# Manual of the New Zealand Flora/Onagrarieæ

Additions and Corrections
Order XXIX. ONAGRARIEÆ.
Herbs, rarely shrubs or small trees. Leaves opposite or alternate, simple, entire or toothed, exstipulate. Flowers usually regular, hermaphrodite. Calyx-tube often elongated, altogether adnate to the ovary, sometimes produced beyond it; limb of 2–5 valvate lobes. Petals as many as the calyx-lobes, inserted at the top of the calyx-tube, rarely wanting. Stamens as many or twice as many as the petals, inserted with them. Ovary inferior, usually 2–4-celled; style simple, filiform; stigma capitate or 2–4-lobed; ovules usually numerous in each cell, in 1 or 2 series, pendulous or ​ascending; placentas axile. Fruit various, generally a 2–4-celled capsule with loculicidal or septicidal dehiscence, sometimes a berry, rarely nut-like. Seeds usually small, sometimes provided with a tuft of hairs; albumen none, or a thin layer only.
A small order of about 11 genera and 300 species, widely spread in temperate regions, rare in the tropics; most plentiful in North America, especially in Mexico. Many of the species have handsome flowers, and are frequently cultivated in gardens, particularly the genera Godetia, Œnothera, Clarkia, and Fuchsia, but they have no other economical importance. Of the New Zealand genera, Epilobium is universal in cool climates; Fuchsia is confined to South America with the exception of the New Zealand species.
| Herbs. Fruit an elongated capsule. Seeds with a tuft of hairs | 1. Epilobium. |
| Shrubs or small trees. Fruit a berry | 2. Fuchsia. |
1. EPILOBIUM, Linn.
Herbs; stems erect or decumbent or creeping, sometimes hard and almost woody at the base. Leaves alternate or opposite, entire or toothed. Flowers rose-coloured or purple or white, solitary in the upper axils or forming a terminal raceme or spike. Calyx-tube scarcely produced beyond the ovary, linear, 4-angled or nearly terete; limb 4-partite, deciduous. Petals 4, obovate or obcordate, spreading or erect. Stamens 8, the 4 alternate ones shorter. Ovary inferior, 4-celled; style filiform; stigma clavate or with 4 spreading or erect lobes; ovules numerous, 2-seriate, ascending. Capsule elongate, 4-angled, 4-celled and 4-valved, the valves separating and curving back from a central seed-bearing axis. Seeds numerous, broadest above, the summit furnished with a tuft of long hairs.
A large genus in the temperate and cold regions of both hemispheres; rare in the tropics, except on high mountains; more abundant in New Zealand than in any other part of the world. Species variously estimated by authors, from 60 to nearly 200.
The species of Epilobium are well known to be highly variable in any country that they inhabit, but in New Zealand the amount of variation is inordinately great, making it difficult to affix limits to many of the species, which appear to merge gradually into one another. In the arrangement of the New Zealand forms I have for the most part followed Professor Haussknecht's elaborate and beautifully illustrated monograph, but I have been unable to accept the whole of the species he has proposed, several of them appearing to me to rest on characters much too trivial or inconstant. The beginner will find it most difficult to identify any of the species with certainty, and his only safe course is to collect copious suites of specimens and to defer all attempts to name them until he has gained a clear idea of the prevalent forms and their characters.
A. Similes. Stems tall, erect, herbaceous, slightly woody at the base. Flowers numerous, towards the ends of the branches. :
| * Leaves sessile or nearly so. |
| Tall, often 3 ft. high. Leaves lanceolate or linear-lanceolate. Flowers numerous, large, ½–¾ in. diam., white | 1. E. pallidiflorum. |
| Slender, 1–2 ft. Leaves distant, ovate-oblong. Flowers few, large, ⅓–½ in., white | 2. E. chionanthum. ​ |
| Stout, ¾–2 ft. Leaves close-set, ovate or ovate-oblong. Flowers small, 1/6–1/5 in. diam., red | 3. E. Billardierianum. |
| Slender, ½–3 ft. Leaves lanceolate or linear-lanceolate. Flowers small, 1/6–1/5 in. diam., purplish | 4. E. junceum. |
| ** Leaves distinctly petiolate. |
| Slender, ½–2 ft. Leaves ovate or ovate-oblong, membranous. Flowers 1/5–1/4 in., white or pink | 5. E. pubens. |
| B. Microphyllæ. Stems small, slender, herbaceous, creeping below, erect or ascending towards the tips. Flowers few, towards the ends of the branches. ||
| * Fruiting peduncles short, seldom exceeding the leaves. |
| Stems 2–6 in., prostrate, matted. Leaves close-set, oblong, ¼–½ in. Capsule glabrous | 6. E. confertifolium. |
| Stems 3–10 in., ascending. Leaves linear-oblong, coarsely toothed, blotched, ½–¾ in. Capsule evenly hoary-pubescent | 7. E. pictum. |
