# Manual of the New Zealand Flora/Compositæ

Additions and Corrections
Order XXXVIII. COMPOSITÆ.
Herbs, shrubs, or small trees. Leaves alternate, rarely opposite or whorled; stipules wanting. Inflorescence composed of one or many flower-heads (capitula), each consisting of numerous minute flowers (florets) sessile and densely packed on the enlarged tip of the flower-stalk (receptacle), surrounded by an involucre of whorled bracts and resembling a single flower. Heads either solitary and terminal (rarely axillary) or arranged in corymbose cymes or panicles, sometimes contracted into clusters or even compound heads. Involucre of few or many bracts (scales of the involucre) arranged m one or several rows. Receptacle either naked (no bracteoles mixed with the florets) or with bracteoles in the shape of chaffy scales or bristles (paleæ) placed at the outside of most or all of the florets, sometimes with the surface pitted or honeycombed. Florets many or few (very rarely 1), either all of one kind as regards sex, when the heads are said to be homogamous, or of more than one kind, when they are called heterogamous. The homogamous heads either have all their florets tubular and hermaphrodite (discoid) or all ligulate and hermaphrodite (liguliflorous). The heterogamous heads frequently have the central florets tubular and hermaphrodite or male, and the outer ones ligulate and female or neuter. The heads are then said to be radiate. The tubular florets in the centre are called florets of the disc, or simply disc-florets; the ligulate ones florets of the ray, or ray-florets. Heterogamous ​heads are also discoid when the marginal female florets have tubular corollas instead of ligulate. Calyx superior, adnate to the ovary and hardly to be distinguished from it; limb either wanting or composed of scales, bristles, or hairs, and then called pappus. Corolla gamopetalous, superior, either tubular or campanulate with 4–5 valvate lobes, or ligulate with the lobes cohering into a strapshaped lamina which spreads to one side. Stamens 4–5, inserted on the tube of the corolla and alternate with its lobes; filaments usually free; anthers united into a sheath surrounding the style, cells sometimes produced at the base into bristle-like points or tails. Ovary inferior, 1-celled; style slender, 2-fid, branches short or long, linear, usually semi-terete, furnished with variously placed and arranged collecting-hairs for sweeping the pollen from the anthercells, margins stigmatic; ovule solitary, erect, anatropous. Fruit a small dry seed-like nut called an achene, either crowmed by the persistent pappus or naked. Seed erect, with a membranous testa; albumen wanting; embryo straight, radicle short, inferior.
A vast order, by far the largest of flowering plants, comprising about 800 genera and 10000 species. It is found in every part of the world, from the equator to the limits of phænogamic vegetation in the arctic and antarctic regions, and is equally plentiful in lowland districts and in mountainous or alpine situations. In New Zealand it constitutes rather more than one-seventh of the total number of flowering plants, a somewhat large proportion, the ratio of the whole order to the flowering plants of the world being generally estimated at about one-tenth. Although so numerous in species, the order is far from being proportionately important from an economic point of view. Edible species are singularly few, the chief being the Jerusalem and common artichoke, lettuce, and chicory. Oils are yielded by the sunflower and by Madia sativa. The chief medicinal plants are arnica, wormwood, and camomile. Many ornamental species are cultivated in gardens, as the various Isinds of chrysanthemums, dahlias, cinerarias, asters, sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, &c.; but on the whole it must be confessed that the majority of the plants composing the order present a weedy and unattractive appearance. Of the 26 indigenous genera 16 are widely spread; 5 extend to Australia alone (Brachycome, Olearia, Celmisia, Raoulia, Craspedia), but of these Celmisia and Raoulia are very feebly represented outside New Zealand. One genus (Cassinia) reaches South Africa as well as Australia; one (Abrotanella) occurs in Australia, Tasmania, and antarctic South America. The three remaining (Pleurophyllum, Haastia, Brachyglottis) are endemic. Many weeds of cultivation belonging to the order have become naturalised in the colony, a list of over 60 species being given in the appendix. Most of these are from the Northern Hemisphere, and descriptions of nearly all will be found in any British Flora.
Owing principally to the large size and homogeneous character of the order, very great difficulty has always been experienced in arranging the species in suitable genera and tribes, and the classification is still in an unsettled state. As there are no important differences in the flower and fruit, it becomes necessary to use minor characters, such as the shape of the style branches; the sexual differences of the florets composing the heads; the shape of the corolla; the absence or presence of minute tails to the anthers; the various modifications of the pappus; and the minute differences in tiie shape and sculpture of the ripe fruit or achene. Considerable practice is required before these distinctions can be understood, and a beginner will find it no easy matter to refer the species to their proper genera. His best plan will be to induce some friend to name a few for him, and then to carefully compare these with the specific, generic, and ​ordinal characters given in this book, or in other works on the flora. By so doing he will insensibly acquire a practical knowledge of the characters used in distinguishing the species and genera which will ultimately enable him to identify them for himself. In using the subjoined key to the New Zealand genera it must be remembered that the minute differences in the shape of the style-branches, so largely employed to separate the tribes from one another, can only be observed in the hermaphrodite florets, the style of tbe female florets being very similar throughout the order.
Suborder TUBULIFLORÆ. :
| Heads with the florets all tubular and hermaphrodite, or with the marginal ones alone ligulate and female or neuter. ||
| Tribe 1. EUPATORIACEÆ. ||
| Heads homogamous, florets all tubular, hermaphrodite. Anthers obtuse at the base. Style-branches long, obtuse, thickened upwards or club-shaped, equally minutely papillose. ||
| Herb with opposite leaves. Achene 5-angled. Pappus of 5–10 scales or bristles | 1. Ageratum. |
| Tribe 2. ASTEROIDEÆ. ||
| Heads heterogamous, radiate or discoid, or with the ray deficient and then homogamous. Anthers nearly entire at the base. Receptacle naked. Style-branches flattened, produced above the stigmatic margins into a triangular or lanceolate papillose appendage. ||
| A. Female florets ligulate, forming a more or less conspicuous ray. (Ray absent in some species of Olearia, and dwarfed in two species of Pleurophyllum.) ||
| * Pappus wanting, or of minute scales or setae. |
| Herbs. Leaves usually radical. Pappus entirely wanting. Achene narrowed upwards into a neck or beak | 2. Lagenophora. |
| Herbs. Leaves radical or cauline. Pappus wanting or of scale-like bristles. Achene not beaked | 3. Brachycome. |
| ** Pappus long, copious. |
| Shrubs or trees. Scales of the involucre in several series, margins scarious. Achenes nearly terete | 4. Olearia. |
| Herbs. Leaves all radical, large, many-nerved. Heads numerous, racemed | 5. Pleurophyllum. |
| Usually stemless herbs with radical leaves, but stems sometimes elongated and the leaves cauline. Scapes simple; heads solitary | 6. Celmisia. |
| Branched leafy herb. Heads solitary, terminal. Achene much flattened. Style-branches with subulate tips | 7. Vittadinia. |
| B. Female florets tubular, in many series. ||
| Alpine woolly herbs. Stems cæspitose or compacted into hard rounded masses. Heads broad, sessile | 8. Haastia. |
| Tribe 3. INULOIDEÆ. ||
| Heads heterogamous and discoid (rarely radiate in some foreign genera), or homogamous through the suppression of the female florets. Anther-cells produced at the base into filiform tails. Style-branches linear, obtuse, never ending in an appendage. ​ ||
| A. Female florets fibular, filiform, in from 2 to many series, always outnumbering the hermaphrodite ones. ||
| Herbs. Heads corymbose or clustered, rarely solitary. Pappus-hairs capillary, not barbellate | 9. Gnaphalium. |
| B. Female florets tubular, filiform, in 1 or 3 series, sometimes altogether wanting, fewer in number than the hermaphrodite ones (sometimes outnumbering the hermaphrodite ones in Raoulia). ||
| Herbs, usually alpine. Stems creeping or cæspitose, often compacted into bard rounded masses. Heads solitary, small, sessile. Involucral bracts often white and radiating | 10. Raoulia. |
| Herbs or small shrubs. Heads solitary or corymbose. Pappus-hairs various, often barbellate. Receptacle naked | 11. Helichrysum. |
| Shrubs with narrow leaves. Heads corymbose. Receptacle narrow; florets few, usually subtended by chaffy scales | 12. Cassinia. |
| Herbs. Flower-heads numerous, aggregated into a globose compound head surrounded by scarious bracts. Female florets wanting. Receptacle with scales between the florets | 13. Craspedia. |
| Tribe 4. HELIANTHOIDEÆ. ||
| Heads heterogamous, usually radiate, rarely discoid, or with the ray deficient and then homogamous. Receptacle with scales among the florets. Anther-cells not tailed. Style-branches truncate or furnished with an appendix. Pappus of stiff awns or short scales, never of capillary bristles. ||
| Involucral bracts in two series: outer narrow, glandular, spreading; inner broader, erect, and enclosing the rayflorets. Pappus wanting | 14. Siegesbeckia. |
| Involucral bracts in two series, about equal. Pappus of 2–4 stiff awns | 15. Bidens. |
| Tribe 5. ANTHEMIDEÆ. ||
| Heads heterogamous, radiate or discoid; or with the ray deficient and then homogamous. Involucral bracts dry or scarious at the tips. Receptacle naked or paleaceous. Anther-cells without tails. Style-branches truncate. Pappus wanting, or a crown of short scales. ||
| Herbs, usually flaccid or succulent. Heads discoid, pedunculate; female corolla short and broad. Achenes flattened, often winged | 16. Cotula. |
| Diffuse or prostrate herb. Heads discoid, sessile, axillary. Achenes hardly flattened, 3–4-ribbed or -angled | 17. Centipeda. |
| Minute alpine herbs. Leaves entire, fleshy. Heads discoid. Female corolla tubular. Achene flattened or 4-angied | 18. Abrotanella. |
| Tribe 6. SENECIONIDEÆ. ||
| Heads heterogamous, radiate or discoid; or with the ray deficient and then homogamous. Involucral bracts usually in a single row, with a few small ones at the base. Receptacle usually naked. Anther-cells sometimes sagittate at the base, but with no true tails. Style-branches truncate or appendiculate. Pappus of capillary bristles. ||
| Herbs. Heads discoid. Female florets very slender, filiform, in 2–3 series | 19. Erechthites. ​ |
| Shrubs. Female florets ligulate; lamina short, furnished at the base with 1 or 2 minute lobes. Achenes terete, papillose | 20. Brachyglottis. |
| Herbs, shrubs, or trees. Female florets ligulate, never filiform | 21. Senecio. |
| Suborder LIGULIFLORÆ. ||
| Florets all ligulate and hermaphrodite, and hence homogamous. Sap milky. Consists of one tribe, Cichoraceæ. ||
| Herb with radical leaves. Scapes simple, leafless. Pappus of tapering subulate scales, toothed or plumose above | 22. Microseris. |
| Branched leafy herb. Achene ribbed and transversely rugose. Pappus soft, plumose | 23. Picris. |
| Herb with radical leaves (the New Zealand species). Achene terete, ribbed. Pappus of simple capillary bristles | 24. Crepis. |
| Herbs with radical leaves. Scapes simple, leafless. Achenes long-beaked. Pappus of simple capillary bristles | 25. Taraxacum. |
| Tall leafy succulent herbs. Achene flat, not beaked. Pappus of simple capillary bristles | 26. Sonchus. |
1. AGERATUM, Linn.
Erect herbs or rarely shrubs. Leaves opposite or the upper alternate. Heads usually corymbose, homogamous and discoid. Involucre campanulate; bracts 2–3-seriate, linear, subequal. Receptacle flat or nearly so, naked or with deciduous scales among the florets. Florets all tubular, hermaphrodite, equal; corolla-limb regularly 5-cleft. Anthers obtuse at the base. Style-branches elongate, obtuse. Achenes 5-angled. Pappus of 5 free or connate scales, or of 10–20 narrower ones.
A small genus of about 18 species, confined to America with the exception of the following one, which is universally spread through all warm regions.
1. A. conyzoides, Linn. Sp. Plant. 839.—A stout erect branching annual herb 1–3 ft. high, more or less clothed with spreading hairs. Leaves opposite, 1–3 in. long, ½–2 in. broad, ovate, obtuse or subacute, petiolate, crenate or crenate-serrate. Flower-heads small, ¼ in. diam., in dense terminal corymbs. Involucre nearly glabrous; bracts striate, acute, in about 2 rows. Florets numerous, blue or white. Achenes black, glabrous or slightly hispid. Pappus of 5 awned lanceolate scales.—D.C. Prodr. v. 108; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 462; Cheesem. Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 169; Kirk, Students Fl. 256.
Kermadec Islands: Abundant, T. F. C., Miss Shakespear! Wild Heliotrope.
2. LAGENOPHORA, Cass.
Small perennial herbs. Leaves often all radical. Scapes slender, unbranched. Heads solitary, small, heterogaraous. Involucre short, almost hemispherical; bracts in about two rows, with ​dry or scarious margins. Receptacle convex, naked. Ray-florets in 1–3 series, female, fertile, ligulate or rarely short and tubular; ligule usually white. Disc-florets numerous, hermaphrodite, tubular, with a broad 5-toothed limb. Anthers obtuse at the base. Style-branches of the disc-florets long, flattened, with lanceolate or triangular tips. Achenes compressed, abruptly contracted at the top into a more or less distinct beak; those of the disc-florets often narrower and sterile. Pappus wanting.
A small genus of about 16 species, mainly found in Australia and New Zealand, but with outlying species in eastern Asia, the Sandwich Islands, and extra-tropical South America.
| Glabrate or pilose. Leaves mostly radical; petioles slender; blade orbicular or broadly oblong. Heads ¼–½ in. diam. Achenes small, nearly straight | 1. L. Forsteri. |
| Glabrate or pilose, slender. Leaves mostly radical; petioles slender; blade orbicular or obovate. Heads 1/5–1/3 in. diam. Achenes larger, curved or falcate | 2. L. petiolata. |
| Scaberulous. Leaves mostly cauline; petioles slender; blade oblong- spathulate. Heads ¼–½ in. diam. | 3. L. Barkeri. |
| Glabrate or pilose. Leaves mostly cauline; petioles slender; blade ovate. Achene oblanceolate | 4. L. purpurea. |
| Softly hirsute. Leaves all radical; petiole broad, flat; blade obovate, pinnatifid. Heads ¼–½ in. diam. | 5. L. pinnatifida. |
| Leaves hirsute, all radical; petioles short, broad; blade oblong- spathulate. Heads ¼–⅓ in. diam. Achene glabrous | 6. L. lanata. |
L. linearis, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxv. (1893) 471, is Brachycome lineata, Kirk. L. emphysopus, Hook. f., an Australian species, has become naturalised on Banks Peninsula and near Wellington. It has the habit, fleshy roots, and hirsute leaves of L. lanata, but can at once be distinguished by the short stout scapes and almost tubular ray-florets.
1. L. Forsteri, D.C. Prodr. v. 307.—A small daisy-like herb, either tufted or with creeping and rooting stolons furnished with tufts of radical leaves at the nodes. Leaves all radical or cauline, 1½–2in. long; petiole long, slender; blade ½–1 in., orbicular or orbicular-oblong to obovate, obtuse, narrowed into the petiole, coarsely crenate-dentate or almost lobed, almost glabrous or more or less hirsute. Scape 1–6 in. long, slender, naked or with 1–3 minute linear bracts. Heads ¼–½ in, diam.; involucral bracts linear, acute; margins thin, scarious, entire or finely jagged. Ray-florets numerous; ligules white, revolute. Achenes small, linear-obovate, straight or very slightly curved, abruptly narrowed into a short hardly viscid beak; margins thickened.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 436; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 125; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 137; Kirk, Students Fl. 256. Calendula pumila, Forst. Prodr. n. 305. Microcalia australis, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 231, t. 30.
Kermadec Islands, North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Abundant throughout, ascending to 3000ft. Papataniwhaniwha; Native Daisy. October–February.
A variable plant, very closely connected with the three following species.
​2. L. petiolata, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 125.—Habit of L. Forsteri, but smaller and much more slender. Leaves usually radical, spreading, ½–1½ in. long; petiole slender, half the length or more; blade variable in shape, obovate to orbicular, sometimes broader than long, obtuse, rather thin, acutely coarsely toothed with the teeth apiculate, more or less hairy on looth surfaces, often purplish beneath. Scape very slender, strict, 2–6 in. long, usually hirsute. Heads small, 1/5–1/3 in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acute, often purplish at the tips; margins scarious. Ray-florets numerous; ligule very narrow, revolute. Achenes rather longer and more turgid than in L. Forsteri, linear-obovate, curved or falcate, slightly glandular above, narrowed into a rather long beak; margins thickened.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 137; Kirk, Students' Fl. 257. L. strangulata, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1890) 471.
Var. minima, Cheesem.—Very small, ½–2 in. high. Leaves with the petiole ½–1 in. long, membranous, dentate, sometimes lobed or pinnate at the base. Scapes filiform. Heads small.—L. Forsteri var. minima, Kirk, l.c.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Not uncommon from the Upper Thames and Waikato southwards, ascending to 4000 ft. November–January. Var. minima: Moist rocks by the side of streams; Bay of Islands to Te Aroha.
Very closely allied to L. Forsteri, but separated by the more slender habit, smaller and thinner leaves, smaller heads with shorter and narrower rays, and longer and narrower curved achenes. Mr. Kirk places the var. minima under L. Forsteri, but to me it appears much nearer to L. petiolata.
3. L. Barkeri, Kirk, Students' Fl. 257.—Stems leafy, slender, erect, 3–9 in. high. Leaves cauline, usually gradually diminishing in size upwards, 1–2 in. long; petiole about half the length; blade obovate-spathulate to narrow oblong-spathulate, obtuse or subacute, gradually narrowed into the petiole, coarsely crenate-dentate, scaberulous on both surfaces. Scape shorter or longer than the leafy part of the stem, scaberulous and pilose. Head ⅓–½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acute, thin, often purplish. Ray-florets numerous; ligules white, revolute. Ripe achenes not seen.
South Island: Nelson—Sphagnum swamps in the Clarence Valley and near Lake Tennyson, T. F. C. Canterbury—By the Porter River, Kirk! Craigieburn Mountains, Cockayne! Cass River, near Lake Tekapo, T. F. C. 1500–3500 ft. December–January.
Far too closely allied to L. Forsteri, from which it only differs in the leafy stems, narrower scaberulous leaves, and (according to Kirk) in the linear short-beaked achenes.
4. L. purpurea, Kirk, Students' Fl. 257.—"Stems leafy below, naked above, erect, slender, grooved, 4–6 in. high, pubescent or puberulous. Leaves (including the petiole) 1½ in. long, membranous, ovate, radical and cauline, rather distant, truncate at the base, rounded at the apex, serrate or crenate-serrate, teeth apiculate, pubescent on both surfaces, ciliate, purple beneath. Heads ⅓–½ in. ​diam.; involucral bracts in about 3 rows, linear, acute, with scarious margins, keeled, midrib distinct, often tipped with purple. Achenes oblanceolate, compressed, with a rather long beak and thin margins."
South Island: Otago—Catlin's River, Kirk!
This appears to be founded on three immature specimens in Mr. Kirk's herbarium, and in the absence of additional information I have reproduced his description. It is probably nothing more than a large state of L. petiolata.
5. L. pinnatifida, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 126.—Softly hairy or pilose in all its parts. Leaves all radical, spreading, 1–3 in. long, narrow obovate-oblong or obovate-spathulate, obtuse at the tip, narrowed into a long broad petiole, membranous, deeply crenatelobed or almost pinnatifid; margins ciliate. Scapes 3–10 in. long, slender. Heads ¼–½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acute, pubescent. Ray-florets numerous; ligules narrow, revolute. Achenes compressed, obliquely linear-obovate, narrowed to the base, suddenly contracted at the tip into a short straight neck, more or less glandular-pubescent; margins thickened.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 137; Kirk, Students Fl. 258.
North Island: Auckland, Sinclair; sandhills near Helensville, T. F. C.; East Cape, Colenso! South Island: Nelson-Wairau Valley, Kirk! T. F. C.; Marlborough, Rough! Canterbury, Sinclair and Haast; Upper Waimakariri, T.F.C.; Otago, Lindsay, Buchanan! Petrie! Sea-level to over 2000ft. December–January.
6. L. lanata, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 437.—Root-fibres stout, fleshy, almost tuberous. Leaves numerous, all radical, densely tufted, 1–1½ in. long, oblong- or obovate-spathulate, obtuse or subacute, narrowed into a rather short broad petiole, coriaceous, coarsely and irregularly crenate-dentate, both surfaces hirsute or villous with copious soft hairs. Scapes 2–7 in. long, slender, wiry, erect, glabrous or nearly so, naked or with a few minute linear bracts. Heads ¼–⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, obtuse or subacute, glabrous, purple-tipped; margins scarious. Ray-florets numerous; ligules short, revolute. Achenes quite smooth, slightly falcate, compressed, narrowed at the base, suddenly contracted at the top into a short curved neck; margins thickened.—Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 126; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 137; Kirk, Students Fl. 258.
North Island: Dry clay hills from Mongonui southwards to the Auckland Isthmus; not common.
Easily distinguished by the hirsute leaves and glabrous scapes and achenes.
3. BRACHYCOME, Cass.
Small perennial herbs; either tufted with radical leaves and 1-headed scapes, or the stems branched, elongated, and clothed with alternate cauline leaves. Heads heterogamous, usually radiate. Involucre hemispherical or nearly so; bracts in about 2 series, with scarious margins. Receptacle convex or conical, ​naked. Ray-florets in one series, numerous, female, ligulate. Discflorets numerous, hermaphrodite, tubular, limb more or less dilated, 5-toothed. Anthers obtuse at the base. Style-branches of the disc-florets flattened, with lanceolate or triangular tips. Achenes compressed, with winged margins, or thick and obtusely 4-angled. Pappus a ring of short scale-like bristles or altogether wanting.
The genus has its headquarters in Australia, where there are nearly 40 species. In addition to those, and the five following found in New Zealand, there is one from tropical South Africa and another from Assam.
| * Stemless. Leaves all radical. |
| Minute, perfectly glabrous. Leaves narrow-linear, ¼–1 in. long. Heads 1/10 in. diam. | 1. B. lineata. |
| Leaves ½–1½ in. long, narrow linear-spathulate, closely and uniformly pinnatifid | 2. B. pinnata. |
| Leaves ½–3 in. long, oblong- or obovate-spathulate, rarely narrower, entire toothed or lobed | 3. B. Sinclairii. |
| ** Stems branched from the base. Leaves radical and cauline. Stems 2–4 in. Leaves few, ½–1 in., oblong-spathulate, unequally 3–8-lobed. Heads ¼–⅓ in. | 4. B. odorata. |
| Stems 3–12 in. Leaves numerous, 1–3 in., oblong-spathulate, coarsely toothed or lobed. Heads ½ in. diam. | 5. B. Thomsoni. |
B. simplicifolia, J. B. Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 338, is quite unknown to me, and there are no specimens in any public collection in the colony. It probably does not belong to the genus.
1. B. lineata, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 259.—A minute tufted plant ½–1½ in. high, perfectly glabrous in all its parts. Leaves numerous, all radical, ¼–1 in. long, about 1/25 in. wide, broadest towards the tip, obtuse or subacute, narrowed to the base, which is slightly broader and sheathing, flat, quite entire. Scapes 2–5, slender, strict, naked, elongating in fruit, about twice as long as the leaves. Heads solitary, small, 1/15–1/10 diam.; involucral bracts about 8, oblong-ovate, with broad purple scarious margins. Ray-florets few; ligules short, white, revolute. Achenes verv small, pale, compressed, linear-obovate, obtuse, quite smooth and glabrous. Pappus wanting.—Lagenophora linearis, Petrie in Trans. N.Z Inst. xxv. (1893) 271.
South Island: Grassy flats near Lake Te Anau, Petrie! January–February.
A curious little species, quite unlike any other.
2. B. pinnata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 138.—Rhizome stout, creeping, branched, ascending at the tips. Leaves radical, ½–1½ in. long, linear or narrow linear-spathulate, deeply and closely pinnatifid; segments broadly oblong or rounded, coriaceous, entire, flat or concave beneath, glabrous or minutely glandular-pubescent. Scapes 2–6 in. long, slender, naked, glandular-pubescent. Heads ⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts oblong, pubescent; margins purple, scarious ​and often jagged. Achenes obovate, glabrous; margins thickened. Pappus of very minute scales.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 259. B. radicata var. b, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 127.
South Island: Canterbury Plains—Near Burnham, Kirk! between Springfield and the Kowai River, T. F. C. Stewart Island: Lyall (Handbook). December–January.
Although this has a very different appearance from the ordinary state of B. Sinclairii, some varieties of that plant approach it so closely as to be almost indistinguishable.
3. B. Sinclairii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 137.—An exceedingly variable perennial herb 1–12 in. high, glabrous or more or less glandular-pubescent. Rhizome short, stout, branched, ascending at the tip. Leaves all radical, ½–3 in. long, oblong- or obovate-spathulate to linear-spathulate, rounded at the tip, gradually narrowed into a rather broad flat petiole, coriaceous or almost membranous, sometimes slightly fleshy, entire or variously toothed or lobed or even pinnatifid. Scapes 1 or several, strict, 1–12 in. high, glabrous or more or less glandular, naked or with 1–2 minute linear bracts. Heads very variable in size, ⅓–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts oblong to linear, obtuse or subacute, glabrous or glandular-pubescent; margins thin, purplish or whitish, usually jagged. Ray-florets numerous; ligules very variable in length. Achenes much compressed, narrow-obovate, usually glabrous, margins slightly thickened.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 260.
North Island: Mountainous districts from the East Cape southwards, but rare and local. South Island: Abundant in mountain districts throughout. 1000–6000 ft. December–February.
Very variable in the size and shape of the leaves, and in their being entire, toothed, or lobulate, or even pinnatifid; but the variations are not constant, and entire and lobulate leaves can often be found on the same plant. The heads also vary greatly in size.
4. B. odorata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 138.—Rhizome stout, creeping, branched, ascending at the tips. Stems 2–4 in. long, erect or ascending, branched from the base, more or less pubescent or glandular, as are the leaves, scapes, and involucres. Leaves few, ½–1 in. long, including the slender petiole; blade oblong or obovate-spathulate, obtuse, deeply and unequally 3–8-lobed. Peduncles terminating the branches, 1–3 in. long, rather slender. Heads ¼–⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts oblong, obtuse. Ray-florets with short ligules. Achenes linear-clavate, densely glandular-pubescent.—Kirk, Students Fl. 260. B. radicata, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 127 (in part).
North Island: Kaweka, Hawke's Bay, H. Tryon! Patea, Wellington, Colenso! Roniu.
Of this species there are three specimens in Mr. Colenso's herbarium, and I have also seen a single specimen collected by Mr. Tryon. Mr. Colenso states that the plant was prized by the Maoris on account of its fragrance, and that the flowers were often strung like daisies and worn round the neck.
​5. B. Thomsoni, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvi. (1884) 372, t. 27.—Rhizome stout, creeping, branched. Stems 3–12 in. long, stout, branched from the base, decumbent or ascending, densely glandular-pubescent, as are the leaves, scapes, and involucres. Leaves numerous, radical and cauline, 1–2 in. long, oblong- or obovate-spathulate, obtuse, narrowed into a very broad flat petiole, coarsely bluntly toothed or lobed or almost pinnatifid. Peduncles terminating the branches, 3–6 in. long or more, stout, somewhat rigid, naked or with a solitary linear bract. Heads about ½ in. diam.; involucral bracts oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse, with purple tips. Ray-florets usually numerous, but sometimes wanting in reduced states; rays white, spreading. Achenes linear-clavate, densely glandular-pubescent; margins thickened. Pappus of minute bristly scales.—Students' Fl. 260.
Var. membranifolia, Kirk, l.c. 261.—More slender and less branched, and not so glandular. Leaves 1–3 in. long, membranous; petioles longer and more slender.
Var. polita, Cheesem.—Usually glabrous, except the peduncles. Stems very slender, simple or sparingly branched, leafy at the base. Leaves 1–3 in., very thin and membranous. Heads rather smaller.—B. polita, Kirk, Students' Fl. 261.
South Island: Otago—Cape Whanbrow, Kirk! Petrie! near Green Island, Petrie. Stewart Island: Common on the coast, G. M. Thomson! Petrie! Kirk! Var. membranifolia: Mount Arthur Plateau, Nelson, T. F. C. Var. polita: Arthur's Pass, Kirk! Cockayne! Sea-level to 4000ft. December–January.
A very variable plant, only separated from B. odorata by the much larger size and coarser habit and larger heads. It has the same strong fragrance.
4. OLEARIA, Mœnch.
Shrubs or trees. Leaves alternate, rarely opposite or fascicled, usually with white or buff tomentum beneath. Heads large or small, solitary or corymbose or paniculate, radiate or rarely discoid. Involucre broad or narrow; bracts imbricated in several rows, margins dry or scarious. Receptacle flat or convex, pitted. Florets few or many, rarely solitary; ray-florets female, in a single row, usually ligulate, spreading, rarely slender and filiform or altogether wanting; disc-florets hermaphrodite, tubular, 5-lobed. Anthers often acute at the base or with minute tails, rarely obtuse. Style-branches flattened, with short obtuse or rarely lanceolate appendages. Pappus of one or more rows of unequal scabrid bristles, often thickened at the tips. Achenes ribbed or striate, terete or slightly compressed.
In addition to the 35 species found in New Zealand, all of which are endemic, there are about 70 others, confined to Australia and Tasmania with the exception of 2 recorded from Lord Howe's Island. The genus is very closely allied to Aster, with which the late Baron von Mueller proposed to unite it, together with Celmisia and several other genera.
A. Heads large, 1–3 in. diam., solitary or racemed. :
| * Heads radiate, very large, solitary on a long naked peduncle. ||
| Leaves 4–6 in. long, oblong or obovate, entire. Heads 2–3 in. diam. | 1. O. insignis. |
| ** Heads radiate, solitary on bracteate peduncles (racemed in O. Traillii). ||
| Leaves 1½–2½ in., linear or linear-lanceolate. Peduncle slender. Rays purple | 2. O. semidentata. |
| Leaves 1–3 in., elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-obovate. Peduncles slender. Rays purple or white | 3. O. chathamica. |
| Leaves 2–4 in., obovate-lanceolate. Peduncles stout; bracts numerous, short, close-set. Rays white; disc-florets yellow | 4. O. operina. |
| Leaves 3–5 in., narrow-lanceolate. Peduncles stout; bracts lax, long, foliaceous. Rays white; disc-florets purple | 5. O. angustifolia. |
| Leaves 3–6 in., lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate. Heads racemed. Rays white; disc-florets purple | 6. O. Traillii. |
| *** Heads discoid, racemed. ||
| Leaves 2–6 in., obovate or obovate-oblong, acutely serrate | 7. O. Colensoi. |
| Leaves 4–8 in., orbicular-ovate, doubly crenate | 8. O. Lyallii. |
| B. Heads small, 1/6–1/2 in. diam., panicled or corymbose (solitary in O. nummularifolia). Florets 6–24. ||
| * Leaves opposite. ||
| Leaves 1½–2½ in., oblong. Panicles axillary. Heads discoid | 9. O. Traversii. |
| Leaves 2–4 in., elliptic-lanceolate. Heads radiate | 10. O. Buchanani. |
| ** Leaves alternate, large, 1½–4 in. long (less in O. suavis), ovate to oblong, more rarely linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, entire or toothed or waved. ||
| Leaves 2–4 in., ovate-oblong, obtuse, coriaceous, shining beneath. Florets 6–12 | 11. O. furfuracea. |
| Dwarf shrub. Leaves 1–2 in., oblong-ovate, excessively coriaceous, silvery beneath. Heads ½ in. diam. Florets 15–20 | 12. O. Alloniii. |
| Leaves 1½–3 in., broadly ovate, acute, rather thin, satiny beneath. Florets 15–20 | 13. O. nitida. |
| Leaves 2–4 in., broadly ovate, coriaceous, sharply and coarsely toothed | 14. O. macrodonta. |
| Leaves 2–4 in., linear-oblong or lanceolate, coriaceous, spinous-toothed | 15. O. ilicifolia. |
| Leaves 2–6 in., broadly ovate, rather thin, toothed, white with soft tomentum beneath | 16. O. Cunninghamii |
| Leaves 1½–3½ in., oblong-lanceolate, acute, obscurely sinuate-dentate | 17. O. excorticata. |
| Leaves ¾–1½ in., linear-oblong or oblong, obtuse, entire or obscurely sinuate | 18. O. suavis. |
| *** Leaves alternate, 3–7 in. long, linear or narrow-linear; lateral veins conspicuous beneath, at right angles to the midrib. ||
| Leaves 3–7 in., ½–1 in. broad, linear or narrow-linear, ferruginous beneath | 19. O. lacunosa. |
| Leaves 5–6 in., ¼ in. broad, very narrow-linear | 20. O. alpina. ​ |
| **** Leaves alternate, small, ¼–1¼in. long (longer in O. oleifolia), coriaceous, quite entire. ||
| Leaves ⅓–⅔ in., obovate-oblong, clothed with soft white tomeiitum beneath. Florets 12–20 | 21. O. moschata. |
| Leaves ½–1¼ in., oblong or oblong-ovate. Florets 8–10 | 22. O. Haastii. |
| Leaves 1–3 in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate. Florets 4–8 | 23. O. oleifolia. |
| Leaves ½–¾ in., ovate or orbicular-ovate, excessively thick and coriaceous. Heads unknown | 24. O. coriacea. |
| Leaves 1/5–1/2 in., orbicular to oblong. Heads solitary. Florets 6–12 | 25. O. nummularifolia. |
| C. Heads small, 1/6–1/5 in. long, narrow, cylindrical, panicled. Florets few, 1–5, rarely more. Leaves large, 1½–4 in., alternate. ||
| Leaves 1½–2½ in., elliptic, obtuse, undulate. Florets 3–5 | 26. O. angulata. |
| Leaves 2–4 in., oblong or ovate-oblong, white beneath, often undulate. Florets 3–6 | 27. O. albida |
| Leaves 2–4 in., elliptic-lanceolate, acute, flat. Florets 2–3 | 28. O. avicenniæfolia |
| Leaves 1½–3 in., oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse, undulate. Florets never more than one | 29. O. Forsteri. |
| D. Heads small, 1/5 in. long, crowded in axillary sessile glomerules. Leaves small, alternate or in alternate fascicles. ||
| Leaves ¾–1½ in., elliptic-oblong or -lanceolate | 30. O. fragrantissima. |
| E. Heads small, 1/6–1/4 in. long, solitary or fascicled, Leaves opposite or in opposite fascicles, small, 1/5–1 1/4 in. long. ||
| Leaves ¾–1½ in., obovate to linear-obovate, thin, membranous. Heads fascicled on slender pedicels. Florets 20–25 | 31. O. Hectori. |
| Leaves ⅓–1 in., linear-spathulate, coriaceous. Heads fascicled; pedicels short. Involucre viscid and glandular. Florets 20–35 | 32. O. odorata. |
| Leaves ½–1 in., linear-spathulate, coriaceous. Heads fascicled; pedicels slender. Involucre tomentose, not viscid. Florets 6–8 | 33. O. laxiflora. |
| Leaves ¼–½in., linear-obovate, white beneath. Heads solitary or fascicled, shortly pedicelled or sessile. Florets 5–12 | 34. O. virgata. |
| Leaves 1/5–1/3 in., linear or linear-obovate, yellowish beneath. Heads solitary, terminating short lateral branchlets. Florets 8–20 | 35. O. Solandri. |
Olearia rigida, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 194; Kirk, Students' Fl. 271, is proved by the type specimen in Mr. Colenso's herbarium to be Senecio Bidwillii, Hook. f. In a similar manner O. xanthophylla, Col. l.c. 193, is shown to be Cassinia Vauvilllersii, Hook. f.
1. O. insignis, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. ii. 331.—A low robust spreading shrub 1–6 ft. high, rarely more; branches stout, densely tomentose. Leaves crowded at the ends of the branches, 3–7 in. long, 1–4 in. broad, oblong or oblong-ovate or narrow-obovate, obtuse, equal or unequal at the base, quite entire, excessively thick and coriaceous, glabrous and shining above, under-surface thickly ​clothed with white appressed tomentum, becoming fulvous or red when dry, veins evident on both surfaces; petiole ½–2 in. long, stout. Peduncles 1-5 at the ends of the branches, 4–12 in. long, stout, evenly tomentose, naked or with a few foliaceous bracts immediately below the head. Head large, hemispherical, 2–3 in. diam.; involucral scales imbricated in many series, tomentose. Ray-florets very numerous; ligules narrow, white. Disc-florets yellow. Pappus of one series of equal scabrid hairs thickened at the tips. Achenes long and slender, silky.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 125; Bot. Mag. t. 7034; Kirk, Students' Fl. 266. O. marginata, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 321.
South Island: Marlborough, from Blenheim southwards to the Conway and Mason Rivers. Sea-level to 4000 ft. December–January.
A very handsome and remarkable plant, quite unlike any other species. It departs widely from the typical Olearias in the large broadly ovoid involucre with the bracts in very many series, and in the pappus of perfectly equal hairs.
2. O. semidentata, Dcne. ex Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 115.—A small sparingly branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches slender, straggling, more or less clothed with white floccose tomentum. Leaves numerous, close-set, ascending or spreading, 1½–2½ in. long, ¼–⅓ in. broad, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, acute, gradually narrowed to a sessile base, somewhat distantly serrate towards the tip, glabrous above or slightly cottony when young, white with appressed floccose tomentum beneath. Peduncles crowded towards the tips of the branches, slender, tomentose, equalling or exceeding the leaves, clothed with numerous small lanceolate bracts. Heads solitary, 1–1¼ in. diam.; involucral scales in about 3 series, acute, cobwebby at the tips. Ray-florets ligulate, purple; disc-florets violet-purple. Achenes linear, grooved, slightly pubescent.—Hook. f. Handh. N.Z. Fl. 124; Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vii. (1875) 336, t. xiv.; Kirk, Students' Fl. 264. Eurybia semidentata, F. Muell. Veg. Chath. Is. 21.
Chatham Islands: Abundant in moist places, near the margin of woods, &c. Hangatare. November–December.
A beautiful little plant, easily recognised by its small size, narrow leaves, slender peduncles, and purple flowers. I am indebted to Mr. Cockayne for a very interesting series of specimens showing the range of variation in the size and shape of the leaves. See his paper on "The Plant-covering of Chatham Island," Trans. N.Z. Inst, xxxiv. 288, for some remarks on the subject.
3. O. chathamica, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiii. (1891) 444.—A rather stout branching shrub 3–6 ft. high; branches, leaves beneath, and peduncles densely clothed with soft white tomentum. Leaves 1–3 in. long, ½–1½ in. broad, very variable in shape, lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-ovate or oblong-obovate, acute, narrowed into a short broad petiole, very thick and coriaceous, closely serrate with short blunt callous teeth; midrib and chief veins usually visible beneath. Peduncles few at the tips ​of the branches, usually exceeding the leaves; bracts few, linear or lanceolate. Heads solitary, large, 1½–1¾ in. diam.; involucral scales more or less concealed with white cobwebby tomentum. Ray-florets ligulate, white or purplish; disc-florets violet-purple. Achenes linear, curved, slightly pubescent.—Students' Fl. 264. O. operina, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 731 (in part). O. angustifolia, var., Hook. f., ex Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vii. (1875) 336, t. 15.
Chatham Islands: In swampy places on the higher parts of the island and on cliffs, H. H. Travers! Enys! Cox! Keketerehe. November–February.
This comes very near to O. operina and O. angustifolia, but is sufficiently distinct in the broader leaves and more slender peduncles with fewer bracts.
4. O. operina, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 114.—A stout sparingly branched shrub 6–12 ft. high; branches, leaves beneath, peduncles, and inflorescence densely clothed with soft white tomentum. Leaves often crowded at the tips of the branches, spreading, 2–4 in. long, ½–¾ in. broad, narrow obovate-lanceolate, acuminate, gradually narrowed into a short winged petiole, rigid, very thick and coriaceous, glabrous above; margins with numerous close blunt teeth with callous tips. Peduncles crowded at the ends of the branches, 1–3 in. long, stout, densely clothed with numerous closely imbricating lanceolate or linear obtuse bracts. Heads large, 1–1½ in. diam.; involucral scales in 2–3 series, tomentose. Ray-florets white; discflorets yellow. Achenes ¼ in. long, linear, conspicuously ribbed, silky.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 124; Kirk, Students' Fl. 264. Arnica operina, Forst. Prodr. n. 299.
Var. robusta, Kirk, Students' Fl. 265.—Branches short, stout. Leaves shorter and broader, with more deeply toothed margins. Peduncles shorter and stouter.
South Island: Sounds of the south-west coast, from Martin's Bay to Preservation Inlet; abundant. December–January.
5. O. angustifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 115.—A stout branching shrub or small tree 6–20 ft. high; branches, leaves beneath, and peduncles clothed with soft white tomentum. Leaves 3–5 in. long, ½–¾ in. broad, narrow-lanceolate, acuminate, narrowed to the base, sessile, extremely rigid and coriaceous, glabrous and glossy above, irregularly finely crenate-dentate, teeth with hard callotis points; midrib and principal nerves evident below. Peduncles crowded at the ends of the branches, stout, shorter than the leaves, clothed with laxly imbricating foliaceous bracts, white beneath. Heads large, 1½–2in. diam.; involucral scales in two series, the outer densely tomentose. Ray-florets white; discflorets purple. Achenes linear, grooved, silky.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 124; Kirk, Forest Fl. t. 138; Students' Fl. 265.
South Island: Puysegur Point, Kirk; near the Bluff Hill, Aston. Stewart Island: Sea-coast south of Paterson's Inlet, Lyall, Kirk! Petrie! Thomson! Titi-a-weka. November–December.
​A very handsome plant, distinguished from O. operina by the larger size, narrower and longer leaves with the veins evident beneath, large foliaceous bracts, and larger heads with deep-purple disc-florets. The flowers are highly fragrant.
6. O. Traillii, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvi. (1884) 372.—A shrub or small tree 10–15 ft. high or more; branches stout, densely clothed with soft white tomentum. Leaves crowded at the tips of the branches, spreading, 3–6 in. long, 1–1½ in. broad, lanceolate or narrow obovate-lanceolate, acuminate, gradually narrowed into a short broad petiole, very thick and coriaceous, glabrous above or slightly cottony when young, clothed with white tomentum beneath; margins irregularly doubly crenate-dentate. Racemes terminal, erect, 4–10 in. long, 3–8-headed; bracts large, leafy, 1–2 in. long; rhachis, peduncles, and under-surface of bracts white with appressed tomentum. Heads 1 in. diam.; involucral scales in 2–3 series, linear, scarious, villous at the tips. Ray-florets shortly ligulate, white; disc-florets violet-purple. Achenes linear, grooved, silky.—Forest Fl. t. 142; Students' Fl. 265.
