1–5.—A slender annual herb 1½–2½ in. high, much branched from the base; branches spreading or ascending, minutely pubescent. Leaves small, sessile, shorter than the internodes, ⅙–⅓ in. long, ovate or obovate-cuneate, obtuse, more or less clothed with short crisp glandular pubescence, margins with 2–4 obtuse teeth on each side. Flowers axillary towards the tips of the branches, rather remote, large for the size of the plant, ⅓–½ in. long; peduncles long, slender, ⅓–¾ in. long. Calyx campanulate, shortly 4-lobed; lobes obtuse, sparsely glandular-pubescent. Corolla broadly funnelshaped; tube much longer than the calyx; upper lip short, 2-lobed; lower lip 3-lobed; lobes obtuse. Ovary pubescent, with 2 superposed ovules in each cell. Capsule obovate, compressed, slightly longer than the calyx.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur Plateau and Mount Owen, T.F.C.; Mount Mantell and Brunner Range, W. Townson! 3500–5000 ft. December–February.
This has much of the appearance of E. zealandica, but can be distinguished by the longer peduncles, fruiting-calyx not conspicuously enlarged, longer and narrower corolla, and by the ovary having only 2 ovules in each cell.
7. E. Dyeri, Wettst. Monog. Euphr. 267, f. 6, 7.—A minute delicate annual herb ½–1½ in. high, branched from the base; branches weak, spreading, not rooting. Leaves in opposite pairs, 1/10–1/6 in. long, broadly obovate in outline or broader than long, deeply 5-lobed or more rarely 3-lobed; lobes flat, erect, acute, minutely setulose on the margins. Flowers axillary, solitary, ¼ in. long; peduncles usually short but sometimes equalling the leaves. Calyx campanulate, 4-lobed half-way down; lobes flat, acute, minutely setulose. Corolla-tube longer than the calyx, sometimes ⅔ as long again, curved below; limb with the upper lip short, broad, concave, shortly 2-lobed; lower lip 3-lobed. Anthers cohering. Ovary pubescent; ovules 2 in each cell, pendulous. Capsule obovate-oblong, compressed, shorter than the calyx.
South Island: Otago—Mount Kyeburn, Mount Buster, Petrie! summit of Maungatua, B. C. Aston! Stewart Island: Near Port Pegasus, Kirk! 500–4500 ft.
8. E. repens, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 200.—A minute very slender creeping and rooting glabrous or puberulous herb; branches prostrate, almost filiform, 1–4 in. long, rooting at the nodes. Leaves minute, in rather remote pairs, sessile, 1/12–1/10 long, cuneate, deeply 3-lobed; lobes flat, acute, erect. Flowers axillary and solitary, erect, large for the size of the plant, ⅓–½ in. ​long; peduncles slender, exceeding the leaves, sometimes ⅓ in. long. Calyx 4-lobed to about ⅓-way down; lobes flat, erect, acute. Corolla-tube slender, curved, more than twice as long as the calyx; upper lip short, broad, shortly 2-lobed; lower lip 3-lobed. Anthers glabrous or nearly so. Ovary pubescent; ovules 2 in each cell, pendulous. Ripe capsules not seen.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 221; Wettst. Monog. Euphr. 253.
South Island: Otago—Bluff Island, Lyall; mouth of the Oreti River, Kirk!
A very remarkable little plant, distinguished from the preceding by the creeping and rooting habit, smaller remote 3-lobed leaves, longer and narrower flowers on longer peduncles, and shorter calyx-lobes.
10. ANAGOSPERMA, Wettst.
A small creeping intricately branched herb. Leaves opposite, entire or 3-lobed. Flowers solitary and axillary, erect, shortly peduncled. Calyx oblong-campanulate, 5-lobed to the middle; lobes equal, ovate-lanceolate, acute. Corolla-tube excessively long and slender, 1–2 in. long, narrow at the base, gradually expanded above; limb short, 2-lipped; upper lip erect, obcordate, shortly 2-lobed; lower lip rather shorter, spreading or deflexed, 3-lobed. Stamens 4, didynamous; anthers large, almost as long as the lower lip of the corolla, mucronate at the base. Ovary small, broadly ovoid, 2-celled; ovules solitary, pendulous from the top of the cell. Style slender; stigma circinately incurved. Capsule broadly obcuneate, much broader than long, loculicidally dehiscent, compressed. Seeds one in each cell, large, oblong, pendulous.
A very remarkable monotypic genus, confined to New Zealand. It is closely allied to Euphrasia, but differs in the extraordinary length of the corolla-tube, in the solitary ovules, and in the broad obcuneate capsule.
1. A. dispermum, Wettst. in Deutsch. Bot. Ges. xiii (1895) 242.—Stems very slender, weak, procumbent and matted, 2–4 in. long, sparsely glandular-pubescent. Leaves in rather remote pairs, sessile or nearly so, ⅙–¼ in. long, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed to the base, entire or deeply 3-lobed, 3-nerved, glabrous or glandular-pubescent. Flowers on short curved peduncles, erect. Corolla about ½–¾ in. long when first expanded, but elongating as the flowering advances and often becoming 2 in. long, very many times longer than the small calyx. Capsule 1/10–1/8 in. long, very much broader than long.—Euphrasia longiflora, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xi. (1879) 440, not of Vahl. E. (Anagosperma) disperma, Hook. f. Ic. Plant. t. 1283; Kirk, l.c. xii. (1880) 396, t. 14.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Rochfort and other mountains near Westport, Rev. F. H. Spencer! Dr. Gaze! W. Townson! Westland—Paparoa Range, R. Helms! Ahaura Plain, Lake Brunner, Teremakau Paddock, Kirk! Okarito, A. Hamilton! 250–3500 ft. January–March.
11. SIPHONIDIUM, Armstr.
"Leaves opposite. Flowers hermaphrodite. Calyx carapanulate, deeply 4-toothed, much wrinkled when dry; teeth with narrow acuminate points. Corolla funnel-shaped with an exceedingly slender curved tube 3 in. long, dilated upwards, swollen or slightly spurred about three-fourths of the way up at the commencement of the broadest part; throat campanulate; limb 2-lipped, upper lip of one narrow erect or suberect concave lobe; lower lip of three nearly equal spreading rounded lobes, throat not tumid but having a few scattered hairs. Stamens 4, didynamous, inserted on the throat, included, the two lower the longest. Anthers 2-celled, introrse. Style extremely slender, a little longer than the stamens, with a 2-lobed stigma. Ovary superior. Capsule 2celled, loculicidal, included within the calyx. Seeds minute (capsule immature)."
1. S. longiflorum, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 341.—"A small creeping or trailing herb. Branches clothed with scattered spreading hairs. Leaves opposite, ¼ in. long, entire, linear-lanceolate, rarely ovate, acuminate, obscurely 3-nerved, pubescent or glabrous, shortly petiolate. Flowers solitary, axillary, very shortly peduncled, not bracteate. Corolla pubescent, pale-blue(?) with darker veins."
South Island: Karamea, west coast of Nelson, Rev F. H. Spencer.
This is unknown to me, and in the absence of further information I have reproduced Mr. Armstrong's original description. It agrees in so many points with the characters of Anagosperma that the suspicion arises that the two plants may prove identical. But if Mr. Armstrong's description is correct it differs in the longer corolla-tube, the entire upper lip, and 2-lobed stigma. Mr. Armstrong does not mention the number of ovules.