| ** Fruiting peduncles elongated. |
| † Leaves comparatively narrow, linear or linear-oblong to oblong. |
| Stems 1–4 in. Leaves linear or linear-oblong, 1/5–1/2 in. Capsule slender. Peduncles much elongated | 8. E. tenuipes. |
| Stems 2–6 in. Leaves linear-oblong to oblong, ¼–½ in. Capsule pubescent on the angles | 9. E. Hectori. |
| †† Leaves broad, oblong to ovate or orbicular. |
| Stems 2–10 in., slender, pubescent. Leaves small, 1/5–1/2 in., broadly oblong to orbicular. Capsule evenly pubescent | 10. E. alsinoides. |
| Stems 6–18 in., slender, firm. Leaves ovate-cordate. Flowers large, ⅓ in. diam. Capsule 1–2 in. | 11. E. chloræfolium. |
| Stems 6–18 in., weak and flaccid. Leaves distant, ovate, entire or obscurely toothed, almost sessile, membranous | 12. E. insulare. |
| Stems 6–18 in., weak. Leaves distant, orbicular, sharply toothed, petiolate, membranous | 13. E. rotundifolium. |
| C. Sparsifloræ. Stems small, slender, prostrate and creeping, herbaceous. Flowers few, in the axils of the intermediate leaves. Capsules long-stalked. ||
| Leaves ¼–½ in., orbicular, sharply toothed, membranous | 14. E. linnæoides. |
| Leaves 1/8–1/3 in., suborbicular, entire or obscurely sinuate, subcoriaceous | 15. E. nummularifolium. |
| Leaves ¼–½ in., orbicular-oblong, thick and coriaceous, purplish below | 16. E. purpuratum. |
| Leaves ¼–¾ in., ovate, obscurely toothed. Flowers large, ¼–⅓ in. diam. | 17. E. macropus. |
| D. Dermatophyllæ. Suffruticulose, usually small, stems hard and woody at the base. Leaves more or less rigid and coriaceous. Flowers few, terminal or nearly so. ||
| * Fruiting peduncles elongated. |
| Much branched, slender, wiry, bifariously pubescent, 3–6 in. high. Leaves ovate, petiolate, ¼–⅔ in. | 18. E. gracilipes. |
| Stout, fleshy, prostrate, glabrous, 2–6 in. long. Leaves large, obovate-spathulate, entire, ¾–1½ in. | 19. E. crassum. |
| ** Fruiting peduncles short. |
| Stems prostrate or straggling, glabrous, woody at the base, 6–15 in. Leaves elliptic, coriaceous and shining, reddish, acute, petioled, ¾–1 in. Flowers ¼–⅓ in. | 20. E. brevipes. ​ |
| Stems decumbent, bifariously pubescent, 4–8 in. Leaves oblong or oblong-ovate, obtuse, coriaceous, glossy, ¼–¾ in. Flowers very large, ¼–¾ in. | 21. E. vernicosum. |
| Stems numerous, decumbent, 2–8 in. Leaves densely crowded, linear-oblong, coarsely denticulate, ½–¾ in. Flowers sessile, large, white, crowded, ⅓ in. Capsules almost hidden by the leaves | 22. E. pycnostachyum |
| Stems numerous, rigid, erect, black. Leaves crowded, linear-oblong, deeply toothed or almost lobed, ¼–⅔ in. Flowers small, 1/5 in. Capsules glabrous | 23. E. melanocaulon. |
| Stems numerous, erect, 2–6 in., grey with fine pubescence. Leaves crowded, linear-oblong, coarsely toothed. Capsules suddenly narrowed below the tip, finely pubescent | 24. E. rostratum. |
| Stems numerous, rigid and wiry, purplish-black, 3–8 in. Leaves small, uniform, ovate-obicular, entire, 1/8–1/5 in. Capsules silvery-pubescent on the angles | 25. E. microphyllum. |
| Stems numerous, short, 2–6 in. Leaves oblong-ovate, entire, ⅓–½ in. Flowers small, 1/5 in. Capsule glabrous | 26. E. Krulleanum. |
| Stems numerous, erect, 6–14 in. Leaves oblong or linear-oblong, obtuse, often reddish, sinuate-denticulate, ⅓–¾ in. Flowers 1/6–1/4 in. Capsules on short peduncles | 27. E. glabellum. |
| Stems branched, erect, 3–9 in. Leaves narrower than in E. glabellum, pale-green. Flowers 1/5 in. Capsules on peduncles that slightly elongate | 28. E. novæ-zealandiæ. |
1. E. pallidiflorum, Sol. ex A. Cunn. Precur. n. 550.—Stems leafy, terete, 1–3 ft. high, decumbent and rooting at the base and emitting numerous stolons, erect above, simple or branched, glabrous below, finely puberulous above. Leaves 1–4 in. long, opposite or the uppermost alternate, often semiamplexicaul, sessile or nearly so, lanceolate or linear-lanceolate or linear-oblong, gradually tapering to an acute point, irregularly denticulate or almost entire, glabrous or the margins puberulous. Flowers usually numerous towards the ends of the branches, large, handsome, ¾ in. diam., white or pale-rose. Calyx-lobes half as long as the corolla, lanceolate, acute. Petals obcordate. Stigma oblong-clavate. Capsules 2–4 in. long, finely and densely hoary-pubescent; peduncles shorter than the leaves. Seeds minutely papillose.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 61; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 81; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 305; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 292; Kirk, Students Fl. 169. E. macranthum, Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 297.