Stewart Island: Near the sea in the southern part of the island, rare and local, Kirk! November–December.
A very fine plant, closely allied to O. Colensoi, but easily separated by the narrower leaves and rayed flower-heads.
7. O. Colensoi, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 115, t. 29.—A stout closely branched shrub 4–10 ft. high, more rarely forming a small tree 15–30 ft. or more, with a trunk 12–24 in. diam. Leaves spreading, variable in size and shape, 2–6 in. long, obovate or obovateoblong to oblong-lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate, acute or rarely obtuse, narrowed into a short stout petiole, excessively thick and coriaceous, acutely irregularly serrate or doubly serrate, glabrous and shinitig above when mature, cottony when young, under-surface clothed with dense white appressed tomentum. Eacemes several at the tips of the branches, tomentose, 3–8 in. long, bearing 4–10 pedicelled heads; bracts loosely placed. Heads ⅔–1 in. diam., discoid, dark brownish-purple; involucral scales in 1–2 series, linear, glabrous or villous at the tips. Florets all tubular; female in a single row, corolla usually 3-lobed; hermaphrodite broader, €ampanulate above. Achenes grooved, silky.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 124; Kirk, Forest Fl. 102; Students' Fl. 265.
North Island: Mount Hikurangi, Ruahine Mountains, Tararua Mountains, alt. 3000–5500 ft. South Island: Common on the mountains on the western side of the Island, descending to sea-level in the sounds of the southwest coast. Stewart Island: Abundant from sea-level to the tops of the hills. Tupari. December–January.
A very handsome plant. On the mountains it usually forms a densely branched shrub, but at low levels on Stewart Island it attains the dimensions of a small tree.
​8. O. Lyallii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 116.—A robust shrub or small tree, sometimes reaching the height of 30 ft., with a trunk 18–24 in. diam.; branches stout, spreading, densely tomentose. Leaves 4–8 in. long (or more in young plants), ellipticovate or orbicular-ovate, abruptly acuminate, shortly petiolate, excessively rigid and coriaceous, white with floccose tomentum above but becoming glabrous when old, under-surface densely clothed with soft white wool; margins irregularly doubly crenate. Racemes terminal, stout, 4–8 in. long; rhachis, pedicels, and bracts clothed with snow-white wool. Heads large, discoid, 1¼–1½ in. diam., darkbrown; involucral scales numerous, in 4–8 series, linear, villous at the tips. Achenes densely silky.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 125; Kirk, Students' Fl. 266. Eurybia Lyallii, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. ii. 543.
The Snares: Abundant, Kirk! Auckland Islands: Apparently rare, Lyall, Bolton, Kirk!
A magnificent plant, nearly related to O. Colensoi, but at once distinguished by the open and far more robust habit, larger and broader leaves, which are tomentose on the upper surface as well as beneath, and by the scales of the involucre being in several series.
9. O. Buchanani, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 267.—An erect shrub or small tree; branchlets as thick as a goose-quill, reddish, glabrous. Leaves opposite, 2–4 in. long, elliptic-lanceolate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into a short petiole, quite entire, flat, glabrous above, clothed with thin appressed whitish tomentum beneath; veins finely reticulated above, obscure beneath. Heads small, ¼ in. long, in rather loose branched axillary corymbs about equalling the leaves; pedicels slender, pubescent. Involucral scales 8–10, pubescent at the tips. Florets of the ray 3–4, ligulate; of the disc about 4, campanulate above. Achenes short, grooved, pubescent.
North Island: Buchanan! The exact locality not known.
Founded on a single specimen in Mr. Kirk's herbarium stated to have been collected by Mr. Buchanan in the year 1870 in some locality in the North Island. It is evidently a distinct species, not closely related to any other. It and O. Traversii are the only species found in New Zealand with large opposite leaves.
10. O. Traversii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 731.—A small tree 15–30 ft. high, with a trunk 1–2 ft. diam.; bark pale, furrowed; branches tetragonous, clothed with appressed silky tomentum, as are the leaves beneath, branches of the inflorescence, and involucres. Leaves opposite, 1½–2½ in. long, oblong or ovate-oblong to broadly ovate, acute or apiculate, shortly petiolate, quite entire, flat, glabrous above or slightly silky when young. Panicles numerous, axillary, much-branched, shorter or longer than the leaves. Heads numerous, small, ¼ in. long, discoid; scales of the involucre few, linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute. Florets 5–15; outer ones female, with a minute tubular corolla with an oblique mouth; central hermaphrodite, campanulate above; style-branches ​very short. Pappus 1-seriate. Achenes striate, silky.—Kirk. Forest Fl. t. 34; Students' Fl. 267. Eurybia Traversii, F. Muell. Veg. Chath. Is. 19, t. 2.
Chatham Islands: Abundant in woods. Akeake. October–November.
A well-marked plant, easily recognised by the opposite leaves, axillary panicles, and discoid heads.
11. O. furfuracea, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 125.—A much-branched shrub or small tree 8–20 ft. high; branches stout, spreading; younger ones terete or grooved, velvety-pubescent. Leaves alternate, 2–4 in. long, 1½–2½ in. broad, variable in shape, oblong or elliptic-oblong to ovate-oblong or broad-ovate, obtuse or rarely acute, rounded and often unequal at the base, coriaceous, glabrous above, beneath clothed with densely appressed smooth and silvery tomentum; margins flat or undulate, entire or remotely sinuate-toothed; veins reticulated on both surfaces or obscure beneath; petiole stout, ½–1 in. long. Corymbs large, much-branched, on long slender peduncles. Heads very numerous, ⅓ in. long, narrowturbinate; scales of the involucre in several series, imbricate, oblong, villous or fimbriate. Florets 5–12; ray-florets 2–5, with a short broad ray; disc-florets 3–7. Pappus-hairs often thickened and fimbriate at the tips, outer hairs short. Acheues small, faintly striate, pubescent.—Kirk, Students Fl. 267. Eurybia furfuracea, D.C. Prodr. v. 267; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 117. Haxtonia furfuracea, A. Cunn. Prccur. n. 440. Shawia furfuracea, Raoul, Choix, 45. Aster furfuraceus, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 246.
North Island: Abundant from the North Cape to Hawke's Bay and Taranaki. Wharangipiro; Akepiro. November–February.
A very common plant to the north of the East Cape, varying greatly in the size, shape, and texture of the leaves, the size of the flower-heads, and the number of florets. Two forms may perhaps be distinguished, one with broad heads containing 8–12 florets, the other with much narrower heads and 4 to 8 florets. To this state Mr. Kirk gives the varietal name of angustata.
12. O. Allomii, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. iii. (1871) 179.—A dwarf sparingly branched shrub 1–3 ft. high; branches stout, and with the inflorescence and leaves beneath clothed with smooth and shining silvery tomentum. Leaves alternate, rather close-set, 1–2 in. long, ¾–1½ in. wide, oblong-ovate or elliptic-ovate, obtuse, truncate or rounded and often unequal at the base, shortly petiolate, excessively thick and coriaceous; veins reticulated above, midrib prominent below. Corymbs longer than the leaves, branched. Heads large, ½ in. diam., or even more when fully expanded; involucre broadly turbinate; scales laxly imbricate, tomentose, obtuse. Florets 15–20; rays about 8. Pappus-hairs unequal. Achenes grooved, hispid.—Students' Fl. 271.
North Island: Great Barrier Island, not uncommon, ascending to 2500 ft., Kirk! November–December.
​Differs from O. furfuracea in the much smaller size, smaller close-set excessively rigid and coriaceous leaves, and especially in the much larger heads with twice the number of florets. I have a plant from Castle Hill, Coromandel, which resembles it in foliage, but forms a large shrub 12 ft. high. A similar form has been gathered by Petrie at Mercury Bay. But both of these have few-flowered heads only slightly larger than those of the typical state of O. furfuracea, and are best placed under that species.
13. O. nitida, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 125.—A much-branched shrub 3–12 ft. high, rarely more; branches stout or slender, often angular. Leaves alternate, variable in size, 1½–3½ in. long, broadly ovate or elliptic-ovate, acute or acuminate, rounded and often unequal at the base, coriaceous or almost membranous, clothed with appressed white and satiny tomentum beneath; margins distinctly or obscurely sinuate-dentate, rarely entire; petiole ½–1 in. long. Corymbs large, rounded, much-branched, very effuse; branches slender, silky-pubescent. Heads numerous, 1/6–1/4 in. long, obconic; scales of the involucre laxly imbricating; the outer ovate, pubescent or villous; the inner linear, fimbriate or sparingly silky. Florets 15–20; ray-florets 7–10, with a short broad ray. Pappus-hairs unequal, dirty-white or reddish. Achenes short, broad, silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 268. O. populifolia, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvii. (1885) 243. O. suborbiculata, Col. l.c. xviii. (1886) 263. O. erythropappa, Col. l.c. xxii. (1890) 468. O. multiflora, Col. xxvii. (1895) 387. Eurybia nitida, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 117. E. alpina, Lindl. and Paxton, Flow. Gard. ii. 84. Solidago arborescens, Forst. Prodr. n. 298; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 252. Steiractis arborescens, D.C. Prodr. v. 345. Shawia arborescens, Raoul, Choix, 45.
Var. cordatifolia, Kirk, Students' Fl. 268.—Leaves orbicular, cordate at the base, very coriaceous. Heads broadly obconic; involucral scales densely woolly, inner villous at the tips. Florets about 20; those of the ray with long and narrow ligules.
Var. angustifolia, Cheesem.—Leaves 2–3½ in. long, linear-lanceolate to lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, almost membranous, margins sinuate. Corymbs lax, much-branched. Heads large, ⅓ in. long; rays long and narrow.
Var. capillaris, Kirk. l.c.—Small, stout or slender, densely or sparingly branched. Leaves small, ¼–1 in. long, ovate or rounded, membranous or subcoriaceous, silky above when young. Heads 3–12, in sparingly branched corymbs longer than the leaves; pedicels very slender; involucral scales glabrate or slightly villous. Florets 8–12.—O. capillaris, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. iii. (1871) 212.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Not uncommon from the East Cape and Taupo southwards. Sea-level to 4000 ft. November–January. Var. cordatifolia: Stewart Island, Kirk! Var. angustifolia: Ohinemuri Gorge, Thames Valley, T.F.C., Petrie! Var. capillaris: Mount Egmont, Adams and T.F.C.; Nelson mountains, H. H. Travers! Dall! source of the Poulter River (Canterbury), Cockayne!
Perhaps the most variable species of the genus, but generally to be recognised in all its forms by the thin white and peculiarly satiny tomentum on the under-surface of the leaves.
​14. O. macrodonta, Baker in Gard. Chron. (1884) i. 604.—A shrub or small tree 5–20 ft. high, with a strong musky fragrance; branchlets clothed with closely appressed tomentum. Leaves alternate, 2–4 in. long, 1–1½ in. broad, ovate or ovate-oblong to narrow-oblong, acute or acuminate, rounded or rarely truncate at the base, rigid and coriaceous, silky above when young but becoming glabrous when mature, beneath clothed with closely appressed white tomentum; margins waved, coarsely and sharply toothed; veins at an obtuse angle to the midrib. Corymbs large, rounded, much-branched. Heads numerous, ¼–⅓ in. long, campanulate; scales of the involucre few, pubescent or villous. Florets 8–12; ray-florets 3–5, ligules short and narrow; disc-fiorets 4–7. Pappus-hairs unequal, dirty-white or reddish. Achenes short, grooved, pubescent.—Bot. Mag. t. 7065; Kirk, Students Fl. 268. O. dentata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 126 (not of Mœnch.). Eurybia dentata var. oblongifoiia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 118.
North and South Islands: In mountain districts from the East Cape and Taupo southwards. 1500–4000 ft. January–February.
A distinct species, at once recognised by the large coarsely toothed leaves.
15. O. ilicifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 126.—Size and habit of O. macrodonta, and with the same musky fragrance. Branchlets stout, sometimes almost glabrous. Leaves alternate, 2–4 in. long, linear or linear-oblong or lanceolate, acute or acuminate, truncate or more rarely rounded at the base, rigid and coriaceous, usually clothed with thin yellowish-white tomentum beneath; margins much and deeply waved, sharply serrate-dentate, teeth hard and spinous; veins spreading at right angles. Inflorescence and heads much as in O. macrodonta.—Kirk, Students Fl. 269. Eurybia dentata var. linearifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 118. O. multibracteolata, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvii. (1885) 242.
Var. mollis, Kirk, Students' Fl. 269.—Young branchlets, inflorescence, and leaves beneath densely clothed with laxly appressed white or yellowish-white tomentum. Leaves rounded at the base, with much smaller, softer, and less spinous teeth; veins more prominent beneath.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: In mountain districts from the East Cape and Taupo southwards. Sea-level to 4000 ft. January–February. Var. mollis: 'Nelson, Dall! Teremakau Valley, Westland, Petrie! Cockayne!
In its ordinary state this has a very different appearance to O. macrodonta, but intermediates are not uncommon.
16. O. Cunninghamii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 126.—A shrub or small tree 8–25 ft. high; branches, inflorescence, petioles, and leaves beneath clothed with soft white or buiif tomentum. Leaves alternate, 2–6 in. long, very variable in shape, broadly ovate or elliptical to oblong or linear-oblong, acute or rarely obtuse, rounded or narrowed at the base; margins irregularly coarsely toothed; ​petioles stout or slender, ½–1½ in. long. Panicles very large, wide-spreading, much-branched. Heads numerous, ¼–⅓ in. diam., campanulate; scales of the involucre in several series, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute, tomentose or villous or nearly-glabrous. Florets 12–24; ray-florets the most numerous; ligules short, broad. Pappus-hairs white or reddish, unequal. xchenes quite glabrous or rarely with a few scattered hairs.—Kirk, Forest Fl. t. 114; Students' Fl. 269. Eurybia Cunninghamii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 117, t. 30. Brachyglottis Rani, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 465.
Var. colorata, Kirk, Students' Fl. 269.—Leaves narrower, oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate. Otherwise as in the type.—O. colorata. Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xii. (1880) 362.
North and South Islands: Abundant in woods from the North Cape to Marlborough and Nelson. Sea-level to 2500 ft. Heketara. October–November.
A very variable plant. The leaves are sometimes coarsely toothed and ac other times almost entire; the involucral scales vary from linear-oblong and densely tomentose to linear and almost glabrous. Mr. Kirk describes the var. colorata as having the scales nearly glabrous, but they are densely tomentose in Mr. Colenso's type specimens and in all others that I have seen.
17. O. excorticata, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vi. (1874) 241.—A small much-branched shrub or small tree 12–15 ft. high, with a trunk 1 ft. in diam.; bark loose, papery; branchlets grooved, and with the panicles, petioles, and leaves beneath clothed with dirty-white or buff tomentum. Leaves alternate, 1½–4 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, shortly petiolate, coriaceous, glabrous and finely reticulated above; lateral veins spreading, but hardly at right angles; margins flat, obscurely sinuate-dentate. Panicles longer than the leaves, branched, corymbose; pedicels slender, densely tomentose. Heads numerous, small, 1/6–1/5 in. long; involucre narrow-turbinate; outer scales small, ovate, tomentose; inner linear-oblong, obtuse, villous at the tips. Florets about 12; ray-florets 5–7. Pappus-hairs slender, in one series. Achenes grooved, hispid.— Kirk, Students' Fl. 270.
North Island: Tararua Mountains, Mitchell! Mount Holdsworth, T. P. Arnold! South Island: Mr. H. J. Matthews has sent specimens from a cultivated plant raised from seed obtained in the Nelson District.
18. O. suavis, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiv. (1892) 409.—A densely branched shrub or small tree 6–18 ft. high; branches stout; branchlets, panicles, and under-surface of leaves clothed with pale-yellowish or fulvous tomentum. Leaves alternate, ¾–1½ in. long, ½–¾ in. broad, Imear-oblong or oblong to ovate, obtuse at both ends, shortly petiolate, coriaceous or almost membranous, entire or obscurely sinuate, glabrous above; lateral veins conspicuous beneath, spreading almost at right angles. Panicles much longer than the leaves, slender, corymbose, much-branched; ​pedicels slender, tomentose. Heads numerous, small, 1/6–1/5 in. long; involucre turbinate; scales few, lax, linear-oblong or lanceolate, pubescent or villous. Florets 6–10; florets of the ray 3–6. Pappus-hairs in one series. Achenes linear, striate, pubescent.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 272.
South Island: Nelson—Mountains behind Collingwood, Dall! Mount Arthur Plateau, T.F.C. 3000–4500 ft. January.
A well-marked plant, distinguished by the pale fulvous tomentum, oblong obtuse leaves, and small heads collected in slender much-branched panicles.
19. O. lacunosa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 732.—A stout branching shrub or small tree 5–15 ft. high; branchlets, panicles, petioles, and leaves beneath densely clothed with pale ferruginous tomentum. Leaves alternate, 3–7 in. long, ⅓–1 in. broad, narrow-linear or linear-lanceolate to linear-oblong, acute or acuminate, shortly petioled, quite entire or obscurely sinuate-toothed, coriaceous, glabrous and reticulated above; midrib very stout and prominent beneath, lateral veins strong, spreading at right angles and dividing the under-surface into numerous sunken interspaces; margins recurved. Panicles towards the tips of the branches, branched, slender, forming a corymbose mass 4–8 in. diam. Heads numerous, small, 1/5 in. diam., on slender pedicels; involucre turbinate; scales few, laxly imbricate, tomentose or villous. Florets small, 8–12, about half of them shortly rayed. Achenes grooved, silky.—Kirk, Students Fl. 270.
South Island: Nelson—Heaphy River and mountains at the source of the Aorere, Dall! source ot the Takaka, Mount Arthur Plateau, Mount Owen, T.F.C.; Mount Murchison, Townson! Lake Rotoroa, Travers. Canterbury—Harper's Pass, Haast; Poulter River, Cockayne! Westland—Teremakau Valley, Petrie! 3000–4500 ft. January–February.
A well-marked plant, easily known by the large linear leaves clothed with rusty tomentum beneath, and transversely rugose from the numerous main veins spreading at right angles to the midrib.
20. O. alpina, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 215.—A shrub or small tree 8–12 ft. high, with a trunk 6–8 in. diam.; branches, leaves below, and inflorescence covered with pale-buff or brown tomentum. Leaves 5–6 in. long, ¼ in. broad, linear, entire; midrib very stout, lateral veins close, diverging at right angles, forming a series of lacunæ on each side of the midrib. Panicles large, much-branched. Heads numerous; involucre turbinate. Flowers not seen. Pappus-hairs reddish.—Kirk, Students Fl. 270.
North Island: Wellington—Tararua Mountains and hills towards Wanganui, Buchanan.
I have seen no specimens of this, and the above description is adapted from Buchanan's. It is evidently near to O. lacunosa, but appears to have narrower leaves.
​21. O. moschata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 127.—A much-branched shrub 4–12 ft. high, with a strong musky fragrance; branches stout, spreading; branchlets, inflorescence, and leaves beneath clothed with soft white densely appressed tomentum. Leaves alternate, close-set, ⅓–¾ in. long, obovate-oblong, obtuse, narrowed into a very short petiole, quite entire, coriaceous, glabrous or slightly pubescent above, veins altogether concealed below; margins flat. Corymbs small, lax or compact, on long axillary peduncles much exceeding the leaves; pedicels slender, tomentose. Heads few, ¼ in. long, campanulate or broadly turbinate; scales of the involucre in few series; the outer short, ovate, obtuse, tomentose; the inner linear-oblong, obtuse, pubescent or nearly glabrous. Florets 12–20; ray-florets 6–12, rather long. Achenes ribbed, silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 271.
South Island: Canterbury—Arthur's Pass, Kirk! Upper Rakaia, Haast! Rangitata Valley, Potts; Mount Cook district, abundant, Haast, T.F.C.; Lake Ohau, Buchanan! Otago—Lake district, Hector and Buchanan! Humboldt Mountains, Mount Tyndall, Clinton Saddle, Petrie! 2000–4500 ft. January–February.
A distinct species, easily separated from its immediate allies by the small obovate leaves, soft white tomentum, and broad many-flowered heads.
22. O. Haastii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 126.—A much-branched shrub 4–8 ft. high; branches stout, hoary with white pubescence. Leaves alternate, crowded, ½–1¼ in. long, oblong or oblong-ovate to elliptic-oblong, obtuse at both ends, shortly petioled, very coriaceous, glabrous and shining above, clothed with white appressed tomentum beneath; lateral veins obscure, spreading, but hardly at right angles. Corymbs numerous, lax or compact, on long naked peduncles much exceeding the leaves. Heads numerous, ¼–⅓ in. long; involucre cylindric; scales imbricated, pale straw-colour; outer smaller, broadly ovate, slightly pubescent; inner much larger, linear-oblong, obtuse, nearly glabrous. Florets 8–10; ray-florets 3–5, short, broad. Achenes narrow, grooved, pubescent.—Bot. Mag. t. 6592; Kirk, Students' Fl. 272.
South Island: Canterbury—Kowai River, Petrie! T.F.C.; Upper Rakaia, Haast; Rangitata Valley, Potts! Ohau Glacier, Haast. 1500–4500 ft. December–January.
23. O. oleifolia, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xi. (1879) 463.—A much-branched shrub 5–8 ft. high; branches crowded, erect or ascending; branchlets grooved, hoary with fine appressed pubescence. Leaves alternate, 1½–3 in. long, ¼–½ in. wide, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, erect, acute or subacute, shortly petioled, very coriaceous, glabrous and finely reticulated above, clothed with white appressed tomentum beneath; veins obscure. Corymbs broad, rather lax, on slender naked peduncles much exceeding the leaves. Heads numerous, ¼–⅓ in. long; involucre cylindric; scales imbricate; the outer smaller, slightly tomentose; the inner ​longer, linear-oblong, almost glabrous or pubescent at the tips. Florets 4–8; ray-florets 2–4, short, broad. Achenes grooved, pubescent.—Students' Fl. 272. O. angustata, Armst. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 337.
South Island: Canterbury—Ashburton Mountains, Potts! Upper Rangitata, Armstrong! Otago—Resolution Island and Preservation Inlet, Enys! 1500–3500 ft. January.
Only differs from O. Haastii in the more erect habit and longer and narrower leaves. Intermediate forms have been collected, but the usual aspect of the plant is distinct.
24. O. (?) coriacea, Kirk, Students' Fl. 276.—A sparingly-branched rigid shrub 6–8 ft. high; branches erect or ascending, rather stout, pubescent. Leaves alternate, ½–⅔ in. long, ovate or orbicular-ovate, obtuse, shortly petiolate, excessively thick and coriaceous, glabrous above, white with appressed tomentum beneath; margins recurved. Flowers not seen, but the peduncles of the previous year's inflorescence are about twice as long as the leaves, and are apparently branched at the top.
South Island: Marlborough—Awatere Valley and Mount Fyffe, Kirk!
Apparently a very distinct species, the exact position of which must remain doubtful until flowering specimens have been obtained.
25. O. nummularifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 127.—A much and closely branched shrub 2–10 ft. high; branches stout, woody, scarred; younger ones often viscid, more or less clothed with whitish or yellowish stellate tomentum or almost glabrous. Leaves alternate, close-set, erect or spreading, 1/5–1/2 in. long, almost orbicular to broadly oblong or obovate, rounded at the tip, very shortly petiolate, excessively thick and coriaceous, shining and reticulate above, clothed with appressed stellate tomentum beneath; margins recurved. Heads ⅓–½ m. long, solitary, on axillary peduncles longer or shorter than the leaves. Involucre narrow-turbiuate; scales in several series, closely imbricating, tomentose or pubescent or almost glabrous; outer short and broad; mner linear, obtuse. Florets 6–12; ray-florets 3–5, rather broad. Achenes pubescent.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 273. O. Hillii, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 194. Eurybia nummularifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 118.
Var. cymbifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 732.—Leaves spreading or deflexed, oblong, obtuse, convex above, margins much revolute all round, hence boat-shaped with the cavity beneath; more or less clothed with white stellate tomentum. Heads as in the typical form, but scales usually more tomentose.
North and South Islands: Mountain districts from the East Cape and Taupo to Foveaux Strait, but local to the south of Lake Wanaka. Altitudinal range from 2000 ft. to 4500 ft., but descending to sea-level in Colac Bay, Southland. Var. cymbifolia: Mountain districts in the South Island, but local; most plentiful in Nelson and Marlborough.
A variable plant, especially in the size and shape of the leaves, the extent to which the leaf-margins are revolute, the size of the heads, and the number of florets. There is a specimen in Mr. Petrie's herbarium with the heads collected in 3–5-flowered corymbs.
​26. O. angulata, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 384.—A much-branched shrub 8–12 ft. high; branches short, spreading, grooved, ahiiost hoary. Leaves alternate, 1½–2½ in. long, 1 in. broad, oblong or broadly elliptic, rounded at the apex, truncate at the base, shortly petioled, coriaceous, clothed with appressed white tomentum beneath; margins undulate. Panicles spreading, exceeding the leaves. Heads 1/5 in. long; involucral scales laxly imbricating; the lower farinose; the upper linear, obtuse, ciliate or pubescent. Florets 3–5. Pappus-hairs unequal. Achenes strigose.—Students' Fl. 273.
North Island: Spirits Bay, North Cape district. Kirk! April–May.
This only differs from O. albida in the shorter and broader much more waved leaves, and, in my opinion, would have been best treated as a form of that plant.
27. O. albida, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 128.—A small tree 10–20 ft. high; branchlets grooved, more or less hoary with white tomentum. Leaves alternate, quite entire, 2–4 in. long, oblong or ovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, rounded or narrowed at the base, petioiate, coriaceous, farinose above when young, glabrous when old, clothed with soft white appressed tomentum beneath; margins undulate or nearly flat. Panicles large, broad, with spreading branches; pedicels short, tomentose or farinose. Heads numerous, ¼ in. long, subcylindric; involucral scales imbricate, farinose or tomentose; the outer short, obtuse; the inner linear-oblong, often ciliate. Florets 3–6; ray-florets 1–3. Pappus-hairs unequal, thickened at the tips. Achenes linear, grooved, pubescent.—Kirk, Students Fl. 273. Eurybia albida, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 118.
North Island: North Cape to Taranaki and the East Cape, usually near the sea, but not common. April–May.
28. O. avicenniæfolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 127.—A small branching tree 8–20 ft. high; branchlets grooved and angular, more or less hoary with fine white tomentum. Leaves alternate, quite entire, 2–4 in. long, elliptic-lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, subacute, narrowed into a rather long petiole, coriaceous, glabrous above, clothed with thin closely appressed white or buff tomentum beneath; veins finely reticulated, conspicuous on both surfaces; margins flat. Corymbs large, much-branched, long-peduncled, usually exceeding the leaves. Heads very numerous, small, 1/6–1/5 in. long, narrow; involucre cylindric; scales few, imbricate, glabrous or minutely pubescent. Florets 2 or 3, rarely 4; ray-florets 1 or rarely 2, sometimes wanting. Pappus-hairs in one series. Achenes silky.—Kirk, Forest Fl. t. 111; Students Fl. 274. Eurybia avicenniæfolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 120. Shawia avicenniæfolia, Raoul, Choix, 19.
South Island, Stewart Island: Abundant throughout, ascending to 3000 ft. Akeake. January–February.
​29. O. Forsteri, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 127.—A much-branched shrub or small tree 8–20 ft. high; branchlets grooved and angular, tomentose. Leaves alternate, 1½–3 in. long, oblong or ovate-oblong or broadly ovate, obtuse, shortly petiolate, coriaceous, glabrous above, clothed with thin closely appressed vphite tomentum beneath; veins finely reticulate; margins usually strongly undulate. Corymbs branched, peduncles usually shorter than the leaves. Heads sessile and fascicled on the branches of the corymb, small, narrow, 1/6–1/5 in. long. Involucre cylindric; scales few, imbricate, glabrous or nearly so; outer small, broadly ovate; inner much longer, linear-oblong, obtuse. Florets always solitary, tubular, hermaphrodite. Pappus-hairs numerous, in one series. Achenes rather broad, pubescent.—Kirk, Forest Fl. t. 137. O. uniflora. Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1888) 469. Eurybia Forsteri, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 119. Shawia paniculata, Forst. Char. Gen. 95, t. 48; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 243; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 434; Raoul, Choix, 18, t. 13; Kirk, Students' Fl. 217.
Var. elliptlca, Kirk, l.c.—Leaves narrower, linear-oblong or elliptic-oblong.
North and South Islands: From the East Cape southwards to Oamaru and Greymouth; often local, usually near the coast. Sea-level to 1500 ft. Akiraho. April–May.
The heads never contain more than one floret, which is invariably tubular and hermaphrodite. On account of the constancy of this character Mr. Kirk has proposed to revive Forster's genus Shawia, but, I think, quite unnecessarily. In O. avicenniæfolia the florets are sometimes reduced to 2, and occasionally there is no ray-floret, thus absolutely bridging over the gap between O. Forsteri and the remaining Oleariæ.
30. O. fragrantissima, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiii. (1891) 398.—An erect much-branched shrub 6–15 ft. high or more; bark dark red-brown or almost black; branches rigid, flexuous or zigzag, finely grooved. Leaves distant, alternate, ¾–l½ in. long, elliptic-lanceolate to elliptic-oblong or -ovate, acute, narrowed intoa rather slender petiole, membranous, glabrous above, clothed with rather lax silky tomentum beneath; margins flat, quite entire. Inflorescence of alternate sessile glomerules ½–¾ in. diam., each containing 8–12 nearly sessile heads 1/5 in. long, each head with a woolly bract at its base. Involucral bracts in 2 or 3 series, oblong, obtuse, densely woolly. Florets 4–8, yellowish; ray-florets 2–5, short and broad. Achenes grooved, silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 274.
South Island: Canterbury—Lake Forsyth, Kirk! Otago—Otago Heads, Buchanan! Petrie! near Dunedin, Catlin's River, Petrie! November–December.
A very distinct species, remarkable for the heads being congested intoglobose fascicles or glomerules. The flowers are deliciously fragrant, smelling like ripe peaches.
​31. O. Hectori, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 128.—An erect much-branched deciduous shrub 5–15 ft. high; branches slender, grooved, glabrous; bark dark red-brown. Leaves in opposite fascicles, variable in size and shape, ¾–1½ in. long, linear-obovate or linear-spathulate to oblong or obovate, obtuse, narrowed into a slender petiole, thin and membranous, glabrous above when mature, silky when young, beneath clothed with thin silvery tomentum; margins flat, entire. Heads in opposite fascicles of 2–5; peduncles ¼–½ in. long, slender, drooping, silky. Involucre broad and shallow, cup-shaped; bracts in 2 series, lax, spreading, linear-oblong or -obovate, obtuse, woolly. Florets 20–25; ray-florets 12–17, small, with a narrow ray; disc-florets about 8, much larger, mouth funnelshaped. Achenes linear-obovoid, grooved, silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 274.
South Island: Marlborough—Pelorus Sound, Rutland! Canterbury—Banks Peninsula, J. B. Armstrong. Otago—Lake district, Hector and Buchanan; Kaitangata, Catlin's River, Invercargill, Kawarau Gorge, Matukituki Valley, Petrie! Sea-level to 2500 ft. October–November.
32. O. odorata, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiii. (1891) 399.—An erect much-branched shrub 6–12 ft. high; branches divaricating, stout, terete, grooved. Leaves opposite, usually fascicled, ⅓–1 in. long, linear-spathulate or linear-obovate, rounded at the tip, narrowed into very short petioles or almost sessile, coriaceous, glabrous or silky above, clothed with soft white tomentum beneath; margins flat, entire. Heads in opposite fascicles of 2–5 on short arrested branchlets; peduncles short, stout, silky. Involucre broadly campanulate; bracts in 3–4 series, linear-oblong, obtuse, dark-brown, viscid and glandular. Florets numerous, 20–35; ray-florets 8–18, short; corolla of disc-florets viscid and glandular. Achenes silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 275.
South Island: Mountain districts in Canterbury, Westland, and Otago; not uncommon. 1000–3000 ft. January–February.
Closely allied to O. virgata, but distinguished by the terete branchlets, larger leaves, many-flowered heads, and viscid and glandular involucral bracts.
33. O. laxiflora, T. Kirk, Students Fl. 275.—A large erect much-branched shrub 6–12 ft. high; branches slender, divaricating, sometimes almost pendulous, terete or obscurely tetragonous. Leaves opposite or in opposite fascicles, ½–1 in. long, narrow linear-spathulate or linear-oblong, obtuse, narrowed into very short petioles, coriaceous, glabrous above, beneath clothed with closely appressed white tomentum. Heads numerous, 5–15, in opposite fascicles on short arrested branchlets; peduncles slender, ¾ in. long, glabrate or silky. Involucre campanulate; bracts few, lax, linear-oblong, villous at the tips. Florets 6–8; ray-florets 3–4, broad. Achenes grooved, silky.
South Island: Westland—Hokitika, H. Tipler!
​Very similar to O. odorata in habit and appearance, but the fascicles are larger and much more lax, the peduncles longer, the involucral bracts not viscid nor glandular, and the florets much fewer in number. I have only seen two specimens.
34. O. virgata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 128.—An erect much-branched shrub 4–10 ft. high, often forming dense thickets; branches spreading, stout or slender, tetragonous or almost terete, smooth or grooved, glabrous or pubescent when young; bark dark red-brown. Leaves opposite or in opposite fascicles, ¼–½ in. long, linear-obovate or linear-spathulate, obtuse, narrowed into a short petiole or sessile, coriaceous, glabrous or silky above, clothed with white appressed tomentum beneath. Heads solitary or fascicled, on short arrested opposite branchlets, shortly pedunculate or almost sessile. Involucre broadly turbinate; bracts in about 3 series, linear-oblong, tomentose or villous or almost glabrous. Florets 5–12; ray-florets 3–6, short, slender; disc-florets often with villous tips to the corolla-lobes. Achenes small, linear, glabrous or slightly pubescent.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 275. O. quinquefida, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 596. O. aggregata. Col. l.c. 597. O. parvifolia, Col. l.c. 598. Eurybia virgata, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 119.
Var. ramuliflora, Kirk, Students' Fl. 276.—Leaves in opposite fascicles of 2–6, rather larger, ¼–½ in. long, flat. Heads more numerous, in fascicles of 2–6; peduncles slender, often ¼ in. long or more, silky. Involucres tomentose or villous. Florets 7–12.—O. ramuliflora, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1890) 467.
Var. lineata, Kirk, Students' Fl. 276.—Branchlets more slender, spreading, often silky-pubescent. Leaves ½–1½ in. long, very narrow-linear, glabrate or silky above, tomentose beneath; margins much revolute. Heads fascicled; peduncles slender, silky. Involucre villous or tomentose. Florets 12–20.
North and South Islands: From the Thames Valley and Rotorua southwards; not uncommon. Sea-level to 3000 ft. December–January.
35. O. Solandri, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 128.—An erect much-branched shrub 5-15 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, angled, often viscid, usually more or less clothed with pale-yellowish pubescence. Leaves of young plants opposite, ⅓–½ in. long, linear-obovate or -spathulate, narrowed into short petioles, membranous, flat, white beneath; of mature plants in opposite fascicles, 1/5–1/3 in. long, narrow-linear or linear-obovate, obtuse, narrowed into very short petioles, coriaceous, glabrous above, beneath clothed with pale-yellowish tomentum; margins recurved. Heads ¼–⅓ in. long, solitary, sessile, terminating short lateral branchlets. Involucre narrow-turbinate; scales in 3–4 series, numerous, imbricate, obtuse or subacute, bright fulvous, pubescent or viscid. Florets 8–20; ray-florets 5–14, ray short. Achenes grooved, pubescent.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 276. O. fasciculifolia. Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxv. (1893) 330. O. consimilis, Col. l.c. xxviii. (1896) 596. Eurybia Solandri, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 119.
North Island: From the North Cape southwards, plentiful near the coast. South Island: D'Urville Island, Bryant; Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, Rutland! MacMahon. Sea-level to 1000 ft. February–May.
5. PLEUROPHYLLUM, Hook. f.
Tall handsome silky robust perennial herbs. Leaves mostly radical, large, entire, many-nerved. Heads large, racemed at the top of the stem. Involucre broadly campanulate or hemispherical; bracts in 2–3 series, herbaceous. Receptacle flat, pitted. Ray-florets female, ligulate, in 1–3 series; ligule long or short. Disc-florets many, regular, tubular, campanulate at the mouth, 4–5-toothed. Anthers shortly and obtusely auricled at the base. Style-branches of the disc-florets flattened, with lanceolate tips. Achenes compressed, striated, densely setose. Pappus-hairs in 2–3 series, copious, rigid, scabrid, unequal.
The genus is limited to the three following species, and is confined to the outlying islands to the south of New Zealand. It is very closely allied to Celmisia, from which it is separated rather by the very distinct and peculiar habit than by any structural characters of importance.
| Ray-florets with a conspicuous ray. Leaves large, 6–18 in., sessile by a broad base | 1. P. speciosum. |
| Ray-florets short, inconspicuous. Leaves large, 1–4 ft., petiolate, green above | 2. P. criniferum. |
| Ray-florets short, inconspicuous. Leaves smaller, 6–12 in., petiolate, white and silvery on both surfaces | 3. P. Hookeri. |
1. P. speciosum, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 31, t. 22, 23.—Leaves chiefly radical, spreading horizontally all round the base of the stem, 6–18 in. long, 4–10 in. broad, broadly ovate or obovate, sessile by a broad base, thick and coriaceous, quite entire, furnished with 15–20 stout longitudinal parallel ribs, villous and tomentose beneath, above slightly setose, with the bristles more or less mixed with moniliform hairs. Cauline leaves few, oblong-lanceolate. Flowering-stems several, 1½–3 ft. high, ending in a raceme of 8–20 heads; bracts numerous, linear. Heads 1½–2½ in. diam.; disc-florets dark-purple; ray-florets with a conspicuous ligule, light-purple or almost whitish. Achenes densely silky-strigose. Pappus-hairs not thickened at the tips.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 129; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. [[Manual of the New Zealand Flora/Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 23/Article 47#433|xxiii. (1891) 433; Students Fl. 211.
Auckland and Campbell Islands: Abundant from sea-level to nearly 1000 ft. December–January.
A truly noble plant, at once recognised by the large purple heads with conspicuous spreading rays.
2. P. criniferum, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 32, t. 24, 25.—Radical leaves variable in size and shape, 1–4 ft. long, 4–12 in. broad, orbicular-ovate or broadly oblong to ovate-lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate, acute, narrowed into a sheathing petiole of variable length, firm but membranous, clothed with thin white tomentum ​beneath, above setose with moniliform hairs intermixed; principal nerves 8–16, parallel, but following the outline of the leaf; margins remotely and minutely spinulose-serrate. Cauline-leaves smaller and narrower, sessile, clothed with thin white tomentum on both surfaces. Flowering-stem stout, 2–6 ft. high; raceme of 15–30 heads or more. Heads subglobose, discoid, 1–1½ in. diam., purple; involucral bracts ovate-lanceolate, margins ciliate. Ray-florets with a very short and inconspicuous 2–3-fid ligule. Achenes silky-strigose. Pappus-hairs slightly thickened at the tips.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 129; Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiii. (1891) 434. P. Hombronii, Dcne, in Voy. Astrol. et Zèl. 36. Albinea orisegenesa, Homb. & Jacq. Voy. Astrol. et Zèl. 37, t. 4.
Auckland and Campbell Islands, Antipodes Island: Abundant from sea-level to over 1000 ft. December–January.
Separated from the preceding by the petiolate leaves and subglobose discoid heads. Kirk has pointed out that the plate in the "Flora Antarctica," excellent in most respects, is faulty in the leaf figured not being that of the present species, but of P. speciosum.
3. P. Hookeri, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvi. (1884) 395 (excl. t. 37).—Leaves all radical, 6–12 in. long, 3–4 in. broad, obovate or oblong-obovate, acute or acuminate, narrowed into a short broad petiole, coriaceous, clothed on both surfaces with rather loose white and silvery tomentum; principal nerves 8–12, slender; margins entire or minutely denticulate. Flowering-stems 1–3, 1½–2 ft. high, strict, silky-tomentose, naked below excepting for 1–3 narrow-linear bracts; raceme of 12–24 heads. Heads subglobose, discoid, ¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts narrow-linear, acuminate. Ray-florets few, with a very short and inconspicuous 2-lobed ligule. Achene silky. Pappus-hairs hardly thickened above.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 278. P. Hookerianum, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiii. (1891) 435. P. Gilliesianum, Kirk in Rep. Austral. Assoc. (1891) 220.
Auckland Islands: Kirk! Campbell Island: Buchanan! Kirk! Macquarie Island: Scott, Hamilton! 500–1000 ft. December–January.
Closely allied to the preceding, but sufficiently distinct in the smaller size, leaves silvery-tomentose on both surfaces, rigid scapes, and smaller heads.
6. CELMISIA, Cass.
Perennial herbs, usually tufted or with a short creeping rhizome, rarely with a procumbent or suberect branched stem. Leaves all radical and rosulate, or cauline and densely imbricated, narrowed into a sheathing base, usually clothed beneath with appressed white or buff tomentum. Scapes or peduncles long or short, rarely almost wanting, bracteate. Heads large, solitary, radiate. Involucre broadly hemispherical; bracts imbricated in several or many series, narrow, pubescent or cottony or glandular. Receptacle flat or convex, pitted. Ray-florets female, in a single row, ligulate; ​ligule spreading, flat or revolute, often long, always white. Discflorets numerous, hermaphrodite, tubular, 5-lobed. Anthers usually sagittate at the base, with short tails. Style-branches flattened, tipped with long or short appendages. Achenes linear, slightly compressed or angled, with 1—3 prominent ribs on each side. Pappus copious, of numerous unequal scabrid bristles.