North and South Islands, Chatham Island: Abundant in marshes from the North Cape to Foveaux Strait. Sea-level to 1500 ft. November–February. Also in Australia and Tasmania.
A very distinct species, readily known by the large size, long acute leaves, and large white flowers.
2. E. chionanthum, Haussk. in Oestr. Bot. Zeitschr. xxix. (1879) 149.—Stems slender, 1–2 ft. high, decumbent and stoloniferous at the base, ascending above, simple or rarely branched, terete, glabrous below, usually thinly puberulous above. Leaves all opposite except the floral ones, distant, ¾–1½ in. long, sessile or nearly so, ovate-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute, ​pale-green, minutely denticulate, glabrous. Flowers in the axils of the upper leaves, few (1–6) large, ⅓–½ in. diam., white. Calyx-segments lanceolate, acute, puberulous. Petals obcordate, much longer than the calyx. Stigma capitate. Capsule 2–3 in. long. rather stout, puberulous; pedicels about twice as long as the leaves. Seeds smooth.—Monog. Epilob. 287, t. 22, f. 92 a, b; Kirk, Students Fl. 168.
North and South Islands, Chatham Islands: Abundant in swampy places from the North Cape to Foveaux Strait. Sea-level to 1500 ft. November–February.
A well-marked plant, easily recognised by the slender usually simple stems, distant pale-green and glabrous leaves, large white flowers, and smooth seeds.
3. E. Billardierianum, Ser. in D.C. Prodr. iii. 41.—Stems stout, leafy, ¾–2 ft. high, decumbent and woody at the base and giving off numerous stolons, strict and erect above, simple or branched, dull-green or reddish, usually with hoary-pubescent lines decurrent from the leaves. Leaves ¾–1½ in. long, variable in shape,, ovate or ovate-oblong to linear-oblong, obtuse or rarely subacute, sessile, lower opposite and often connate at the base, upper sometimes alternate, glabrous, finely and closely denticulate. Flowers numerous, small. 1/6–1/5 in. diam., pink, crowded in the upper axils. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, nearly equalling the petals. Stigma rounded-elavate. Capsules 1–2½ in. long, finely and evenly hoary-pubescent; peduncles shorter or slightly longer than the leaves. Seeds minutely papillose.—Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 293; Kirk, Students Fl. 170. E. tetragonum, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 60; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 80; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 305, not of Linn.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Abundant throughout, ascending to 2000 ft. November–February. Also in Australia and Tasmania.
The distinctive characters of this species are the robust habit, usually reddish stems, broad obtuse leaves, and numerous small pinkish flowers; but some varieties approach E. junceum very closely. Professor Haussknecht distinguishes two forms: a, simplex, with an unbranched few-flowered stem and small rather remote oblong leaves narrowed at the base; and b, major, which has the stem stouter and branched, and the leaves larger, broader, and cordate at the base.
4. E. junceum, Sol. ex Forst. Prodr. n. 516.—Stems erect or ascending from a woody decumbent base, ½–2½ ft. high, leafy, terete, stout or slender, simple or branched, hoary-pubescent or tomentose or nearly glabrous. Leaves opposite or alternate, sessile, often crowded, very variable in size, ½–3 in. long, oblong-lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, narrowed at the base, truncate or mucronate or acute at the apex, denticulate or sinuate-toothed, hoary-pubesceut or tomentose or almost villous, sometimes glabrescent. Flowers usually numerous towards the ends of the branches, small, purplish, 1/6–1/5 in. diam.; peduncles longer or shorter than the leaves. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, acute. Stigma ​clavate. Capsule 1½–3 in. long, glabrate or hoary-pubescent or tomentose; peduncles longer or shorter than the leaves. Seeds minutely papillose.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 551; Raoul, Choix, 49; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 60; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 80; Benth. Fl. Austral. iii. 304; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 289; Kirk, Students' Fl. 169.
An exceedingly variable plant, the numerous forms of which may be grouped in the three following varieties:—
Var. cinereum, Haussk. l.c. 290.—Stems slender, often much branched, usually more or less covered with fine appressed greyish-white pubescence, rarely glabrate. Leaves small, often crowded, ⅓–1 in. long, linear-lanceolate, entire or sparingly denticulate, acute or mucronate, finely ashy-pubescent or glabrate. Flowers small. Capsules 1½–2 in. long, slender, hoary-pubescent.—E. cinereum, A. Rich. Fl Nouv. Zel. 330; A. Cunn. Precur. n 544. E. incanum, virgatum, and confertum, A. Cunn. l.c. nn. 545, 547, 549.
Var. hirtigerum, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 60.—Stems tall, strict, erect, simple or sparingly branched, usually villous with soft spreading hairs mixed with shorter ones. Leaves 1–2½ in. long, lanceolate, acute or obtuse, coarsely and irregularly denticulate, both surfaces clothed with soft spreading hairs. Capsules 2–3 in long, hoary-pubescent or villous.— E. hirtigerum, A. Cunn. l.c. n. 546; Haussk. l.c. 291.
Var. macrophyllum, Haussk. l.c. 290.—Stems tall, often 3 ft. high, strict, erect, simple or sparingly branched, glabrous and often re dish below, finely and sparsely pubescent above. Leaves large, 1–3 in. long, lanceolate, acute or acuminate, rather thin and membranous, sinuate-denticulate, glabrous or the upper ones thinly puberulous. Capsules 2–3 in. long, hoary-pubescent.—E. erectum. Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxxiv. (1902) 390.
North and South Islands: Abundant from the North Cape to Foveaux Strait, ascending to 3500 ft. October–February. A common Australian plant.
The extreme states of the above varieties have a very distinct appearance, and might have been treated as species were they not connected by numerous intermediate forms, which make it quite impossible to draw strict lines of demarcation between them.
5. E. pubens, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 329, t. 36.—Stems ½–2 ft. high, slender, simple or branched, decumbent and woody at the base, erect above, terete, uniformly clothed with a short fine pubescence. Leaves all alternate or the very lowest alone ooposite, ½–1½ in. long, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse or rarely subacute, narrowed into slender petioles, pubescent on both surfaces, membranous, toothed or repand-denticulate. Flowers in the axils of the upper leaves, numerous, small, 1/5–1/4 in. diam., white or pink. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, acute, puberulous. Stigma clavate. Capsules 1–2 in. long, hoary-pubescent; peduncles shorter than the leaves. Seeds minutely papillose.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 513; Raoul, Choix, 49; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 61; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 80; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 295; Kirk, Students Fl. 170.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Abundant from the North Cape southwards. Sea-level to nearly 4000 ft. October–January. Also in Australia, according to Professor Haussknecht.
6. E. confertifolium, Hook. f. Ic. Plant, t. 685.—Primary stems 2–6 in. long, creeping and rooting at the nodes, often forming ​broad matted patches; branches rooting at the base, ascending at the tips, terete or obscurely tetragonous, usually bifariously pubescent but sometimes obscurely so. Leaves opposite, usually closeset, often imbricating, shortly petioled, ¼–½ in. long, oblong or oblong-obovate or ovate, obtuse, fleshy, glabrous, entire or remotely obscurely denticulate; petioles broad, almost sheathing, connate at the base. Flowers few towards the ends of the branches, almost sessile, small, 1/5 in. diam. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, acute. Petals 2-lobed to the middle. Stigma clavate. Capsules ⅓–¾ in. long, strict, perfectly glabrous; peduncles shorter or slightly longer than the leaves. Seeds minutely papillose.—Fl. Antarct. i. 10; Handb N.Z. Fl. 78; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 295; Kirk, Students' Fl. 171.
Var. tasmanicum.—Pale-green, much more slender. Leaves ovate orovate-oblong, on longer petioles, usually more distinctly denticulate.—E. tasmanicum, Haussk. l.c. 296, t. 20, f. 84; Kirk, Students' Fl. 171.
South Island: Both varieties not uncommon in mountain districts, altitude 1500–5500 ft. Auckland and Campbell Islands: The typical form only, Hooker, Filhol! Kirk! Chapman! Antipodes Island: Kirk!
The slender creeping and rooting usually much-branched stems, oblong or obovate leaves narrowed into short petioles, the few small flowers, and the glabrous short-stalked capsules are the best marks of this species. Reduced forms of E. glabellum and its allies approach it very closely, but are much less prostrate and more hard and woody at the base. Professor Haussknecht's E. tasmanicum appears to me to be barely separable even as a variety.
7. E. pictum, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 538.—Stems few, slender, 8–10 in. high, decumbent and sparingly branched below, ascending or erect above, terete, finely and evenly pubescent, especially towards the tips of the branches. Lower leaves opposite, upper alternate, spreading, remote, ½–¾ in. long, linear-oblong to oblong or ovate-oblong, obtuse, sessile or shortly petioled, membranous, often blotched with grey, usually sharply and coarsely remotely denticulate. Flowers 2–6 towards the tips of the branches, small, pink, 1/5 in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, almost equalling the petals. Stigma narrow-clavate. Capsules 1–1½ in. long, slender, densely and evenly hoary-pubescent; peduncles short, never exceeding the leaves. Seeds smooth.—E. haloragifoliuni, Kirk, Students Fl. 177 (not of A. Cunn.).
South Island: Canterbury—Upper Waimakiriri, Kirk! T.F.C.; Craigieburn Mountains, Cockayne! Mount Cook District, T.F.C. Otago—Not uncommon in the mountain-valleys of the interior, Petrie! 1000–3000 ft. December–February.