The genus Celmisia, which is confined to New Zealand, with the exception of one species found in Australia and Tasmania, forms one of the chief ornaments of the montane and alpine flora of the colony, the various species usually composing a large proportion of the vegetation, especially in the South Island, where the mountain slopes and valleys are often whitened for miles from the abundance of their large daisy-like flowers. With few exceptions, the species are exceedingly variable and difficult of discrimination. This is especially the case with C. longifolia, coriacea, discolor, petiolata, and spectabilis, all of which run into forms which are easily distinguishable by the eye, and which to some extent may be permanent, but which it is almost impossible to define in precise language, and which in most cases are connected by numerous intermediates. As the flower-heads are very similar throughout the genus, except in size, the specific characters are almost wholly founded on the vegetative organs. The size, shape, and texture of the leaves, the nature of the tomentum clothing the under-surface, the differences in the leaf-sheaths, the length, stoutness, and indumentum of the scapes, and the peculiarities of the involucral bracts are all made use of. Of course, these are essentially variable characters, and can only be safely employed in combination. But in Celmisia, as in other large genera of the New Zealand flora, the species, such as they are, must be regarded as founded on an aggregation of several small prevalent characters rather than on conspicuous and important differences.
A. Suffruticose. Stems woody, branched; branches elongated. Leaves imbricated along the branches. :
| Stems 1–4 ft., procumbent or suberect. Leaves spreading, 1–1½ in., linear, acute; margins flat | 1. C. Walkeri. |
| Stems 1–3 ft., prostrate. Leaves ½–1 in., linear-spathulate, obtuse; margins revolute | 2. C. rupestris. |
| Stems 6–12 in., slender, sparingly branched. Leaves laxly imbricating, spreading or reflexed, ½–¾ in., lanceolate, sparsely clothed with lepidote scales beneath | 3. C. Gibbsii. |
| Stems 2–8 in., sparingly branched. Leaves erect, ¼–½ in. long, linear-oblong, white and cottony beneath | 4. C. ramulosa. |
| Stems 3–12 in., much-branched. Leaves ¼–½ in., linear-subulate, green on both surfaces, glabrous or glandular | 5. C. lateralis. |
| B. Herbaceous, sometimes woody at the base. Branches short. Leaves crowded, usually more or less rosulate. Disc-florets yellow, never purple. ||
| * Leaves more or less toothed or serrate, clothed with white or buff tomentum beneath (glabrate in C. prorepens). ||
| Leaves 6–12 in. × 1½–2½ in., lanceolate, acutely serrate, white beneath. Scape 1–2 ft., with linear bracts | 6. C. holosericea. |
| Leaves 4–8 in. × 1–2 in., obovate-lanceolate, acutely serrate, buff beneath. Scape 6–18 in., with broad leafy bracts | 7. C. Dallii. |
| Leaves 1–5 in. × ½–1 in., obovate-oblong to linear-oblong, serrulate, buff beneath. Scape 2–10 in., with linear bracts | 8. C. hieracifolia. |
| Leaves 1½–3 in. × ½–1 in., linear-oblong to linear-obovate, green on both surfaces, rugose above | 9. C. prorepens. ​ |
| Leaves 3–7 in. × ¾–1½ in., linear-oblong, crenate-dentate, white beneath. Scapes 6–18 in. Involucral bracts very numerous | 10. C. densiflora. |
| Leaves ½–2½ in. × ¼–½ in., spathulate to linear, viscid, coriaceous, white beneath. Scapes slender | 11. C. discolor. |
| Leaves 1–2½ in. × ½–¾ in., obovate-spathulate, plaited above, clothed with lax soft wbite tomentum beneath or on both surfaces | 12. C. incana. |
| Leaves 1½–3 in. × ½–1 in., oblong to oblong-spathulate, greenish-grey and plaited above, white beneath; margins revolute. Scapes with numerous hnear bracts | 13. C. Haastii. |
| Leaves 3–8 in. × ½–1 in,, linear-oblong or lanceolate, dark-green above, white beneath, coriaceous. Scape slender, flexuose, glabrate | 14. C. Lindsayi. |
| Leaves 1–3 in. × ¼–¾ in., oblong or spathulate, dull-green above, white with thin appressed tomentum beneath or glabrous, membranous | 15. C. Sinclairii. |
| ** Leaves entire (or if toothed very obscurely so), clothed with white or buff tomentum bsneath (glabrate in C. Mackaui). ||
| † Leaves 3–16 in. × ¼–2½ in., oblong or oblong-lanceolate or linear-oblong, coriaceous or almost membranous, not rigid. ||
| Leaves 6–16 in. × 1½–2½ in., oblong or oblong-lanceolate, under-surface with velvety ferruginous tomentum; sheaths snow-white | 16. C. Traversii. |
| Leaves 3–9 in. × 1–2 in., ovate-oblong or oblong, cordate at the base, under-surface with red-brown velvety tomentum; sheaths brown or purple | 17. C. cordatifolia. |
| Leaves 4–14 in. × ¾–2 in., oblong to oblong-lanceolate or linear- oblong, under-surface with appressed white tomentum or almost glabrous; midrib and petiole purple | 18. C. petiolata. |
| Leaves 3–12 in. × ¾–2½ in., oblong to oblong-lanceolate, under-surface with white satiny tomentum; sheaths snow-white | 19. C. Rutlandii. |
| Leaves 3–6 in. × ¼–1 in., linear-oblong, under-surface with thick densely matted white or buff woolly tomentum; sheaths snow-white | 20. C. spectabilis. |
| Leaves 1½–3 in., oblong or linear-oblong, acute at both ends, under - surface with soft white tomentum; sheaths slightly cottony | 21. C. dubia. |
| †† Leaves 6–24 in. × ¾–4 in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, coriaceous but not rigid. ||
| Leaves 8–20 in. × 1½–3 in., lanceolate or spathulate-lanceolate, under-surface with soft white or buff tomentum. Achene glabrous | 22. C. verbascifolia. |
| Leaves 6–10 in. × 1–2 in., lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, under-surface with thin whitish tomentum. Achene silky | 23. C. Brownii. |
| Leaves 6–20 in. × 2–4 in., lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous on both surfaces, or very slightly cottony beneath | 24. C. Mackaui. |
| Leaves 6–24 in. × ¾–3 in., lanceolate, acute, above coated with a thin pellicle, beneath with appressed silvery tomentum. Achene pilose | 25. C. coriacea. ​ |
| ††† Leaves 3–18 in. × 1/12–3/4 in., narrow-linear to linear or linear-lanceolate or linear-ensiform. ||
| a. Leaves very rigid and coriaceous. ||
| Leaves 6–18 in. × ¼–⅓ in., ensiform, acute, ribbed above, beneath with satiny appressed tomentum. Midrib very stout | 26. C. Armstrongii. |
| Leaves 6–18 in. × ½–¾ in., dagger-shaped, narrowed to an acuminate rigid tip, upper surface with 2 stout longitudinal plaits, white and silvery beneath; midrib not evident | 27. C. Petriei. |
| Leaves 9–18 in. × ¼–⅓ in., narrow-ensiform, tapering into an almost pungent point, even or finely grooved above, white beneath | 28. C. Lyallii. |
| Leaves 3–5 in. × ¼ in., linear, viscid, grooved on both surfaces, white with appressed tomentum beneath. Scape and involucre viscid | 29. C. viscosa. |
| b. Leaves not rigid, coriaceous or almost membranous. ||
| Leaves 3–12 in. × ⅓–¾ in., linear-lanceolate, coriaceous, grooved above, white with appressed tomentum beneath. Scape stout, and with the involucre woolly and cottony | 30. C. Monroi. |
| Leaves 6–18 in. × ½–1 in., linear-lanceolate, membranous, flat above, with soft white tomentum beneath. Scape slender, and with the involucre glabrate or slightly cottony | 31. C. Adamsii. |
| Leaves 3–18 in. × 1/12–1/3 in., narrow-linear, coriaceous or membranous; margins recurved or flat. Scape usually slender | 32. C. longifolia. |
| †††† Small species. Leaves ½–3 in. × 1/20–1/3 in. (sometimes 3–4 in. in C. linearis), variable in shape. ||
| Leaves 1–4 in. × 1/6–1/5 in., narrow-linear; margins recurved. Scape stout, densely woolly | 33. C. linearis. |
| Leaves ⅓–1 in. × 1/20 in., acerose, pungent, silvery beneath. Scape very slender | 34. C. laricifolia. |
| Leaves ½–1 in. × 1/6–1/4 in., linear-spathulate, silky on both surfaces. Scape stout, tomentose and villous | 35. C. Hectori. |
| Leaves 1–1½ in. × ¼–⅓ in., linear-oblong, clothed with long silky hairs on both surfaces. Scape stout, densely villous | 36. C. Macmahoni. |
| Leaves ⅓–1 in. × 1/8–1/4 in., lanceolate, acute, white beneath. Scape slender, glabrate or slightly cottony | 37. C. parva. |
| ††††† Small, densely tufted species. Leaves 1/5–1 in., very narrow-linear, densely imbricating round the stem and forming a hard rosette. Heads sessile among the uppermost leaves. ||
| Leaves ⅓–1 in. × 1/12 in., linear-subulate. Head –1 in. diam. | 38. C. sessiliflora. |
| Leaves ⅓–½ in. × 1/30 in., narrow linear-subulate. Head ¼–½ in. | 39. C. argentea. |
| *** Leaves entire or serrate, perfectly glabrous on both surfaces, or with minute glandular pubescence only. ||
| Leaves ¼–⅔ in. × 1/3–1/6 in., linear-spathulate, obtuse, green and glabrous, narrowed into short cottony petioles | 40. C. bellidioides. |
| Leaves ½–1½ in. × ¼–½ in., oblong- spathulate, acute, serrate, glandular-pubescent | 41. C. glandulosa. |
| C. Herbaceous. Leaves rosulate. Disc-florets purple. ||
| Leaves 1–4 in. × 1/8–1/3in., linear, coriaceous, shining, glabrous | 42. C. vernicosa. |
| Leaves 3–5 in. × ½–¾ in., lanceolate, grooved and sparingly tomentose beneath | 43. C. Campbellensis. |
1. C. Walkeri, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ix. (1877) 549, t. 30.—Stem stout, woody, much or sparingly branched, procumbent or suberect, 1–4 ft. long; branches spreading, densely leafy. Leaves very numerous, crowded, with broad imbricating sheathing bases wider than the blade, 1–1½ in. long; blade spreading, linear, acute, subcoriaceous, glabrous and somewhat viscid above, clothed with soft white tomentum beneath; margins fiat, serrulate. Peduncles 1–3 near the tips of the branches, 4–8 in. long, slender, glandular-pubescent; bracts numerous, linear-subulate. Heads 1–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear-subulate, pubescent and glandular, tips recurved. Ray-florets 30–40; ligule narrow, spreading. Achenes linear, silkv, with 2–3 obscure ribs on each face.—Students' Fl. 280.
South Island: Canterbury—Mountains above Arthur's Pass, T.F.C. Westland—Kelly's Hill, Petrie! Otago—Mountains near Lake Harris, Kirk! Mount Alta, Buchanan! Mount Aspiring, Petrie! near Mount Earnslaw, H.J. Matthews! 3000–5000 ft. December–February.
A very remarkable plant, easily recognised by the stout branching stem, densely clothed with imbricating leaves. Its only near ally is the following species.
2. C. rupestris, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvi. (1884) 409.—Stems long, much-branched, stout and woody, prostrate, scrambling over rocks; branches ascending at the tips, densely clothed with closely imbricating leaves. Leaves numerous, crowded, ½–1 in. long, narrow linear-spathulate, obtuse, gradually narrowed to the base and then expanded into a broad membranous sheath, silky above, beneath clothed with soft white tomentum, suberect when young, patent or deflexed when old; margins strongly revolute. Peduncles 1 or 2 near the tips of the branches, 3–6 in. long, glandular-pubescent. Heads about 1 in. diam.; involucral bracts numerous, narrow-linear, pubescent and glandular. Ray-florets numerous, narrow, spreading. Achenes not seen.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 281.
South Island: Nelson—Ravines on Mount Peel, alt. 4000–5000 ft., T.F.C.
Nearest to C. Walkeri, but distinguished by the smaller size, smaller narrower and more silky leaves with revolute margins, and by the smaller heads.
3. C. Gibbsii, Cheesem. n. sp.—Stems slender, woody, sparingly branched, creeping and rooting at the base, erect or ascending above; branches few, short, leafy. Leaves numerous, laxly imbricating, spreading or reflexed from an appressed sheathing base, ​½–¾ in. long, 1/10–1/8 in. broad, linear-lanceolate, tapering from the base to a rather obtuse or subacute tip, coriaceous, somewhat rigid, green or glabrous above, beneath and on the sheaths sparsely covered with minute white lepidote scales; margins thick, revolute; midrib impressed above, much thickened and flattened beneath. Peduncles near the ends of the branches, solitary or more rarely 2 or 3, 1½–2½ in. long, slender, sparsely glandular-lepidote; bracts 8–10, small, erect, linear-oblong, obtuse. Heads ¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear-oblong, acute, more or less clothed with white glandular scales, inner with a tuft of cottony hairs at the tip. Ray-florets numerous, spreading. Achenes grooved, hispid.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Cobb (to the north of the Mount Arthur Plateau), F. G. Gibbs!
An interesting novelty, quite distinct from the other species of the section, and remarkable for the lepidote pubescence on the under-surface of the leaves, &c.
4. C. ramulosa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 738.—Stems woody, procumbent, branched, 2–8 in. long; branches short, ascending or almost erect. Leaves numerous, densely imbricating, ¼–½ long, linear-oblong, obtuse, coriaceous, with broad membranous sheathing bases, glabrous above, clothed with soft white tomentum beneath; margins strongly revolute. Peduncles 1 or rarely 2 at the tips of the branches, short, slender, ½–1½ in. long, glandular-tomentose; bracts 1–3, small, narrow-linear. Heads ¾–1 in. diam.; involucral bracts linear-oblong, acute, glandular-pubescent. Rays spreading, narrow. Ripe achenes not seen.—Kirk, Students Fl. 281.
South Island: Otago—Mount Pisa, Petrie! Mount Cardrona, Goyen; Mount Bonpland, H. J. Matthews! mountains above Dusky Sound, Hector and Buchanan! Reischek! mountains near Lake Hauroto, G. M. Thomson! 3000–6000 ft. January.
A very distinct little plant, much smaller than the preceding, and with smaller appressed leaves wbich are white and cottony beneath, and show no signs of the peculiar lepidote scales of G. Gibbsii.
5. C. lateralis, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. iv. (1872) 226, t. 15.—Stems 3–12 in. long or more, slender, procumbent, woody at the base, much and closely branched, often forming compact patches; branches crowded, ascending or suberect. Leaves very numerous, densely crowded, spreading at the base but usually incurved at the tips, ¼–½ in. long, linear-subulate, acute or apiculate, flat above but slightly convex beneath, green on both surfaces, glabrous or glandular-ciliate at the margins and apex, base with a short and broad membranous slightly cottony sheath. Peduncles slender, 2–3 in. long, often numerous, terminal and lateral, glandular-pubescent or cottony; bracts linear-subulate. Heads ½–¾ in. diam.; ​involucral bracts subulate-lanceolate, acute, glandular and silky, margins often scarious. Rays numerous, narrow, ⅓ in. long. Achene linear, silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 281.
Var. villosa, Cheesem.—Leaves densely clothed on both surfaces with soft spreading glandular hairs.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur, Rev. F. H. Spencer! T.F.C.; mountains near Lake Guyon, H. H. Travers; Mount Rochfort, Townson! Westland—Mountains near Greymouth, Helms! Var. villosa: Mount Murchison, Buller Valley, Townson! 3000–4500 ft. December–January. A very singular species, quite unlike any other.
6. C. holosericea, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 36.—Leaves all radical, spreading, 6–12 in. long, 1½–2½ in. broad, lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate or spathulate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, narrowed to the base, thinly coriaceous, glabrous above, clothed with thin appressed white tomentum beneath, midrib and principal veins distinct on both surfaces; margins flat, distantly acutely serrate; petiole broadly sheathing, glabrous, smooth and shining, grooved. Scapes few, 1–2 ft. long, slender, glabrous; bracts usually several, 1–1½ in. long, linear, wiiite beneath. Heads large, 2–3 in. diam. or more; involucral bracts in several series, sometimes 1 in. long; inner narrow-linear, glabrous, usually viscid; outer broader, lanceolate, tomentose on the back. Ray-florets very numerous, with long narrow ligules. Achene pilose.—Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 121, t. 31; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 130; Kirk, Students' Fl. 282. Aster holosericeus, Forst. Prodr. n. 296; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 248; A. Cunn. Prodr. n. 438.
South Island: Dusky Bay, Forster, Hector and Buchanan! Jackson's Bay, Buchanan! Port Preservation, Lyall; Clinton Saddle and mountains west of Lake Te Anau, Petrie! Sea-level to 4000 ft. December–January.
7. C. Dallii, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 355, t. 35.—Leaves numerous, all radical, spreading, 4–8 in. long, 1–2 in. broad, narrow obovate-oblong or obovate-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute or apiculate, narrowed to the base and then expanded into a broad grooved membranous sheathing petiole, coriaceous, glabrous above, clothed with appressed pale-buff tomentum beneath; margins flat, sharply minutely serrate. Scapes 1–6, 6–18 in. long, rather stout, glabrous; bracts usually numerous, large, 1–2 in. long, leafy, clothed with buff tomentum beneath, usually several are aggregated under the head, forming a spurious involucre. Heads large, 1½–2½ in. diam.; involucral bracts in several series, narrow-linear; inner cottony, outer slightly tomentose, viscid. Rays numerous, rather narrow. Achene pilose.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 282.
South Island: Nelson—Mountains at the head of the Aorere River, Dall! Mount Arthur Plateau, Rev. F. H. Spencer! T.F.C.; Mount Rochfort, Spencer! Townson! 3000–5000 ft. December–January.
A handsome plant, closely allied to C. holosericea, but distinguished by the smaller size, more coriaceous leaves with buff, not white, tomentum, and especially by the large leafy bracts.
​8. C. hieracifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 124, t. 34b.—Stems short. Leaves 1–5 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, obovate-oblong to linearoblong, obtuse or acute, narrowed to the base, coriaceous, obtusely crenate or serrate, glabrous or slightly pubescent above, viscid, clothed with appressed buff tomentum beneath; sheathing petiole strongly grooved, short, broad, glabrous. Scapes 2–10 in. long, stout, viscid, usually densely glandular-pubescent; bracts 3–10, linear, pubescent. Heads ¾–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acuminate, viscid and glandular-pubescent; inner often cottony, outer recurved at the tips. Rays rather long, numerous. Achene silky, ribbed, longer than the pappus.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 131; Kirk, Students Fl. 283.
Var. oblonga, Kirk, l.c.—Much smaller than the type. Leaves 1–2½ in. long, ¼–⅓ in. broad, linear-oblong. Scapes 1–3 in. high. Heads ⅓–¾ in. diam.
South Island: Nelson—Dun Mountain Range, Bidwill, Monro, Sinclair, T.F.C. Var. oblonga: Mount Arthur and Mount Owen, T.F.C.; Mount Stokes, Kirk! MacMahon! 3500–4500 ft. December–January.
Apparently rare and local. The buff tomentum separates it from all the allied species except C. Dallii, which differs in its much greater size and broad leafy bracts.
9. C. prorepens, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 326.—Stems prostrate, much-branched, often forming large patches, densely clothed with the remains of the old leaf-sheaths. Leaves numerous, crowded, green on both surfaces, 1½–3 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, linear-oblong to linear-obovate, acute or subacute, hardly coriaceous, longitudinally furrowed and wrinkled, viscid, glabrous on both surfaces or slightly cottony beneath, coarsely serrate, margins slightly recurved; sheathing petiole short, narrower than the blade, viscid. Scapes few, 3–8 in. long, slender, viscid, glabrous or nearly so; bracts several, linear or lanceolate. Heads 1–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts subulate-lanceolate, viscid; inner slightly cottony, with scarious margins; outer shorter and broader, puberulous. Rays long, spreading. Achene silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 283.
South Island: Otago—Upper Waipori, Rock and Pillar Range, Old Man Range, Petrie! 2000–4500 ft. December–January.
A well-marked plant, at once recognised by the deeply wrinkled almost glabrous leaves, green on both surfaces.
10. C. densiflora, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 130.—Leaves 3–7 in. long, ¾–1½ in. broad, narrow linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute, subcoriaceous, glabrous above, clothed with soft white tomentum beneath except the prominent midrib; margins fiat, crenate-dentate; sheathing petiole 1½–3½ in. long, membranous, glabrous or the margins slightly cottony. Scapes usually several, 6–18 in. long, stout or slender, glabrous, viscid; bracts few or ​many, linear, 1–2 in. long. Heads 1–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts very numerous, in many series, linear-subulate, glabrous or pubescent, viscid; tips recurved. Eays long and narrow, twisted when withering. Achene narrow-linear, equalling the pappus, silky, strongly ribbed.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 282.
South Island: Canterbury—Mountains at the head of Lake Ohau, Haast! Otago—Lake district, Hector and Buchanan! Kurow and Mount Ida Ranges, Mount St. Bathans, Mihiwaka, Petrie! 800–3000 ft. December–February.
Best recognised by the obtuse linear-oblong crenate-dentate leaves and numerous involucral bracts and florets. It has been recorded from the Tararua Range, in the North Island, but I have seen no specimens from thence.
11. C. discolor, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 123.—Stems branched below; branches short or long, prostrate or suberect, usually densely clothed with the old persistent leaves. Leaves crowded, imbricating, very variable in size and shape, 1–2½ in. long, ¼–½ in. wide, oblong-spathulate to linear, obtuse or acute, entire or serrulate, very coriaceous to almost membranous, viscid, glabrous or hoary above, clothed with appressed white tomentum beneath, broad or narrow at the base, sometimes almost petiolate; sheaths ⅓–½ as long as the blade, glabrous. Scapes 1 or several, 2–8 in. long, very slender, viscid and glandular-pubescent; bracts usually several, linear-subulate. Heads ¾–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linearsubulate, viscid, usually glandular-pubescent, outer with recurved tips. Rays narrow, spreading. Achene silky.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 131; Kirk, Students' Fl. 283. Erigeron novæ-zealandiæ, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvii. (1885) 287, t. 15.
South Island: Abundant in mountain districts throughout. Altitudinal range 2500 ft. to 5000 ft. December–February.
One of the most variable species of the genus. Large much-branched states approach C. Walkeri; short and broad-leaved forms come very near to C. incana; and states with large membranous leaves appear to pass directly into C. Sinclairii.
12. C. incana, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 123, t. 34a.—Rhizome prostrate; branches short, stout, densely clothed with the old persistent leaves. Leaves numerous, crowded, 1–2½ in. long, ½–¾ in. broad, oblong-spathulate or obovate-spathulate, obtuse or subacute, coriaceous, entire or minutely serrulate, plaited or furrowed above, both surfaces or the lower alone thickly coated with lax snow-white soft tomentum; sheaths ½ as long as the blade, thin and membranous, grooved, glabrous or slightly cottony. Scapes 1–3, stout, 3–9 in. high, tomentose; bracts many, linear. Heads ¾–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts subulate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, glandular-pubescent and viscid; the outer often recurved. Rays numerous, spreading. Achene linear, silky, about equalling the pappus.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 131; Kirk, Students Fl. 284. C. robusta. Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 215, t. 18.
Var. petiolata. Kirk, l.c.—Smaller in all its parts. Leaves with an oblong blade suddenly narrowed into a distinct petiole at the top of the expanded sheath, often quite glabrous above, the tomentum of the under-surface more silvery and appressed. Heads smaller, ½–¾ in. diam.
North Island: Summit of Moehau (Cape Colville), Adams! Mount Hikurangi, Colenso, Adams and Petrie! Ruahine Mountains, Colenso! Tararua Mountains, Buchanan. South Island: Not uncommon on the mountains as far south as Canterbury and the west of Otago. 2500–5000 ft. December–January.
The typical state, with large broad plaited leaves clothed on both surfaces with snow-white tomentum, has a very distinct appearance; but small forms, with smaller and narrower leaves almost glabrous above, are difficult to separate from C. discolor.
13. C. Haastii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 131.—Forming large patches. Rhizome creeping, putting up short erect branches. Leaves greenish-grey, 1½–3in. long, ½–1 in. wide, broadly oblong to oblong-spathulate or narrow obovate-spathulate, obtuse or acute, narrowed towards the base, subcoriaceous, glabrous and usually longitudinally plaited above, beneath clothed with thin whitish tomentum; margins recurved, minutely denticulate; sheaths ⅓–½ as long as the blade, thin, membranous, glabrous. Scapes usually several, 2–6 in. long, stout, densely tomentose or almost glabrous; bracts many, linear, acute or rarely obtuse, tomentose. Heads 1–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acute or acuminate, membranous, softly tomentose or almost villous. Rays spreading. Achene linear, glabrous, longer than the pappus.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 284.
South Island: Not uncommon in the central and western portions of the Southern Alps, from the Spencer Mountains southwards. 3000–6000 ft. December–February.
Well marked by the greenish-grey foliage, stout usually tomentose scapes with numerous linear bracts, membranous involucral bracts, and glabrous achene.
14. C. Lindsayi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 132.—Often forming large rounded masses. Stems stout, woody, prostrate; branches numerous, decumbent or suberect. Leaves numerous, crowded, 3–8 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, linear-oblong or lanceolate, obtuse or subacute, coriaceous, obscurely and remotely denticulate or quite entire, glabrous above, clothed with appressed white tomentum beneath, midrib evident; sheaths broad, glabrous, deeply grooved. Scapes usually numerous, 2–8 in. long, slender, flexuous, glabrous or pubescent above; bracts linear. Heads 1–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acuminate, glabrate or pubescent. Ray-florets 30–40, spreading, rather distant. Tube of the disc-florets somewhat thickened; anther-cells obtuse at the base. Achene linear, silky.—Lindsay, Contrib. N.Z. Bot. 53, t. 3, f. 1; Bot. Mag. t. 7134; Kirk, Students' Fl. 284. Erigeron Bonplandii, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 213.
South Island: Otago—Cliffs of the southeast coast, from the Clutha River to Waikawa, Lindsay, Buchanan! Petrie! Kirk! Mount Bonpland, Martin; Lake Harris, H. J. Matthews. January–February.
A handsome species, which succeeds well in cultivation. Mr. Kirk considers that the Mount Bonpland and Lake Harris localities are erroneous.
15. C. Sinclairii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 132.—Stems branched at the base, prostrate; branches suberect. Leaves 1–3 in. long or more, ¼–¾ in. broad, linear-obovate or obovate-spathulate to linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute, membranous or rarely coriaceous, obscurely toothed, glabrous above, beneath clothed with thin white appressed tomentum or rarely glabrous on both surfaces; midrib evident; sheaths membranous, glabrous or slightly cottony. Scapes 1 or more, slender, 3–9 in. high; bracts linear, white beneath. Heads 1–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linearsubulate, pubescent and viscid; tips recurved. Ray-florets spreading. Achene silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 285.
South Island: Not uncommon throughout in mountain districts. Stewart Island: Summit of Mount Anglem, Kirk! Altitudinal range 2500–5000 ft. December–January.
This comes very close to large forms of C. discolor, being only separable by the larger and much more membranous leaves, which are dull-green above and clothed with thin tomentum beneath.
16. C. Traversii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 134.—Root stout, tapering. Leaves 6–16 in. long including the petiole, 1½–2½ in. broad, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, subacute or obtuse, coriaceous, dark brownish-green and glabrous above except the silky midrib, under-surface and margins clothed with rich soft and thick velvety ferruginous tomentum; midrib beneath glabrous, dark-purple; petiole from one-half to as long as the blade, purple; upper surface and sheaths with loose snow-white tomentum. Scapes stout, 8–20 in. long, densely clothed with ferruginous tomentum; bracts few or many, linear. Heads 1–2 in. diam.; bracts of the involucre numerous, linear, clothed with ferruginous wool. Rays narrow, spreading. Achene glabrous.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 285.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur, Mount Peel, Raglan Mountains, T.F.C.; Discovery Peaks, Travers! mountains overlooking the Hanmer Plains and Upper Clarence Valley, T.F.C.; Mount Captain and the Upper Waiau, Kirk! 3500–5500 ft. December–January.
A magnificent species, remarkable for the bright ferruginous tomentum of the under-surface of the leaves, the purple midrib, and the snow-white tomentum of the sheaths. I have not seen specimens from the south of Lake Tennyson.
17. C. cordatifolia, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xi. (1879) 427, t. 18.—Leaves 2–9 in. long including the petiole, ½–2 in. broad; blade about half the length, ovate-oblong or oblong, obtuse or ​subacute, cordate at the base, coriaceous, entire, dull-green and glabrous above, plaited, beneath clothed with velvety ferruginous tomentum; petiole grooved, expanded into a broad sheath at the base, villous with brownish tomentum or almost glabrous, sometimes purplish. Scape 6–12 in. long, stout, clothed with ferruginous tomentum; bracts numerous, linear. Heads 1½–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts numerous, villous or almost glabrous. Rays narrow, ¾ in. long. Achene linear, glabrous, strongly ribbed, exceeding the pappus.—C. petiolata var. cordatifolia, Kirk, Students' Fl. 286.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Starveall, A. McKay! Bryant! Mount Duppa, Mount Richmond, MacMahon! January.
In the "Students' Flora" Mr. Kirk has reduced this to C. petiolata, but it differs from all the forms of that species in the broader coriaceous leaves cordate at the base, and in the dark ferruginous tomentum. In the texture of the leaves and their tomentum it approaches C. Traversii, but differs entirely in the cordate leaf-base, and in the petioles wanting the snow-white tomentum which is so characteristic a feature of that plant.
18. C. petiolata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 134.—Leaves 4–14 in. long including the petiole, ¾–2 in. wide; blade about half the length, oblong to linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, subacute, membranous or coriaceous, entire, glabrous or silky above, beneath clothed with whitish appressed tomentum; midrib usually glabrous, purple, veins diverging; petiole purplish, grooved, more or less loosely tomentose, expanded at the base into a short sheath. Scapes usually several, 6–18 in. long, often purplish, tomentose or villous; bracts linear. Heads 1½–2½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear-subulate, usually densely tomentose. Eay-florets numerous, with a ligule ½–¾ in. long. Achene glabrous or nearly so, strongly ribbed.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 286.
Var. rigida, Kirk, l.c.—Leaves oblong-lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, coriaceous, rigid, tomentum of under-surface white or ferruginous. Head rather larger, the rays sometimes 1 in. long.
Var. membranacea, Kirk, l.c.—Leaves narrowed at both ends, acute, membranous, glabrous on both surfaces or nearly so. Scape glabrate or pubescent. Heads rather smaller, involucral bracts glabrate.
South Island: Not uncommon in the central and western portions of the Southern Alps, from Lake Tennyson southwards to the west of Otago. Var. rigida: Stewart Island, Kirk! Var. membranacea: Clarence and Waiau Valleys, Travers! Kirk! Lyell Mountains, Townson! 2000–4500 ft. Deember–January.
Best distinguished by the almost membranous narrow-oblong leaves, with purple midribs and long and slender purple petioles.
19. C. Rutlandii, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 329.—Leaves 3–12 in. long including the petiole, l–2½ in. broad, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, acute or apiculate, narrowed into the petiole, coriaceous, glabrous above or the midrib slightly cottony, ​beneath clothed with appressed white satiny tomentum; margins entire or minutely denticulate, often revolute; petiole shorter than the blade or equalling it, broad, grooved, densely clothed with loose snow-white tomentum. Scapes several, exceeding the leaves, softly cottony; bracts narrow-linear, purplish, tomentose. Heads 1–1¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acuminate, erect, glabrate or the outer cottony. Ray-florets numerous. Achenes silky, strongly grooved.—Students' Fl. 286.
South Island: Marlborough—Mount Stokes, Kirk! MacMahon! December–January.
A handsome and distinct species, allied to C. petiolata, but differing in the loose snow-white tomentum of the sheaths, the satiny under-surface of the leaves, and the thin erect almost glabrous involucral bracts.
20. C. spectabilis, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 35.—Often forming large patches. Stems stout, with the leaf-sheaths 1–2 in. diam. Leaves very numerous, crowded, rosulate; blade 3–6 in. long, ¼–¾ in. broad, narrow linear-oblong, acute or obtuse, slightly narrowed towards the base, very thick and coriaceous, glabrous or with a thin pellicle of silvery hairs above, longitudinally furrowed, beneath clothed with densely matted pale - buff or white woolly tomentum; margins recurved, entire or minutely serrulate; sheaths usually equalling the blade, inembranous, clothed on both surfaces with loose soft and silky snow-white tomentum. Scapes 1 or several, stout, much longer than the leaves, densely cottony; bracts numerous, linear. Heads about 1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts narrow linear-subulate, woolly or rarely almost glabrate, outer recurved at the tips. Rays numerous, rather short. Achene glabrous.—Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 122, t. 33; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 134; Kirk, Students' Fl. 287. C. ruahinensis, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 388. C. mollis, Cockayne, l.c. xxxi. (1899) 423.
North Island: Mountains of the interior, from Mount Hikurangi and Lake Taupo southwards. South Island: Abundant in mountain districts in Nelson, Canterbury, and Westland; rare in Otago. 500–4500 ft. Puhaeretaiko. December–February.
Well marked by the short narrow rigid leaves, densely clothed beneath with pale-buff soft and matted not appressed woolly tomentum. Mr. Cockayne's C. mollis is a state with the tomentum not nearly so woolly, the hairs being straighter and more silky.
21. C. dubia, Cheesem. n. sp.—Forming large patches. Stems rather stout, ¼–½ in. diam. with the leaves on. Leaves 1½–3in. long, ⅓–⅔ in. broad; blade oblong or linear-oblong or lanceolate, acute at both ends, coriaceous, glabrous and furrowed above, clothed with soft white tomentum beneath, midrib distinct beneath; margins usually recurved, entire or very obscurely serrulate; petiole equalling the blade or shorter than it, slender, expanded below into a broad membranous sheath. Scapes 1 or more, 3–8 in. long, rather slender, white with loose cottony ​tomentum; bracts 4–6, linear or linear-spathulate. Heads about ¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts numerous, linear or linear-lanceolate, acute, scarious, shining, sparingly cottony or almost glabrate. Rays numerous, spreading. Achene glabrous.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Rochfort, Mount Frederic, and other localities near Westport, Townson! 2000–3000 ft. January–March.
A puzzling plant, which seems nearer to C. spectabilis than to any other species, although very different in appearance. In some respects it approaches C. parva, which, however, is a much smaller and more slender plant, with an almost filiform and nearly glabrous scape, and with much smaller heads and hispid achenes.
22. C. verbascifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 121.—A large handsome species. Root stout, as thick as the thumb. Leaves 8–20 in. long or more including the petiole, 1½–3in. broad, lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate or spathulate-lanceolate, acute, narrowed into the petiole, coriaceous, glabrous or slightly cottony above but with woolly margins, beneath clothed with soft white or buff tomentum, entire or very obscurely serrulate; petiole as long as the blade, narrow, broader and sheathing at the base, grooved, densely woolly or almost glabrous. Scapes longer than the leaves, densely woolly; bracts numerous, linear or linear-spathulate, tomentose, the lowest sometimes 4 in. long. Heads about 4 in. diam.; involucral bracts narrow-linear, densely and softly woolly. Ray-florets slender; tube of corolla of disc-florets thickened below. Achene linear, glabrous, hardly equalling the pappus.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 132; Kirk, Students' Fl. 285.
South Island: Otago—Milford Sound and Port Preservation, Lyall (Handbook); Waitaki Valley, Horse Ranges, Flag Swamp, Macrae's, Petrie! Kirk! Sea-level to 2000 ft. December–February.
I have seen no specimens from the localities where the species was originally discovered by Lyall, and it is quite possible that the plant from the Waitaki Valley, &c., on which the above description is founded, may not be the same. It has been reported from Campbell Island, but I think erroneously.
23. C. Brownii, F. R. Chapm. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1890) 444.—Leaves 6–10 in. long including the petiole, 1–2 in. broad, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute, gradually narrowed into the petiole, coriaceous, quite entire or very obscurely denticulate, glabrous or sparingly pubescent above, beneath clothed with rather thin white or greyish-white tomentum; petiole shorter than the blade, tomentose. Scapes 6–14 in. long or more, tomentose; bracts linear, obtuse, almost villous. Heads 1–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts linear-subulate, villous towards the tips. Rays numerous, narrow, spreading. Achene sparingly silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 286.
South Island: Otago—Mystery Pass, between Lake Manapouri and Smith Sound, Chapman; Clinton Valley, Lake Te Anau, Petrie!
​Of this I have only seen a single leaf from Mr. Chapman's type, and a specimen of what appears to be the same collected by Mr. Petrie in the Clinton Valley. Further material is required to prepare a satisfactory description. It appears to differ from C. verbascifolia in the smaller size, thinner and more appressed tomentum, and much less woolly scapes, bracts, and involucres. A plant gathered by Mr. Cockayne on the Humboldt Mountains seems to be intermediate between the two species.
24. C. Mackaui, Raoul, Choix Pl. Nouv. Zel. 19, t. 14.—Leaves 6–20 in. long, 2–4 in. broad, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, gradually narrowed to the base, quite entire, membranous, glabrous on both surfaces when mature or slightly cottony at the base, often rather glaucous beneath; petiole broad, grooved, sheathing at the base, usually cottony on the inner surface. Scapes 12–24 in. high, stout, glabrous or sparingly cottony; bracts numerous, lanceolate, acuminate, sheathing at the base. Heads about 2 in. diam.; involucral bracts numerous, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, membranous, glabrous. Rays long and narrow. Disc-florets very numerous; corolla thickened at the base. Achene linear, glabrous, strongly ribbed.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 122; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 133; Kirk, Students' Fl. 287. C. coriacea, Raoul, Ann. Sci. Nat. 1844, 119 (non Hook. f.).
South Island: Marlborough—Mount Fyffe, H. B. Kirk (leaves only). Canterbury—Rocky places near Akaroa, Raoul; Mount Herbert, W. Gray! January–February.
A very distinct species, remarkable for the long acuminate leaves green and glabrous on both surfaces, the large heads, and herbaceous acuminate involucral bracts.
25. C. coriacea, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 36.—Leaves 8–24 in. long or more, ¾–3 in. broad, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute, narrowed towards the base, coriaceous, upper surface longitudinally furrowed or almost plicate and covered with a delicate silvery pellicle, beneath clothed with appressed white and silvery tomentum; margins entire or very obscurely serrulate; sheaths short, broad, grooved, densely clothed with soft cottony or woolly tomentum. Scapes stout, 1–3 ft. high, densely woolly or cottony; bracts numerous, linear, erect, cottony. Head 1½–3 in. diara. or more; involucral bracts numerous, linear-subulate, cottony or almost glabrate. Rays very numerous, spreading, 1½ in. long; tube of corolla more or less pubescent. Achene linear, compressed, grooved, pubescent.—Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 121, t. 32; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 132; Kirk, Students' Fl. 287. C. Martini, Buch, in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 213. C. flaccida, Cockayne in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxi. (1899) 422. Aster coriaceus, Forst. Prodr. n. 297; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 250; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 439.
North Island: Tararua Mountains, Buchanan. South Island: Abundant in mountain districts. Altitudinal range 1500–4500 ft. Cotton-plant; Leather-plant. December–February.
​A truly noble plant, probably the finest species of the genus. In its most luxuriant state it has a short stout stem which with the old leaf-sheaths is sometimes as thick as the wrist, and is crowned with numerous spreading and erect lanceolate leaves, from among which arise one or several stout scapes, bearing heads sometimes more than 3 in. diam., with long and narrow rays. This passes by almost imperceptible gradations into smaller varieties with narrower often less coriaceous leaves and smaller heads, with shorter and proportionately broader rays. It is difficult to find distinguishing characters between some of these forms and C. Monroi and other species. In cultivation it varies still more largely, and often produces branched scapes, a peculiarity quite unknown in any Celmisia in the wild state, so far as my own observations go. Some of the cultivated races appear to be permanent, and Mr. Kirk has briefly characterized the following in his "Students' Flora": (1) foliosa, with crowded foliaceous bracts sometimes 6 in. long; (2) corymbifera, with branched scapes, the heads forming an open corymb; and (3) ensata, which has ensiform leaves 8–12 in. long and ½ in. wide, and an irregularly branched scape. Mr. H. J. Matthews informs me that the last form, which has a very distinct appearance, occurs in a wild condition near Lake Harris, Otago, but I have only seen cultivated specimens.
26. C. Armstrongii, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvi. (1894) 269.—Stems short, stout, with the leaf-sheaths sometimes as thick as the wrist, crowned with numerous radiating leaves. Leaves 6–18 in. long or more, ¼–¾ in. broad, linear-ensiform, gradually tapering from below the middle to the acute apex, slightly narrowed below, rigidly coriaceous, upper surface longitudmally ribbed and covered with a delicate silvery pellicle, beneath clothed with smooth and satiny appressed tomentum, except the very stout and prominent midrib; margins recurved when dry; sheaths long, broader than the blade, clothed with snow-white cottony tomentum. Scapes usually several, as long as or longer than the leaves, rather slender, white and cottony; bracts numerous, linear. Head 1–1½ in. diam.; invoiucral bracts linear-subulate, rather rigid, glabrous or cottony on the margins, tips recurved. Rays narrow. Achene linear, grooved, pubescent.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 290.
South Island: Nelson—Heaphy River, Dall! mountains near Westport, Townson! Westland—Arthur's Pass, Armstrong! Kirk! Cockayne! T.F.C.; Kelly's Hill, Petrie! 2500–4500 ft. December–January.
Distinguished from C. Lyallii by the broader perfectly straight leaves with a stout midrib and satiny appressed tomentum. From C. Monroi it is-separated by the more rigid ribbed and pointed leaves and almost glabrous heads.
27. C. Petriei, Cheesem. n. sp.—Apparently a stout tufted plant. Leaves 8–18 in. long or more, ½–¾ in. broad, dagger-shaped, narrowed into an acuminate rigid and almost pungent point, contracted just above the top of the sheath, strict, erect, rigidly coriaceous, above perfectly glabrous and when dry marked with a stout longitudinal ridge or plait on each side of the middle of the leaf, beneath clothed with silvery-white appressed satiny tomentum and with two grooves answering to the ridges of the upper surface; midrib not evident on either surface; margins conspicuously recurved towards the tip of the leaf, less so or almost ​flat elsewhere; sheaths 1½–3 in. long, broader than the blade, deeply grooved, more or less covered with thin cottony tomentum. Scape 12–18 in. long, stout, densely cottony; bracts numerous, narrow-linear, the lower often 2–3 in. long. Head 1½ in. diam. or more; involucral bracts subulate-lanceolate, acuminate, chaffy and rather rigid, glabrate or the outer somewhat cottony, often recurved. Achene hispid.
South Island: Otago—Clinton Saddle, Lake Te Anau, Petrie! Humboldt Mountains, H. J. Matthews!
A remarkable plant, of which I have seen only very imperfect specimens. The straight dagger-shaped leaves, with their two longitudinal plaits and rigid acuminate points, are quite unlike those of any other species.
28. C. Lyallii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 133.—Stem short, stout, crowned with a dense tuft of crowded radiating leaves. Leaves 9–18 in. long or more, ¼–⅓ in. broad, narrow-ensiform, straight or slightly curved, gradually tapering from the base to the rigid almost pungent tip, rigidly coriaceous, glabrous and smooth and even above, beneath strongly grooved and clothed with thin appressed tomentum or almost glabrous; margins quite entire; sheaths broader than the blade, thin, grooved, clothed with snowwhite tomentum. Scapes 1 or several, longer or shorter than the leaves, rather slender, white with cottony tomentum; bracts linear. Head 1–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts subulate-lanceolate, rigid, glabrate or the margins cottony, tips recurved. Rays rather short, narrow. Achene linear, hispidulous, longer than the pappus.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 290.
Var. pseudo-Lyallii.—Leaves not so rigid, grooved and plaited above, beneath clothed with thick soft tomentum, which usually conceals both veins and midrib. Heads more cottony. Achene nearly glabrous.
South Island: Common in mountainous districts throughout. 1000–4500 ft. December–January.
One of the most distinct species of the genus, easily recognised by the narrow tapering rigid leaves, with almost pungent tips.
29. C. viscosa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 133.—More or less viscid in all its parts. Stem branched; branches short, stout, with the old sheaths 1–1½ in. diam. Leaves numerous, crowded, erect, 3–5 in. long, ¼ in. broad, linear, obtuse or acute, viscid, very thick and coriaceous, rigid, longitudinally grooved on both surfaces, glabrous or hoary above, beneath white or grey with appressed tomentum; sheaths about 1 in. long, broader than the blade, glabrous, brown. Scapes usually several, much longer than the leaves, 6–12 in. long, stout, pubescent and viscid; bracts numerous, linear. Head 1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts numerous, linearsubulate, densely woolly and tomentose, viscid. Rays short, spreading. Achene linear, silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 290.
South Island: Not uncommon in alpine localities from the Wairau Valley southwards. 4000—6500 ft. January.
A very distinct plant, well marked by the short and narrow erect grooved and viscid leaves, with glabrous sheaths.
30. C. Monroi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 133.—Leaves 3–12 in. long, ⅓–¾ in. broad, narrow linear-oblong or linear-lanceolate, acute or subacute, strict, coriaceous, longitudinally grooved or plaited above and covered with a delicate pellicle of silvery hairs, beneath clothed with appressed white tomentum, often wrinkled in parallel lines when dry; margins recurved; sheaths short, densely clothed with snow-white tomentum. Scapes 1 or several, 8–16 in. long, stout, woolly and cottony; bracts numerous, linear. Head 1–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts numerous, linear-subulate, usually more or less woolly and cottony. Rays numerous, ½–¾ in. long; tube of corolla glabrous. Achene hispidulous.—Bot. Mag. t. 7496; Kirk, Students' Fl. 288.
South Island: Marlborough—Upton Downs, Awatere, Monro! Canterbury—Mount Cook district, Haast, T.F.C.; Hopkins River, Haast. 1500–4500 ft. December–January.
The above description is based upon one of Monro's original specimens from the Upton Downs, now in Mr. Petrie's herbarium, and on others which almost exactly match it collected by myself in the Mount Cook district. Most of the specimens referred to C. Monroi in New Zealand collections are nothing more than small forms of C. coriacea; but it may be distinguished from all such by the narrower and more rigid leaves, which are usually conspicuously furrowed on both surfaces, and by the smaller heads with shorter broader rays, and by the glabrous corolla-tube. The plant figured in the "Botanical Magazine" has broader softer leaves than Monro's specimen.
31. C. Adamsii, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 329.—Leaves 6–18 in. long including the sheaths, ½–1 in. broad, narrow linear-oblong or linear-lanceolate, acute or obtuse, narrowed into an evident petiole at the top of the sheath, membranous, glabrous above, beneath clothed with soft white tomentum except the evident midrib; margins minutely denticulate, flat or slightly recurved; sheaths thin and membranous, grooved, sparingly cottony or almost glabrous. Scapes equalling or exceeding the leaves, slender, sometimes flexuose, thinly clothed with cottony tomentum; bracts short, linear. Head 1–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts subulate-lanceolate, acute, glabrous or cottony. Rays few, spreading. Achene glabrous.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 288.
Var. rugulosa, Cheesem.—Shorter and stouter. Leaves more coriaceous, wrinkled above; sheaths more cottony. Scapes stouter, densely cottony.
North Island: Auckland—Castle Rock, Coromandel, T.F.C.; Table Mountain (Whakairi) and other hills between the Thames and Tairua, Adams! T.F.C. Var. rugulosa: Mount Manaia and hills to the north of Whangarei Harbour, Kirk! T.F.C. December–January.
​Most nearly allied to C. longifolia, from which it is separated by the broader and flatter membranous leaves. Mr. Kirk placed my variety rugulosa under C. Monroi, from which it differs markedly in the much less rigid habit, spreading thinner leaves, shorter cauline bracts, nearly glabrous involucre, and fewer rays. It is much nearer to C. Adamsii.
32. C. longifolia, Cass. in Dict. Sci. Nat. xxxvii. 259—Very variable in size and degree of robustness. Leaves few or many, 1–18 in. long, 1/12–1/3 broad, narrow-linear or narrow linear-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, membranous or somewhat coriaceous but never rigid, upper surface glabrous or silvery, furrowed or wrinkled or nearly smooch, beneath clothed with white silvery tomentum; margins usually much revolute but sometimes almost flat; midrib distinct beneath; sheatiis variable in length, broader than the blade, membranous, white and cottony or almost glabrous. Scapes equalling or exceeding the leaves, slender, cottony; bracts few or many, linear. Head ½–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear-subulate, glabrous or cottony, often blackish at the tips. Rays few or many, narrow. Achene linear, glabrous or rarelv silky.—Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 134; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 489; Kirk, Students Fl. 288. C. gracilenta, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 35; Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 122. Aster Celmisia, F. Muell. Fragm. v. 84.
Var. gracilenta, Kirk, Students' Fl. 289.—Leaves slender, usually erect, narrow-linear, margins revolute to the midrib. Scape slender. Head about 1 in. diam.—C. gracilenta. Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 35.
Var. major.—Leaves broader, spreading or recurved, narrow linear-lanceolate, acuminate; margins more or less revolute. Scape stout. Head 1–1½ J in. diam.—C. gracilenta var. b, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 123. C. longifolia vars major and asteliæfolia, Kirk, Students' Fl. l.c.
Var. graminifolia, Kirk, l.c.—Leaves very slender, linear-elongate, membranous, often flaccid, acute; margins flat or nearly so. Scape very slender, often nearly glabrous. Head ½–1 in. diam., glabrate or slightly cottony.—C. graminifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 35. C. setacea, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxi. (1889) 88.
Var. 'alpina, Kirk, l.c.—Small. Rootstock stout, branched. Leaves 1–2 in. long, 1/20 in. broad; margins slightly revolute; sheaths nearly glabrous. Scape slender, strict, 1–3 in. long. Head ⅓–¾ in. diam., glabrous or nearly so.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: From the Bay of Islands and the Great Barrier Island southwards, tiut rare and local to the north of the Upper Thames and Waikato. Sea-level to nearly 6000 ft. November–January.
The most widely distributed and variable species of the genus, found in all soils and situations. It is the only species that extends beyond the colony, being not uncommon in the Australian Alps and in Tasmania. The varieties characterized above are merely prevalent forms, and are connected by numerous intermediates.
33. C. linearis, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 337.—Stems branched at the base; branches short, stout. Leaves numerous, densely crowded, 1–5 in. long, 1/6–1/5 in. broad, narrow-linear, acute, not pungent, coriaceous, longitudinally grooved and covered with a pellicle of silvery hairs above, clothed with white ​tomentum beneath; margins strongly recurved; sheaths from ⅓ to ½ the length of the blade, rather broad, thin and membranous, cottony on the back. Scape stout, variable in length, 1–10 in. high, cottony or tomentose; bracts few or many, linear-subulate with a broad sheathing base. Head 1 in. diam.; involucral bracts lanceolate - subulate, outer tomentose or cottony, inner nearly glabrous. Eays short. Achene silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 289.
South Island: Nelson—Summit of Mount Arthur, T.F.C. Canterbury—Armstrong; Mount Cook district, T.F.C. Otago—Maungatua, Petrie! Stewart Island: Fraser Peaks, Petrie and Thomson! Mount Anglem, Rakiahua, Taylor's Lookout, Kirk! 1000–6000 ft. December–January.
Most of the Stewart Island specimens have longer and narrower leaves, with much more revolute margins, the tomentum is thinner and more appressed, and the scape is longer. Those from Mount Arthur have flatter leaves tapering from the base, the tomentum is buff-coloured and much looser, and the scape is shorter and densely woolly. It is possible that more species than one are included under the description, but the material is not sufficient to prove this.
34. C. laricifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. ii. 331.—Stems prostrate or decumbent, much-branched at the base; branches 1–3 in. long, densely leafy. Leaves numerous, crowded, erect or recurved, ⅓–1 m. long, 1/20 in. broad, very narrow-linear or acerose, pungent, glabrous or slightly silky above, clothed with silvery tomentum beneath; margins strongly recurved; sheaths much broader than the blade, membranous, cottony or almost glabrous. Scape 2–4 in. long, very slender, glabrate or cottony; bracts few, very small. Head ½ in. diam.; involucral bracts few, erect, linear-subulate, cottony. Rays few, short. Achene hispid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 135; Kirk, Students' Fl. 289.
South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts throughout. 3000–6000 ft. December–January.
The small size and very narrow acerose leaves are excellent distinguishing characters.
35. C. Hectori, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 135.—Stems prostrate, branched, often woody at the base; branches densely tufted. Leaves numerous, crowded, imbricate, ½–1 in. long, 1/6–1/4 in. broad, linear-spatbulate or linear-obovate, obtuse or subacute, gradually narrowed below, coriaceous, silky or clothed with a silvery pellicle above, covered with appressed silky tomentum beneath, margins recurved; sheaths slightly expanded, cottony or nearly glabrous. Scapes stout, 2–4 in. long, tomentose and villous; bracts usually numerous, linear. Heads ¾–1 in. diam.; involucral bracts few, linear, acute, pubescent. Rays rather short, broad. Achene silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 291.
North Island: Tararua Range, Budden. South Island: Canerbury—Mount Brewster, Haast; Mount Cook district, Dixon! T.F.C. ​Otago—Mount Alta, Hector and Buchanan! Hector Mountains, Humboldt Mountains, Mount Tyndall, the Remarkables, Petrie! Mount Earnslaw, H. J. Matthews. 4500–6500 ft. January–February.
Apparently a very distinct species, at once recognised by the small densely imbricated linear-obovate leaves and rather large heads.
36. C. Macmahoni, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 327.—Tufted, forming small patches. Leaves numerous, crowded, rosulate, 1–1½ in. long including the sheath, linear-oblong, acute or subacute, thick and coriaceous, densely clothed on both surfaceswith long white or buff silky hairs, 5–7-nerved beneath, margins flat; sheaths short, about as broad as the blade, glabrous above, with silky hairs beneath. Scapes stout, 3–5 in. long, densely villous with long silky hairs; bracts very numerous, narrow-linear. Head ¾–1 in. diam.; involucral bracts numerous, linear, acute or acuminate, outer villous, inner hispid with short brownish hairs. Rays short, broad. Achene hispid.—Students' Fl. 291.
South Island: Marlborough—Mount Stokes, alt. 3800ft., rare, MacMahon! January.
A beautiful little plant, apparently with a very restricted distribution. I have seen no specimens except those gathered by Mr. MacMahon.
37. C. parva, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 328.—Small, densely tufted, seldom more than 2–3 in. high. Leaves numerous, spreading; blade ⅓–1 in. long, 1/8–1/4 in. broad, linear-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate or narrow-oblong, acute, narrowed into a rather slender petiole and then expanded into a membranous cottony sheath as long as the blade, subcoriaceous, glabrous and often reticulated above, beneath clothed with white appressed tomentum; midrib usually evident; margins flat or slightly revolute, distinctly denticulate. Scape 1½–3 in. high, very slender, glabrate or slightly cottony; bracts 2–3, small, narrow-linear, sheathing and dilated at the base. Head ½–⅔ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear-lanceolate, acute, scarious, often reddish at the tips, glabrate or the outer slightly pilose. Rays narrow. Achene hispid.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 291.
South Island: Nelson—Mountains at the source of the Heaphy River, Dall! December–January.
A very curious little plant. Mr. Dall's specimens are the only ones I have seen.
38. C. sessiliflora, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 135.—Much-branched at the base; each branch clothed with densely imbricating leaves, and forming a hard rosette 1–1½ in. diam., the rosettes usually compacted into broad flat patches 2–3 in. thick. Leaves very numerous, greenish-grey, most densely crowded, ⅓–1 in. long, about 1/12 in. broad, narrow-linear or linear-subulate, obtuse or subacute, strict, rigid and coriaceous, hoary or silky on both surfaces, ​flat above, convex on the back; sheath usually longer and broader than the blade, membranous, silky or villous. Head sunk among the leaves at the tip of the branch, very rarely exserted, ½–1 in. diam.; involucral bracts few, linear-subulate, scarious, cottony or the inner glabrate. Rays few, narrow, spreading. Achene silky.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 292.
South Island: Abundant in mountain districts throughout. Stewart Island: Summit of Mount Anglem, Kirk! 2500–5500 ft. December–January.
One of the most distinct species of the genus, often forming extensive carpets in open places on the mountains, easily recognised from a distance by the peculiar greenish-grey colour. Mr. Kirk's var. pedunculata is only a form in which the peduncle elongates after flowering.
39. C. argentea, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 292.—Habit of C. sessiliflora, but more slender and much more branched; branches longer, 2–5 in., erect, ¼–½ in. diam. Leaves numerous, crowded, densely imbricated, ¼–½ in. long including the sheath, 1/30 in. wide, linear-subulate, acute or subacute, coriaceous, flat or concave above, rounded on the back; sheaths longer and much broader than the blade, membranous, clothed with long silky hairs on the margins and back but often nearly glabrous in front. Head ¼–½ in. diam., deeply sunk among the leaves at the tip of the branch; involucral bracts few, linear, glabrate or slightly silky. Rays few, short. Achene silky.—C. sessiliflora var. minor, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 359.
South Island: Otago—Summit of Maungatua, Petrie! Stewart Island: Mount Anglem, Rakiahua, Smith's Lookout, Kirk! 500–3500 ft. December–January.
Closely allied to C. sessiliflora, but I think distinct.
40. C. bellidioides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 135.—Rootstock much-branched, prostrate; branches numerous, much-divided, creeping and rooting at the base, erect at the tips. Leaves usually close-set, spreading, ¼–⅓ in. long, 1/8–1/6 in. broad, linear-oblong or linear-spathulate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into rather short cottony petioles, coriaceous, veinless, green and glabrous on both surfaces; margins flat, entire or obscurely toothed. Scapes from near the tips of the branches, slender, 1–2 in. long, glabrous or slightly cottony; bracts numerous, leafy. Head ¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts few, narrow linear-oblong, acute or subacute, green with usually purple margins, glabrous. Rays numerous, spreading. Achene densely silky.—Kirk, Students Fl. 292.
South Island: Mountain districts from Nelson to the south of Otago, but often local. Usually on wet rocks or on shingle through which water flows. 2000–5000 ft. December–January.
A very distinct species, at once recognised by the glabrous branching habit, linear-spathulate green and almost fleshy leaves, and numerous leafy bracts.
​41. C. glandulosa, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 124.—Stem rather stout, sending out creeping and rooting leafy stolons. Leaves few, rosulate, ½–1½ in. long, ¼–½ in. broad, ovate- or oblong-spathulate or obovate, acute or apiculate, narrowed into a winged petiole, acutely serrate or dentate, membranous, green on both surfaces, glabrous or more usually covered with minute glandular pubescence, veins reticulated; petioles expanded into a short sheath; margins often ciliate. Scape slender, 2–5 in. long, glandular-pubescent; bracts few, linear, acuminate. Head ½–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 2–3 rows, linear-subulate, erect or the outer recurved, glandular-pubescent, often ciliate at the tips. Rays few or many, spreading. Achene silky.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 135; Kirk, Students' Fl. 293. C. membranacea, Col. in. Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1890) 470.
North Island: Tongariro, Colenso! H. Hill! Rangipo Plain, G. Mair! Kirk! Petrie! South Island: Not rare in mountain districts from Nelson to the west of Otago, usually in peaty swamps. 1500–4500 ft December–January.
42. C. vernicosa, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 34, t. 26, 27.—Perfectly glabrous, leafy, densely tufted. Leaves very numerous, most densely crowded, rosulate, spreading, 1–4 in. long, 1/8–1/3 in. broad, linear, straight or curved, obtuse or subacute, in small specimens often knobbed at the tip, rigid and coriaceous, polished and shining, entire or obscurely toothed, flat or convex above, margins recurved, midrib prominent beneath; sheath short, broad. Scapes usually numerous, 1–9 in. high, rather stout, often flexuose, clothed with leafy coriaceous bracts. Head 1–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, erect, margins often ciliate. Rays numerous, white, rather broad, spreading. Disc-florets purple; corolla-tube pilose. Achene hispid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 136; Kirk, Students' Fl. 293.
Auckland and Campbell Islands: Abundant from sea-level to over 1200 ft. November–December.
An exceedingly handsome plant, of which a beautiful plate is given in the "Flora Antarctica." It and the following species are the only ones with purple disc-florets.
43. C. Campbellensis, Chapm. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiii. (1891) 407.—Leaves rosulate, 3–6 in. long, ½–¾ in. broad, lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute, gradually narrowed to a short broad sheathing base, hardly coriaceous, glabrous above and longitudinally furrowed, sparingly tomentose and with prominent longitudinal ribs beneath; margins flat, finely and sharply serrate. Scapes 6–10 in. high, sparingly tomentose; bracts numerous, linear, sheathing at the base. Head 1½–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acute, glabrate or sparingly cottony, midrib evident. Rays spreading, white. Disc-florets purple; corolla-tube pilose. Achene hispid.—C. Chapmani, Kirk in Gard. Chron. ix, (1891) 731, fig. 146; Students' Fl. 293.
Campbell Island: Perseverance Harbour, rare, Chapman, Kirk!
The flower-heads closely resemble those of C. vernicosa, but the leaves are altogether different. I have only seen one poor specimen. Mr. Chapman's name has one month's priority of publication over Mr. Kirk's.
7. VITTADINIA, A. Rich.
Branched perennial herbs or small undershrubs, usually woody at the base. Leaves alternate, entire or toothed or lobed. Heads rather small, solitary and terminating the branches or forming loose terminal corymbs. Involucre hemispherical or campanulate; bracts in few series, imbricate, narrow, acute; margins scarious. Eeceptacle pitted, without scales. Ray-florets all female, numerous, crowded, ligulate. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, tubular, dilated upwards, usually 5-lobed. Anthers obtuse at the base. Style-branches narrow, somewhat flattened, with subulate tips. Achenes usually narrow, compressed, with or without ribs. Pappus copious, of numerous unequal capillary bristles.
A small genus of 8 or 10 species, found in Australia, Tasmania, New Caledonia, the Sandwich Islands, and extra-tropical South America.
1. V. australis, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 251.—A small much-branched herb 4–12 in. high, hard and woody at the base; branches numerous, decumbent or suberect, usually more or less hispidpubescent or glandular, rarely almost glabrous. Leaves ¼–½ in. long, obovate-spathulate to linear-cuneate, entire or 3–5-toothed or -lobed at the tip, narrowed into a broad flat petiole, hispid or pubescent. Heads solitary on short peduncles terminating the branches; involucral bracts few, in 2–3 series, linear-subulate, acute, erect, hispid or pubescent. Ray-florets in one series, usually exceeding the pappus, narrow, white, spreading. Disc-florets narrow, slender, longer than the involucre. Achene linear, compressed, obtuse at the tip, narrowed to the base, pubescent, usually with 5–8 striæ on each face. Pappus exceeding the achene.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 441; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 136; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 490; Kirk, Students Fl. 294. Eurybiopsis australis, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 125.
North and South Islands: From the Great Barrier Island and Whangarei southwards, but local to the north of the East Cape. Sea-level to 3000 ft. November–January.
Also found in Australia and Tasmania, where it runs into numerous varieties, some of which differ widely from the type, and may prove to be distinct species. Of these var. dissecta (Benth. Fl. Austral, iii. 491) has become naturalised near Nelson. It can be distinguished by the leaves being pinnatifid, with the segments again lobed, and by the purple ray-florets. Two other closely allied forms (var. linearis var. erecta, Kirk, "Students' Flora," 295), with linear or linear-spathulate leaves ¾–1½ in. long and purple rays, have established themselves in the interior of Otago and elsewhere in the South Island.
8. HAASTIA, Hook. f.
Densely or laxly tufted perennial herbs, often forming large rounded or amorphous masses in alpine localities; root stout, branched, often very long; branches hard and woody, altogether concealed by the persistent leaves. Heads large, solitary at the tips of the branches, sessile and sunk among the uppermost leaves. Involucre hemispherical or broadly campanulate; bracts in about two series, linear, with scarious tips, the inner usually narrower, almost glabrous, the outer broader, densely woolly. Receptacle flat, papillose. Outer florets numerous, female, in 2 or several series; corolla very short, slender, narrow-tubular, minutely 5-toothed; style-branches long, far-exserted. Disc-florets numerous, hermaphrodite, funnel-shaped, 5-toothed; style-branches not so long. Achene linear-oblong, glabrous, subterete, smooth or obscurely grooved. Pappus-hairs of one series of numerous rather rigid bristles, thickened at the tips.
A very remarkable and distinct genus, confined to New Zealand.
| Forming compact pulvinate masses. Leaves most densely imbricate, broadly obcuneate, crenulate at the tip | 1. H. pulvinaris. |
| Laxly branched, rufous or fulvous. Leaves loosely imbricated, obovate-spathulate, sharply recurved. Heads ½–¾ in. | 2. H. recurva. |
| Laxly branched, whitish or pale fulvous. Leaves loosely imbricated, oblong-obovate, flat, suberect. Heads ¾–1¼ in. | 3. H. Sinclairii. |
| Small, densely tufted, fulvous. Leaves densely imbricated, obovate-cuneate, clothed with long straight hairs | 4. H. Greenii. |
1. H. pulvinaris, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 156.—Forming large rounded or amorphous cushion-like masses 3–6 ft. diam. or more. Root long, stout, branched. Branches numerous, densely compacted, with the persistent leaves ¾ in. diam. Leaves spreading, most closely imbricated, thickly clothed with pale fulvous wool, especially towards the tips, ⅓–½ in. long, broadly obcuneate, gradually narrowed to a broad sessile base, membranous below, tip thickened and provided on the upper surface with numerous fleshy projections, giving it a crenulate appearance, 3-veined when the wool is removed, veins anastomosing above. Head ⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 1–2 series, narrow-linear, free. Achene linear-oblong, glabrous, not ribbed. Pappus-hairs free at the base.—Ic. Plant. t. 1003; Kirk, Students' Fl. 295.
South Island: Nelson—Summit of Gordon's Nob, T. F. C.; mountains above the Wairau Gorge, Sinclair, T. F. C.; Discovery Peaks, Travers; Mount Captain, Kirk! T. F. C.; Lake Tennyson, T. F. C. Marlborough—Mount Mouatt, Awatere, Sinclair, Kirk! Kaikoura Mountains, Buchanan ! 4000–6500 ft. Vegetable sheep. December–January.
One of the most remarkable plants known. The branches are everywhere covered and altogether concealed by the densely imbricated woolly leaves, and are so closely compacted that it is impossible to thrust the finger in between. In ​fact, the whole plant has the appearance of a woolly cushion marked with mamillated projections corresponding to the tips of the branches. The flower heads are sunk in the top of these projections, and are almost hidden by the woolly hairs of the leaves. For a detailed account of the vegetative organs of the plant, and its minute anatomy, reference should be made to a paper by Miss E. Low in the Trans. N.Z. Inst, xxxii. 150.
2. H. recurva, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 156.—Forming laxly branched masses 3–9 in. broad, everywhere covered with soft dense fulvous or rufous wool; branches spreading, open, with the leaves ½–¾ in. diam. Leaves laxly imbricating, ½–¾ in. long, obovate or obovate-spathulate, sharply recurved about the middle; the lower half loosely sheathing the branch, thin and membranous, veined, clothed with long woolly hairs; the upper half thicker, with the superior surface much puckered and wrinkled, with corresponding reticulations beneath, both surfaces covered with densely compacted wool. Heads ½–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts in one series, linear, erect, densely woolly on the outside, glabrous within. Achene glabrous, not ribbed. Pappus-hairs free or very obscurely connate at the base.—Kirk, Students Fl. 296.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Peel, T. F. C.; Wairau Gorge, Sinclair, T. F. C.; Discovery Peaks, Travers; Clarence Valley, T. F. C. Marlborough—Kaikoura Mountains, Buchanan! Canterbury—Mount Torlesse and mountains of the Broken River basin, Haast, Enys! Petrie! Cockayne! T. F. C.; Mount White, Armstrong! Usually on dry shingle slopes. 4000–6500 ft. December–January.
3. H. Sinclairii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 156.—Loosely tufted, much or sparingly branched, often simple. Branches decumbent or suberect, 3–9 in. long. Leaves erect or rarely spreading, laxly imbricating, ½–¾ in. long, oblong-obovate or rounded-obovate, flat, everywhere densely clothed with white or pale fulvous wool, thin and membranous towards the base, 5–7-veined when the wool is removed, upper portion thicker and slightly rugose. Heads large, ¾–1¼ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 2 series, with scarious tips, linear or linear-obovate, outer densely woolly, the inner nearly glabrous. Achene linear-oblong, smooth and glabrous, not ribbed. Pappus-hairs free to the base.—Ic. Plant. t. 1003; Kirk, Students' Fl. 296. H. montana. Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 215.
South Island: Not uncommon on dry shingle slopes in alpine localities from Nelson to the west of Otago. 4000–6500 ft. December–January.
Allied to the preceding, but distinguishable by the less-branched habit, paler wool, flat leaves, and larger heads.
4. H. Greenii, Hook. f. ex T. Kirk Students' Fl. 296.—"Densely tufted, about 2 in. high; stems with the leaves ⅓ in. diam. Leaves densely imbricating all round the stem, ⅕ in. long, obovate-cuneate, rounded at the tip, thickly clothed on both surfaces with long straight hairs which meet beyond the margin and completely hide the leaves. Flowers unknown."
South Island: Canterbury—Mount Cook, alt. 6500ft., Rev. W. S. Green.
This is quite unknown to me, and in the absence of additional information I have reproduced Mr. Kirk's description. It was discovered during the Rev. W. S. Green's adventurous ascent of Mount Cook, and has not since been met with.
9. GNAPHALIUM, Linn.
Hoary or woolly annual or perennial herbs. Leaves alternate, quite entire. Heads rather small, corymbose or fascicled or solitary, heterogamous and discoid. Involucre ovoid or canipanulate; braces imbricate in several series, more or less scarious, the inner sometimes with white spreading tips. Receptacle naked or pitted. Florets of the circumference all female, in 2 or more rows, numerous, filiform, minutely 3–4-toothed. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, fewer in number, tubular with a funnel-shaped 5-toothed mouth. Anthers sagittate at the base, produced into fine tails. Style-branches of the disc-florets nearly terete, truncate or capitate. Achenes oblong or obovoid, not ribbed. Pappus-hairs in one series, slender or thickened at the tip, caducous, often connate at the base.
A large genus, spread over the whole world, hardly distinguishable from Helichrysum and others except by the more numerous female flowers. Of the New Zealand species two are widely distributed in many countries, two others extend to Australia, the remainder are endemic.
A. Inner involucral bracts tvhite and radiating. Heads corymbose. :
| Stems robust. Leaves 2–4 in. × ¼–¾ in., oblong-lanceolate, 3-nerved beneath. Heads ½ in. diam. | 1. G. Lyallii. |
| Stems slender, prostrate or decumbent. Leaves ½–1 in., obovate-spathulate, faintly 3-nerved above. Heads ½–⅓ in. diam. | 2. G. trinerve. |
| Stems slender. Leaves ½–2½ in. × 1/8–1/2 in., linear-lanceolate. Heads ⅓ in. diam. | 3. G. Keriense. |
| Stems branched, slender, rigid. Leaves ½–1¼ in. × 1/40–1/20 in., narrow-linear, margins recurved. Heads ⅓ in. | 4. G. subrigidum. |
| B. Inner involucral bracts not white and radiating. ||
| * Heads solitary, terminal. ||
| Small, 1–4 in. high, simple or branched below. Leaves ⅓–2 in., linear-obovate, white on both surfaces. Head ⅓ in. diam. | 5. G. Traversii. |
| Small, 1–2 in. high, solitary or tufted. Leaves ⅓–1 in., linear-spathulate, white beneath. Heads 1/5 in. diam. | 6. G. paludosum. |
| Small, stems short, tufted. Leaves imbricate, ⅓ in., linear, silky on both surfaces. Head ½ in. diam. | 7. G. nitidulum. |
| ** Heads numerous, corymbose, ebracteate. ||
| Stems 3–18 in. Leaves 1–3 in., linear or linear-spathulate, white and woolly on both surfaces | 8. G. luteo-album. |
| *** Heads compacted into a dense glomerule, with linear bracts at the base. ||
| Annual, stems 6–20 in., branched, erect, leafy. Glomerules ½–1 in. diam. | 9. G. japonicum. |
| Perennial, with creeping stolons. Stems 3–12 in., simple. Leaves mostly radical. Glomerules smaller | 10. G. collinum. |
​1. G. Lyallii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 137.—Stems 1–2 ft. high, stout, branched, decumbent or prostrate at the woody base, then erect, cottony above. Leaves close-set or the upper remote, spreading, 2–4 in. long, ¼–¾ in. broad, narrow oblong-lanceolate or narrow obovate-lanceolate, acute, gradually narrowed to a sessile base, membranous, glabrous above, beneath clothed with thinly appressed white tomentum and distinctly 3-nerved, Heads rather large, ½ in. diam., disposed in many-flowered terminal corymbs 2–4 in. across; pedicels cottony. Involucral bracts numerous, scarious, white, radiating, with short woolly claws. Female florets very numerous, disc-florets much fewer. Achene linear-oblong, smooth, glabrous. Pappus-hairs few, very slender.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 152; Kirk, Students' Fl. 297. G. adhærens, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvii. (1885) 244.
North Island: Ruahine Range, Colenso! Andrew, Hewlett! Murimotu and Moawhango, Petrie! Rimutaka Range, Kirk! South Island: Not uncommon along the western side from Collingwood to the Otira Gorge and southwards to Milford Sound. Sea-level to 2500 ft. November–January.
A handsome plant, in its usual state at once recognised by the large size, broad distinctly 3-nerved leaves, and large heads. But small states with narrower leaves and smaller heads are difficult to separate from G. Keriense, and there is little doubt that the two species pass into one another. In both G. Lyallii and Keriense the disc florets are frequently sterile, showing a tendency in the heads to become unisexual.
2. G. trinerve, Forst. Prodr. n. 289.—Stems 1–2 ft. long, rather slender, sparingly branched, prostrate or decumbent, glabrate below, more or less white and cottony above. Leaves distant, spreading or deflexed, ½–1 in. long, obovate-lanceolate or spathulate, broadest towards the tip, acute or apiculate, gradually narrowed to a broad base, glabrous above and faintly 3-nerved, white with appressed wool beneath. Heads in corymbs of 3 to 10 or solitary, terminating the branches, which are produced into slender cottony bracteate peduncles, ½–¾ in. diam. Involucral bracts numerous, white, radiating, the outer woolly at the base. Achene linearoblong, glabrous. Pappus-hairs few, slender.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 239; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 455; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 138; Handb. N.Z. Fl. i. 153; Kirk, Students Fl. 297.
North Island: Rimutaka Range, Kirk! South Island: West coast of Nelson to Westland and INIilford Sound, south and east coasts of Otago; not uncommon. Sea-level to 2000 ft. November–December.
Closely allied to the preceding, but sufficiently characterized by the more slender stems, shorter obovate-spathulate leaves, which are seldom 3-nerved beneath, and by the bracteate peduncles.
3. G. Keriense, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 454.—Stems short or long, prostrate or decumbent, with numerous erect or ascending leafy branches 3–9 in. long, cottony above. Leaves spreading, ​½–2½ in. long, 1/8–1/2 in. broad, narrow linear-lanceolate to oblonglanceolate or spatbulate-lanceolate, acute, gradually narrowed to the base, glabrous above, beneath white with appressed cottony tomentum but with the midrib evident, rarely faintly 3-nerved. Heads small, ⅓ in. diam., in many-flowered corymbs terminating the branches, which are produced into leafy or bracteate cottony peduncles. Involucral bracts numerous, white, radiating; outer cottony at the base. Achene minute, glabrous. Pappus-hairs few, very slender.—Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 138; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 153; Kirk, Students Fl. 298. G. novæ-zealandiæ, Sch. Bip. in Bot. Zeit. iii. (1845) 171. Helichrysum micranthum, A. Cunn. ex D.C. Prodr. vi. 189.
North Island: Abundant by the sides of streams, &c., from Mongonui to Cook Strait. South Island: Nelson, Travers; Wangapeka Valley, T.F.C.; Dusky Bay, Lyall. Sea-level to 2000 ft. October–December.
4. G. subrigidum, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvii. (1885) 245.—Stems usually much branched, sometimes almost bushy, erect or decumbent at the base, woody, 9–20 in. long; branches slender, brittle, somewhat rigid, glabrous or cottony at the tips. Leaves close-set, spreading, ½–1¼ in. long, 1/40–1/15 in. broad, very narrow-linear or narrow linear-spathulate, acute or apiculate, stiff and coriaceous, glabrous above, white with appressed tomentum beneath, but with the midrib evident; margins recurved. Heads very numerous, ⅓–½ in. diam., in broad many-flowered corymbs at the ends of the branches; pedicels usually very slender, almost capillary, white and cottony. Involucral bracts white and radiating. Achene and pappus as in G. Keriense.—G. Keriense var. linifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 138; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 153; Kirk, Students' Fl. 298.
North Island: Dry rocky banks from the East Cape and Taupo to Wanganui; not uncommon. Sea-level to 2000 ft. October–December.
This has generally been treated as a variety of G. Keriense, from which it differs in the more rigid erect and bushy habit, much narrower stiff and coriaceous leaves with recurved margins, and almost capillary pedicels. It deviates quite as much from G. Keriense as Lyallii and trinerve do, and for the sake of consistency should be considered as distinct, unless the four species are merged into one.
5. G. Traversii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 154.—A dwarf tufted perennial herb 1–4 in. high, simple or branched below, sometimes forming small patches. Leaves radical, petiolate, ⅓–2 in. long, linear-spathulate or linear-obovate, clothed on both surfaces with soft cottony wool, petiole long or short. Scapes erect, variable in length, ½–3 in., white with cottony wool; bracts 1–3, linear. Head solitary, terminal, ⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts in about 3 series, erect, linear, obtuse, pale brownish-yellow, scarious and hyaline, shining; outer shorter and broader, cottony at the base. Female ​florets very numerous, with a few hermaphrodite ones in the centre. Achene puberulous or glabrous. Pappus-hairs copious, very fine, connate at the base.—Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 655; Kirk, Students' Fl. 299.
Var. Mackayi, T. Kirk, l.c.—Much branched, densely tufted, forming close matted patches. Leaves imbricated on the short branches, heads smaller, sessile or on short scapes. Involucral bracts not so numerous, acute.—Raoulia Mackayi, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 354, t. 34, f. 2.
South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts from Nelson to Foveaux Strait. 1500–5500 ft. December–February. Also in Australia.
A variable plant. The most developed form is almost simple, with long radical leaves and long and slender scapes; but it passes by almost imperceptible gradations into the extreme state of var. Mackayi, which forms broad much-branched patches, with short imbricated leaves and sessile heads.
6. G. paludosum, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1890) 441.—Very slender, solitary or tufted, 1–2 in. high. Leaves all radical, petiolate, ⅓–1½ in. long, narrow linear-spathulate; blade half the length or nearly so, acute or subacute, rather membranous, glabrous or slightly silky above, beneath clothed with white appressed tomentum; midrib prominent; margins flat or slightly recurved. Scapes few, hardly exceeding the leaves in the flowering stage, but elongating in fruit, very slender, almost capillary, cottony; bracts few, small, linear. Head solitary, terminal, 1/5 in. diam.; involucral bracts few, scarious, pale and glistening, darker at the tips, inner linear, glabrous. Female florets very numerous. Achene linear-oblong, papillose. Pappus-hairs very delicate, connate at the base.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 299. G. minutulum, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1890) 472.
North Island: Base of Tongariro, Hill! Rangipo Plains and Ruahine Mountains, Petrie! South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts, usually in peaty swamps, from Nelson to Otago. 1000–4000 ft. December–January.
Closely allied to G. Traversii, but easily separated by the smaller size and more slender habit, thinner leaves glabrous on the upper surface, smaller heads, and fewer involucral bracts with dark tips. The type specimens of Mr. Colenso's G. minutulum are identical with Mr. Petrie's plant.
7. G. nitidulum, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 154.—"A small densely tufted species, covered with appressed silky shining yellowish tomentum. Leaves closely imbricated at their bases, above spreading, flat, ⅓ in. long, linear, obtuse; lower ⅓ membranous, glabrous, upper ⅔ densely silky. Heads terminal, solitary, large, ½ in. broad, on very short slender peduncles; involucral scales in 2 series, erect, linear, hyaline, shining, with pale erect tips; florets not seen."—Kirk, Students' Fl. 299.
South Island: "Nelson Mountains, Sinclair; Clarence and Wairau Valleys, alt. 3500 ft., Travers."
​This plant has apparently not been collected since its original discovery nearly fifty years ago. Not having seen specimens, I have reproduced Hooker's description.
8. G. luteo-album, Linn. Sp. Plant. 851.—Annual or rarely biennial, clothed in all its parts with soft white woolly tomentum. Stems erect, ascending or decumbent, simple or branched at tiie base, 3–18 in. high. Lower leaves often petiolate, 1–3 in. long, linear or linear-spathulate to obovate-spathulate, obtuse or acute; upper smaller, sessile, linear or lanceolate, acute. Heads 1/5 diam., pale-yellow or brownish-yellow, glistening, in dense ebracteate clusters arranged in a corymbose manner at the ends of the branches. Involucre alnjost globose; bracts erect, oblong, obtuse, scarious, tips incurved. Female florets exceedingly numerous; hermaphrodite ones few. Achene minutely papillose.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 236; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 450; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. 138; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 154; Kirk, Students' Fl. 298.
Kermadec Islands, North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands, Auckland Islands: Abundant throughout from sea-level to fully 3000 ft. November–March.
A common plant in almost all warm and many temperate countries.
9. G. japonicum, Thunb. Fl. Jap. 311.—Annual, erect, 6–20 in. high. Stems often woody at the base, branched, more or less white and cottony. Leaves scattered, 1–4 in. long, oblongspathulate or linear-spathulate to linear-lanceolate, the lower often petiolate, acute, glabrous above or nearly so, cottony-white beneath. Heads small. 1/6–1/4 in. long, compacted into dense globose clusters or compound heads ¼–1 in. diam., which either terminate the branches or are axillary, and are surrounded by 3–6 linear spreading floral leaves. Involucral bracts scarious, hyaline, erect, obtuse or the inner acute. Female florets very numerous; hermaphrodite ones few, sometimes solitary. Achene slightly compressed, glabrous. Pappus-hairs very slender, hardly connate at the base.—Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 653; Kirk, Students' Fl. 300. G. involucratum, Forst. Prodr. n. 291; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 241; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 453; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 139; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 155. G. virgatum. Banks and Sol. ex Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 139. G. lanatum, Forst. Prodr. n. 290; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 452. G. Cunninghamii, D.C. Prodr. vi. 235.
Kermadec Islands, North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Abundant throughout from sea-level to 2500ft. November–January.
Found also in Norfolk Island, Lord Howe's Island, Australia and Tasmania) and northwards to the Malay Archipelago, China, and Japan.
​10. G. collinum, Lab. Pl. Nov. Holl. ii. 44, t. 189.—A tufted perennial herb 3–12 in. high, usually with creeping and rooting stolons and slender erect cottony stems. Leaves mostly radical, very variable in size, ⅓–3 in. long, lanceolate-spathulate or oblong-spathulate, acute or obtuse, petiolate, white and cottony on both surfaces or glabrate above; cauline leaves much smaller and narrower, linear-spathulate, sessile. Heads small, compacted into dense clusters or compound heads similar to those of G. japonicum, but smaller and not so compact, and with fewer smaller subtending floral leaves. Involucres broader than in G. japonicum; bracts linear-oblong, obtuse, scarious and hyaline. Florets and achenes as in G. japonicum.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 139; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 155; Benth. Fl. Austral. ii. 654; Kirk, Students' Fl. 300. G. simplex, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 237; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 451.
Var. obscurum, Kirk, Students' Fl. 300.—Forming grey matted patches seldom more than 1 in. high. Leaves ½–¾ in., linear, glabrate above, grey with appressed tomentum beneath. Scape leafy or almost wanting. Heads in terminal fascicles of 2–4 or solitary. Involucral bracts 3–10, linear, obtuse.
Var. monocephalum, Kirk, l.c.—Very small. Leaves all radical, ⅓ in. long, linear, obtuse or acute. Head solitary, sessile or on a slender filiform scape ½–1 in. high.
Kermadec Islands, North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Plentiful from sea-level to 4500ft. November–March. The two varieties not uncommon on the mountains of the South Island.
Luxuriant forms of this are best distinguished from G. japonicum by being perennial, by the creeping stolons, smaller glomerules with fewer floral leaves, and by the broader involucres. It is also a native of Australia and Tasmania.