Professor Haussknecht has suggested that this may be identical with Cunningham's E. haloragifolium (Precur. n. 552), an obscure plant gathered near the Waikare River, Bay of Islands, and this view has been adopted by Kirk in the "Students' Flora." But Cunningham's original description is so short and incomplete that it might stand for several species, and E. pictum has not yet been found in any locality in the North Island. Hooker referred E. haloragifolium to E. alsinoides, a plant not uncommon at the Bay of Islands, and it appears to me that this reduction is much more likely to prove correct.
​8. E. tenuipes, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 59.—Stems short, slender, 1–4 in. long, decumbent and rooting at the base, ascending at the tips, bifariously pubescent. Leaves opposite or alternate, crowded, rigid, erecto-patent, 1/5–1/2 in. long, narrow linear-oblong, lower ones obtuse, upper acute, narrowed at the base, glabrous, remotely denticulate or almost entire. Flowers few, solitary in the axils of the upper leaves or terminal, small, white, 1/6 in. diam. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, acuminate. Capsules slender, ¾–1 in. long, glabrous or puberulous; peduncles much elongated, very slender, 2–3 in. long, finelv pubescent. Seeds smooth.—Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 297, t. 20, f. 83; Kirk, Students' Fl. 171. E. nanum, Col. in Trons. N.Z. Inst. xxvi. (1894) 315.
North Island: Dannevirke (Hawke's Bay) and head of the Wairarapa Valley, Colenso! Ruahine Mountains, A. Hamilton! South Island: Not uncommon in mountain districts from Nelson southwards. December–January.
A pretty little plant, easily distinguished by the narrow linear-oblong erect leaves, very long fruiting peduncles, and smooth seeds. Specimens collected by Mr. Petrie on Mount Hikurangi (East Cape district) have much broader ovate-oblong leaves, but the long fruiting peduncles and smooth seeds are those of E. tenuipes.
9. E. Hectori, Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 298, t. 19, f. 82.—Stems slender, branched below, 2–6 in. high, decumbent and rooting at the base and then erect or ascending, pale-green or reddish, terete, uniformly clothed with short crisp hairs or bifariously pubescent. Leaves small, opposite, uppermost alternate, crowded or distant, ¼–½ long, oblong or linear-oblong, obtuse, entire or remotely denticulate, usually glabrous. Flowers in the axils of the uppermost leaves, small, erect, 1/5–1/4 in. diam., white. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, acute, shorter than the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules ½–1 in. long, purplish-red, obscurely tetragonous, usually pubescent on the angles, rarely glabrous; peduncles much longer than the leaves. Seeds smooth.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 172.
North Island: Ruahine Range, Herb. Colenso! South Island: Common in mountain districts from Nelson southwards. Ascends to 3500 ft. December–February.
Often confounded with E. alsinoides, from which it is separated by the much more erect habit, narrower leaves, purplish-red capsules with hairy lines, and smooth seeds. The capsule of E. alsinoides is always evenly covered with a grey pubescence.
10. E. alsinoides, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 540.—Stems 4–10 in. long, pale-green, slender, branched, decumbent or creeping and rooting at the base, erect or ascending above, terete, pubescent or more rarely glabrous. Leaves all opposite or the uppermost alone alternate, very shortly petioled, 1/5–1/2 in. long, orbicular or orbicular-ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse, rounded at the base, glabrous, entire or remotely denticulate. Flowers few in the upper axils, small, erect, 1/5 in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, acute, almost ​equalling the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules ¾–1½ in. long, uniformly clothed with pale-grey pubescence; peduncles elongating much as the fruit ripens, 1–2 in. long or more. Seeds papillose.—Raoul, Choix, 49; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 59; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 79; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 298, t. 23, f. 97. E. thymifollam, R. Cunn. ex A. Cunn. Precur. n. 539; Haussk. l.c. 297.
North and South Islands, Chatham Islands, Stewart Island, Antipodes Island: Abundant throughout, ascending to 2500 ft. November–February.
The small size and slender often prostrate habit, uniform roundish palegreen leaves, small flowers collected near the ends of the branche, long peduncles, and evenly pubescent capsules are the best marks of this common plant.
11. E. chloræfolium, Haussk. in Oestr. Bot. Zeitschr. xxix. (1879) 149.—Stems 6–18 in. high, stout or slender, usually much branched at the base but sometimes almost simple, decumbent or arcuate below, ascending or erect above, terete, glabrous except two pubescent lines decurrent from the margins of the petioles. Leaves opposite, remote, ⅓–¾ in. long, broadly ovate to ovateoblong, obtuse or rarely subacute, rounded or slightly cordate at the base, glabrous or nearly so, remotely denticulate or sinuate-tootbed; petioles short, broad, pubescent. Flowers in the axils of the uppermost leaves, rather large, white or rose, ⅓ in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, acute, much shorter than the petals; stigma oblong-capitate. Capsules 1–2 in. long, sparsely pubescent; peduncles longer than the leaves. Seeds papillose.—Monog. Epilob. 299, t. 19, f. 81; Kirk, Students' Fl. 172. E. perplexum, Kirk, l.c. 170.