10. RAOULIA, Hook. f.
Perennial herbs, usually of small size, either densely tufted and compacted or creeping and matted. Leaves small, alternate, entire, often closely imbricated. Heads small, solitary, terminal, sessile or nearly so, heterogamous and discoid. Involucre oblong, campanulate or hemispherical; bracts imbricated in 2–3 series, the inner ones often with white radiating tips. Receptacle narrow, flat or convex, naked. Florets of the circumference in 1 or 2 rows, female, filiform, 2–3-toothed. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, tubular with a funnel-shaped 5-toothed mouth. Anthers sagittate at the base, produced into fine tails. Style-branches nearly terete, truncate or subcapitate. Achenes oblong. Pappus-hairs in one or several series, slender or thickened at the tip.
A genus founded more upon habit than upon really good and distinctive characters. It may be said to be intermediate between the Eugnaphalieæ and Helichryseæ, the female and disc florets being often nearly equal in number. It is easily divided into two sections by the remarkable differences between the pappus-hairs, which may ultimately, when the Gnaphalioid Compositæ are thoroughly worked out, be found sufficient to constitute separate genera. Several of the species are difficult of discrimination, and require further examination, ​this being specially the case with those to which, on account of the remarkable habit, the popular name of vegetable sheep has been applied. It is quite possible that several species are confounded under R. eximia and allied forms. All the New Zealand species are endemic, and in addition there are one or two found in Australia and Tasmania.
A. Leptopappus. Pappus-hairs in several series, coinous, very slender, not thickened upwards. :
| * Inner involucral bracts without white radiating tips. ||
| Leaves 1/12 in., erect or recurved, spathulate, obtuse, white and silvery. Florets 12—20 | 1. R. australis. |
| Leaves 1/12 in., spreading or recurved, linear-oblong or spathulate, acute or apiculate, glabrate or tomentose. Florets 10–16 | 2. R. tenuicaulis. |
| Leaves 1/15 in., erecto-patent, ovate-subulate from a broad base, glabrate. Florets 4–8 | 3. R. Haastii. |
| Leaves 1/8–1/4 in., spreading and recurved, linear, obtuse, grey with silky tomentum; margins involute. Florets 15–20 | 4. R. Monroi. |
| ** Inner involucral bracts with white radiating tips. ||
| Stems slender, forming loose patches. Leaves laxly imbricate, erecto-patent, linear-oblong, glabrous or nearly so | 5. R. glabra. |
| Stems stout, matted. Leaves closely imbricate, erectopatent, linear-oblong, silky or glabrate | 6. R. subserica. |
| Stems stout, matted. Leaves closely imbricate, spreading and recurved, obovate-spathulate, densely tomentose | 7. R. Parkii. |
| B. Imbricaria. Pappus-hairs in one series, few, rigid, thickened upwards. ||
| * Inner involucral bracts without white radiating tips. ||
| Leaves spreading, glabrous, rigid, subulate | 8. R. subulata. |
| Forming hard compact masses. Leaves most densely imbricate, linear-obovate, upper ⅓ with a dense tuft of hairs concealing the leaf | 9. R. eximia. |
| Forming broad patches. Leaves ovate, obtuse, clothed with silvery tomentum, grooved on the back when dry | 10. R. Hectori. |
| ** Inner involucral bracts with white radiating tips. ||
| Stems tufted, often simple. Leaves 1/6–1/3 in., ovate-subulate, silvery. Heads large, ⅓–⅔ in. | 11. R. grandiflora. |
| Stems laxly branched. Leaves 1/5–1/4 in., recurved, obovate-spathulate. Heads ¼ in. Florets 30–50 | 12. R. Petriensis. |
| Forming compact masses. Leaves densely imbricate, obovate-spathulate, upper part clothed on both surfaces with dense straight hairs concealing the leaf | 13. R. mammillaris. |
| Forming compact masses. Leaves densely imbricate, obovate-spathulate, upper part clothed on both surfaces with dense straight hairs concealing the leaf, but extreme tip naked. Florets red | 14. R. rubra. |
| Forming compact masses. Leaves densely imbricate, broadly cuneate or flabellate, truncate, tip of upper surface clothed with straight dense hairs, beneath glabrous and corrugated | 15. R. Buchanani. ​ |
| Forming compact greenish masses. Leaves densely imbricate, linear-oblong, truncate, tip of upper surface clothed with straight dense hairs, naked beneath | 16. R. Goyeni. |
| Forming compact patches. Leaves densely imbricate, erecto-patent, tips clothed on both surfaces with appressed silky tomentum | 17. R. bryoides. |
1. R. australis, Hook. f. ex Raoul, Choix de Plantes, 20, t. 15.—Forming broad flat patches. Stems 1—6 in. long, much interlaced, prostrate and rooting; branches numerous, closely packed, short, erect, ½–1½ in. high. Leaves laxly or densely imbricated, erect or spreading or recurved, 1/15–1/8 in. long, linear- or obovate-spathulate to rounded spathulate, obtuse at the tip, concave, more or less clothed on both surfaces with white or yellowish tomentum, especially towards the tip. Heads 1/8–1/4 in. long; involucral bracts in 2–3 series; outer spathulate, tomentose; mner linear, obtuse, scarious, shining, pale-yellow. Florets from 12 to 20 or more, the females equalling or exceeding the hermaphrodite ones in number. Achene glabrous or minutely pubescent. Pappus-hairs very numerous, extremely slender, not thickened at the tips.—Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 135; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 148; Kirk, Students' Fl. 302. R. Mackayi, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 354, t. 34, f. 2. R. albosericea, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 195.
Var. apice-nigra, Kirk, Students' Fl. 302.—Leaves more densely tomentose, white with soft woolly hairs. Outer involucral bracts black at the tips.—R. apice-nigra, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xi. (1879) 464.
Var. lutescens, Kirk, l.c.—Smaller. Leaves densely imbricating, shorter, 1/20–1/12 in. long. Heads smaller; involucral bracts bright-yellow.
North Island: From the East Cape and the Upper Thames Valley southwards, but often local. South Island: Abundant throughout. Stewart Island: Mason Bay, Kirk! Sea-level to 5500 ft. December–January.
A very variable plant, especially in the size and shape of the leaves, and the extent to which they are clothed with white tomentum. Mr. Colenso describes his R. albosericea as having few florets and few pappus-hairs; but the specimens in his herbarium are long past flowering, and have evidently lost most of the florets and much of the pappus, and apparently do not differ from the type in any essential character.
2. R. tenuicaulis, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 135, t. 36a.—Stems slender, prostrate and creeping, much and laxly branched, 1–10 in. long; branches ascending at the tips. Leaves laxly imbricating, spreading or recurved, 1/15–1/10 long linear-oblong or lanceolate-spathulate, or on luxuriant shoots obovate-spathulate, acuminate or apiculate, concave, more or less clothed with greyish appressed tomentum or almost glabrous. Heads 1/8–1/6 in. long; involucral bracts in 3 series; outer tomentose or glabrate, acute; inner scarious, with brown acute or obtuse tips. Florets from 10 to 16, the females about equalling the hermaphrodite ones in number. Achene glabrate or puberulous. Pappus-hairs copious, very slender.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 148; Kirk, Students' Fl. 302.
Var. pusilla, Kirk, Students' Fl. 302.— Smaller, glabrous or nearly so, much more closely branched; branches 1/5–1/2 in. high. Leaves 1/20–1/12 in., linear, acute, concave. Female florets almost twice as numerous as the hermaphrodite ones.
North and South Islands: Not uncommon from the Thames goldfields southwards, usually on gravelly or sandy river-beds. Var. pusilla: Rimutaka Range, Kirk! mountains flanking the Wairau Valley, T.F.C. Sea-level to 5000 ft. December–January.
Easily distinguished by the slender habit, narrow acute or apiculate leaves with greyish tomentum, and brown-tipped involucral bracts.
3. R. Haastii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 148.—Glabrous or nearly so, forming small dense patches. Stems short, rather stout, prostrate; branches numerous, closely packed, ½–1 in. high, rarely more. Leaves densely imbricated, erecto-patent, 1/16 in. long, with a broad membranous sheathing base and much narrower ovatesubulate coriaceous tip, concave, quite glabrous or obscurely silky or woolly. Heads 1/6 in. long; involucral bracts in 2–3 series, scarious, linear, obtuse, not brown at the tips. Florets few, 4 to 8; 2–4 of them female. Achene puberulous. Pappus-hairs copious, slender, not thickened above.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 302.
South Island: Nelson—Waiau Valley, Sinclair, Travers; Amuri, Kirk! Clarence Valley, T.F.C. Canterbury—Kowai River, Haast! Upper Waimakariri and Broken River, Kirk! T. F. C. Otago—Kyeburn Crossing, Maniototo County, Petrie! 1000–3000 ft. November–December.
Separated from R. tenuicaulis by the shorter leaves with broad bases and ovate-subulate tips, and by the narrower few-flowered heads.
4. R. Monroi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 148.—Stems wiry, creeping, much interlaced, forming broad patches; rootlets long, filiform; branches slender, ascending, silky, 1–2 in. high or more. Leaves laxly or densely imbricate, rarely distant, spreading and recurved, 1/8–1/4 in. long, linear or linear-spathulate, obtuse, uniformly clothed on both surfaces with greyish-white appressed tomentum; margins incurved. Heads narrow, 1/6 in. long; involucral bracts in 3–4 series; the outer oblong, tomentose; the inner longer and narrower, scarious, with brown obtuse tips. Florets from 15 to 20, the females the most numerous. Achene oblong, puberulous. Pappus-hairs copious, slender, not thickened at the tips.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 303.
South Island: Not uncommon in dry gravelly and sandy places in Marlborough, Canterbury, and Otago. Sea-level to 3500 ft. November–January.
Easily recognised by the uniform greyish-white colour, linear spreading and recurved leaves, and narrow heads with brown-tipped iuvolucral scales.
5. R. glabra, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 135.—Stems long, slender, prostrate, much branched, forming lax patches 3–24 in. across; branches ascending, 1–3 in. long. Leaves pale ​yellow-green, laxly imbricated or somewhat remote, spreading or erecto-patent, 1/8–1/5 in. long, linear-ligulateor linear-oblong, acute or obtuse, flat or nearly so, 1-nerved, glabrous or slightly silky, sometimes with a minute pencil of hairs at the tip. Heads rather large, ¼–⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 3–4 series; outer green, ovate-oblong, acuminate; inner longer, linear-oblong, with white radiating tips. Florets numerous, 30–50; female in 2 series, rather less in number than the hermaphrodite ones. Achene puberulous. Pappus-hairs copious, soft, not thickened at the tips.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 149; Kirk, Students' Fl. 303.
North Island: Tararua and Rimutaka Mountains, descending almost to sea-level to the north of Cape Palliser. South Island: Abundant throughout in mountain districts. Ascends to 4000 ft. December–January.
6. R. subsericea, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 136.—Stouter than R. glabra, and more closely branched, forming smaller and more compact patches with shorter erect branches. Leaves rather longer and broader than in R. glabra, closely imbricated, 1/6–1/4 in. long, linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute, flat or nearly so, usually sparingly clothe(i with thin silvery tomentum or rarely almost glabrous. Heads rather larger, ⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts broader, the innermost with larger and more conspicuous white radiating tips. Florets similar to those of R. glabra, but fewer in number. Achene glabrous. Pappus-hairs copious, soft, slightly thickened at the tips.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 150; Kirk, Students' Fl. 303.
South Island: Abundant in mountain districts throughout. 1000–4500 ft. December–January.
Very closely allied to R. glabra, but generally recognised without difificulty by the more compact habit, silky leaves, rather larger heads with more conspicuous white tips to the inner involucral bracts, and by the pappus-hairs being slightly thickened above.
7. R. Parkii, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 355, t. 34, f. 3.—Stems 1–6 in. long, prostrate, creeping and rooting, often densely matted and forming large patches; branches short, erect or ascendmg, ½–1 in. long. Leaves closely imbricated, spreading and recurved, 1/10–1/6 in. long, obovate-spathulate, obtuse, clothed with white or buff woolly appressed tomentum except towards the base, which is usually glabrous. Heads 1/6–1/4 in. diam., sessile among the terminal leaves; involucral bracts in 2–3 series; the outer short, tomentose on the outside; the inner longer, linearoblong, obtuse, with white radiating tips. Florets 15–25, the females about equal to the hermaphrodite ones in number. Achene puberulous. Pappus-hairs slightly thickened at the tips.
South Island: Canterbury—Mount Dobson, Lake Tekapo, Mount Ollivier, T. F. C. Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan! Lake Wanaka, Hector Mountains, Old Man Range, Ida Valley, and elsewhere in Central Otago, Petrie! 2500–5500 ft. December–January.
​Mr. Petrie's specimens and my own agree with Mr. Buchanan's figure, and exactly match a specimen which he gave me from Mount Alta, the original locality. In Mr. Kirk's herbarium it is placed under Helichrysum Youngii; but that species differs widely in the larger leaves clothed with softer tomentum, much larger heads with very much longer acute inner involucral bracts, and in the more numerous florets.
8. R. subulata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 149.—A small densely tufted species forming moss-like patches 1–3 in. diam., perfectly glabrous in all its parts; branches ⅓–1 in. high. Leaves very closely imbricated, suberect or patent, 1/8–1/4 in. long, subulate, acuminate, 1-nerved. Heads 1/6 in. diam.; involucral bracts in 2–3 series, linear-oblong, scarious, acute, not white nor radiating. Receptacle convex, hispid. Florets 18–25, the females usually rather fewer in number than the hermaphrodite ones. Achene silky. Pappus-hairs somewhat rigid, thickened at the tips.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 304.
South Island: Nelson—Mountains above the Wairau Gorge, Sinclair, T.F.C. Canterbury—Mountains above Arthur's Pass, T.F.C.; Rangitata Valley, Armstrong! Otago—Lake district, Hector and Buchanan! Hector Mountains, Mount Pisa, Mount Tyndall, Petrie! 4000–6500 ft. December–January.
A well-marked species, not closely related to any other.
9. R. eximia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 149.—Forming large rounded or amorphous densely compacted masses from 2–3 in. to several feet long, and sometimes over 2 ft. high. Root stout, woody; branches short, with the leaves ¼ in. diam. Leaves most densely packed, imbricated all round the branch in many series, 1/8–1/5 in. long, linear-obovate or linear-cuneate, rounded at the tip, membranous, bearing on both surfaces towards the tip a dense tuft of straight white hairs which project beyond the leaf and entirely conceal it. On the back of the leaf the hairs often extend half-way down the leaf or more, but on the upper surface the lower two-thirds is usually quite glabrous. Heads numerous, small, sunk among the leaves at the tips of the branches; involucral bracts in 2 series, narrow-linear, scarious, wiih a tuft of hairs above the middle, not white at the tips. Florets 8–12 or more, the hermaphrodite ones more numerous than the female. Achene clothed with long silky hairs, and with a thickened areole at the base. Pappus-hairs few, rigid, thickened at the tip.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 304.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Peel, T.F.C. Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Haast, Kirk! Enys! Petrie! Cockayne! T.F.C.; Mount Dobson, Haast, T.F.C; Mount Cook district, T.F.C. Otago—Lake district, Buchanan! Mount Ida Range, Petrie! 4000–6000 ft. December–January.
A most remarkable plant. It is probably not uncommon in alpine situations all along the eastern side of the Southern Alps from Nelson to Otago, but I have only quoted those localities from whence I have seen flowering specimens. In a barren state it is very easy to confound it with R. mammillaris.}}
​There are several forms closely related to R. eximia respecting which further information is much wanted. Mr. Townson sends a variety from Mount Frederic, near Westport, remarkable for the branches being quite flat at the tips, and so closely compacted that the tips show on the even surface of the hummock like mosaic. On the other hand, specimens collected by myself in the Mount Cook district are much less dense, the tips of the branches forming conspicuous mammillary knobs. I have seen no specimens of Mr. Kirk's var. lata, apparently distinguished by the broader and shorter less closely imbricate leaves. Nor are there any specimens in his herbarium of R. Brownii, Kirk, provisionally separated from R. eximia on account of the linear-oblong acute leaves.
10. R. Hectori, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 149.—Often forming broad dense patches. Stems prostrate, much branched, 1–3 in. long; branches ½–2 in. high, close-set, erect or ascending. Leaves closely imbricated, erecto- patent, 1/10–1/8 in. long, broadly ovate, obtuse, upper half thick and coriaceous and clothed with appressed silvery tomentum, lower half membranous, glabrous, back longitudinally grooved when dry. Heads small, 1/10–1/6 in. diam., sunk amongst the terminal leaves; involucral bracts in 2 series, linearoblong, scarious, subacute, glabrous, not white at the tips. Florets 10–18; female 3–6. Achene glabrous or nearly so. Pappus-hairs few, rigid, thickened at the tips.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 304.
Var. mollis, Buch. ex Kirk, Students' Fl. 305.—Smaller and not so rigid. Leaves not so closely imbricated, broader and softer, cottony at the base, not so silvery at the tip. Heads smaller. Florets 6–10. Achenes glabrous. Perhaps a distinct species.
South Island: Canterbury—Mount Dobson Range, T.F.C. Otago—Lake district, Hector and Buchanan! Mount St. Bathans, Hector Mountains, Mount Pisa, Ben Lomond, Petrie! 4000–6500 ft. December–January. Var. mollis: Mount St. Bathans, Petrie!
11. R. grandiflora, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 136, t. 37a.—Stems ½–2 in. long, tufted, simple or branched at the base, stout, ⅓–½ in. diam. with the leaves, erect or curved; roots long and wiry. Leaves imbricated all round the stem, 1/6–1/3 in. long, ovate- or lanceolate-subulate, gradually tapering to a subacute tip, rigid, striate on the back, clothed with silvery appressed tomentum, loosely cottony towards the base. Heads large, ⅓–⅔ in. diam., sunk among the terminal leaves; involucral bracts in about 2 series; the outer few, short, scarious; inner linear, obtuse, spreading, with long white radiating tips; receptacle small, convex, hispid. Florets 25–40, about one-third female, narrow, the rest hermaphrodite. Achene silky. Pappus-hairs rather slender, thickened at the tips.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 150; Kirk, Students' Fl. 305.
North and South Islands: Frequent in mountain districts from the East Cape and Taupo to Foveaux Strait. 3000–6000 ft. December–January.
This has a different habit to any of the other species included in the genus, and would be far more appropriately placed in Helichrysum.
​12. R. Petriensis, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ix. (1877) 519.—Usually forming laxly branched patches. Stems 2–6 in. long, prostrate or suberect; branches numerous, ascending or erect, viscid, with the leaves 1/6–1/5 in. diam. Leaves laxly imbricating, 1/5–1/4 in. long, obovate-spathulate; base erect, membranous, loosely cottony; tip spreadmg or recurved, rounded, coriaceous, clothed with densely felted shining tomentum. Heads ¼ in. diam., sessile among the terminal leaves; involucral bracts in 2 series, linear, scarious, obtuse, the inner with short white radiating tips. Florets 30–50; female very slender, filiform, 8–15. Achene glabrous or puberulous. Pappus-hairs thickened at the tips.—Students' Fl. 305.
South Island: Canterbury—Mount Dobson Range, T.F.C. Otago—Mount Ida and Mount St. Bathans, Petrie! 3500–5500 ft. December–January.
A remarkably distinct species, at once recognised by the loosely tufted habit, long slender branches, spreading and recurved leaves, and numerous florets.
13. R. mammillaris, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 150.—Forming hard compact masses similar in size and aspect to those of R. eximia. Branches short, stout, with the leaves quite ¼ in. diam. Leaves most densely packed, imbricated all round the branches in many series, spreading, 1/12–1/8 in. long, obovate-cuneate or spathulate, rounded or almost truncate at the tip, membranous, glabrous or nearly so in the lower half, in the upper half clothed on both surfaces with a dense tuft of straight hairs which project just beyond the tip and conceal the leaf. Heads 1/6–1/4 in. diam., sunk among the leaves at the tips of the branches; involucral bracts in about 2 series, the inner linear-oblong, scarious, with conspicuous white obtuse or subacute radiating tips. Florets 10–12, the hermaphrodite ones more numerous than the females. Achene clothed with long silky hairs, and with a thickened areole at the base. Pappus-hairs few, rigid, thickened at the tips.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 306.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Starveall, Bryant ("Students' Flora"). Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Haast (Handbook). Otago—Alps of the Lake district, Buchanan! 4000–6000 ft. Vegetable sheep.
The conspicuous white radiating tips to the inner involucral bracts distinguish this at a glance from R. eximia, but in the absence of flowers it is by no means easy to separate the two species. The leaves of R. mammillaris, however, are shorter and broader, with shorter hairs which do not project so far beyond the tip of the leaf as in R. eximia. The only specimens I have seen are Mr. Buchanan's, which are in full flower, and unmistakable. The Mount Starveall locality is given on the authority of Mr. Kirk, but there are no specimens from thence in his herbarium.
14. R. rubra, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 350, t. 30, f. 2.—Forming hard compact masses 6–12 in. diam. and 4–8 in. high; branches with the leaves 1/6–1/5 in. diam. Leaves closely ​packed, imbricated in many series, 1/8–1/6 in. long, broadly obovate-spathulate or cuneate, rounded or almost truncate at the tip, membranous, upper part clothed on both surfaces with long straight hairs which project beyond the leaf, but the extreme tip naked on both sides though concealed by the hairs, lower portion of the leaf glabrous on both surfaces. Heads small, 1/10 in. diam., sunk among the terminal leaves; involucral bracts numerous, linear, obtuse, glabrous, the inner with short white radiating tips. Florets 10–14; corolla dark-crimson. Achene clothed with long silky hairs. Pappus-hairs few, rigid, thickened at the tips.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 305.
North Island: Mount Holdsworth, Tararua Range, alt. 4500 ft., Buchanan! T. P. Arnold! January.
I have only seen very imperfect specimens of this, and the above description is mainly founded on that originally published by Buchanan. Its nearest ally appears to be R. manimillaris.
15. R. Buchanani, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 307.—Apparently forming hard compact masses. Branches short, stout, with the leaves on ¼ in. diam. Leaves closely packed, imbricated in several series, 1/8–1/6 in. long and almost as broad at the tip, broadly cuneate, truncate, membranous; upper surface with the lower twothirds quite glabrous, above that clothed with straight hairs which project just beyond the tip, forming a kind of fringe; undersurface with the lower half loosely cottony, the upper half glabrous, more or less corrugated or wrinkled. Heads unknown.
South Island: Otago—Mount Alta, Buchanan!
A very remarkable plant, the exact position of v?hich must remain doubtful until the flowers have been observed. It is probably nearest to P. Goyeni. The leaves difier from those of any other species in the broad truncate tips densely hairy above, but glabrous and wrinkled beneath.
16. R. Goyeni, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvi. (1884) 373.—Forming hard compact greenish masses from a few inches to 2 or 3 ft. long, but rarely more than 6 or 8 in. high. Branches very short, closely compacted and often subangular from mutual pressure, with the leaves 1/5–1/4 in. diam. Leaves very closely packed, densely imbricated in many series, 1/8–1/6 in. long, linear-oblong, sessile by a broad base, rather wider and truncate at the tip, glabrous beneath, on the upper surface bearing near the tip a dense tuft of straight white hairs slightly longer than the leaf, the extreme upper margin naked although concealed by the hairs. Heads small, deeply sunk among the leaves at the tips of the branches; involucral bracts in 2 series; the outer linear-spathulate, scarious, bearing a tuft of hairs at the tip; the inner linear, scarious, obtuse, some of them with short hardly radiating white tips. Florets few. Achene hispid, with a thickened areole. Pappus-hairs few, thickened upwards.—Students' Fl. 306.
Stewart Island: Rakiahua, P. Goyen! Kirk! Smith's Lookout and Mount Anglem, Kirk! 1000–3300 ft.
17. R. bryoides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. ii. 332.—Forming hard and dense convex patches 2–8 in. diam. Lower portion of the stem hard and woody, roots long and stringy. Branches short, stout, with the leaves 1/8–1/4 in. diam. Leaves very closely packed, imbricated in several series all round the branch, erecto-patent, 1/10–1/6 in. long, narrow obovate-spathulate or rhomhoid-spathulate, subacute or obtuse; lower two-thirds glabrous or slightly woolly, upper one-third about triangular, coriaceous, clothed on both surfaces with closely felted silky hairs which do not conceal the shape of the leaf, and with a tuft of cottony wool on each side. Heads 1/5–1/4 in. diam., sunk among the terminal leaves; involucral bracts in 2–3 series, linear-oblong, scarious, acute, inner with white radiating tips. Florets 8–14, the hermaphrodite ones more numerous than the females. Achene with long silky hairs and a thickened areole at the base. Pappus-hairs few, rigid, thickened at the tips.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 150; Kirk, Students' Fl. 307.
South Island: Common on the mountains of Nelson and Marlborough. Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Cockayne! Black Range, T.F.C.; Craigieburn Mountains, Petrie! Otago—Mount Pisa and the Hector Mountains, Petrie! 3500–6500 ft. December–January.
Easily distinguished from R. eximia, R. mammillaris, &c., by the hairs on the leaves not enveloping them so as to conceal their shape.
11. HELICHRYSUM, Vaill.
Herbs or small shrubs, very variable in habit, often woolly or tomentose. Leaves alternate or the lower rarely opposite, quite entire. Heads solitary or corymbose, heterogamous and discoid or homogamous through the suppression of the female florets. Involucre from cylindrical to broadly hemispherical; bracts in several series, with or without white or coloured spreading petal-like scarious tips. Receptacle flat or convex, naked or pitted. Female florets exterior, few, sometimes altogether wanting, filiform, minutely 2–3-tooched. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, numerous, tubular with a funnel-shaped 5-toothed mouth. Anthers sagittate at the base, produced into fine tails. Style-branches of the disc-florets almost terete, truncate or subcapitate. Achenes small, terete, 5-angled or compressed. Pappus-hairs in one series (rarely in several series), free or connate below, simple or barbellate or plumose above.
A very large and heteromorphous genus, found in most parts of the world, and especially plentiful in South Africa and Australia. It has been united with Gnaphalium by many authors, but can usually be distinguished by the hermaphrodite florets being always much more numerous than the female ones. All the New Zealand species are endemic.
A. Xerochlæna. Herbs. Involucre broad, hemispherical, the outer bracts broad, sessile, passing gradually into the inner ones, which have linear claws and white (or coloured) radiating tips. (The white tips are wanting in H. filicaule and H. Loganii.) :
| Stems 6–18 in., slender, prostrate. Leaves glabrous above. Heads solitary, large, ½–¾ in. diam. | 1. H. bellidioides. |
| Stems 12–24 in., slender, prostrate. Leaves glabrous above. Heads corymbose, ¼ in. diam. | 2. H. Purdiei. |
| Stems 3–10 in., filiform, erect. Leaves glabrous above. Heads solitary, ¼–⅓ in.; involucral bracts without white radiating tips | 3. H. filicaule. |
| Stems 2–4 in., tufted, ascending. Leaves woolly on both surfaces. Heads corymbose, ¼ in. diam. | 4. H. Sinclairii. |
| Small, densely matted, ½–1½ in. high. Leaves closely imbricate, woolly on both surfaces. Heads solitary, large, ⅓–½ in. diam. | 5. H. Youngii. |
| Small, densely tufted, 1–2 in. Leaves closely imbricate, white and silvery on both surfaces. Heads fascicled, ¼–⅓ in. diam. | 6. H. fasciculatum. |
| Small, forming compact patches. Leaves densely imbricate, tips clothed with long straight hairs. Heads sunk among the terminal leaves; involucral bracts not white and radiating | 7. H. Loganii. |
| B. Leontopodioides. Herbs. Heads small, in dense terminal cymes subtended by broad spreading floral leaves. ||
| Leaves ⅓–¾ in., linear-oblong, tips erect | 8. H. Leontopodium |
| Leaves ¼–⅓ in., oblong-spathulate, tips recurved | 9. H. grandiceps. |
| C. Ozothamnus. Shrubs, often of small size. Heads small, cymose or solitary. Involucral bracts not white or radiating, or very obscurely so. ||
| * Heads in corymbose cymes. ||
| Leaves ovate or orbicular, petiolate | 10. H. glomeratum. |
| Leaves lanceolate, petiolate | 11. H. lanceolatum. |
| ** Heads solitary. Leaves densely imbricate, closely appressed to the branch. ||
| Branchlets slender. Leaves in about 6 series, 1/12–1/10 linear, silky or hoary | 12. H. depressum. |
| Branchlets 1/12–1/8 in. Leaves in about 4 series, 1/16–1/12 in. polished and keeled on the back | 13. H. microphyllum |
| Branchlets 1/8–1/6 in. Leaves in about 6 series, 1/10–1/6 in., polished and keeled on the back | 14. H. Selago. |
| Branchlets stout, ⅓ in. Leaves in many series, 1/5–1/4 in., polished and convex on the back | 15. H. coralloides. |
| *** Heads solitary. Leaves closely imbricate, tips spreading and recurved. ||
| Leaves in several series, 1/6 in., oblong, silvery on both surfaces | 16. H. pauciflorum. |
1. H. bellidioides, Willd. Sp. Plant. iii. 1911.—Stems slender, prostrate, much branched, ahiiost woody at the base, 6–18 in. long; branches numerous, erect or ascending, leafy. Leaves loosely imbricate or almost distant, spreading or recurved, ¼–½ in. long, obovate-spathulate or obovate-oblong, obtuse or apiculate, flat. ​1-nerved, upper surface slightly cottony or glabrous, beneath clothed with cottony appressed tomentum. Heads solitary, ½ in. diam. or more, on bracteate cottony peduncles 1–5 in. long terminating the branches; involucral bracts in many series, linear-ligulate, ¼–⅓ in. long, with scarious tomentose claws and long white radiating tips. Eeceptacle convex or almost conical. Florets very numerous; females few, in 1 or 2 series. Achene glabrous, with a thickened areole at the base. Pappus-hairs few, slender.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 449; Raoul, Choix, 45; Kirk, Students' Fl. 308. Gnaphahum bellidioides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 137; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 152. Xeranthemum bellidioides, Forst. Prodr. n. 293; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 242.
Var. prostratum, Kirk, Students' Fl. 309.—Similar to the type, but heads sessile at the tips of the branches.—H. prostratum, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 30, t. 21. Gnaphalium prostratum, Hook f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 137; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 152.
North and South Islands, Chatham Islands, Stewart Island, Auckland and Campbell Islands, Antipodes Island: Abundant in mountain districts from the East Cape and Taupo southwards. Sea-level to 5000 ft. November–February. Var. prostratum: Sparingly found in both North and South Islands, more abundant in the Auckland and Campbell Islands.
A common plant. I quite agree with Mr. Kirk in considering H. prostratum to be a variety only, and there is no difficulty in collecting passage-forms from no peduncles to very long bracteate ones. But I do not find the conical receptacle to be peculiar to var. prostratum.
2. H. Purdiei, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1890) 440.—Stems slender, wiry, prostrate, spreading, much branched, woody at the base, 1–2 ft. long; branches white and tomentose at the tips. Leaves distant, spreading, ¼–½ in. long, obovate-spathulate, rounded at the tip and minutely apiculate, flat, rather membranous, pubescent or almost glabrous above, beneath clothed with laxly appressed greyish-white tomentum. Heads ¼ in. diam., in corymbs of 3 to 6 terminating the branchlets; peduncles and pedicels short, slender, tomentose. Involucral bracts in several series; the outer very short, obtuse, brown and scarious; the inner linear-oblong with short white radiating tips. Florets very numerous; females few, in 1–2 series. Achene glabrous, with a thickened areole at the base. Pappus-hairs few, slender, barbellate above.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 309.
South Island: Otago—Dunedin Harbour, rare, A. C. Purdie! Petrie! Aston! November–December.
3. H. filicaule, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 140, t. 36b.—Rhizome long, wiry, creeping, putting up numerous very slender siniple or rarely branched erect cottony stems 3–10 in. high. Leaves distant, ¼–⅓ in. long, obovate-oblong or narrow-oblong, obtuse or apiculate, glabrous or slightly cottony above, beneath clothed with white cottony tomentum. Heads solitary, terminal on long filiform ​peduncles, ⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts in about 4 series; the outer shorter, oblong, obtuse, cottony at the base; inner longer, linear-oblong or linear, acute, scarious. Eeceptacle small, convex. Florets numerous; females few, in 1 series. Achene obscurely papillose or puberulous. Pappus-hairs very slender.—Kirk, Students' Flora, 309. Gnaphalium filicaule, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 153.
North and South Islands, Chatham Islands, Stewart Island: Not uncommon in dry grassy places from Rotorua southwards. Sea-level to 4000 ft. December–February.
4. H. Sinclairii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 153.—"A small subalpine species; stems and branches ascending, leafy, 2–4 in. high. Leaves close-set, spreading, ¼–⅓ in. long, ⅙ in. broad, linear-oblong or obovate-spathulate, obtuse, densely covered with pale cottony tomentum on both surfaces. Heads ¼ in. diam., in numerous rounded terminal dense corymbs ½–1 in. across; peduncles and pedicels short, densely cottony; outer scales of involucre cottony, inner shortly radiating; female florets in 1 series; pappus of few stout hairs, thickened towards the tip. Achene glabrous."—Kirk, Students' Fl. 309.
South Island: Marlborough—Upper Awatere Valley, Sinclair (Handbook).
This has not been observed since its first discovery, nearly fifty years ago. Not having seen specimens, I have reproduced Hooker's description. He compares it with the Tasmanian Raoulia catipes (Hook. f. Fl. Tasm. i. 206, t. 58), but states that the leaves are smaller, the heads not half the size, and much more numerous.
5. H. Youngii, Handb. N.Z. Fl. 152.—Densely tufted, forming broad soft patches ¾–1½ in. high; branches stout, erect, with the leaves ⅓ in. diam. Leaves densely imbricate, erecto-patent or spreading, ⅙–¼ in. long, obovate-oblong, obtuse, sessile by a broad base, densely clothed on both surfaces with soft white or buff cottony tomentum. Heads ⅓–½ in. diam., sessile amongst the terminal leaves; involucral bracts in about 3 series; the outer shorter, woolly and tomentose at the base; the inner longer, linear-oblong, acute, with white radiating tips almost equalling the scarious claw, and much exceeding the florets. Florets numerous, 50–70; about 20–30 females, in 2 series. Achene pubescent. Pappus-hairs few, rigid, brittle, slightly thickened above.—Kirk, Students Fl. 310.
South Island: Canterbury—Mount Torlesse and Mount Cook, Haast! T.F.C. Otago—Lake Hawea, Haast; Lake Wanaka, Buchanan! Mount Pisa, Mount Cardrona, Hector Mountains, Petrie! 4500–6500 ft. January.
This differs from Helichrysum in habit and in the numerous female florets, and would perhaps be more appropriately placed in Raoulia, of which it has the pappus-hairs of the section Imbricaria. In Mr. Kirk's herbarium it is mixed with Raoulia Parkii, the distinguishing characters of which have already been pointed out under the genus Raoulia.
​6. H. fasciculatum, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ix. (1877) 529, t. 19.—Densely tufted, much branched below, forming small patches 1–2 in. high; branches with the leaves ½ in. diam. or more. Leaves closely imbricated, erect or spreading at the tips, ¼–½ in. long, oblong-lanceolate or narrow obovate-lanceolate, acute, narrowed towards the base, clothed on both surfaces with white silvery tomentum, which becomes loose and cottony towards the base, grooved beneath. Heads in fascicles of 2–4 at the tips of the branches, sessile, ⅓–½in. diam.; involucral bracts in 3 series, scarious, linear-oblong, obtuse, tomentose on the back, the inner with white radiating tips. Eeceptacle narrow, hispid. Florets 12–20; female few, in 1 series. Achene silky, with a thickened areole at the base. Pappus-hairs few, slightly thickened above.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 310.
North Island: Tararua Mountains, H. B. Travers! South Island: Nelson—Mount Starveall, Bryant ("Students' Flora"). 4000–5000 ft. December–January.
I have seen very imperfect specimens of this, which is evidently a very distinct species. The silvery foliage is much like that of Raoulia grandiflora.
7. H. Loganii, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 310.—"Forming pulvinate masses 6–12 in. diam. Branches slender, woody at the base, with the leaves ⅓–⅜ in. diam., the whole plant clothed with soft white or greenish-white wool. Leaves densely imbricating, ¼ in. long, obovate or obovate-oblong, rounded at the tip or subacute, membranous, 3-nerved, tips recurved, clothed with long soft hairs, which are restricted to a dense tuft above projecting beyond the margin. Heads ½–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 3 series, oblong, mostly obtuse, the outer villous, the inner broader, glabrate, scarious, pale, not radiating. Achene compressed, covered with long silky hairs. Pappus-hairs barbellate, irregularly thickened towards the apex."—Haastia Loganii, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 350, t. 30, f. 3.
South Island: Mount Holdsworth, Tararua Range, Buchanan! T. P. Arnold! 4000–5000 ft.
The above description is Mr. Kirk's. I much regret that I have had no opportunity of examining good specimens, particularly as an old and very imperfect fragment in Mr. Buchanan's herbarium seems to show that the heads are fascicled, and not solitary, as might be supposed from the original description and plate.
8. H. Leontopodium, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 141, t. 37b.—Stems much branched, decumbent and woody at the base, erect or ascending at the tips, 2–8 in. high. Leaves densely imbricate, erect or rarely patent, ⅓–¾ in. long, linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, acute, clothed on both surfaces with appressed shining silvery tomentum, striate when dry. Peduncles stout, terminating the branches, more or less densely clothed with imbricating bracts. ​Heads 8–15 together, congested into a dense bracteaie glomerule ½–1 in. diam.; each head about ⅙ in. across; bracts 10–20, spreading, ¼–¾ in. long, oblong or ovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, most densely woolly. Involucral bracts in 2 series, linear-lanceolate, woolly on the back, erect, scarious, shining. Florets numerous; females few, in 1 series. Achene silky. Pappus-hairs few, stout, scabrid, slightly thickened above.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 313. Gnaphalium Colensoi, Hook. f. Handb N.Z. Fl. 154.
North Island: Mount Hikurangi (East Cape), Colenso! Adams and Petrie! Ruahine Mountains, Colenso! Petrie! Hill! Tongariro, Hill! Tararua Range, H. H. Travers! Budden. South Island: Nelson—Raglan Range and mountains above the Wairau Gorge, T.F.C.; Tarndale, Sinclair; mountains above the Rainbow River, Bryant. 4000–6000 ft. January–February.
A beautiful little plant, with precisely the aspect of the edelweiss of the European Alps (Leontopodium alpinum), but with flower-heads of different structure.
9. H. grandiceps, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 154.—Densely tufted. Seems much branched, decumbent and woody at the base, 2–8 in. high; branches ascending or erect. Leaves densely imbricate, spreading or recurved, ¼–⅓ in. long, oblong- or obovate-spathulate, obtuse, flat or concave, clothed on both surfaces with appressed silvery tomentum. Peduncles composed of the elongated tips of the branches, leafy throughout, but the leaves usually not so closely imbricate. Heads congested into a terminal bracteate glomerule surrounded by leafy bracts, as in H. Leontopodium, but bracts rather shorter and broader. Involucral bracts in 2 series, linear, tomentose on the back, with brown scarious tips. Florets numerous; females few, in 1 series. Achene silky. Pappus-hairs few, rather stout, thickened above.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 313.
South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts from Nelson to Otago. 2500–5000 ft. December–January.
Allied to H. Leontopodium, but amply distinct in the shorter and broader usually recurved leaves, more densely leafy peduncles, shorter and broader bracts, and smaller glomerules.
10. H. glomeratum, Benth. and Hook. f. Gen. Plant. ii. 311.—A much-branched shrub 3–8 ft. high; branches spreading, slender, flesuous, grooved, tomentose above. Leaves alternate, very variable in size, ¼–1½ in. long, orbicular or broadly ovate or ovate-spathulate, obtuse or minutely apiculate, suddenly narrowed into a short slender petiole, quite entire, flat; upper surface glabrous, minutely reticulate; beneath clothed with white cottony tomentum. Heads in terminal or lateral sessile or stalked subglobose corymbs, small, 1/10 in. diam. Involucral bracts few, in about 3 series, oblong, obtuse, scarious, woolly at the base. Florets 8–12, 2 or 3 of them female. Achene puberulous, with a thickened ​areole at the base. Pappus-hairs thickened at the tips.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 311. Ozothamnus glomeratus, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 133; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 146. Swammerdammia glomerata, Raoul, Choix, 20, t. 16.
North and South Islands: Not uncommon from the North Cape southwards. Sea-level to 2500 ft. November–January.
11. H. lanceolatum, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 311.—Altogether similar to H. glomeratum, but leaves 1–1½ in. long, lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or subacute, narrowed into a short winged petiole, glabrous above, beneath clothed with white appressed tomentum; margins flat or slightly undulate. Heads, florets, and achenes precisely as in H. glomeratum.—Ozothamnus lanceolatus, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ii. (1870) 88.
North Island: Mountains near Hokianga, Buchanan! alt. 2000 ft.
Probably only a narrow-leaved variety of the preceding. I have seen no specimens except Mr. Buchanan's.
12. H. depressum, Benth. and Hook. f. Gen. Plant. ii. 311.—A suberect or rarely prostrate much-branched bush 1-5 ft. high, hoary in all its parts with appressed greyish-white tomentum; branches spreading, rigid and wiry, often tortuous. Leaves minute, closely appressed to the branch, laxly imbricating, 1/12–1/10 in. long, linear, obtuse, concave and loosely woolly on the inner face, silky or woolly on the back. Heads small, ⅙ in. diam., solitary, sessile at the tips of the branchlets; involucral bracts few, linear, scarious, acute or acuminate, rarely obtuse, glabrate or cottony at the base. Florets 8–12; females few, 2–3. Achene glabrous or puberulous. Pappus-hairs in several series, copious, slender.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 311. Ozothamnus depressus, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 134, t. 35b; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 146.
North Island: Hawke's Bay—Tukituki River, Petrie! South Island: Not uncommon throughout, usually on shingly river-beds. 1000–4000 ft. December–February.
13. H. microphyllum, Benth. and Hook. f. Gen. Plant. ii. 311.—A small depressed much-branched shrub 6–15 in. high; branchlets slender, crowded, tomentose, with the leaves 1/12–1/8 in. diam. Leaves minute, closely appressed to the branch, densely and almost quadrifariously imbricating, 1/16–1/12 in. long, ovate or triangular, obtuse, thick and coriaceous, concave and densely woolly on the inner face, green and polished and obscurely keeled on the back. Heads terminal, solitary, sessile, turbinate, ⅕–¼ in. diam.; involucral bracts in about 3 series, linear-oblong, obtuse, scarious. Florets 20–25; female few, in 1 series. Achene pubescent. Pappus-hairs few, not thickened at the tip.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 312. Ozothamnus microphyllus, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 134, t. 35a; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 146.