North Island: Mount Hikurangi, East Cape, Petrie! Lee; Ruahine Range, Colenso, Petrie! Tararua Mountains, T. P. Arnold! South Island: Not uncommon in the mountains from Nelson southwards. 2000–4500 ft. December–February.
A well-marked plant, but at the same time a very variable one, especially in height, degree of branching, size of flowers and capsules, &c. Mr. Kirk's E. perplexum is merely a luxuriant form, and cannot be separated even as a variety, as the inspection of any large series of specimens will at once show.
12. E. insulare, Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 300.—Stems 6–18 in. high, slender, weak and flaccid, sparingly branched, creeping and rooting at the base, ascending or suberect towards the tips, often glabrous below, usually thinly pubescent above. Leaves opposite, the upper alternate, distant, ½–¾ in. long, ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse or subacute, very shortly petioled, thin and membranous, glabrous or nearly so, entire or obscurely sinuate-toothed. Elowers in the axils of the uppermost leaves, small, erect, white. Calyx-lobes oblong-lanceolate, apiculate, shorter than the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules 1–2 in. long, slenier, pubescent or glabrate. Seeds smooth.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 173.
North and South Islands: Abundant in lowland swamps from Tauranga and the Thames Valley southwards. Chatham Islands: Cox and Cockayne! November–February.
13. E. rotundifolium, Forst. Prodr. n. 161.—Stems 5–15 in. long, weak, creeping and rooting at the base, usually erect or ascending above but sometimes altogether prostrate, terete, pubescent or glabious. Leaves opposite, the uppermost alternate, thin and membranous, distant. ⅓–¾ in. long, orbicular or orbicular-ovate, obtuse, rounded at the base, petiolate, closely and sharply unequally toothed, glabrous or slightly puberulous, often reddish beneath. Flowers in the axils of the uppermost leaves, 1/6–1/4 in. diam., pale-rose or white. Calyx-lobes oblong-lanceolate, acute, shorter than the petals. Stigma narrow-clavate. Capsules about 1½ in. long, glabrous or sparingly pubescent: peduncles much elongated. Seeds papillose.—A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 326; Raoul, Choix, 49; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 58; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 79; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 299; Kirk, Students' Fl. 172.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Abundant in moist places from the North Cape southwards. October–February.
Allied to E. linnæoides, but at once recognised by the more erect habit, by the uppermost leaves being always alternate, and by the terminal inflorescence. From E. insulare it is separated by the larger rounder sharply toothed petiolate leaves and papillose seeds.
14. E. linnæoides, Hook. f. Fl. Antarct. i. 10, t. 6.—Stems herbaceous, slender, 2–8 in. long, creeping and rooting at the nodes, usually widely and irregularly branched, perfectly glabrous or with 2 faint pubescent lines towards the tips of the branches. Leaves opposite, ¼–½ in. diam., orbicular, petioled, flaccid and membranous, closely and sharply denticulate. Flowers in the axils of leaves remote from the ends of the branches, white or rose, 1/6–1/4 in. diam. Calyx lobes lanceolate, shorter than the deeply cleft petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules 1–2 in. long, perfectly glabrous; peduncles usually much elongated, 2–4 in. Seeds densely papillose.—Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 58; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 77; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 301; Kirk. Students' Fl. 173.
North Island: Ruahine Mountains, Colenso; Tararua Range, Buchanan. South Island: Not uncommon in damp mountainous places, chiefly on the western side. Stewart Island, Auckland and Campbell Islands: Most abundant, descending to sea-level. Antipodes Island: Kirk. Macquarie Island: A. Hamilton. Ascends to 4500 ft. November–February.
Approaches very close to E. rotundifolium, but can usually be separated by the smaller size, prostrate habit, leaves all opposite and uniform, and by the flowers being further from the ends of the branches.
15. E. nummularifolium, R. Cunn. ex A. Cunn. Precur. n. 535.—Stems herbaceous, slender, 2–12 in. long, prostrate and rooting at the nodes, much or sparingly branched, often matted, bifariously pubescent or quite glabrous. Leaves opposite, very variable in size, 1/8–1/2 in. long, orbicular or orbicular-ovate, rounded ​at the apex, shortly petioled or almost sessile, membranous or fleshy or subcoriaceous, entire or sinuate-denticulate; margins flat or slightly recurved. Flowers few, from the axils of leaves remote from the ends of the branches, very small, 1/8–1/6 in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, almost equalling the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules ¾–1½ in. long, glabrous or pubescent; peduncles much elongated, slender, 2–4 in. long. Seeds papillose.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 57; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 77; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 302; Kirk, Students' Fl. 173.
Var. pedunculare, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 57.—Stems shorter. Leaves smaller, more closely set, entire or nearly so; petioles shorter. Capsules glabrous; peduncles more slender.—E. pedunculare, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 5.36. E. cæspitosum, Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 301, t. 20, f. 85.