South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts throughout. 1500–4000 ft. January–March.
The usual state of this can be recognised by the slender branches and minute almost quadrifariously arranged leaves, but stouter specimens are difficult to separate from the next species.
14. H. Selago, Benth. and Hook. f. Gen. Plant. ii. 311.—A small much-branched shrub 6–15 in. high; branchlets stout, crowded, with the leaves ⅛–⅙ in. diam. Leaves minute, closely appressed to the branch, densely imbricating in about 5 or 6 series, 1/10–1/8 in. long, ovate-triangular, obtuse or subacute, thick and coriaceous in the upper part, membranous below, concave and woolly on the inner face, polished and obtusely keeled on the back. Heads terminal, solitary, sessile, ¼ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 3 series, linear-oblong; the outer obtuse, tomentose at the base; the inner subacute, coriaceous below, with short scarious spreading tips. Florets 35–45; females few, in 1 series. Achene puberulous. Pappus-hairs few, not thickened at the tips.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 312. Ozothamnus Selago, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. ii. 332; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 147.
Var. tomentosum.—Leaves oblong, subacute, almost concealed by fulvous woolly tomentum. Heads not seen. Perhaps a distinct species.
South Island: Nelson—Wairau Gorge, T.F.C.; Clarence Valley, Kirk! T.F.C. Marlborough—Kaikoura Mountains, Monro, Buchanan! Awatere Valley, Kirk. Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Carrington; Rangitata, Armstrong. Var. tomentosum: Mount Dobson, T.F.C. 2000–4500 ft. December–January.
Very closely allied to H. microphyllum, and only to be distinguished by the stouter branches, 6-ranked leaves, larger heads, and more numerous florets. Intermediates which might almost be referred to either species are not infrequently seen.
15. H. coralloides, Benth. and Hook. f. Gen. Plant. ii. 311.—A short stout much-branched shrub 4–12 in. high, hard and woody below; branches spreading, cylindrical, ⅓ in. diam., densely tomentose between the leaves, which resemble tubercles on their surface. Leaves closely appressed to the branch, imbricated in many series, ⅕–¼ in. long, oblong, obtuse, very thick and coriaceous towards the tip, membranous below, inner face concave and densely clothed with long woolly tomentum, back convex or obscurely keeled, glabrous and polished. Heads ¼–⅓ in. diam., terminal, solitary, sunk amongst the uppermost leaves; involucral bracts in about 3 series, linear-oblong, rigid and cartilaginous at the base; tips thinner, scarious, often recurved. Florets numerous; female few, in one series. Achene pubescent. Pappus-hairs few, stout, slightly thickened above.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 312. Ozothamnus coralloides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. ii. 332; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 147.
South Island: Marlborough—Kaikoura Mountains, Monro, Buchanan! Upper Awatere, Sinclair! Medway Creek, Kirk! Palmer River, Cockayne! Nelson—Western slopes of Mount Percival, T.F.C. 3000–5000 ft.
A most remarkable plant.
16. H. pauciflorum, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 351.—A small much-branched greyish-white plant, with a hard and woody base. Stems 3–8 in. high, decumbent below, erect or ascending at the tips; branches stout, with the leaves ¼–⅓ in. diam. Leaves densely imbricate in several series, ⅙ in. long, oblong or oblong-spathulate, obtuse or subacute, erect or spreading at the tips, sessile by a broad base, both surfaces densely clothed with grevish-white tomentum. Heads ⅙ in. diam., solitary, sessile at the tips of the branches and almost hidden by the leaves; involucral bracts in 2 series, lanceolate, acute, scarious, silky at the base on the outside. Florets few, 10–16, of which 3–6 are females. Achene clothed with long silky hairs, and with a thickened areole at the base. Pappus-hairs few, thickened upwards.—Students' Fl. 313.
South Island: Canterbury—Craigieburn Mountains, Cockayne! Petrie! Candlestick Mountains, Cockayne! 3000–5000 ft.
A curious species, with a close superficial resemblance in habit and foliage to H. grandiceps, but with an altogether different inflorescence.
12. CASSINIA, R. Br.
Shrubs or very rarely herbs. Leaves alternate, entire. Heads small, numerous, in terminal corymbs or panicles, discoid, homogamous in most of the species, but usually heterogamous in those found in New Zealand. Involucre oblong or ovoid; bracts in several series, imbricate, scarious; the inner with short white radiating tips. Receptacle narrow, with scarious chaffy scales among the florets. Florets few, in the majority of the species all hermaphrodite, tubular, 5-toothed; but in the New Zealand species 1 or 2 of the outer ones are female, filiform, minutely toothed. Anthers sagittate at the base, usually produced into slender tails. Stylebranches of the hermaphrodite florets terete, truncate. Achenes small, angled or almost terete. Pappus-hairs in 1 series, slender, free or connate at the base.
A small genus of about 20 species, confined to Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The New Zealand species are all endemic, and with 1 or 2 from South Africa constitute the subgenus Rhynea, characterized by the inner involucral bracts having short white radiating tips, and by the heads usually having 1 or 2 female florets. The species are very closely allied, and are by no means easy to discriminate.
* Receptacle with numerous scales among the florets. :
| Leaves ⅛–⅕ in., linear-obovate, white beneath | 1. C. retorta. |
| Leaves 1/12–1/8 in., linear or linear-spathulate, white or yellowish beneath | 2. C. leptophylla. |
| Leaves ¼–⅓ in., linear-obovate or linear-oblong, glutinous, fulvous or whitish beneath | 3. C. Vauvilliersii. ​ |
| ** Receptacle with few or no scales among the florets. ||
| Leaves ¼–⅔ in., linear-spathulate, white beneath | 4. C. amœna. |
| Leaves ⅙–⅓ in., linear or narrow linear-spathulate, glutinous, fulvous beneath | 5. C. fulvida. |
1. C. retorta, A. Cunn. ex D.C. Prodr. vi. 154.—A much or sparingly branched heath-like shrub 4–15 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, clothed with white tomentum. Leaves numerous, small, crowded, spreading and recurved, ⅛–⅕ in. long, linear-obovate or linear-oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse, narrowed into a very short petiole, coriaceous, glabrous or hoary above, beneath clothed with dense white tomentum; margins recurved. Heads numerous, in small terminal corymbs, shortly pedicelled, turbinate, ¼ in. long; involucral bracts in several series; the outer shorter, ovate-oblong, tomentose; inner linear-oblong, with short white obtuse radiating tips. Receptacle with many white-tipped scales similar to the inner involucral bracts. Florets 6–20. Achenes glabrous, striate. Pappus-hairs slender.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 132; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 145; Kirk, Students Fl. 314.
North Island: Common as far south as the East Cape, usually near the coast, on sand-dunes, &c. November–February.
2. C. leptophylla, R. Br. in Trans. Linn. Soc. xii. (1817) 126.—Much like C. retorta in habit and general appearance, but branches more slender. Leaves smaller, crowded, erect or spreading or recurved, 1/12–1/8 in. long, narrow-linear or linear-spathulate, obtuse, coriaceous, glabrous above, clothed with white or yellowish tomentum beneath; margins recurved. Heads numerous, in small terminal corymbs, very shortly pedicelled, narrow-turbinate, a in. long; involucral bracts in several series; the outer broader and shorter, glabrous or nearly so; inner linear, obtuse, with short white radiating tips. Receptacle with white-tipped scales subtending the florets. Florets 6–12. Achene and pappus as in C. retorta.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 447 (in part); Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 132; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 145; Kirk, Students' Fl. 314. C. spathulata, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxii. (1890) 472. Calea leptophylla, Forst. Prodr. n. 287.
North and South Islands: Not uncommon from the East Cape southwards to Marlborough and Nelson. Tauhinu-korokio; Cottonwood. December–February.
Very close to the preceding, but differing in the more slender habit, smaller and narrower leaves, and smaller and narrower glabrate heads. Mr. Colenso's C. spathulata does not seem to me to be even entitled to varietal rank.
3. C. Vauvilliersii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 133.—An erect closely branched shrub 2–6 ft. high; branches stout, erect or spreading, often glutinous, grooved, and with the leaves beneath densely clothed with fulvous or whitish tomentum. Leaves ​numerous, close-set, erect or spreading, ¼–⅓ in. long or more, linear-obovate or linear-oblong, obtuse, narrowed into a short broad petiole or sessile, coriaceous, glabrous and usually glutinous above, fulvous or white and strongly costate beneath; margins recurved. Heads very numerous, in terminal rounded corymbs, shortly pedicelled, turbinate, ⅕–¼ in. long; involucral bracts in several series; the outer shorter, ovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, tomentose or glabrate, often reddish towards the tips; inner linear-oblong, with short white obtuse radiating tips. Scales among the florets numerous. Florets 8–15. Pappus-hairs thickened at the tips.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 145; Kirk, Students' Fl. 315. Ozothamnus Vauvilliersii, Homb. et Jacq. Bot. Voy. Astrol. et Zel. 38, t. 5; Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 29. Olearia xanthophylla, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 193.
Var. rubra.—Involucral bracts red, glabrous.—C. rubra, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 216; Kirk, Students' Fl. 315.
Var. albida. Kirk, l.c.—Branchlets and leaves beneath clothed with whitish tomentum. Leaves linear-spathulate, strongly costate beneath.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Auckland Islands: Not uncommon from the East Cape and Taupo southwards. Sea-level to 4500 ft. December–January.
A very variable plant. I am unable to maintain Buchanan's C. rubra as a species.
4. C. amœna, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxix. (1897) 391.—A small round-topped densely branched shrub 1–2 ft. high; branches stout, furrowed, the younger ones clothed with greyishwhite tomentum. Leaves close-set, spreading or suberect, ¼–⅔ in. long, narrow linear-obovate or linear-spathulate, obtuse, narrowed into a short petiole, coriaceous, glabrous above, clothed with dense white tomentum beneath; margins recurved. Heads numerous, in rounded terminal corymbs, narrow turbinate, shortly pedicelled, ⅕–¼ in. long; involucral bracts in several series; the outer shorter, ovate-oblong, obtuse, tomentose; the inner linear-oblong, with short white radiating tips. Florets few, 4–6; scales of the receptacle usually absent or rarely 1 or 2 present. Achene silky, with a thickened areole at the base. Pappus-hairs thickened at the tips.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 315.
North Island: Cliffs near the North Cape, T.F.C. December–January.
A pretty little plant, with much of the aspect of C. Vauvilliersii var. albida, but easily distinguished by the smaller size, narrower heads, fewer florets, and almost total absence of the receptacular scales.
5. C. fulvida, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 145.—A slender erect much-branched shrub 2–6 ft. high; branches glutinous, clothed with fulvous tomentum. Leaves close-set, spreading or suberect, ⅙–⅓ in. ​long, linear or narrow linear-spathulate or linear-obovate, obtuse, narrowed to the base, coriaceous, glabrous and subviscid above, beneath clothed with fulvous tomentum; margins recurved. Heads very numerous, in terminal rounded corymbs, shortly pedicelled, cylindrical, ⅕ in. long; involucral bracts few, in several series; outer shorcer, pubescent or glabrate; inner with short white radiating tips. Scales among the florets wanting or 1 or 2 only. Florets few, 5–8. Achene pubescent. Pappus-hairs few, thickened above.—Kirk, Students Fl. 316. C. leptophylla var. γ, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 133.
Var. linearis, Kirk, l.c.—Leaves rather distant, ¼–½ in. long, very narrow, narrow-linear or linear-lanceolate, clothed with white tomentum beneath. Florets 4–6.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Not uncommon from Opotiki and Rotorua southwards. Sea-level to 3500 ft. December–February. Var. linearis: Near Dunedin, Aston! H. J. Matthews!
Very close to some forms of C. leptophylla, and only to be distinguished by the more fulvous viscid tomentum, fewer florets, and by the paucity or total absence of the scales among the florets.
13. CRASPEDIA, Forst.
Perennial herbs, usually more or less silky or woolly, rarely almost glabrous. Leaves radical or alternate, entire. Heads homogamous and discoid, small, numerous, sessile or nearly so, crowded together into a dense globose or ovoid glomerule or compound head, which is surrounded by scarious bracts forming a general involucre. Involucre of the partial heads of several scarious hyaline bracts, without radiating tips. Receptacle small, with hyaline scales similar to the involucral bracts at the base of each floret. Florets 3–8, all hermaphrodite, tubular with a campanulate 5-toothed limb. Anthers sagittate at the base, more or less distinctly tailed. Style-branches almost terete, truncate at the tip. Achenes small, compressed, silky. Pappus-hairs in 1 series, plumose, free or connate at the base.
A small genus of 5 or 6 species, confined to New Zealand, Australia, and Tasmania. The New Zealand species has the range of the genus.
1. C. uniflora, Forst. Prodr. n. 306.—A very variable stout or slender unbranched herb 4–20 in. high, silky, cottony or woolly, or nearly glabrous. Leaves nearly all radical, 1–8 in. long, obovate-oblong to spathulate or spathulate-lanceolate, obtuse, narrowed into a short broad petiole, usually but not always fringed with white tomentum, often slightly viscid; cauline leaves smaller and narrower, the upper reduced to distant bracts. Compound head or glomerule solitary, terminal, ¼–2 in. diam., globose or nearly so; bracts 4–10, ovate, herbaceous with a scarious margin, shorter than the head. Partial heads 3–8-flowered; involucral bracts ​oblong or linear-oblong, thin and hyaline. Achene silky. Pappus-hairs plumose, as long as the florets.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 245; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 446; Raoul, Choix, 45; Kirk, Students' Fl. 316. C. fimbriata, D.C. Prodr. vi. 152; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 131; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 144. C. Richea, Cass. in Dict. Sci. Nat. xi. 353; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 579. Staehelina fimbriata, Forst. ex D.C. Prodr. vi. 153.
Var. robusta, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 131.—Stout. Leaves obovate-spathulate, subacute, narrowed into a broad flat petiole, sparsely hispid or glabrate, without white cottony margins. Scape leafy. Compound head large, 1–2 in. diam.—C. uniflora var. pedicellata, Kirk, Students' Fl. 317.
Var. minor, Hook. f. l.c.—Small, slender, 6–12 in. high, rarely more. Leaves spathulate, membranous, glabrous or sparsely hispid, sometimes with raised viscid points, usually without white cottony margins. Compound head small, ¼–½ in. diam.—C. viscosa, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvi. (1884) 333.
Var. lanata, Hook. f. l.c.—Everywhere clothed with dense shaggy snow-white wool.—C. alpina, Backh. in Hook. Lond. Journ. Bot. vi. (1847) 119; Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 144.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Abundant from the East Cape and Taupo southwards. Sea-level to 5000 ft. December–February.
A most variable plant. The three varieties described above look very distinct in their extreme forms, but are connected with the ordinary state of the species by numerous intermediates.
14. SIEGESBECKIA, Linn.
Glandular-pubescent herbs with opposite leaves. Heads rather small, in leafy panicles, heterogamous, subradiate. Involucre campanulate or hemispherical; bracts few, in about 2 rows, herbaceous, glandular-hispid; the outer spathulate, spreading; inner erect, concave, enclosing the ray-florets. Receptacle small, paleaceous; scales membranous, concave, often enclosing the florets. Ray-florets in 1 series, female, tube short, limb 2–3-fid. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, tubular with a campanulate 5-toothed mouth. Anthers entire at the base. Style-branches of the hermaphrodite florets short, flattened, usually obtuse. Achenes obovoid-oblong, not compressed, usually curved. Pappus wanting.
Species probably not more than 2, the one found in New Zealand an almost cosmopolitan weed in warm climates, the other confined to Peru.
1. S. orientalis, Linn. Sp. Plant. 900.—A sparingly branched erect annual 1–3 ft. high, with spreading opposite lower branches, more or less pubescent in all its parts. Leaves 1–4 in. long, triangular-ovate, the upper narrower and oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, cuneate at the base, petiolate, membranous, irregularly toothed or lobed or almost entire. Heads ¼–⅓ in. diam., yellow; outer involucral bracts usually longer than the inner, covered with glandbearing hairs. Florets small, the rays very short. Outer achenes rough.—Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 535; Kirk, Students Fl. 317.
Kermadec Islands, North Island: In various localities as far south as the East Cape, but not common; usually near the coast. Punawaru. January–March.
This was treated as a naturalised planb by Hooker, but as it was collected by Banks and Solander during Cook's first voyage its nativity is unquestionable.
15. BIDENS, Tourn.
Annual or perennial usually erect herbs. Leaves opposite, toothed or incised or pinnately divided. Heads corymbosely panicled or subsolitary, on long peduncles, heterogamous and radiate, or homogamous and discoid. Involucre campanulate or hemispherical; bracts in about 2 series, connate at the base, the outer herbaceous, the inner membranous. Receptacle flat or convex, paleaceous. Ray-florets when present female or neuter; ligule white or yellow, spreading. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, tubular, 5-toothed. Anthers usually obtuse at the base. Style-branches of the hermaphrodite florets hairy above, with a long or short subulate point. Achene broad and compressed or slender and tetragonous, often narrowed at the tip. Pappus of 2–4 rigid retrorsely hispid bristles.
A large genus of over 100 species, widely spread in tropical regions, but most plentiful in America. The single New Zealand species is a common weed in all warm countries and many temperate ones.
1. B. pilosa, Linn. Sp. Plant. 832.—An erect glabrous or pubescent herb 1–3 ft. high; branches angular, grooved. Leaves very variable, simple or pinnate; segments 3 or 5, stalked, ¾–2 in. long, ovate or ovate-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, serrate or rarely lobed, thin and membranous. Heads few, terminal on long slender peduncles, yellow, ⅓–½ in. diam.; involucral bracts about ¼ in. long. Ray-florets few and short, often entirely wanting. Achenes black, slender, 4-angled, striate, crowned with 2 or 4 barbed awns.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 235; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 442; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 138; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 543; Kirk, Students' Fl. 318. B. aurantiacus. Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 388.
Kermadec Islands, North Island: Not uncommon as far south as the East Cape. November–March.
16. COTULA, Tourn.
Creeping or tufted perennial or annual herbs, usually of small size, often aromatic. Leaves alternate, pinnatifid or pinnatisect, rarely entire or toothed. Heads small, peduncled, heterogamous and discoid or rarely homogamous through the suppression of the female florets, sometimes diœcious. Involucre hemispheric or campanulate; bracts in about 2 series, membranous or herbaceous; margins often scarious. Receptacle flat or convex or conical, ​without scales. Female florets exterior, in 1 or 2 series, fertile; corolla broad or conic or wanting. Disc-florets hermaphrodite or often male; corolla regular, tube slender or stout and 2-winged, limb 4-toothed. Anthers obtuse at the base, entire. Stylebranches of the disc-florets truncate or obtuse, sometimes undivided. Achenes compressed, sometimes winged. Pappus wanting.
A genus of 50 or 60 species, scattered widely over the world in both temperate and tropical regions. Several of the New Zealand species are difficult of discrimination, and require further study with more copious suites of specimens.
A. Eucotula. Receptacle flat or convex. Female florets without any corolla. Achenes of the female florets stipitate, in a single row. :
| Stout, glabrous, 2–10 in. high. Leaves lanceolate, ½–2 in., variously toothed or lobed. Heads yellow, ⅓–½ in. diam. | 1. C. coronopifolia. |
| B. Strongylosperma. Receptacle flat or convex. Female florets without any corolla. Achenes of the female florets in several rows. ||
| Slender, diffuse, silky. Leaves pinnate or bipinnate. Heads small, 1/10–1/6 in. diam. | 2. C. australis. |
| C. Leptinella. Receptacle convex or conical. Female florets in 1 or several series; corolla always present, usually inflated at the base. ||
| * Heads bisexual. ||
| Stout, fleshy. Leaves ½–1 in., much divided. Peduncles leafy. Heads black or dark-brown. Florets tubular or cylindric, rugose | 3. C. atrata. |
| Stout, softly woolly. Leaves 2–6 in., 3–4-pinnatisect. Heads ⅓–½ in. diam.; florets eglandular | 4. C. plumosa. |
| Stout, woolly. Leaves rather fleshy, 1–3 in., pinnate or pinnatifid. Heads ¼–⅓ in.; florets glandular | 5. C. lanata. |
| Stout, silky. Leaves 2–5 in., pinnatifid. Heads ⅓ in.; florets eglandular, females in many rows | 6. C. Muelleri. |
| Slender, silky or glabrate. Leaves membranous, 1–3 in., pinnatifid. Heads ⅓ in.; florets glandular, females in 1 row | 7. C. Traillii. |
| Small, silky, densely matted; stems ½–3 in. Leaves ⅙–⅕ in., pinnatifid. Heads almost sessile, 1/10–1/8 in. diam.; female florets in 1–2 series | 8. C. Maniototo. |
| Stems long, slender, creeping. Leaves membranous, ½–2 in., pinnatifid; segments broad, deeply toothed. Peduncles longer or shorter than the leaves. Heads ⅙–⅕ in. diam.; female florets numerous, in 3–4 series | 9. C. minor. |
| Stems slender, wiry. Leaves ¼ in., pinnatifid. Heads 1/10 in. diam. | 10. C. filiformis. |
| Stems rather stout. Leaves pubescent, ½–1½ in., pinnatifid; segments narrow, incised. Peduncles much longer than the leaves. Heads ⅙–¼ in.; female florets in 3–4 series | 11. C. Haastii. |
| Stems stout, wiry. Leaves rigid, pectinately pinnatifid; segments entire. Peduncles much longer than the leaves. Heads ⅕–¼ in.; female florets in 3–4 series | 12. C. pectinata. |
| Minute, tufted. Leaves imbricate, ⅙–⅓ in., cut straight down from the tip into 5–7 subulate lobes. Heads small, nearly sessile, ⅛ in. diam. | 13. C. Goyeni. ​ |
| Stems stout, 6–12 in. long. Leaves ¾–2in., obovate-spathulate, crenately 3–5-toothed at the tip. Peduncles short. Heads ⅓ in. diam.; female florets in many series | 14. C. Featherstonii. |
| ** Heads unisexual. ||
| Leaves ½–1½ in., linear-spathulate, quite entire. Peduncles 2–4 in., bracteate. Heads ¼–⅓ in. | 15. C. linearifolia. |
| Leaves ½–1½ in., pinnatifidly cut into 5–8 linear entire segments. Peduncles 1–4 in., bracteate. Heads ⅓–¾ in. diam. | 16. C. pyrethrifolia. |
| Slender, wiry, silky. Leaves ¼–1 in., silky on both surfaces, deeply pinnatifid. Peduncles short, stout, ebracteate. Heads ⅛–¼ in.; females the largest | 17. C. perpusilla. |
| Slender, creeping, 4–12 in. long. Leaves membranous, 1–2 in., deeply pinnatifid, segments incised. Peduncles 1–3 in., ebracteate. Heads ⅙–⅓ in.; females the largest | 18. C. squalida. |
| Stout or slender. Leaves ½–2 in., obovate or spathulate, crenate or lobulate, pinnatifid below. Peduncles longer or shorter than the leaves. Heads ⅙–⅓ in.; females the largest | 19. C. dioica. |
1. C. coronopifolia, Linn. Sp. Plant. 892.—Perfectly glabrous, smooth and succulent. Stems creeping and rooting below, ascending at the tips, branched, 2–10 in. high. Leaves scattered, dilated and clasping the stem at the base, ½–2 in. long, linear-lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, coarsely toothed or lobed or pinnatifid or entire. Heads bright-yellow, ⅓–½ in. diam., on long slender axillary peduncles exceeding the leaves; involucral bracts linear-oblong, obtuse, membranous. Receptacle slightly convex. Female florets in 1 series, on slender flattened pedicels; corolla wanting; ovary winged, notched at the top; style short, seated in the notch. Disc-florets on much shorter pedicels, very numerous; corolla tubular, more or less dilated at the base, 4-toothed at the tip. Achenes of the female florets oblong, compressed, with a broad spongy wing; those of the disc-florets smaller, with a much narrower wing.—Forst. Prodr. n. 300; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 235; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 443; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 127; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 141; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 549; Kirk, Students' Fl. 322.
Var. integrifolia, Kirk, l.c.—Stems small, 1–2 in., almost simple Leaves linear, entire, obtuse. Peduncle terminal, slender. Head small, ⅙–¼ in. diam.—C. integrifolia, Hook. f. Fl. Tasm. i. 192, t. 50b.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Island: Not uncommon in wet places in lowland districts. October–February.
Widely spread through the south temperate zone; also found in some parts of Europe and North America, but probably naturalised only.
2. C. australis, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 128.—A slender much-branched flaccid herb 2–6 in. high; branches spreading, prostrate or suberect, more or less clothed with long lax hairs or almost ​glabrous. Leaves ½–1 in. long, oblong in outline, membranous, deeply pinnatifid or bipinnatifid; ultimate segments linear, entire, acute or mucronate. Heads 1/10–1/5 in. diam., on long slender peduncles; involucral bracts in 2 series, linear-oblong, obtuse. Female florets numerous, in 3 series, on slender pedicels; corolla wanting. Disc-florets comparatively few, subsessile; corolla tubular, dilated at the base, 4-toothed at the tip. Achenes of the female florets obovate, with a broad thick wing, glandular on both faces; those of the disc-florets much smaller, glabrous, hardly winged.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 141; Fl. Tasm. i. 191, t. 50a; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 550; Kirk, Students Fl. 322. C. venosa, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiii. (1891) 388. Strongylosperma australe, Less. Syn. Comp. 261.
Kermadec Islands, North and South Islands, Chatham Islands: Abundant in lowland districts. September–March.
Also found in Australia, Tasmania, and Tristan d'Acunha; and perhaps not really different from a South African plant.
3. C. atrata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 142.—Rhizome stout, creeping, tortuous; roots long and stringy. Stems 1–6 in. high, erect or ascending, stout, leafy, densely pubescent. Leaves ½–1½ in. long, thick and fleshy, pubescent on both surfaces; petiole broad, flat, sheathing ar the base; blade linear-oblong or linearobovate in outline, pinnatifid; segments close-set, entire or toothed or again pinnatifid; cauline leaves smaller, pinnatifid or lobed. Heads subglobose, ⅓–¾ in. diam., black or brownish-yellow; involucral bracts in 2–4 series, linear-obovate, entire or pinnatifid, shorter than the florets or equalling them. Female florets in 3–5 series; corolla cylindric, rugose, 3–4-toothed. Disc-florets with a long rugose tube and narrow funnel-shaped 4-toothed limb. Achenes linear-oblong or linear-obovoid, rugose.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 323.
South Island: Dry shingle slopes in alpine localities. Nelson to Otago; not uncommon. 3500–6500 ft. January–February.
Easily recognised by the greyish-green foliage and almost black heads. It is a variable plant in the size of the heads, length of the involucral bracts, and in their being sometimes entire, sometimes pinnatifid.
4. C. plumosa, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 141.—A large densely tufted aromatic species, often forming broad soft patches, everywhere clothed with long villous hairs. Stems short, stout, creeping. Leaves on long slender petioles 3–6 in. long; blade 2–6 in., oblong in outline, flaccid and membranous, finely 3–4-pinnatifid; primary divisions close-set, linear-oblong, recurved, 2-pinnatifid on the upper side; ultimate segments ⅙ in. long, linear, toothed on one side. Peduncles slender, shorter than the leaves, usually with a linear entire or pinnatifid bract about the middle. Head ⅓–½ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 2 or 3 series, broadly oblong, with broad ​purplish-black margins. Receptacle conical. Female florets in 2–3 series, shortly pedicelled; corolla compressed, swollen at the base, contracted towards the mouth, unequally 4-toothed. Disc-florets funnel-shaped, 5-toothed. Achenes of the female florets obovoid; those of the disc-florets minute, abortive.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 323. Leptinella plumosa, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 26, c. 20.
Auckland and Campbell Islands: Hooker! Kirk! Chapman! Antipodes Island: Kirk! Macquarie Island: Scott, A. Hamilton. December–January.
A very handsome species, easily recognised by the large pale-green feathery foliage. It is also found in Kerguelen Island and the Crozets.}}
5. C. lanata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 141.—Stems stout, prostrate and rooting below, ascending at the tips, branched, 3–12 in. long, densely clothed with white woolly hairs or glabrate. Leaves 1–3 in. long, woolly or glabrate, rather thick, with broad sheathing petioles; blade oblong in outline, pinnate or pinnatifid; pinnae close-set, curved, 3–5-toothed or -lobed along the upper edge, minutely glandular. Peduncles terminal, shorter than the leaves, stout, woolly. Heads ¼–⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts in several series, broadly oblong, obtuse, green. Florets all studded with pellucid conglobate glands; females ovate-oblong, broadest at the base, narrow at the mouth and minutely 4-toothed; disc-florets narrow funnel-shaped, 5-toothed. Achenes of the female florets obovate, compressed; those of the disc-florets minute, abortive.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 323. Leptinella lanata. Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 25, t. 19. L. propinqua. Hook. f. l.c. 27.
Auckland and Campbell Islands: Hooker, Kirk! Chapman! December–January.
Distinguished from the preceding by the smaller size, stouter habit, leaves not so finely cut, smaller heads, and glandular florets.
6. C. Muelleri, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 324.—Stems long, rather stout, creeping and rooting, branched, sparingly villous towards the tips; branches ascending. Leaves 2–5 in, long; petiole ¾–2 in., sheathing at the base; blade 1–3 in., linear-obovate, membranous, glabrate or slightly silky, gland-dotted, deeply pinnatifid; segments oblong, closely toothed or lobed, teeth acute. Peduncles 1–3 in. long, usually shorter than the leaves, pubescent. Heads ⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts in about 3 series, oblong-ovate, obtuse or subacute, membranous. Female florets in many rows, usually more numerous than the disc-florets; corolla short, ovoid, not glandular. Disc-florets larger; corolla tubular, 4-toothed; style undivided. Achenes of the female florets clavate, tetragonous.—Leptinella potentillina, F. Muell. Veg. Chath. Is. 28, t. 6.
Chatham Islands: Not uncommon in moist places, H. H. Travers! Enys! Cockayne and Cox!
This was apparently referred to C. lanata by Sir J. D. Hooker (Handb., p. 733), but it differs from that plant in being much less woolly, in the larger leaves with broader toothed segments, longer peduncles, and glandless florets.
7. C. Traillii, T. Kirk, Students Fl. 324.—Stems slender, creeping and rooting, 3–12 in. long, silky towards the tips. Leaves 1–3 in.; petiole slender, sheathing at the base; blade linear-obovate, membranous, glabrate or with scattered lax hairs on both surfaces, deeply pinnatifid; segments close-set, broadly oblong, toothed on the upper margin and round the apex, teeth apiculate or hair-tipped. Peduncles axillary, pubescent, usually shorter than the leaves. Heads ⅓ in. diam., involucral bracts in 2–3 series, orbicular-ovate, membranous, with scarious purplish margins. Female florets few, in 1 series, shortly stipitate; corolla ovoid, compressed. Disc-florets very numerous, funnel-shaped, 4-lobed; style undivided, with a discoid stigma. Achenes of the female florets broadly ovoid or almost orbicular, turgid, 3-winged.
Stewart Island: Chiefly on sand-dunes, Kirk! December–February.
Very closely allied to C. Muelleri, of which it may be a variety. The habit is the same, and the leaves can only be distinguished by the smaller size and apiculate segments. But the heads are markedly different in the few female florets, which are in one row only, and have much broader achenes.
8. C. Maniototo, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 362.—Small, densely matted, forming broad greyish patches; everywhere covered with long silky hairs. Stems ½–3 in. long, creeping and rooting; branches very short, leafy. Leaves numerous, silky on both surfaces, dilated and sheathing at the base, ⅙–⅓ in. long, linear-oblong, deeply pinnatifid; segments narrow-linear, acute. Heads terminating the branches, almost sessile, minute, 1/10–1/8 in. diam.; involucral bracts in 2 series, broadly oblong or obovate, obtuse, silky on the outside, membranous. Female florets in 1 or 2 series; corolla narrow-tubular, almost filiform, with a 2-lipped mouth; style exserted, 2-fid. Disc-florets much larger; corolla funnel-shaped with a long tube, 4–5-toothed; anthers and style exserted. Achenes of the female florets oblong, smooth and turgid, hardly winged; those of the disc-florets minute, abortive.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 323.
South Island: Canterbury—Lake Lyndon, Enys! Kirk! T.F.C.; Lake Tekapo, T.F.C. Otago—Kakanui, Maniototo Plain, Nevis Valley, Mossburn, Lake Te Anau, Petrie! Buchanan! Sea-level to 3000 ft. January–February.
A very distinct little plant, probably common throughout the South Island.
9. C. minor, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 142.—Stems slender, creeping, branched, 2–12 in. long or more, glabrous or silky at the ​tips. Leaves alternate on slender creeping runners or fascicled on short lateral branchlets, thin and membranous, glabrous or slightly silky, ½–2 in. long, linear-oblong or linear-obovate in outline, pinnatifid almost to the base; segments close-set or the lower distant, oblong or obovoid, recurved, deeply and acutely toothed on both edges or on the upper only. Peduncles slender, naked, shorter or longer than the leaves. Heads small, ⅙–⅕ in. diam.; involucral bracts few, 8–12, broadly oblong or orbicular, usually with broad purplish margins. Female florets in 3-4 series; corolla inflated, broadly ovoid, with a narrow 2–3-toothed mouth. Disc-florets fewer in number, funnel-shaped, 4-toothed. Achenes of the female florets obovoid, glandular.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 324. Leptinella minor. Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 129. Soliva tenella, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 445.
North and South Islands: Not uncommon from the North Cape southwards. Sea-level to 2500 ft. November–January.
10. C. filiformis, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 142.—"A very slender rigid creeping plant, glabrous or pilose. Leaves minute, ¼ in. long, oblong, pinnatifid, segments subulate. Scapes filiform, 1 in. long, naked. Heads minute, 1/10 in. diam.; involucral scales 6–8, orbicular, with purple edges; receptacle conical; ray-florets about 20; corolla short, compressed, inflated, very broad-oblong, 2-lobed above; achene obconic, glandular; disc-florets funnel-shaped, 4-lobed; lobes glandular."—Kirk, Students Fl. 325.
South Island: "Canterbury Plains, amongst grass, Haast."
This does not seem to have been collected since its original discovery, more than forty years ago. Not having seen specimens, I have reproduced Hooker's description.
11. C. Haastii, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 325.—Stems rather short, stout, creeping, branched, 1–6 in. long or more, pubescent. Leaves ½–1½ in. long, pubescent on both surfaces, gland-dotted, linear-oblong or linear-obovate, deeply pinnatifid or almost pinnate; segments narrow-oblong, recurved, entire or deeply toothed or incised, teeth often confined to the upper margin. Peduncles slender, pubescent, much longer than the leaves. Heads ⅙–¼ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 2–3 series, broadly oblong, obtuse, with broad purple tips. Receptacle convex. Female florets in 3–4 series; corolla short, ovoid, compressed. Disc-florets very numerous, funnel-shaped, with 4 short and broad teeth. Achene oblong-obovoid, obscurely angled, glandular.
South Island: Canterbury Plains, Haast! Petrie; Banks Peninsula, Haast! Kirk! Cockayne! Sea-level to 2500 ft. December–January.
Closely allied to C. pectinata, but the leaves are broader, with the segments deeply toothed or incised.
​12. C. pectinata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 142.—Stems 1–6 in. long, creeping and rooting, rather stout, wiry, woolly or glabrate, often putting out silky runners. Leaves few, scattered, rigid, glabrous or silky, ¾–1½ in. long, linear-oblong in outline, pectinately pinnatifid; segments short, subulate, entire. Peduncles slender, naked or rarely with a minute bract about the middle, 1–3 in. long, exceeding the leaves. Heads ⅕–¼ in. diam., involucral bracts in 2–3 series, broadly oblong, pubescent, purplish; margins jagged. Female florets in several series; corolla ovoid, compressed, minutely 2–4-toothed at the narrow mouth. Disc-florets funnel-shaped, 4-toothed. Achene narrow-obovoid, compressed and slightly winged.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 325.
Var. sericea, Kirk, l.c. 326.—Smaller and more compactly branched, everywhere clothed with long dense silky hairs. Peduncles shorter and stouter, ½–1 in. long. Heads ⅓ in. diam. Perhaps a distinct species.
South Island: Nelson—Clarence Valley, T.F.C.; Mount Captain, Kirk! Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Haast! mountains above the Broken River, Enys! Kirk! T.F.C. Otago—Lake district. Hector and Buchanan! common in mountain districts, Petrie! Var. sericea: Old Man Range and Mount Cardrona, Petrie! Ben Lomond, Cockayne! Altitudinal range from 1500 to 6000 ft. December–January.
13. C. Goyeni, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xviii. (1886) 295.—A small tufted species. Stems 1–3 in. long, creeping and rooting, much branched; branches short, ascending at the tips, with the leaves ¼ in. diam. Leaves alternate, imbricate, appressed to the branch, ⅛–⅕ in. long; lower half broad, membranous, glabrous or more or less pubescent, sheathing at the base; upper half cut straight down into 5–7 linear-subulate erect lobes. Heads terminal, minute, ⅛ in. diam., on short woolly peduncles rarely exceeding the leaves; involucral bracts in 1 or 2 series, ovate-oblong, with scarious purple margins. Female florets few, in 1 series; corolla ovoid, compressed, narrowed at the mouth. Disc -florets numerous, funnel-shaped. Mature achenes not seen.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 326.
Var. pinnatisecta, Kirk, l.c.—Leaves pinnatifid, clothed with silky hairs.
South Island: Otago—Mount Pisa and the Hector Mountains, Petrie! 5000–6000 ft. January–February.
A curious little plant, perhaps nearest to C. pectinata. The leaves closely resemble those of Azorella Selago.
14. C. Featherstonii, F. Muell. ex Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 733.—Stems 6–12 in. long or more, rather stout, prostrate or decumbent at the base, ascending above, much branched, leafy, clothed with short soft pubescence. Leaves alternate, ¾–2 in. long, obovate-spathulate or oblong-spathulate, gradually narrowed to a sessile base, crenately 3- or 5-toothed at the tip or entire, flat, fleshy, finely and softly pubescent on both surfaces. Peduncles ​axillary and terminal, ½–1 in. long. Heads ⅓ in. diam., yellow; involucral bracts 10–15, in about 2 series; outer ovate-lanceolate, inner broadly oblong. Female florets in many series; corolla ovoid or conical, swollen at the base, obscurely toothed at the contracted mouth. Disc-florets numerous, tubular, 4-toothed. Achenes narrow-obovoid, prominently costate, glandular.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 326. Leptinella Featherstonii, F. Muell. Veg. Chath. Is. 27, t. 5.
Chatham Island: Usually near the coast, H. H. Travers! Cockayne and Cox!
A very remarkable species, quite unlike any other.
15. C. linearifolia, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 299.—Small, dark-green, rather thick and fleshy, aromatic, sparingly pilose. Stems prostrate, branched, ascending at the tips. Leaves alternate, ½–1½ in. long, narrow-linear or linear-spathulate, obtuse, gradually narrowed to the sheathing base, quite entire, coriaceous, gland-dotted. Peduncles 2–4 in. long, slender, terminal, with 4–8 small linear bracts. Heads unisexual, ¼–⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts in about 3 series, linear-oblong, obtuse, with purplish scarious margins. Receptacle convex. Florets studded with transparent glands; female corolla swollen at the base, obscurely tetragonous, narrowed above, minutely 4- toothed; corolla of the males smaller and more slender, narrow funnel-shaped, 4-lobed. Achene linear-obovoid, compressed.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 326.
South Island: Nelson—Mountains flanking the Wairau Valley, T.F.C. 3000–4500 ft. December–January.
Distinguished from C. pyrethrifolia by the entire leaves. In outward appearance it closely resembles Abrotanella linearis.
16. C. pyrethrifolia, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 142.—Stout, rather fleshy, aromatic, glabrous or sparingly pilose. Rhizome creeping, often branched; stems prostrate or decumbent at the base, ascending at the tips. Leaves alternate, fleshy or coriaceous, ½–1½ in. long; petiole usually half the length, sheathing at the base; blade pinnatifidly cut into 5–8 alternate narrow-linear to linear-oblong obtuse segments 1/10–1/4 in. long. Peduncles variable in length, ½–4 in., with 1 or several linear bracts. Heads unisexual, large, ⅓–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 2–3 series, linear-oblong, obtuse, herbaceous, with purplish scarious margins. Receptacle convex. Florets glandular; corolla of the females inflated and truncate at the base, 4-toothed at the mouth; of the males funnel-shaped, 4-lobed. Achene narrow-obovoid.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 327.
South Island: Abundant in mountain districts in Nelson, Marlborough, and Canterbury, rare and local in Otago. 2500–6000 ft. December–February.
​17. C. perpusilla, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 143.—Often forming broad patches, more or less silky in all its parts. Rhizome much branched, creeping, rigid and wiry, 2–9 in. long or more; branchlets short, erect, leafy. Leaves tufted, silky on both surfaces, ¼–1 in. long, linear-oblong or linear-obovate, deeply pinnatifid; segments close-set, sometunes slightly recurved, deeply serrate on the upper edge or entire. Peduncles short, stout, rigid, silky, ¼–¾ in. long. Heads unisexual; males ⅛–⅙ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 1 or 2 series, broadly oblong, silky, with broad purple scarious margins. Florets numerous, eglandular, funnel-shaped. Female heads larger, ⅕–¼ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 3–4 series, larger and broader than in the males, incurved over the florets and often concealing them. Florets numerous; corolla ovoid, inflated at the base, contracted at the minutely toothed mouth. Achenes somewhat curved, rounded on the back or obscurely trigonous.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 327. Leptinella pusilla, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 129.
North Island: East Cape and Hawke's Bay, Colenso! South Island: Not uncommon throughout. Sea-level to 4500 ft. November–February.
18. C. squalida, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 143.—Stems long, slender, creeping, branched, 4–12 in. long or more, silky or pilose; branchlets short, erect. Leaves 1–2 in. long, linear-obovate in outline, petiolate, flaccid and membranous, more or less pilose with long soft hairs, deeply pinnatifid; segments rather lax, recurved, deeply incised along the upper margin or more rarely along both margins. Peduncles 1–3 in. long, slender, naked, silky. Heads unisexual; males ⅙–⅕ in. diam.; involucral bracts few, in 2 series, broadly oblong-obovate, silky, with broad purplish scarious margins. Florets numerous, eglandular, funnel-shaped. Female heads larger, ¼–⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 3–4 series, broad, rounded, silky, purplish, usually incurved over the florets and concealing them. Florets numerous; corolla ovoid, inflated at the base, much contracted at the m.outh, minutely 4-toothed. Achene curved, rounded at the back, almost trigonous.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 328. Leptinella squalida, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 129.