Var. nerterioides, Hook. f. l.c.—Shorter and usually more densely matted. Leaves smaller, thick and coriaceous; margins recurved. Capsules glabrous.—E. nerterioides, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 541. E. pedunculare var. aprica, Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 303.
Var. minimum, Kirk, Students' Fl. 174.—Very small. Stems ½–1 in. long. Leaves close-set, 1/10 in. diam., coriaceous; margins revolute. Capsule short and stout, ¼–⅓ in. long, exceeding the peduncle.
Var. angustum, Cheesem.—Stems 2–4 in. long, sparingly branched. Leaves remote, often deflexed, oblong to linear-oblong, entire or nearly so, hardly coriaceous. Capsules rather stout, ½–¾ in. long, glabrous or with a few scattered hairs; peduncles long. Perhaps a distinct species.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island, Chatham Islands: Abundant throughout, ascending to 3000 ft. Var. nerterioides also extends to the Auckland Islands and Macquarie Island. Var. minimum: Bluff Hill and Puysegur Point, Kirk! Var. angustum: Cass River, near Lake Tekapo (Canterbury), T.F.C.
An excessively variable plant. The varieties described above are simply prevalent forms, and pass into one another by insensible gradations.
16. E. purpuratum, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 77.—Stems 1–4 in. long, branched, prostrate and rooting at the nodes, perfectly glabrous, purplish-black. Leaves all opposite, crowded, horizontally spreading, ¼–½ in. long, broadly oblong or orbicular-oblong, obtuse, shortly petioled, thick and coriaceous, entire or obscurely minutely toothed, purplish below; veins indistinct. Flowers not seen. Peduncles springing from the axils of the intermediate leaves, stout, 2 in. long. Capsules as long as or shorter than the peduncles, stout, purplish-black, perfectly glabrous. Seeds papillose.—Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 303; Barbey, Gen. Epilob. t. 18, f. 2; Kirk, Students' Fl. 174.
South Island: Alps of Otago, altitude 4000–6000 ft., Hector and Buchanan!
Distinguished from all the forms of E. nummularifolium by the larger size, stouter habit, and purplish-black colour. I have only seen three indifferent specimens.
17. E. macropus, Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 812.—Stems numerous, slender, branched from the base, 3–9 in. long, decumbent or creeping and rooting below, ascending at the tips, purplish, more or less ​bifariously pubescent. Leaves all opposite, somewhat remote, ¼–¾ fin. long, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse or subacute, shortly petioled, obscurely denticulate or almost entire, perfectly glabrous. Flowers few, axillary, near or remote from the ends of the branches, large, white, ¼–⅓ in. diam. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, acute, glabrous, much shorter than the petals. Stigma shortly clavate, emarginate. Capsules 1–2 in. long, erect, glabrous; peduncles elongating much as the fruit ripens, 2–4 in. long. Seeds minutely reticulate.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 58; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 78; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 309, t. 22, f. 93a; Kirk, Students Fl. 179.
North Island: Ruahine Range, E. W. Andrews! Petrie! Rangipo Plain, Petrie! Tararua Mountains and Wainuiomata, Buchanan! South Island: Abundant in mountain districts throughout. Altitudinal range 1500–4500 ft. December–March .
The slender glabrous habit, distant ovate leaves, large flowers, and long fruiting peduncles separate this from all its allies.
18. E. gracilipes, Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxvii. (1895) 351.—Stems numerous from a woody base, 3–6 in. high, decumbent below, erect or ascending above, vviry, reddish, bifariously pubescent. Leaves opposite or the uppermost alternate, remote, ¼–⅔ in. long, ovate, subacute or obtuse, shortly petiolate, coriaceous, reddish below, obscurely and remotely denticulate. Flowers 1–3, solitary in the upper axils, small, white, 1/5 in. diam. Calyx-lobes oblong-lanceolate, acute, shorter than the petals. Stigma obliquely clavate. Capsules 1½–2 in. long, slender, glabrous; peduncles elongating much as the fruit ripens, often over 2 in. long. Seeds minutely papillose.—Students Fl. 178.
South Island: Canterbury—Broken River, J. D. Enys! Kirk! Craigieburn Mountains, Cockayne! Bealey, T.F.C. Westland—Kelly's Hill, Cockayne! 2000–4000 ft. December–February.
A handsome little plant, which approaches E. macropus on the one side and E. nummularifolium on the other.
19. E. crassum, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. ii. 328.—Stout, fleshy, perfectly glabrous, smooth and polished. Stems woody at the base, prostrate, creeping and rooting at the nodes, 2–6 in. long; branches short, densely leafy, ascending at the tips. Leaves opposite, crowded, thick and fleshy, ¾–1½ in. long, obovate-oblong or obovate-spathulate, obtuse, gradually narrowed into a long and broad sheathing petiole, obscurely and remotely denticulate. Flowers few, in the axils of the upper leaves, rather large, ⅓ in. diam. or more, white or rose. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, much shorter than the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules stout, erect, rigid, perfectly glabrous, 1½–2 in. long; peduncles longer than the leaves when fully mature. Seeds minutely papillose.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 78; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 309, t. 22, f. 93a; Barbey, Gen. Epilob. t. 18, f. 1; Kirk, Students Fl. 178.