North Island: Bay of Plenty, Petrie! East Cape and Hawke's Bay, Colenso! Mount Hikurangi, Adams and Petrie! Mount Egmont ranges, T.F.C. South Island: Not uncommon from Nelson to Foveaux Strait. Sea-level to 4000 ft. December–February.
Closely allied to C. perpusilla, but distinguished by the greater size, soft flaccid leaves with deeply incised segments, and by the larger pistillate heads, which have the involucral bracts so much incurved as to completely hide the florets.
19. C. dioica, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 143.—Stems creeping, rather stout or slender, glabrous or slightly hairy, 3–12 in. long. Leaves tufted or solitary, membranous, often flaccid, petiolate, ​½–2 in. long, linear-obovate or spathulate, obtuse, crenate-serrate or lobulate or semipiunatifid, often deeply pinnatifid or pinnate at the base, lobes or segments entire or the upper margins more or less deeply toothed or incised. Peduncles axillary, longer or shorter than the leaves, naked, pubescent. Heads unisexual; males ⅙–¼ in. diam.; involucral bracts few, in 2 series, oblong-orbicular, pubescent, with broad purple scarioiis margins. Florets numerous, eglandular, funnel-shaped. Female heads larger, ⅕–⅓ in. diam. or more; involucral bracts more numerous, imbricated in 3 or 4 series, incurved. Florets many; corolla ovoid-conic, inflated at the base, narrowed and minutely toothed at the mouth. Achene obovoid, curved, rounded at the back.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 328. Leptinella dioica, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 129.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Not uncommon from the Great Barrier Island and the Kaipara Harbour southwards; most plentiful near the sea, but ascending to 3000 ft. November–February.
A most puzzling plant, exceedingly variable in the size of the leaves and the extent to which they are toothed or divided, and also varying much in the size of the flower-heads. Mr. Kirk divided it into three species; but these are clearly connected by intermediate forms, and cannot always be distinguished by the descriptions he has given. The following are the chief varieties, but it must be borne in mind that the characters used to separate them are purely arbitrary.
Var. a.—Leaves 1–2 in., obovate-spathulate, membranous, flaccid, toothed or lobulate above, pinnatifid below, segments entire or toothed. Abundant.
Var. crenatifolia, Kirk, Students' Fl.—Leaves ¾–3 in., oblong-spathulate, membranous, crenate-toothed, with a few deeper divisions at the base of the leaf. Mountain swamps in the South Island.
Var. rotundata.—More robust, hairy. Leaves ½–1½ in., orbicular-spathulate, toothed above, usually lobulate or pinnatifid below.—Cliffs between the Manukau and Kaipara Harbours, T.F.C.; East Coast, Colenso!
Var. pulchella.—Slender. Leaves ⅓–2½ in., linear-oblong or linear-obovate, membranous but firm, pinnatifid, often pinnate at the base. Often difficult to separate from var. a, but leaves usually narrower and more deeply divided.—C. pulchella, Kirk, Students' Fl. 328. Swamps in the South Island, Stewart Island.
Var. obscura.—Very small, ¾–1 in. long. Leaves few, ⅓–½ in., oblong-lanceolate or linear-oblong, lobed or pinnatifid, lobes 3 or 4 on each side. Heads small, 1/10–1/8 in. diam.—C. obscura, Kirk, l.c. 327. Swamps at Woodend, Southland, Kirk!
17. CENTIPEDA, Lour.
Annual or perennial herbs. Leaves alternate, entire or coarsely toothed. Heads small, sessile on the branches or racemose, heterogamous and discoid. Involucre hemispherical; bracts in 2 series, subequal, margins scarious. Receptacle flat or convex, naked. Female florets exterior, in several rows, fertile; corolla minute, tubular, obscurely lobed. Disc-florets few, hermaphrodite, ​campanulate, 4-lobed. Anthers obtuse at the base. Style-branches of the disc-florets short, truncate. Achenes scarcely compressed, obtusely 3–4-ribbed or -angled. Pappus wanting.
A small genus of 4 species, 3 of which are Asiatic or Australasian, the fourth South American. It is closely allied to Cotula, but differs in the inflorescence and in the tubular corollas of the female florets. The New Zealand species extends to Australia, the Pacific islands, and eastern tropical Asia.
1. C. orbicularis, Lour. Fl. Cochinch. ii. 493.—A strong-smelling prostrate or suberect much -branched glabrous or sparsely woolly annual; stems 3–9 in. long, spreading from the root. Leaves ¼–⅔ in. long, oblong or oblong-lanceolate or obovate-oblong, narrowed at the base, sparingly irregularly toothed or almost pinnatifid, glabrous or rarely hairy. Heads ⅛–¼ in. diam., globose, solitary, axillary, sessile or rarely on very short peduncles; involucral bracts broadly oblong, membranous. Female florets very numerous; corolla minute, 4-lobed. Disc-florets few; corolla campanulate. Achenes tetragonous, slightly hairy.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 329. Myriogyne minuta. Less. in Linnæa, vi. (1831) 219; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 444; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 130; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 553. Cotula minuta, Forst. Prodr. n. 301; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 235; Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 144.
North and South Islands: Not uncommon from the North Cape to Central Otago. Sea-level to 2000 ft. January–March.
18. ABROTANELLA, Cass.
Glabrous perennial herbs, always of small size, often moss-like. Leaves alternate, imbricate, quite entire. Heads small, solitary or crowded in little terminal corymbs, heterogamous and discoid. Involucre campanulate; bracts few, in about 2 series, nearly equal or the outer shorter. Eeceptacle small, naked. Female florets exterior, in 1 series, tubular, 3–4-toothed, fertile. Disc-florets hermaphrodite or male, tubular, 4-toothed. Anthers obtuse or shortly pointed at the base. Style-branches of the disc-florets very short, truncate. Achenes 4-angled or -ribbed, clavate, terete or compressed. Pappus wanting.
A small genus of about 14 species, most abundant in New Zealand, but also found in Australia and Tasmania, Fuegia, and the Falkland Islands. One species has also been described from Rodriguez. All the New Zealand species are endemic.
* Heads several in a small terminal cluster. :
| Leaves ½–1 in., linear-spathulate. Heads on a short leafy peduncle. Achenes obovoid or tetragonous | 1. A. spathulata. |
| Leaves ¼–⅓ in., narrow ovate or lanceolate. Heads almost hidden among the upper leaves. Achenes with 4 short horns | 2. A. rosulata. ​ |
| ** Heads solitary. ||
| Loosely tufted. Leaves ½–3 in., linear. Scape slender, bracteate, ½–3 in. Achenes clavate | 3. A. linearis. |
| Forming broad flat patches. Leaves ⅕–⅓ in., linear or linear-spathulate. Scapes ¼–½ in. | 4. A. cæspitosa. |
| Forming soft rounded patches. Leaves ¼–⅓ in., linear-subulate, broadest at the base. Achenes linear-clavate, 4-ribbed | 5. A. inconspicua. |
| Densely tufted, ½–1 in. high. Leaves narrow-linear, recurved. Achenes linear-clavate, 4-angled | 6. A. pusilla. |
| Very minute. Stems ⅕–¼ in. Leaves 1/7 in., linear-oblong, truncate, margins thickened. Achenes setose, with 4 long bristles | 7. A. muscosa. |
1. A. spathulata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 139.—Stems short, loosely tufted, 1–3 in. long, branched, creeping at the base, erect above. Leaves crowded, spreading, ½–1 in. long, 1/10–1/6 in. broad, narrow linear-spathulate, acute or obtuse, narrowed to the base, 3–7-nerved, flat, coriaceous. Heads about ⅛ in. long, in a small terminal corymb either raised on a short leafy peduncle or almost hidden amongst the upper leaves; involucral bracts 8–12, oblong, with 3 translucent nerves. Florets 8–12; disc-florets with a 4-angled corolla with 4 short erect teeth; corolla of the females tubular with a globose base and 4 short spreading teeth. Achenes of the female florets obovoid, compressed, with 3 cellular ribs; of the disc-florets tetragonous.—Kirk, Students Fl. 330. Trineuron spathulatum, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 24, t. 17.
Auckland and Campbell Islands: Peaty soil on the hills, 500–2000 ft., Hooker, Kirk! Buchanan! January–February.
2. A. rosulata, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 139.—A small much-branched densely tufted little plant ½–1½ in. high. Leaves closely imbricate, spreading or recurved, the upper rosulate, ¼–⅓ in. long, narrow ovate or lanceolate, acute, rigid and coriaceous, concave above, nerved beneath. Heads 1/10 in. long, in terminal clusters of 3–6 amongst the upper leaves; involucral bracts 8–10, linear-oblong, coriaceous, nerved. Florets 8–10; disc-florets with a 4-angled corolla with 4 short erect teeth; corolla of the female florets tubular with 4 spreading teeth. Achene oblong-obovoid, 4-angled, the angles produced upwards into short horns.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 331. Ceratella rosulata, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 25, t. 18.
Campbell Island: In crevices of rocks, rare, Hooker, Kirk! 1000–1400 ft. January–February.
A harsh and rigid little plant, easily distinguished from the other species by the short horns to the achenes.
3. A. linearis, Bergg. in Minnesk. Fisiog. Sallsk. Lund. viii. (1877) 14, t. 3, f. 28-38.—Rhizome creeping, branched. Stems slender, tufted, leafy at the base, 1–4 in. high. Leaves radical, ​numerous, spreading, ½–3 in. long, linear, often curved, obtuse, coriaceous, more or less pilose towards the sheathing base. Scapes slender, ½–3 in. high, sometimes forked, with 2–5 linear obtuse bracts. Heads usually solitary, ⅙–¼ in. diam.; involucral bracts 8-14, linear-oblong, subacute, 3-nerved. Florets 20–24; females swollen at the base, deeply 4-lobed; disc-florets larger, tubular, with 4 short erect teeth. Achenes clavate, obtusely 4-gonous.—Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiv. (1892) 420; Students Fl. 331.
South Island: Not uncommon on the mountains from Nelson to Foveaux Strait; most plentiful on the western side of the central range; altitudinal range from 2500 to 4500 ft. Stewart Island: Not uncommon. Sea-level to 2500 ft. December–January.
4. A. cæspitosa, Petrie ex T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiv. (1892) 420.—A small densely tufted raoss-like plant, often forming broad fiat patches; stems seldom more than ½ in. high. Leaves numerous, spreading or recurved, ⅕–⅓ in. long, linear or linear-spathulate, obtuse, sheathing at the base, rather fleshy, flat or slightly concave, margins scarious when young. Scapes very short, often almost wanting; bracts 1 or 2, linear. Heads solitary, 1/10 in. diam.; involucral bracts about 8, linear-oblong, 3-nerved. Florets 6–8, precisely similar to those of A. linearis. Achenes clavate, obscurely tetragonous.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 331.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur, Mount Owen, T.F.C. Canterbury—Mountains above the Broken River, Craigieburn Mountains, Petrie! T.F.C. Otago—Clarke's Diggings, Mount Ida, Mount Kyeburn, Petrie! 3000–6000 ft. December–January.
Probably only an alpine state of A linearis.
5. A. inconspicua, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 140.—A densely tufted moss-like plant, forming soft rounded patches; stems ½–2 in. long, densely leafy. Leaves numerous, spreading or ascending, ¼–⅓ in. long, linear-subulate, broad and membranous at the base, with ciliate margins, gradually tapering to a subacute thick and fleshy tip, rigid when dry. Head solitary, 1/10–1/8 in. diam., sunk amongst the uppermost leaves; involucral bracts linear-oblong, obtuse, 3-nerved. Florets 15–20; females narrow-tubular, slightly swollen at the base, lobes 4, spreading; disc-florets larger, between funnel-shaped and tubular, with 5 short erect lobes. Achene linear-clavate, 4-ribbed.—Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 354, t. 34, f. 1; Kirk, Students' Fl. 331.
South Island: Otago—Mount Alta, Hector and Buchanan! Black Peak, A. McKay! common on all the higher mountains of the interior, Petrie! 4000–6000 ft. December–January.
6. A. pusilla, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 139.—A minute tufted moss-like plant. Stems slender, wiry, leafy, ½–1 in. long, emitting long fibrous roots. Leaves crowded, spreading or recurved, ½ in. ​long, narrow-linear, acute, curved, rigid, coriaceous, flat above, midrib prominent beneath. Head solitary, J^in. diam., sunk amongst the uppermost leaves; involucral bracts linear, obtuse, coriaceous, nerved. Style of the disc-florets bifid. Achenes of the female florets linear-clavate, 4-angled.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 332. Trineuron pusillum, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 131.
North Island: Snowy places on the Ruahine Mountains, Colenso!
This species has not been collected since its original discovery, more than fifty years ago. I have only seen a fragment of one of the type specimens, and the above description is based upon that given by Hooker.
7. A. muscosa, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxiv. (1892) 422, t. 36.—Stems very minute, ⅕–¼ in. high, either solitary or forming dense patches ½–1 in. diam. Leaves closely imbricating, erect, 1/8–1/7 in. long, linear or linear-oblong, truncate or retuse at the tip; upper half excessively coriaceous and rigid, somewhat concave, margins much thickened and cartilaginous; lower half membranous, sheathing. Heads minute, solitary, concealed amongst the uppermost leaves; involucral bracts 5, oblong, obtuse or acute or apiculate, nerveless or nearly so. Florets 4–8; females narrow, cylindrical, obscurely toothed at the mouth; disc-florets tubular, 4-toothed. Achenes oblong, truncate above, setose, obscurely tetragonous, with a long bristle at each angle.—Students Fl. 332.
Stewart Island: Summit of Rakiahua, 2300 ft., Kirk! January.
A very remarkable little plant, closely allied to A. emarginata, Cass., from the Falkland Islands. It is one of the smallest flowering plants in the colony, and in a barren state might easily be mistaken for a Bryum or Tortula.
19. ERECHTITES, Rafin.
Erect annual or perennial herbs, cottony or glabrous. Leaves alternate, toothed or lobed or pinnately divided, rarely entire. Heads narrow, in terminal corymbs, heterogamous and discoid. Involucre cylindric; bracts in 1 series, linear, equal, appressed, sometimes with a few small ones at the base. Receptacle flat, naked. Female florets in 2–3 rows at the circumference, very slender, filiform, minutely 3–5-toothed. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, fewer in number than the females, tubular with a broad 5-toothed mouth. Anthers obtuse at the base. Style-branches of the disc-florets elongated, truncate at the tip. Achenes linear-oblong, obtuse or contracted towards the apex, striate or angular. Pappus-hairs in many series, copious, soft, excessively slender.
A genus of about 15 species, mainly Australasian and South American; but one species is found in North America, and another in Java. Three of the New Zealand species extend to Australia and Tasmania; the remaining three are endemic.
* Involucral bracts 8–10. :
| Glabrous or nearly so. Leaves membranous, usually regularly denticulate | 1. E. prenanthoides. |
| ** Involucral bracts 10–14. ||
| Cottony or woolly. Leaves linear-oblong, lobed or pinnatifid | 2. E. arguta. |
| Scabrid with short white hairs. Leaves linear-oblong, lobed or pinnatifid | 3. E. scaberula. |
| White with cottony tomentum. Leaves linear-elongate, entire or minutely remotely toothed; margins revolute | 4. E. quadridentata. |
| Glabrous or nearly so. Leaves erect, lower oblong or linear-oblong, upper linear, entire or denticulate | 5. E. diversifolia. |
| Glabrous or nearly so. Leaves spreading, membranous, pinnatifid or pinnate with a large terminal segment | 6. E. glabrescens. |
1. E. prenanthoides, D.C. Prodr. vi. 296.—A tall erect annual or biennial herb 1–4 ft. high, simple or branched above, glabrous or slightly hairy. Leaves rather distant, 2–6 in. long or more, linear-oblong to lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, acuminate, lower petiolate, upper sessile with broad toothed auricles, membranous, regularly or irregularly closely and finely denticulate, rarely lobed. Corymbs very large, terminal, 6–12 in. across or more; pedicels slender, ¼–⅓ in. long. Heads quite glabrous, ¼ in. long; involucral bracts 8–10, narrow-linear, green with white margins. Florets 18–22; females more numerous than the hermaphrodite. Achenes linear-oblong, grooved, hairy, surmounted by a callous ring surrounding the base of the pappus.—Hook, f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 141; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 156; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 658; Kirk, Students' Fl. 333. Senecio prenanthoides, A. Rich. Sert. Astral. 96. S. heterophyllus, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 389.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Island: Prom Ahipara and Mongonui southwards, but rare and local to the north of the Thames Valley. Sea-level to 3000 ft. October–January. Also in Australia and Tasmania.
2. E. arguta, D.C. Prodr. vi. 296.—A coarse erect annual herb 1–3 ft. high; stem stout, grooved, branched above, more or less cottony or woolly, rarely almost glabrous. Leaves 2–4 in. long, linear-oblong or lanceolate, acute or obtuse, lower usually contracted into a petiole, upper sessile with a broad toothed stem-clasping base, coriaceous, coarsely and irregularly toothed or lobed or pinnatifid, lobes sinuate-dentate, upper surface glabrous or cobwebby, beneath more or less clothed with loose white cottony tomentum. Corymbs terminal, dense; pedicels slender, cottony. Heads ¼ in. long; involucral bracts 12–14, usually with a few minute ones at the base, narrow linear-lanceolate, woolly below. Florets 30–40; females much the most numerous. Achenes ​linear-oblong, grooved, hairy, crowned by a callous ring.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 142; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 157; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 659; Kirk, Students' Fl. 334. Senecio argutus, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 258; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 466; Raoul, Choix, 45.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Abundant from the Three Kings Islands and the North Cape southwards. Sea-level to 2500 ft. November–February.
Also in Australia and Tasmania. A common plant, varying much in stature, degree of pubescence, and the extent to which the leaves are toothed or divided.
3. E. scaberula, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 157.—A slender erect annual 1–2 ft. high; stem grooved, simple or branched above, rough with short white hispid hairs. Leaves 1–3 in. long, linear-oblong or lanceolate, acute or obtuse, lower petiolate, upper sessile with small stem-clasping auricles, coarsely and irregularly toothed or pinnatifid, lobes acute, again sharply toothed, both surfaces rough with short hispid hairs. Corymbs terminal, lax; pedicels slender, glabrous. Heads ¼ in. long; involucral bracts about 12, glabrous, subulate-lanceolate, acuminate, tips often recurved. Florets 20-30; females the more numerous. Achenes linear-oblong, grooved, hispid, crowned by a small callous ring.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 334. E. hispidula, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 142 (not of D.C.). E. pumila, Armst. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 338. Senecio hispidulus, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 462 (not of A. Rich.).
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Island: Not uncommon from the North Cape southwards. Sea-level to 1500 ft. November–February.
4. E. quadridentata, D.C. Prodr. vi. 295.—An erect herb 1–3 ft. high, usually much branched from a hard and woody base, everywhere more or less clothed with white cottony tomentum. Leaves 2–6 in. long, linear-elongate or linear-lanceolate, acuminate, lower sometimes petiolate, upper sessile, with or without small auricles at the base, entire or with a few distant teeth; margins revolute. Corymbs terminal, broad, lax. Heads ⅓ in. long, involucral bracts 12–14, narrow linear-lanceolate, acuminate, glabrous or cottony, usually with a few minute ones at the base. Florets about 30, females the more numerous. Achenes linear-oblong, grooved and angled, hairy, abruptly contracted towards the tip, crowned by a callous ring.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 142; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 157; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 660; Kirk, Students' Fl. 334. Senecio quadridentatus, Labill. Pl. Nov. Holl. ii. 48, t. 194; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 461; Raoul, Choix, 45.
North and South Islands, Chatham Island: Abundant from the Three Kings Islands and the North Cape southwards. Sea-level to 3500 ft. November–January. Also in Australia and Tasmania.
​5. B. diversifolia, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xix. (1887) 324.—A slender erect annual herb l–2½ ft. high. Stems grooved, glabrous or slightly cottony, simple or branched above. Leaves erect, 2–4 in. long; lower oblong or linear-oblong, narrowed into long petioles, obtuse, rather membranous, glabrous above, often puberulous beneath, entire or remotely and minutely denticulate; upper narrower, linear or linear-lanceolate, acute, sessile or nearly so, not auricled, glabrous or slightly cottony. Corymbs laxly and h-regularly branched; pedicels slender, bracteate. Heads ¼ in. long; involucral bracts 12–14, linear-lanceolate, acute. Florets 30–40; females much the most numerous. Achenes linear-oblong, grooved, hispid, crowned with a callous ring.—Kirk, Students Fl. 335.
North Island: Swamps at Karioi, base of Ruapehu, Petrie! South Island: Canterbury—Broken River Basin and Mount Cook, T.F.C. Otago—Common in the interior, Petrie! Bluff Hill, Enys. Stewart Island: Kirk. Sea-level to 3000 ft. December–January.
Best distinguished by the almost glabrous habit and erect nearly entire membranous leaves.
6. E. glabrescens, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ix. (1878) 550.—A slender erect annual 1–3 ft. high; stem grooved, simple or branched above, glabrous or nearly so. Leaves very variable in size and shape, 3–6 in. long, oblong or lanceolate-oblong, deeply pinnatifid with the segments irregularly sinuate-dentate, or pinnate with a large terminal leaflet and few or many much smaller lateral ones, lower petiolate, upper sessile with broad toothed auricles, membranous, often purple beneath, glabrous or nearly so. Corymbs lax. Heads ⅓ in. long; involucral bracts 10–12, Imear, acuminate, green with white margins. Florets 20–30; females the most numerous. Achenes longer than any other New Zealand species, 1/8–1/7 in. long, pale, linear, glabrous, obscurely grooved, attenuated above, crowned with a callous ring.—Students Fl. 335.
North Island: Erewhon, Upper Rangitikei, Petrie! South Island, Stewart Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts throughout. Ascends to 4500 ft., descends to sea-level in Stewart Island. January–February.
20. BRACHYGLOTTIS, Forst.
Shrubs or small trees. Branches stout, spreading, densely clothed with white tomentum, as are the leaves beneath and branches of the inflorescence. Leaves large, irregularly lobed or sinuate. Heads small, very numerous, crowded in large much-branched terminal panicles, heterogamous, obscurely radiate. Involucre narrow; bracts in 1 series, linear, scarious, shining, usually with minute subulate scales at the base. Receptacle small, foveolate. Florets of the circumference female, irregularly lobed or ​2-lipped; outer lobe or ligule broad, inner small, narrow, revolute. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, tubular with a campanulate 5-toothed mouth. Anthers obtuse at the base, entire. Style-branches of the hermaphrodite florets truncate, papillose at the tips. Achenes terete or obscurely angled, papillose. Pappus-hairs copious, in 1 series.
A small genus of two (or more probably one) species, confined to New Zealand. It differs from Senecio in habit, in the shape of the female corolla, and in the papillose achenes.
| Leaves dull. Involucres whitish, shining | 1 B. repanda. |
| Leaves larger, glossy. Involucres purplish, hardly shining | 2. B. Rangiora. |
1. B. repanda, Forst. Char. Gen. 46, t. 40.—A shrub or small tree 8–20 ft. high; branches stout, brittle, densely clothed with soft white tomentum. Leaves 4–12 in. long including the petiole, broadly oblong or ovate-oblong, irregularly lobed or sinuate, membranous, dull-green and glabrous above, clothed with milk-white tomentum beneath; petiole stout, 1–3 in. long. Panicles large, exceeding the leaves, often drooping. Heads small, ⅙ in. long; bracts linear-oblong, whitish, shining. Florets 10–12; female florets with the outer lip lobed or entire.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 463; Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 163; Kirk, Students Fl. 336. Senecio Forsteri, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 148, t. 40. Cineraria repanda, Forst. Prodr. n. 295; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 255.
North and South Islands: Abundant from the North Cape as far south as Kaikoura and Greymouth. Sea-level to 2500 ft. Pukapuka; Wharangitawhito. August–October.
A common plant in the northern portion of the colony. It is said to be poisonous to cattle and horses.
2. B. Rangiora, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiv. (1882) 357.—Very similar to the preceding, but rather smaller, seldom more than 12 or 14 ft. high, with stouter branches and larger leaves. Leaves 6–15 in. long including the petiole, more coriaceous and glossy, sometimes unequal at the base; petiole longer and stouter, 3–5 in. long. Involucral bracts purplish, hardly shining. Female florets with the outer ligule entire.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 336.
North and South Islands: Shores of Cook Strait, Buchanan! Kirk; Westport, Dr. Gaze! Greymouth, Helms! Rangiora. July–September.
I consider this to be a trivial variety of B. repanda, from which it differs in no important character. But as both Kirk and Buchanan treated it as a distinct species, and as they were supported by the late Dr. Mantell, who had it in cultivation for many years, I have retained it for the present. It appears to keep its characters, such as they are, under cultivation.
21. SENECIO, Linn.
Herbs, shrubs, or small trees of exceedingly various habit, glabrous or pubescent or more or less woolly or tomentose. Leaves alternate, entire or variously divided. Heads solitary or corymbose or paniculate, heterogamous and radiate or homogamous and discoid. Involucre from cylindrical to hemispherical; bracts in 1 or 2 series, nearly equal, erect, free or connate below, usually with a few much shorter ones at the base. Receptacle flat or convex, naked, pitted or fimbrillate. Florets of the circumference female, ligulate, sometimes sterile or wanting. Disc-florets hermaphrodite, tubular, 5-toothed. Anthers obtuse at the base or minutely tailed. Style-branches of the hermaphrodite florets recurved, their tips truncate or penicillate. Achenes subterete, usually ribbed or striate. Pappus-hairs copious, soft, white, smooth or scabrid or barbellate.
The largest genus of Compositæ, if not of flowering plants generally, probably containing fully 1,000 species. It is found in all parts of the world, stretching from the equator to the limits of phænogamic vegetation in both the arctic and antarctic regions, but is most abundant in temperate and mountainous districts. Few of the species have wide ranges, and many have a very restricted distribution. Of the 30 found in New Zealand, one extends to Australia, the rest are all endemic. The herbaceous species are exceedingly variable, and some of them difficult to determine; but the shrubby varieties are remarkably distinct. Some of them, such as S. Hectori and S. Kirkii, must be ranked amongst the most beautiful members of the flora.
A. Perennial or rarely annual herbs. :
| * Herbs with broad radical leaves and naked simple or branched scapes. Involucral bracts in 2 series. ||
| Leaves 1–6 in., broadly oblong, cordate at the base, rugose and bristly above, white and tomentose beneath. Scape glandular-tomentose | 1. S. lagopus. |
| Leaves ¾–4 in., broadly oblong to linear-oblong, narrowed at the base, rugose and bristly above, glabrate beneath. Scape cottony | 2. S. bellidioides. |
| Leaves 2–6 in., broadly oblong, both surfaces clothed with snow-white tomentum | 3. S. Haastii. |
| Leaves 3–6 in., broadly oblong or orbicular-oblong, upper surface silky or villous, not bristly, under-surface white and tomentose | 4. S. saxifragoides. |
| ** Herb with an erect leafy stem, corymbose above. Involucral bracts in 2 series. ||
| Leaves 2–10 in., linear. Heads large, with long spreading rays | 5. S. Lyallii. |
| *** Herbs with branched leafy stems. Heads corymbose. Involucral bracts in 1 series. ||
| Stems stout, fistulose, 1–2 ft. Leaves 2–5in., deeply pinnatifid, rather fleshy, mealy-tomentose beneath. Heads corymbose, ⅓–½ in. diam., rays wanting | 6. S. antipodum. ​ |
| Glabrous or pubescent. Stems stout or slender, 1–2 ft. Leaves 1–2 in., toothed or lobed or pinnatifid, rather fleshy. Heads ⅓–¼ in. diam., rays usually present | 7. S. lautus. |
| Everywhere glaucous. Stems numerous, 1–3 ft. Leaves 2–4 in., obovate-spathulate, sinuate-toothed. Heads ⅓–½ in. diam., radiate | 8. S. glaucophyllus. |
| Tall, erect, much branched, glabrous, 2–4 ft. high. Leaves 2–8 in., ovate-oblong, membranous, toothed or lobed or pinnatifid. Heads ½–¾ in., radiate | 9. S. latifolius. |
| Tall, stout, erect, glabrous, 2–5 ft. Leaves 2–5 in., oblong or linear-oblong, coriaceous, often glaucous, sinuate-dentate. Heads ¼–⅓ in., radiate | 10. S. Banksii. |
| Erect, branched, 1–2 ft., clothed with white cobwebby tomentum. Leaves 1–4 in., oblong ovate to lanceolate, toothed or lobed or pinnatifid. Heads ⅓–½ in., radiate | 11. S. Colensoi. |
| B. Shrubs or small trees. ||
| * Heads radiate, rays white. ||
| Thinly tomentose. Leaves 6–12 in., oblong-lanceolate or oblong-ovate, acutely toothed, with a few small pinnse at the base. Heads large, 1–2 in. diam. | 12. S. Hectori. |
| Perfectly glabrous. Leaves 2–5 in., lanceolate to broad-obovate, rather fleshy, entire or sinuate-dentate. Heads large, ½–2 in. diam. | 13. S. Kirkii. |
| Tomentose and glandular. Leaves 3–7 in., oblong-lanceolate, coarsely dentate, white and silky beneath. Heads small, ⅓ in. diam. | 14. S. myrianthos. |
| ** Heads radiate, rays yellow. ||
| Climbing; branches flexuose, slender. Leaves 1–2 in., orbicular, toothed. Heads ⅓ in. diam. | 15. S. sciadophilus. |
| Erect, bushy, 2–6 ft. Leaves 1–2 in., oblong, crenate-toothed. Heads ⅓ in. diam. | 16. S. perdicioides. |
| Shrub or small tree, 6–20 ft. Leaves 2–4 in., elliptic-lanceolate or -oblong, entire, fulvous beneath Heads ½–¾ in.; rays broad | 17. S. Huntii. |
| Shrub or small tree, 6–25 ft. Leaves 3–7 in., lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, entire, white beneath. Heads ½–¾ in., rays narrow, contorted | 18. S. Stewartiæ. |
| Diffuse shrub, 1–4 ft. Leaves 1–3 in., elliptic-lanceolate, acute at both ends, entire, white beneath. Panicle narrow, lax. Heads few, ¾ in. diam. | 19. S. laxifolius. |
| Spreading shrub, 2–8 ft. Leaves 1½–3½ in., oblong-ovate, entire, softly cottony beneath. Corymb broad, dense. Heads numerous, ¾–1 in. diam. | 20. S. Greyii. |
| Compact shrub 2–4 ft. Leaves ¾–1½ in., oblong or obovate, obscurely crenulate, white beneath. Racemes few-flowered. Heads ¾–1 in. diam. | 21. S. compactus. |
| Much-branched shrub 2–6 ft. Leaves ½–1½ in., narrow oblong-obovate, wrinkled and crenate, white beneath. Corymbs many-flowered. Heads ½–⅓ in. diam. | 22. S. Monroi. |
| Small shrub ½–1½ ft. Leaves viscid, 1–2½ in., lanceolate, flat. Corymb dense, leafy, tomentose, ½–¾ in. diam. | 23. S. revolutus. |
| Robust much-branched shrub 3–5 ft. Leaves 1–2 in., oblong, excessively viscid and coriaceous; margins recurved. Corymb lax, glabrous, viscid. Heads ¾ in. diam. | 24. S. Adamsii. ​ |
| Much-branched shrub 1–2 ft. Leaves 1 × 1/12 in., narrow-linear; margins revolute to the midrib. Head 1 in. diam., solitary on a leafy peduncle | 25. S. bifistulosus. |
| Closely branched shrub 4–10 ft. Leaves ⅙–¼ in., linear-oblong. Head solitary, sessile, ⅓ in. diam. | 26. 'S. cassinioides. |
| *** Heads discoid; ray wanting. ||
| Branching shrub 4–10 ft. Leaves 2–6 in., obovate or oblong-lanceolate, tomentose beneath. Panicle large. Heads ⅓ in. diam. | 27. S. elæagnifolius. |
| Shrub or small tree 6–30 ft. Leaves 2–5 in., orbicular or nearly so. Panicles large. Heads ⅓ in. diam. | 28. S. rotundifolius. |
| Small compact shrub 1–3 ft. Leaves ½–2 in., oblong, very coriaceous. Corymbs usually dense. Heads ¼–⅓ in. diam. | 29. S. Bidwillii. |
| Slender glabrous shrub 1–4 ft.; young branchlets glutinous. Leaves 1½–3 in., obovate-spathulate, veined. Corymbs lax. Heads ⅓–½ in. diam. | 30. S. geminatus. |
S. Pottsii, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. iv. (1872) 290, is quite unknown to me, and there are no specimens in any colonial herbaria. It is described as a small slender suffruticose species with decumbent flexuose branches 3–6 in. long, the branches, petioles, and leaves beneath clothed with loose white cottony tomentum. Leaves petiolate, ½–1 in. long, ovate or spathulate, glabrous above, crenate. Heads solitary, ⅓ in. long, on slender bracteate peduncles; involucral bracts 15–20, linear, obtuse, cottony.—Mount Jollie, Rangitata district, alt. 4500 ft.
S. dimorphocarpos, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvi. (1894) 316, is S. jacobæa, Linn., the common ragwort of the Northern Hemisphere, which has become naturalised in many districts in both the North and South Islands. It is a tall almost glabrous perennial 2–4 ft. high, with irregularly pinnatifid or 2-pinnatifid leaves 2–6 in. long, a dense corymb of rather large heads ⅔–1 in. diam., bright-yellow rays, and glabrous ribbed achenes.
S. areolatus, Col. l.c. 317, is S. sylvaticus, Linn., another common northern plant which has become established in New Zealand. An annual slightly glandular-pubescent herb 1–3 ft. high, with irregularly pinnatifid leaves 1–3 in. long, loose coryinbs of small heads ⅓ in. diam., with very short revolute rays and silky ribbed achenes.
Several other species of Senecio have become naturalised, the most widely distributed being S. vulgaris, Linn., the common groundsel, which can be recognised by its small size, 6–12 in. high, succulent grooved stems often branched from the base, irregularly pinnatifid or toothed leaves, small cylindric heads with the florets all tubular and hermaphrodite, and an involucre of about 20 equal bracts.
1. S. lagopus, Raoul in Ann. Sci. Nat. Ser. iii. 2 (1844) 119, t. 18.—Rootstock stout, densely clothed at the top with long brownish silky wool. Leaves all radical, crowded, spreading; blade 1–5 in. long, broadly oblong, rounded at the tip, usually cordate at the base, margins entire or crenulate, upper surface rugose, covered with short stiff bristles, beneath densely clothed with white tomentum; petioles ½–4in. long, stout or slender, densely villous. Peduncles or scapes 1–12 in. high, simple or much branched, pubescent and glandular-pilose; bracts few, small, obtuse. Heads 1 to many, ​½–1 in. diam., yellow; involucral bracts glandular and tomentose. Rays ¼–½ in. long, spreading. Achenes linear, glabrous.—Choix, 21, t. 17; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 143; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 158; Kirk, Students' Fl. 338.
North and South Islands: Not uncommon from Taupo and the Ruahine Mountains to the south of Canterbury. Sea-level to 4500 ft. November–January.
2. S. bellidioides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 144.—Very similar to S. lagopus, but smaller and more slender. Leaves all radical, spreading; blade ¾–4 in. long, broadly oblong to linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute, rounded or slightly cordate at the base or narrowed into the petiole, membranous or subcoriaceous, entire or crenulate, upper surface rugose or almost flat, more or less covered with short stiff bristles, beneath glabrate or sparingly clothed with white or brownish tomentum; petioles long or short, usually woolly. Scapes 1–12 in. high, simple or branched, cottony or glandular-pubescent, rarely glabrate; bracts few, small, acute. Heads 1 to many, ½–1 in. diam.; involucral bracts tomentose or glabrate. Achenes linear, glabrous.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 159; Kirk, Students' Fl. 338. S. Traversii, F. Muell. in Trans. Bot. Soc. Edinb. vii. (1861) 154.
Var. glabratus, Kirk, l.c.—Leaves broadly oblong, glabrous beneath, sparingly setose above.
Var. angustatus, Kirk, l.c.—Leaves linear-oblong, apex rounded or subacute.
South Island, Stewart Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts throughout. 2000–5000 ft. December–February.
This appears to pass into S. lagopus, but in its usual state can generally be distinguished by the smaller size and more membranous leaves, which are often quite glabrous beneath, seldom white and cottony.
3. S. Haastii, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 159.—Rootstock stout or slender, more or less clothed at the top with soft whitish wool. Leaves all radical; blade 2–5 in. long, broadly oblong or orbicular-oblong, obtuse at the tip, rounded or slightly cordate at the base, subcoriaceous, obscurely crenulate, both surfaces covered with soft white lax or appressed tomentum, or the upper surface hoary-tomentose or almost glabrate; petioles slender, 2–6 in. long, white and cottony. Scapes slender, 5–15 in. high, simple or branched, cottony and slightly glandular; pedicels long, slender; bracts few, linear or linear-obovate. Heads 1–8, ¾–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear-oblong, subacute, white and cottony. Achenes narrow-linear, glabrous.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 339.
South Island: Nelson—Clarence Valley, T.F.C. Canterbury—Broken Eiver, Enys! Kirk! T.F.C.; Mount Cook district, Haast! T.F.C.; shores of Lake Ohau and source of the Ahuriri, Haast. Otago—Lake Hawea, Haast; not uncommon in the interior, Hector and Buchanan! Petrie! 1500–4000 ft. December–January.
​4. S. saxifragoides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 144.—Rootstock short, stout, as thick as the thumb, densely shaggy with softbrownish wool. Leaves all radical, spreading; blade 3–6 in. long, broadly oblong or orbicular, obtuse at the tip, rounded or slightly cordate at the base, sometimes oblique, thick and coriaceous, entire or crenulate, upper surface silky or villous, not bristly, becoming glabrate when old; under-surface densely clothed with white woolly tomentum; petioles stout, 1–4 in. long, woolly or villous. Scapes stout, 2–12 in. high, simple or branched, densely covered with white or purplish glandular tomentum; bracts linear or linear-oblong. Heads 2–8, ¾–1½ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acute, thickly tomentose. Achenes linear, glabrous.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 159; Kirk, Students Fl. 339.
South Island: Port Lyttelton and other localities on Banks Peninsula, not uncommon. January–March.
A handsome species, separated from large states of S. lagopus, some of which approach it very closely, by the much stouter habit, more copious villous hairs, and larger thicker leaves, which are silky above and never show the stout bristly hairs so characteristic of S. lagopus and bellidioides.
5. S. Lyallii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 146.—A leafy herb 1–2 ft. high or more, usually glandular-pubescent or almost villous, rarely glabrate. Rootstock thick, crowned with long silky hairs. Stem stout or slender, simple, erect, terminating in a broad corymb of many flower-heads. Leaves numerous, quite entire; lower 2–10 in. long, 1/12–1/4 in. broad, linear or narrow-linear, acute or acuminate, contracted or petiolate above the sheathing villous base, 1–5-nerved; cauline gradually becoming smaller, sessile, amplexicaul, tapering from the base to the apex. Corymbs usually large and broad; peduncles 1–5 in. long, slender, simple, bracteate. Heads large, 1–2½ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 1 series, linear, pubescent or glabrate. Ray-florets ½–1 in. long, yellow, spreading. Achenes linear, silky, ribbed. Pappus-hairs unequal, rigid, scabrid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 160; Kirk, Students' Fl. 339.
Var. scorzonerioides, Kirk, l.c. 340.—Glandular-pubescent. Stems more robust. Leaves shorter and broader, 2–8 in. long, ¼–¾ in. broad, linear-lanceolate or lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute, 5-nerved. Heads larger; rays varying in colour from yellow or salmon-coloured to pure white.—S. scorzonerioides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 146.
South Island, Stewart Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts throughout. Descends to sea-level in Stewart Island, ascends to quite 5000 ft. in Nelson and Canterbury. December–February.
An exceedingly handsome plant, forming one of the chief ornaments of the subalpine flora of the South Island.
6. S. antipodus, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 341.—An erect much-branched annual or biennial herb 1–2 ft. high; stems stout, fistulose, ⅓–½ in. diam.; branches spreading, grooved. Leaves ​membranous, rather succulent, 2–5 in. long, lower narrowed into a petiole, upper sessile with broad amplexicaul auricles, deeply and irregularly pinnatifid; segments few, 1–2 in. long, acute, toothed or lobed or almost pinnatifid, glabrous above, mealy-tomentose beneath. Corymbs terminal; peduncles slender, bracteate. Heads numerous, discoid, ⅓–½ in. diam.; involucre broad, campanulate; bracts about 20, in 1 series, linear-lanceolate, acute, 2-ribbed, margins scarious. Florets all hermaphrodite, very numerous, funnel-shaped. Achenes linear-oblong, grooved, glabrous or minutely puberulous.
Antipodes Island: Kirk! January–February.
A very distinct species, quite unlike any other found in New Zealand. Kirk compares it with the Fuegian S. candidans, but that has ovate leaves with crenate-toothed margins.
7. S. lautus, Forst. Prodr. n. 538.—An exceedingly variable much or sparingly branched glabrous or pubescent annual or biennial herb 6–24 in. high; stems stout or slender, erect or decumbent or almost prostrate, grooved, flexuose. Leaves 1–2 in. long, linear or linear-lanceolate, more rarely broader and lanceolate or linear-oblong to oblong, either narrowed into a petiole or dilated with stem-clasping auricles at the base, entire or remotely toothed or lobed or pinnatifid; lobes narrow or broad. Heads in few- or many-flowered corymbs, ⅓–¾ in. diam., campanulate; involucral bracts herbaceous, Imear, acute, pubescent at the tips, usually prominently 2-ribbed; outer bracts few, small. Ray-florets 10–15, with spreading or revolute ligules, rarely absent. Disc-florets numerous, scarcely longer than the involucre. Achenes linear, grooved, pubescent or nearly glabrous. Pappus-hairs copious, soft, white.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 257; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 457; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 145; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 160; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 667; Kirk, Students' Fl. 341. S. neglectus, A. Rich. l.c. 258. S. angustifolius, Forst. Prodr. n. 539.
Kermadec Islands, North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Island: Abundant near the sea, not so common inland. Sea-level to 4500ft. October–March.
This is a widely diffused plant in Australia and Tasmania as well as New Zealand, and is everywhere exceedingly variable, not a few forms having been described as distinct species. The chief varieties found in New Zealand may be briefly characterized as follows, but it must be borne in mind that intermediates are not uncommon:—
Var. a.—Much branched, erect or decumbent. Leaves deeply pinnatifid; segments long and narrow, often again toothed, rarely short and broad. Heads ⅓–½ in. diam., radiate.—Usually near the coast, but occasionally found inland. Mr. Kirk's variety carnosulus is probably a form of this.
Var. montanus.—Sparingly branched or quite simple, erect. Leaves oblong to lanceolate or spathulate, entire or toothed or shortly pinnatifid. Heads ½–¾ in. diam., radiate; rays often revolute.—A common mountain plant in both the North and South Islands.
​Var. discoideus.—Sparingly branched, prostrate or decumbent, rarely erect. Leaves very fleshy, obovate or spathulate, coarsely toothed or lobed, sometimes pinnatifid below. Heads large, ½–¾ in. diam.; rays wanting.—Mountain districts in the South Island.
Var. radiolatus, Kirk, Students' Fl. 341.—More or less pubescent. Lower leaves broad, membranous, narrowed into slender petioles, toothed or lobed or pinnatifid; upper sessile, auricled at the base. Heads ⅓–½ in., radiate; rays short, broad. Achenes very mucilaginous when soaked in warm water.—S. radiolatus, F. Muell. Veg. Chath. Is. 24, t. 4. Chatham Islands, H. H. Travers! Cox and Cockayne!
8. S. glaucophyllus, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 536.—Smooth and glaucous, perfectly glabrous, 1–3 ft. high. Rootstock stout, woody. Stems numerous, strongly grooved, simple or sparingly branched, naked at the base or with minute scale-like leaves only, leafy above. Leaves 2–4 in. long, ½–1 in. wide, oblanceolate or oblong-obovate or obovate-spathulate, obtuse or subacute, gradually narrowed into broad flat petioles, not dilated nor sheathing at the base, irregularly sinuate-dentate or serrate, rather thin, very glaucous; margins somewhat thickened. Upper leaves narrower, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, serrate, gradually passing into narrow-linear entire bracts. Heads several in a loose terminal corymb, broadly campanulate, ⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acuminate, 2-ribbed, glabrous or pilose at the tips. Eay-florets about 15; disc-florets numerous, Achenes not seen.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 343.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur, on limestone rocks, alt. 4000 ft., T.F.C. January.
A very curious plant, its bushy mode of growth and glaucous leaves giving it a very different appearance to any of its allies. The stems appear to die down to the root in winter, a fresh crop appearing in the following spring. My specimens are in young flower only, and the above description may require modification when more perfect examples have been obtained.
9. S. latifolius, Banks and Sol. ex Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 145.—A tall erect much-branched glabrous herb 2–4 ft. high; stems flexuous, grooved. Leaves membranous, 2–8 in. long, very variable in shape; lower on long winged petioles with or without small toothed auricles at the base, blade broadly oblong or ovate-oblong to linear-oblong, toothed or lobulate or irregularly lyrate-pinnatifid; upper sessile, ovate-oblong to linear-oblong, coarsely toothed or lobed. often contracted below the middle and then expanding into broad toothed auricles; uppermost leaves linear-lanceolate, acute, serrate or dentate. Corymbs broad, lax, much branched; branches slender. Heads very numerous, ½–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts in 1 series, linear, acuminate, glabrous or pubescent. Ray-florets 12–20; ligule narrow, spreading. Disc-florets 30–40. Achenes linear, grooved, hispidulous. Pappus-hairs soft, copious, white.—Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 159; Kirk, Students' Fl. 341.
Var. rufiglandulosus, Kirk, l.c.—Glandular-pubescent or glabrate. Leaves coarsely and sharply irregularly doubly dentate or serrate, sometimes lobed at the base. Corymbs very large. Achenes densely pubescent.—S. rufiglandulosus, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 599.
Var. sinuatifolius, Kirk, l.c.—Stems slender, flexuose. Leaves distant, ovate-oblong, sinuate, not toothed. Corymbs small; heads few.
North Island: From the Paparata Valley and Waikato River southwards, but rare and local to the north of the East Cape. South Island: Western part of the Nelson Provincial District and Westland, not uncommon as far south as Ross. Sealevel to 3500 ft. November–February.
10. S. Banksii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 146.—An erect stout or slender perfectly glabrous branched herb 2–4 ft. high or more; stems flexuose, grooved. Leaves 2–5 in. long, 1–2 in. broad, broadly oblong or ovate-oblong to linear-oblong, acute or subacute, sessile with broad auricled amplexicaul bases, coriaceous or almost membranous, shining, often glaucous, coarsely and irregularly sinuate-serrate or dentate; veins reticulated, often prominent beneath; uppermost leaves smaller and narrower, lanceolate or linear. Corymbs broad, lax. Heads numerous, campanulate, ¼–⅓ in. broad; involucral bracts linear-oblong, acuminate, pubescent at the tips. Ray-florets 10–12; ligules short, revolute. Achenes linear, grooved, pubescent.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 734; Kirk, Students' Fl. 342. S. odoratus, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 160 (not of Hornemann). S. pumiceus, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxi. (1889) 89; Kirk, Students' Fl. 343.
Var. angustatus.—Much less robust and more rigid, glabrous or sparingly clothed with short scabrid hairs. Leaves 1½–3 in. long, ¼–¾ in. broad, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, acute, all sessile or the lower sometimes petiolate, coriaceous, sharply and irregularly sinuate-serrate; veins usually prominent beneath.—S. Banksii var. scabrosus, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 147. S. pumiceus var. angustatus. Kirk, Students' Fl. 343.
North Island: Mokohinou Island, Herb. Col. Mus.! Mercury Bay, Banks and Solander; East Cape Island, Ross; Anaura and Tolago Bay, Banks and Solander, Adams and Petrie! near Table Cape, A. Hamilton! between Tolago Bay and Gisborne, Colenso. Var. angustatus: East Cape, A. Hamilton; Karangahake Cliffs, Lake Taupo, T.F.C. Sea-level to 1500 ft. December–January.
Mr. Kirk limits S. Banksii to a form with more decidedly fiexuous stems and rather membranous glaucous leaves, keeping up Colenso's S. pumiceus for the reception of those states with stouter and sfcraighter stems and more coriaceous leaves. But a series of the Tolago Bay plant, which is that collected by Banks and Solander, shows that this distinction cannot possibly be maintained, some of the specimens exactly matching the types of S. pumiceus in Mr. Colenso's herbarium, while others show a regular gradation to more slender and membranous forms. An examination of the ripe achenes of both varieties also proves that the supposed difference in size and shape does not exist.
11. S. Colensoi, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 147.—An erect much or sparingly branched herb 10–20 in. high, more or less clothed with white cobwebby tomentum. Stems woody at the base, ​flexuose, grooved. Leaves very variable, 1–4 in. long, ½–1½ in. broad, broadly oblong or obovate to lanceolate, obtuse or acute, sessile with broad amplexicaul bases or petiolate with auricles at the base of the petioles, coriaceous; margins sinuate-dentate or serrate or deeply irregularly lobulate or pinnatifid, hoary or cobwebby on both surfaces or on the lower surface only. Corymbs terminal, usually lax. Heads few or many, ⅓–½ in. diam., campanulate; involucral bracts linear-oblong, acute or acuminate. Eays short, revolute. Achenes slender, grooved, silky or hispid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 160; Kirk, Students' Fl. 342.
North Island: Usually on cliffs near the sea. Bay of Islands, Colenso; East Cape, Colenso; Napier, Bishop Williams! A. Hamilton! Cape Kidnappers, Colenso, Kirk! Waipawa, Petrie! Patangata, Tryon! November–January.
12. S. Hectori, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. v. (1873) 348; vi. t. 23.—An erect branching shrub 6–12 ft. high; branches stout, spreading, tomentose. Leaves crowded near the tips of the branches, 6–12 in. long, 2–4 in. broad, oblong-lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate or narrow oblong-ovate, acute, narrowed to the base, membranous, scaberulous above, thinly clothed with white cottony tomentum beneath, acutely toothed, pinnatifid or pinnate for a short distance at the very base; petiole very short. Corymbs large, lax, terminal, much branched, often 1ft. or more across; peduncles and pedicels clothed with short stiff glandular pubescence. Heads large, 1–2 in. diam., broadly campanulate; involucral bracts in 2 series, outer lanceolate, inner broader and oblong-lanceolate, acute; margins broad, membranous. Ray-florets 8–12; ligules broad, spreading, white. Disc-florets numerous. Achenes linear, grooved, glabrous. Pappus-hairs rigid, scabrid.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 344.
South Island: Nelson—Collingwood, Hector, Travers; between Takaka and Riwaka, Kirk; sources of the Takaka, Upper Motueka and its tributaries, T.F.C.; Upper Buller Valley, McGregor, Hector! Kirk! Westland—Valley of the Grey, Kirk. 250 to 3500 ft. December–February.
One of the finest species of the genus, well marked off from any other by a small portion of the very base of the leaf being pinnatifid or pinnate, all the remainder being dentate. The heads are sometimes as much as 2½ in. diam.
13. S. Kirkii, Hook. f. ex T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 344.—An erect perfectly smooth and glabrous branching shrub 6–12 ft. high; branches stout, brittle. Leaves very variable in size and shape, 2–5 in. long, ⅓–2 in. broad, lanceolate or obovate-lanceolate to oblong-ovate or rhomboid-ovate, acute or obtuse, entire or sinuate-dentate, rather fleshy, narrowed into a short slender petiole or cuneate at the base. Corymbs large, often much branched, 4–12 in. diam. or more; branches spreading; lower bracts foliaceous. Heads numerous, large, campanulate, 1½–2 in. diam.; involucral bracts in 2 series, linear-oblong, acute, margins membranous. Ray-florets few; ligules ​long, white, spreading, ¾–1 in. long. Disc-florets with a campanulate 5-toothed limb. Achenes linear, grooved, glabrous, slightly expanded and thickened at the tip. Pappus-hairs rigid, scabrid.—S. glastifolius, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 147, t. 39; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 161 (not of Linn. f.). Solidago arborescens, A. Cunn. Prodr. n. 435 (not of Forst.).
North Island: Common in hilly and wooded districts from the North Cape to Wellington. Sea-level to 2500 ft.
A very remarkable and beautiful species. The flower-heads are often so abundantly produced as to conceal the leaves, the multitude of snow-white rays then rendering the plant conspicuous from afar. In the northern forests it is often epiphytic on the distorted trunks of the rata (Metrosideros robusta).
14. S. myrianthos, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vii. (1875) 348.—A small sparingly branched shrub 3–12 ft. high; bark black; branches slender, when young clothed with thin buff tomentum. Leaves 3–7 in. long, oblong-lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, usually unequal and often slightly cordate at the base, sharply and coarsely doubly dentate, thin and membranous, glabrous above when mature, beneath clothed with silvery-white appressed tomentum, veins reticulated; petioles slender, 1–2 in. long. Panicles large, terminal, often more than 2 ft. long; peduncles and pedicels slender, everywhere densely covered with short spreading purplish-brown glandular hairs; lower bracts often foliaceous, upper subulate. Heads numerous, ⅓ in. long, obconic; involucral bracts about 8, linear-oblong, obtuse, membranous, glabrous or nearly so. Ray-florets 4-6, white; ligules very short and broad, ⅛ in. long. Discflorets about 6; limb narrow-campanulate, 5-toothed. Achenes oblong, grooved, minutely hispidulous. Pappus-hairs in 1 series, minutely scabrid.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 346. S. Cheesemanii, Hook. f. in Ic. Plant. t. 1201.
North Island: Ravines on the Cape Colville Peninsula, from Coromandel to Tairua and Waitekauri, T. F. C, Adams! Sea-level to 750 ft. November–December.
A handsome and distinct species, well characterized by the membranous leaves, large elongated panicles, and small white ray-florets. The flowers are deliciously sweet-scented.
15. S. sciadophilus, Raoul in Ann. Sci. Nat. Ser. iii. 2 (1844) 119.—A slender climbing shrub 3–15 ft. high; branches flexuose, often pendent, striate, clothed with short pubescence. Leaves distant, spreading, 1–2 in. long; blade about half the length, orbicular or orbicular-ovate, coarsely toothed, membranous, clothed on both surfaces with short scattered hairs or glabrate; veins reticulated. Heads ⅓ in. diam., in few-flowered axillary or terminal corymbs, often forming an elongated terminal panicle; pedicels slender, pubescent. Involucre campanulate; bracts few, 6–8, linear-oblong, subacute; margins scarious. Ray-florets 4–7; ligule ​⅕ in. long, yellow, revolute. Disc-florets 6–10; limb broadly campanulate, deeply 5-lobed. Achenes grooved, glabrous or sparingly hispidulous. Pappus-hairs in several series, rigid, minutely denticulate.—Choix, 21, t. 18; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 150; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 161; Kirk, Students Fl. 345.
South Island: Nelson—Riwaka, Rev. F. H. Spencer; Wairoa Gorge, Bryant. Canterbury—Akaroa, Raoul; Alford Forest, J. D. Enys! Peel Forest, W. Barker. Otago—Not uncommon in the vicinity of Dunedin, G. M. Thomson! Petrie! Sea-level to 2000 ft. January–April.
16. S. perdicioides, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 149.—A small round-topped branching shrub 2–6 ft. high; branches slender, grooved, pubescent, scarred where the leaves have fallen away. Leaves 1–2 in. long, oblong or elliptic-oblong to ovate-oblong, obtuse, membranous, crenate-serrate or dentate, quite glabrous; veins reticulated; petioles slender. Corymbs leafy, terminating the branches; pedicels slender, pubescent. Heads turbinate, ⅓ in. long; involucral bracts about 5, oblong, obtuse, with broad scarious margins. Ray-florets 2 or 3, rarely more, yellow; ligule oblong, spreading. Disc-florets 4–8; limb funnel-shaped, deeply 5-lobed. Achenes oblong, grooved, glabrous or nearly so. Pappus-hairs in 2 series, rigid, minutely scabrid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 161; Kirk, Students Fl. 345. S. multinerve, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxv. (1893) 330. S. distinctus, Col. l.c. xxvii. (1895) 390.
North Island: From Hicks Bay and the East Cape to Mahia Peninsula; not uncommon. Raukumara. November–January.
17. S. Huntii, F. Muell. Veg. Chath. Is. 23, t. 3.—A shrub or small round-headed tree 6–20 ft. high, usually more or less glandular-pubescent and viscid in all its parts; branchlets marked with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves crowded, 2–4 in. long, elliptic-lanceolate or elliptic-oblong to linear-obovate, obtuse or acute, narrowed to a sessile base, entire, glabrous or nearly so above, usually clothed with thin fulvous tomentum beneath; margins flat or subrevolute; midrib prominent beneath. Panicle terminal, large, dense, much branched, 3–5 in. broad; pedicels slender, densely glan(iular-hirsute. Heads ½–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts about 12, linear-oblong, obtuse or acute, membranous, glandular, villous at the tips. Ray-florets 15–20, yellow; ligule broad, revolute. Disc-florets numerous; limb campanulate, 5-lobed. Achenes oblong, grooved, glabrous. Pappus-hairs in 2 series, slender, scabrid.—Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 734; Kirk, Students' Fl. 346.
Chatham Islands: Not uncommon, H. H. Travers, Mair! Cox! Cockayne! Rautini. December–February.
18. S. Stewartiæ, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 339.—A shrub or small tree 6–25 ft. high; trunk 8–24 in. diam.; branches spreading, marked with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves ​crowded at the ends of the branches, 3–7 in. long, lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, narrowed to a broad sessile base, quite entire, subcoriaceous, glabrous above, clothed with thin appressed white tomentum beneath; veins reticulated. Panicles terminal, erect, 4–9 in. long; peduncles and pedicels densely glandularpubescent, lower bracts foliaceous. Heads numerous, ½–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts about 12, linear-oblong, obtuse, glandularpubescent. Ray-florets 12–15, yellow; ligules narrow, contorted. Disc-florets 20–30; limb campanulate, 5-lobed. Achenes oblong, grooved, glabrous. Pappus-hairs dirty-white, short, scabrid.—S. Muelleri, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 360; Students Fl. 346.
Hekekopere Island (in Foveaux Strait): C. Traill, Kirk! The Snares: Kirk! December–January.
This is clearly identical with Armstrong's S. Stewartiæ, a name which has two years' priority over the S. Muelleri of Kirk. It is very closely allied to the preceding species, but the leaves are more acuminate, and the tomentum of tha under-surface is whiter, while the narrow contorted rays are quite unlike the short broad ones of S. Huntii.
19. S. laxifolius, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. ii. (1870) 89.—A small diffusely branched shrub 1–4 ft. high; branchlets, leaves beneath, and inflorescence densely clothed with white cottony tomentum. Leaves usually close-set, on slender petioles ½–1½ in. long; blade 1–2½ in., lanceolate or oblong -lanceolate or elliptic lanceolate, acute at both ends, glabrous above or slightly cottony when young, coriaceous, quite entire. Panicle terminal, long and narrow, lax; peduncles and pedicels slender, cottony; lower bracts foliaceous. Heads ¾ in. diam., broad-campanulate; involucral bracts 12–15, linear-oblong, acute, tomentose, with broad scarious margins. Ray-florets 12–15, long and narrow, yellow. Disc-florets numerous. Achenes oblong, grooved, glabrous.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 347.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur and Mount Owen, T.F.C.; Wairau Gorge, Bryant, T.F.C.; Spencer Mountains, Gibbs; Discovery Peaks, Travers! Fowler's Pass, Kirk! 2500–3000 ft. December–February.
20. S. Greyii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 148, t. 38.—A small spreading shrub 2–8 ft. high; branches stout, woody, terete; branchlets, under-surface of leaves, and petioles densely clothed with appressed soft white tomentum. Leaves on slender petioles ½–1½ in. long; blade 1½–3½ in., oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse, rounded and often unequal at the base, coriaceous, quite entire, upper surface glabrous except a cottony line at the margin; midrib prominent beneath. Corymbs large, terminal, 2–5 in. broad, much branched; peduncles and pedicels glandular-pubescent; bracts numerous, the lower ones foliaceous; the upper narrower, ​lanceolate or linear. Heads campanulate, ¾–1 in. diam.; involucral bracts about 15, linear or linear-oblong, membranous, acute, glandular-pubescent. Ray-florets 12–15, yellow; ligules spreading, ⅓–½ in. long. Disc-florets numerous; limb campanulate, 5-lobed. Achenes linear, densely silky. Pappus-hairs in several series, white, rigid, scabrid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 161; Kirk, Students Fl. 347.
North Island: Wellington—From the Pahau River to Cape Palliser; rare and local. Sea-level to 1500 ft.
A handsome species, nearest to S. laxifolius, but at once separated by the larger obtuse leaves, dense corymbs, glandular-pubescent involucral bracts, and silky achenes.
21. S. compactus, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xii. (1880) 395.—A small much-branched compact shrub 2–3 ft. high and 3–6 ft. diam.; branches, petioles, leaves beneath, and inflorescence densely clothed with appressed snow-white tomentum. Leaves on slender petioles ¼–½ in. long; blade ¾–1½ in., obovate or oblong-obovate, obtuse, rounded or narrowed at the base, coriaceous, glabrous above except a cottony line at the margin, obscurely crenulate or sinuate. Heads broadly campanulate, ¾–1 in. diam., in 4–8-flowered terminal leafy racemes; involucral bracts about 12, linear, acute, densely tomentose. Ray-florets about 12, yellow; ligules broad, spreading. Disc-florets very numerous; limb funnel-shaped, 5-toothed. Achenes linear, grooved, silky. Pappus-hairs white, minutely scabrid.— Students' Fl. 349.
North Island: Wellington—Limestone cliffs near Castlepoint, Kirk! January–February.
Closely allied to S. Monroi, but differing in the larger broader leaves with smoother and whiter tomentum beneath, narrow few-flowered inflorescence, and the white cottony tomentum of the pedicels and involucral bracts.
22. S. Monroi, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. ii. 333.—A much-branched woody shrub 2–6 ft. high; branchlets, petioles, and leaves beneath clothed with appressed whitish tomentum. Leaves shortly petioled, ½–1½ in. long, narrow-oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse, narrowed into the petiole, coriaceous, glabrous above; margins wrinkled and crenate. Corymbs terminal, lax, leafy, slightly viscid; peduncles clothed with white tomentum; pedicels slender, glandular-pubescent. Heads numerous, broadly turbinate, ½–⅔ in. diam.; involucral bracts 10–15, linear, acute, membranous, glandular-pubescent. Ray-florets 10–15, yellow; ligules ¼ in. long, broad, revolute. Disc-florets numerous; limb funnel-shaped, 5-toothed. Achenes linear, grooved, hispid with short white hairs. Pappus-hairs white, slender, minutely scabrid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 162; Kirk, Students' Fl. 348.
South Island: Nelson—Wangapeka, Kingsley! Jollie's Pass, T.F.C. Marlorough—Not uncommon from the Awatere to the Conway River. 1000–4500 ft. December–January.
​23. S. revolutus, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 348.—A small robust shrub 6–20 in. high; branches stout, often decumbent at the base, suberect above. Leaves viscid, on petioles ⅓–¾ in. long; blade 1–2½ in., oblong-lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate to elliptic-oblong, obtuse, narrowed into the petiole, qaite entire, coriaceous, glabrous and reticulated above, beneath clothed with pale-buff or white appressed viscid tomentum. Corymb terminal, dense, about 2 in. diam., on a long and stout peduncle clothed with ascending linearoblong foliaceous bracts; peduncle and pedicels tomentose. Heads 5–15, campanulate, ½–¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, acute, tomentose and viscid. Ray-florets 10–15, yellow; ligules broad, revolute. Disc-florets numerous; limb campanulate, 5-toothed. Achenes linear-oblong, grooved, glabrous.—S. robustus, Buch. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. vi. (1874) 243 (not of Sch. Bipont.).
South Island: Otago—Ben Lomond, Mount Bonpland, and other high peaks to the west, Petrie! mountains above Lake Harris, Kirk! Mount Eglinton, Morton! 3000–4500 ft. January–March.
24. S. Adamsii, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 536.—A small robust much-branched shrub 3–5 ft. high; young branches, leaves, and inflorescence excessively viscid. Leaves shortly petiolate, 1–2 in. long, oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse, quite entire, extremely thick and coriaceous, glabrous above, beneath covered, except the midrib, with dense white or pale-buff closely appressed tomentum; margins revolute. Corymbs terminal, few-flowered, laxly branched; peduncles and pedicels nearly glabrous but excessively viscid; bracts varying from oblong to linearspathulate. Heads 5–15, broadly campanulate, ¾ in. diam.; involucral bracts linear, obtuse, almost glabrous except a tuft of woolly hairs at the tip. Ray-florets 10–15, yellow; ligules ¼ in. long, spreading. Disc-florets numerous; limb 5-toothed. Achenes glabrous or pubescent. Pappus-hairs white, slender, scabrid.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 348. S. pachyphyllus, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvi. (1884) 410 (not of Remy ex G. Gay).
North Island: Mount Holdsworth, Tararua Range, W. Townson! South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur and Mount Peel, T.F.C.; Mount Rintoul and Ben Nevis, Gibbs, Bryant; Mount Duppa, J. Macmahon! 3500–5500 ft. January–February.
Distinguished from S. revolutus by the much more coriaceous leaves, with the midrib prominent beneath, narrow laxly branched corymbs, and by the peduncles, pedicels, and involucral bracts being nearly glabrous.
25. S. bifistulosus, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 144.—A small much-branched shrub 1–2 ft. high; branches decumbent at the base, erect above; bark pale, closely marked with the scars of the fallen leaves. Leaves crowded at the tips of the branches, spreading, 1 in. long, 1/12 in. broad, narrow-linear, subacute, coriaceous, grooved above, beneath with the margins revolute to the midrib, a ​narrow woolly border showing on each side of the line of junction, the rounded edge of the leaf constricted here and there, and hence appearing crenate. Peduncles terminating the branchlets, 2–4 in. long, clothed with numerous leafy bracts. Heads solitary, 1¼ in. diam.; involucral bracts few, broad, herbaceous, woolly on the back. Achenes linear-oblong, glabrous, obscurely ribbed. Pappus white, soft.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 161; Kirk, Students' Fl. 344.
South Island: Dusky Bay, Lyall, Hector and Buchanan! 1500–3000 ft.
Two specimens in Mr. Buchanan's herbarium are all I have seen of this curious and most distinct species.
26. S. cassinioides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 163.—An erect much-branched shrub 4–10 ft. high; bark deciduous, loose and papery; branches numerous, crowded, spreading, brittle, tomentose above. Leaves loosely imbricating, ⅙–¼ in. long, linear or linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute, sessile, coriaceous, entire, glabrous above, beneath clothed with appressed whitish-yellow tomentum. Heads solitary, sessile, terminating the branches, ⅓ in. diam.; involucral bracts 8–10, linear-oblong, obtuse, coriaceous, tomentose, the inner with broad scarious margins. Florets 12–20; ray-florets 4–6, with a broad and short revolute ligule; disc-florets broadly campanulate, deeply 5-lobed. Achenes linear, grooved, glabrous, expanded into a cup-shaped border at the tip. Pappus-hairs white, rigid, scabrid.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 351.
South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts from Nelson to northwest Otago. 2000–4000 ft. January–February.
A singular species, quite unlike any other. It has much of the habit of Cassinia Vauvilliersii, but is a larger plant, with more numerous crowded branchlets and different tomentum.
27. S. elæagnifolius, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 150, t. 41.—A stout or slender spreading shrub 4–10 ft. high; branches grooved, and with the petioles, under-surface of the leaves, and inflorescence densely clothed with pale-buff tomentum. Leaves on grooved petioles ½–1½ in. long; blade 2–5 in., obovate or ovate-oblong or elliptic-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute, coriaceous, glabrous and shining above, midrib and principal veins usually evident. Panicles terminal, stout, branched; pedicels densely tomentose. Heads ⅓ in. diam., campanulate or obconic, discoid; involucral bracts 9–12, linear-oblong, obtuse, coriaceous, very densely woolly. Female florets often wanting; when present 1–3, small, tubular with the mouth minutely toothed. Disc-florets numerous, with a narrow-campanulate 5-toothed limb. Achenes linear, grooved, hispid. Pappus-hairs dirty-white, rigid, scabrid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 162; Kirk, Students' Fl. 349.
Var. Buchanani, Kirk, l.c.—Smaller, densely branched, 3–4 ft. high. Leaves broadly oblong, 1–2 in. long. Panicle reduced to a short raceme.—S. Buchanani, Armstr. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 339.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: Not uncommon in mountainous localities from the East Cape and Taupo southwards. Ascends to 4500 ft., descends to sea-level in Otago and Stewart Island. December–January.
28. S. rotundifolius, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 149.—A stout branching shrub or small tree 6–30 ft. high; bark thin, smooth; branches grooved, and with the petioles, leaves beneath, and inflorescence densely clothed with pale-buff tomentum. Leaves on stout grooved petioles 1–3 in. long; blade 2–5 in. diam., orbicular or broadly oblong, unequal or rounded or slightly cordate at the base, very thick and coriaceous, glabrous and shining above, quite entire. Panicle terminal, corymbosely branched; pedicels stout. Heads numerous, ⅓ in. diam., campanulate, discoid; involucral bracts 9–12, linear-oblong, very coriaceous, densely woolly. Female florets 1–4, small, narrow-tubular with a minutely toothed mouth. Disc-florets numerous, with a campanulate 5-toothed limb. Achenes grooved, hispid. Pappus-hairs rigid, scabrid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 162; Kirk, Forest Fl. t. 116; Students' Fl. 349. Brachyglottis rotundifolia, Forst. Char. Gen. 92; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 464. Cineraria rotundifolia, Forst. Prodr. n. 294; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 254.
South Island: Nelson—Near Westport, W. Townson! Westland and Otago—From Jackson's Bay to Milford Sound and Foveaux Strait, Lyall, Hector and Buchanan! Kirk! Stewart Island: Petrie! Kirk! Sea-level to 3500 ft. Puheritaiko. December–January.
29. S. Bidwillii, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 150.—A small stout much or sparingly branched shrub 1–5 ft. high; branches, petioles, leaves beneath, and inflorescence densely clothed with appressed whitish or pale-buff tomentum. Leaves ½–2 in. long, broadly oblong or obovate-oblong, obtuse, rounded or narrowed at the base, excessively thick and coriaceous, glabrous and shining above, with reticulated venation; margins often tomentose; petioles ⅙–¾ in., stout, articulated to the branch. Corymbs terminal, stout, branched, 1–3 in. long. Heads few or many, ¼–⅓ in. diam., campanulate, discoid; involucral bracts 8–12, linear, very thick and coriaceous, densely woolly. Female florets 3–5, tubular, mouth minutely toothed. Disc-florets numerous, with a 5-toothed campanulate limb. Achenes linear, grooved, glabrous. Pappus-hairs white, rigid, scabrid.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 162; Kirk, Students' Fl. 350. Olearia rigida, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xx. (1888) 194.
Var. viridis.—Rather taller and not so stout. Leaves 1½–3 in. long, oblong-obovate, narrowed to the base, not so coriaceous; petioles ½–1 in. long. Corymbs larger, 3–6 in. long. Heads much as in the type.—S. viridis, Kirk, Students' Fl. 350.
​North Island: Not uncommon on the mountains from the East Cape and Taupo southwards. South Island: Var. viridis: Mountains of Nelson, Marlborough and Canterbury, from Mount Arthur to the Rakaia Valley. 2500–5000 ft. December–January.
Mr. Kirk has described the South Island plant as a distinct species under the name of S. viridis. It is somewhat larger in all its parts, but differs in no essential character, and is far better regarded as a variety only. Specimens of S. Bidwillii collected at the foot of Ruapehu by the Rev. F. H. Spencer almost match others gathered in the South Island by myself.
30. S. geminatus, T. Kirk, Students' Fl. 350.—A small spreading shrub 1–4 ft. high; perfectly glabrous in all its parts, but the young branchlets, leaves, and involucres glutinous; branches slender, angled, grooved. Leaves 1½–3 in. long, ½–1 in. broad, obovate-lanceolate or obovate-spathulate, acute or subacute, gradually narrowed to a sessile and decurrent base, serrate, subcoriaceous; veins thin, subflabellate. Corymbs terminal, lax, leafy at the base; peduncles slender, usually forked, with sparse linear bracts above. Heads few, ⅓–½ in. diam., discoid and homogamous; involucral bracts about 8, in 1 series, shorter than the florets, linear-oblong, obtuse, coriaceous, with broad membranous ciliolate margins. Receptacle flat, alveolate. Florets 12–15, all tubular and hermaphrodite; limb campanulate, deeply 5-lobed. Stamens esserted; anthers not tailed. Achenes linear-oblong or linear-obovoid, narrowed at both ends, grooved, glabrous. Pappus-hairs in 1 series, rigid, scabrid.—Traversia baccharoides, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 164; Ic. Plant. t. 1002.
South Island: Mountains of Nelson, Marlborough, and Canterbury; not uncommon from Mount Arthur to the Upper Waimakariri. 1500–4500 ft. January–February.
A very remarkable species, with a more rigid pappus than is usual in Senecio, and in other respects resembling the Juan Fernandez genera Balbisia and Robinsonia. Sir J. D. Hooker created the genus Traversia for its reception, but in the "Genera Plantarum" it was reduced to Senecio.
22. MICROSERIS, Don.
Annual or perennial glabrous herbs. Leaves chiefly radical, entire or toothed or pinnatifid. Scapes long, leafless, single-headed. Heads homogamous. Involucre oblong or cylindric; bracts in about 2 series, with a few short imbricate ones below. Receptacle flat, without scales. Florets all ligulate, yellow. Achenes narrow, attenuate at the base, cylindrical, ribbed. Pappus of few or several linear flat scales tapering into simple or plumose bristles.
A genus of 16 or 18 species, all western North American except one from Chili and another from Australia and New Zealand.
1. M. Forsteri, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 151.—A perfectly glabrous perennial herb; roots thick and fleshy, almost tuberous, ​juice milky. Leaves all radical, very variable in size, 2–10 in. long, narrow-linear to lanceolate, flaccid, entire or irregularly toothed or pinnatifid; the lobes narrow, distant, spreading. Scapes usually exceeding the leaves, rarely shorter, sometimes puberulous above. Heads solitary, ½–⅓ in. long; involucral bracts linear, acute, rather fleshy, with membranous borders. Florets longer than the involucre. Achenes linear, deeply grooved. Pappus-bristles slightly dilated below, serrulate or shortly plumose.—Fl. Tasm. i. 226, t. 66; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 164; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 676; Kirk, Students' Fl. 356. M. pygmæa, Raoul, Choix, 45 (not of Hook, and Arn.). Scorzonera scapigera, Forst. Prodr. 534; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 430.
North and South Islands: From the Middle Waikato and Rotorua southwards; plentiful. Sea-level to 4000 ft. December–February.
23. PICRIS, Linn.
Erect branched hispid herbs with milky juice. Leaves alternate or radical, entire or toothed or pinnatifid. Heads corymbose, yellow, homogamous. Involucre urceolate or campanulate, inner bracts in 1 series, subequal; outer in several series, narrow, herbaceous; or the outermost broad and foliaceous. Receptacle flat, naked. Florets all ligulate. Anthers sagittate at the base, acute or setaceous. Achenes linear or oblong, more or less incurved, subterete or angled, 5–10-ribbed with the ribs transversely rugose, narrowed above or distinctly beaked. Pappus copious, of 2 series of soft hairs; inner broad at the base, plumose; outer fewer slender.
Species about 24, mainly natives of Europe and temperate Asia, the New Zealand species widely spread in most temperate and subtropical countries.
1. P. hieracioides, Linn. Sp. Plant. 792.—A biennial herb 1–3 ft. high, more or less hispid with simple or barbed hairs; stem corymbosely branched above. Leaves 3–6 in. long, linear-oblong, lanceolate or linear, sinuate-toothed, the lower ones tapering into a petiole, the upper smaller and narrower, sessile, stem-clasping. Peduncles long, slender. Heads ¾–1 in. diam.; involucral bracts hispid and pubescent. Achenes red-brown, narrow-ellipsoid, tapering into a short beak, very strongly transversely ribbed. Pappus-hairs deciduous, soft, white, plumose.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 432; Raoul, Choix, 45; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 151; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 165; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 678; Kirk, Students Fl. 357. P. attenuata, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 433.
North Island: Not uncommon from the North Cape to the Upper Thames and Waikato. South Island: Nelson—Foxhill, T.F.C. Canterbury—Broken River basin, T.F.C. Sea-level to 2500 ft. August–December.
24. CREPIS, Linn.
Annual or perennial branched or rarely scapigerous herbs, juice milky. Leaves radical or alternate, entire or toothed or pinnatifid. Heads peduncled, solitary or panicled or corymbose, yellow or red, honiogamous. Involucre campanulate or cylindric; bracts many, linear, equal, with a few smaller ones at their base. Receptacle flat or slightly concave, naked or fimbrillate. Florets all ligulate. Achenes linear-oblong, 10–20-ribbed, narrowed or beaked at the tip. Pappus short or long, usually copious; hairs soft, white, simple.
A large genus, containing about 130 species, most abundant in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, but extending also into subtropical districts. The single New Zealand species is a somewhat anomalous member of the genus; it was referred to Hieracium by Banks and Solander, to Crepis by Hooker, and to Sonchus in the "Genera Plantarum."
1. C. novæ-zealandiæ, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 164.—A small scapigerous herb 2–8 in. high, either glabrous or the involucres and scapes, rarely the leaves, white and tomentose; root stout, fleshy. Leaves all radical, spreading, crowded, glaucous, 2–6 in. long, narrow linear-oblong or linear-obovate. deeply and unequally lobed or pinnatifid, the terminal segment large, rounded, lateral much smaller, entire or toothed. Scape slender, longer than the leaves, glabrous or tomentose, often studded with black glandular hairs. Head solitary, ½–1 in. diam.; involucral bracts broadest at the base, gradually narrowed into obtuse black tips, glabrous or cottony and sparsely covered with black glandular hairs. Achena linear-oblong, glabrous, compressed, ribbed. Pappus-hairs copious, very soft, white.—Lindsay, Contr. N.Z. Bot. 54, t. 3; Kirk, Students' Fl. 359.
South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts on the east side of the island. Sea-level to 3000 ft. January–February.
25. TARAXACUM, Linn.
Scapigerous perennial herbs with milky juice. Leaves all. radical, entire or sinuate- or runcinate-pinnatifid. Heads solitary on leafless scapes, yellow, homogamous. Involucre campanulate or oblong; bracts herbaceous; inner in 1 series, equal, erect; outer in several series, smaller, often recurved. Receptacle flat, naked. Florets all ligulate. Anthers sagittate at the base, not tailed. Achenes oblong or fusiform, terete or angled or compressed, ribbed, muricate, attenuate at the base, above narrowed into a long and slender beak. Pappus-hairs copious, in many series, simple, white.
A small genus, widely spread in the temperate regions of both hemispheres. The New Zealand species has the range of the genus.
​1. T. officinale, Wigg. Prim. Fl. Holsat. 56.—Root long, stout, black. Leaves very variable, 2-6 in. long, oblanceolate or linear-obovate or spathulate, sinuate-toothed or runcinate-pinnatifid, witb broad triangular lobes pointing downwards, terminal lobe larger, usually rounded. Scapes 2–8 in. high. Head ⅓–1½ in. diam. Involucre campanulate; inner bracts linear, often thickened towards the tip; outer shorter and broader, erect or reflexed. Achenes narrow-obovoid, ribbed, the ribs muricate above the middle, beak long, equalling or exceeding the achene itself.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 152; Kirk, Students Fl. 361. T. dens leonis, Desf. Fl. Atlant. ii. 228; Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 165.
North and South Islands: Not uncommon throughout, ascending to 4000 ft. Dandelion. November–February.
A very variable plant. The large lowland forms, common in pastures or in rich cultivated soils, are probably introduced; but the small mountain state, with small leaves, slender scapes sometimes barely 2 in. high, and heads ⅓–¾ in. diam., is certainly indigenous, as it was collected by Banks and Solander.
26. SONCHUS, Tourn.
Erect leafy annual or perennial succulent herbs, juice milky. Leaves alternate or radical, entire or toothed or pinnatifid; cauline often amplexicaul. Heads peduncled, in terminal irregularly branched corymbs or panicles, homogamous. Involucre ovoid, usually becoming conical after flowering; bracts imbricated in several series, the outer smaller. Receptacle flat, naked. Florets all ligulate. Anthers shortly tailed at the base. Achenes ovoid or ellipsoid, more or less compressed, ribbed and often transversely rugose, not beaked. Pappus-hairs copious, in many series, soft, white, simple.
Species from 24 to 28, mostly natives of the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere; a few spread over the whole world, but probably naturalised in many districts. One of the New Zealand species is endemic, the two others are cosmopolitan.
| * Annual. |
| Upper leaves amplexicaul, with rounded auricles. Achenes longitudinally ribbed, not transversely wrinkled | 1. S. asper. |
| Upper leaves amplexicaul, with acute auricles. Achenes longitudinally ribbed and transversely wrinkled | 2. S. oleraceus. |
| ** Perennial. |
| Leaves large, 1–2½ ft. long. Heads 1–1½ in. diam., purplish; pedicels cottony | 3. S. grandifolius. |
1. S. asper, Hill, Herb. Brit. i. 47.—A tall succulent annual herb 2–3 ft. high, with a hollow grooved stem, glabrous or sparsely glandular above. Leaves lanceolate, entire or toothed or pinnatifid; ​margins waved or crisped, spinous-toothed; lower ones petiolate, upper semi-amplexicaul with rounded auricles. Heads ¾–1 in. diam., crowded in a short corymbose panicle, sometimes almost umbellate. Involucre glabrous, bracts acute. Achenes oblong, compressed, longitudinally ribbed but not marked with transverse wrinkles or asperities.—Kirk, Students Fl. 362. S. oleraceus var. β, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 153; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 166.
Var. littoralis, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvi. (1894) 265.—Often biennial or perennial. Stems rather stout, 1–2 ft. high, sparingly branched; root thick and fleshy. Leaves mostly radical, spreading, 3–7 in. long, linear-oblong or linear-obovate, obtuse or acute, finely or coarsely toothed, rather thick, almost fleshy; cauline leaves few, acute, amplexicaul. Outer involucral bracta obtuse, inner acute. Achenes longitudinally ribbed, glabrous.—Students' Fl. 362.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Abundant throughout, from the North Cape southwards; the variety littoralis confined to maritime cliffs. Sow-thistle; Rauroroa; Tawheke; Puwha. Flowers from spring to autumn.
As this was collected by Banks and Solander it must be regarded as indigenous. The variety littoralis is a very curious form, and may be entitled to rank as a species.
2. S. oleraceus, Linn. Sp. Plant. 794.—A tall erect annual herb 2–3 ft. high, glabrous or sparsely glandular above. Leaves lanceolate, entire or toothed or pinnatifid; margins flat or nearly so, not crisped; lower ones petiolate, upper semi-amplexicaul with sagittate acute auricles. Heads ¾–1 in. diam., crowded in a short corymbose panicle, often subumbellate. Involucres glabrous or slightly cottony at the base, sometimes with a few glandular hairs. Achenes linear-oblong, compressed, longitudinally grooved and conspicuously transversely wrinkled.—S. oleraceus var. α, Hook, f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 153; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 166; Kirk, Students Fl. 362.
Kermadec Islands, North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Abundant throughout. Sow-thistle; Pororua; Rauriki. Flowers from spring to autumn. Perhaps not truly native.
3. S. grandifolius, T. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvi. (1894) 266.—Rootstock stout, fleshy, creeping, sometimes 2½ in. diam. Stem tall, robust, succulent, corymbosely branched above, 2–5 ft. high. Radical leaves 1–2½ ft. long, 4–8 in. broad; petioles 6–9 in., stout, dilated at the base but not amplexicaul; blade oblong or ovate-oblong, irregularly pinnatifid or pinnate; segments 4–6 pairs, broad, overlapping, coarsely doubly serrate or dentate, almost spinous-toothed, subcoriaceous, scabrid above, veins finely reticulate. Upper cauline leaves sessile by a broad base. Heads large, 1–1½ in. diam.; pedicels clothed with white cottony wool. Involucral bracts in 3–4 series, broadest at the base, gradually tapering into ​blunt points, the outer with a row of short spines down the median line. Florets numerous, purplish. Achenes large, broad, spongy, with 3–6 longitudinal ribs; margins broad.—Students Fl. 362.
Chatham Islands: Enys! Cox! January–February.
A very handsome and distinct species, endemic in the Chatham Islands.