South Island: Nelson—Wairau Mountains, Travers, T.F.C.; Mount Captain, Kirk! Mount Percival, T.F.C. Marlborough—Upper Awatere, Monro, Sinclair! Otago—Kurow Mountains, Buchanan! Petrie! Altitudinal range 3000–6000 ft.
A remarkably distinct species, in its ordinary state quite unlike any other. Its neatest ally is E. brevipes, which is a much larger and more erect plant, with shorter elliptic leaves, smaller and more numerous flowers, and much shorter fruiting peduncles.
20. E. brevipes, Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. ii. 328.—Stout, smooth, glossy, reddish-purple. Stems many from a woody rhizome, 6–15 in. high, prostrate or strags^ling, branched, ascending above, perfectly glabrous, densely leafy. Leaves all opposite, spreading, ¾–1 in. long, elliptic-oblong or elliptic-lanceolate, acute or subacute, gradually narrowed into a rather long petiole, coriaceous and shining, usually reddish, remotely denticulate. Flowers rather numerous, in the axils of the upper leaves, sessile, ¼–⅓ in. diam., white or rose. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, acute, almost equalling the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules ¾–1¼ in. long, slender, glabrous, exceeding the leaves; peduncles very short, hardly elongating in fruit. Seeds minutely reticulate.—Handb. N.Z. Fl. 78; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 307, t. 21, f. 89; Barbey, Gen. Epilob. t. 19; Kirk, Students' Fl. 176.
South Island: Marlborough—Upper Awatere, Monro, Kirk! Taylor's Pass, Spencer; Mount Fyffe, Cockayne! Kaikoura Mountains, McDonald. Nelson—Hanmer Plains, H. J. Matthews! Gorge of the Conway, Cockayne! Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Enys and Kirk! Cockayne! Altitudinal range 1000–3500 ft. December–February.
21. E. vernicosum, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. [[Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 28/Article 54#535|xxviii. (1896) 535.—Stems numerous from a woody rootstock, 4–8 in. high, decumbent or prostrate at the base, erect or ascending above, terete, bifariouslv pubescent. Leaves usually crowded, opposite or the uppermost alternate, ¼–¾ in. long, linear-oblong to oblong or oblongovate, obtuse or subacute, shortly petiolate, coriaceous, very glossy, usually reddish, obscurely and remotely sinuate-denticulate. Flowers 3–5 towards the tips of the branches, almost sessile, very large, ⅓–⅔ in. diam., pale-rose. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, acute, much shorter than the broad bilobed petals. Stigma shortly and obliquely clavate. Capsules (not quite mature) about 1 in. long, perfectly glabrous; peduncles apparently short. Seeds smooth (?)—Kirk, Students' Fl. 176.
South Island: Nelson—Mount Arthur Plateau and adjacent mountains, altitude 3000–5000 ft., T.F.C., Gibbs! Raglan Mountains and Wairau Gorge, T.F.C. Otago—Arrowtown, Petrie!
The shining leaves and large rose-coloured flowers, which are produced in great abundance, make this a very charming plant. The flowers are larger than those of any other New Zealand species except E. pallidiflorum.
22. E. pycnostachyum, Haussk. in Oestr. Bot. Zeitschr. xxix. (1879) 150.—Stems numerous from the top of a woody prostrate ​rhizome, 2–8 in. high, decumbent at the base and then erect or ascending, often reddish, simple or sparingly branched, usually with 2 or 4 pubescent lines. Leaves opposite or the upper ones alternate, densely crowded, ascending, ½–¾ in. long, narrow-oblong or oblong-obovate, obtuse or acute, narrowed into a short petiole, coarsely and remotely denticulate, glabrous or nearly so; lower ones often much reduced in size. Flowers crowded in the upper axils, hardly projeciing beyond the leaves, large, white, ⅓ in. diam. Calyx-lobes lanceolate, acute, much shorter than the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules ½–¾ in. long, sessile or nearly so, stout, glabrous, rarely exceeding the leaves. Seeds papillose.—Monog. Epilob. 306, t. 21, f. 88; Kirk, Students Fl. 176.
South Island: Nelson—Clarence and Waiau Valleys, Travers! Mount Captain, Kirk! Lake Tennyson, T.F.C. Canterbury—Mount Torlesse, Petrie! T.F.C.; Craigieburn Mountains, Cockayne! Arthur's Pass and Upper Waimakariri, T.F.C.; Whitcombe's Pass, Haast! Otago—Lake District, Hector and Buchanan. 2000–4500 ft. January–February.
Apparently confined to dry shingle slopes. A well-marked plant, not easily confounded with any other. The large white flowers are almost hidden by the leaves, and the ripe capsules hardly protrude beyond them.
23. E. melanocaulon, Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 813.—Rootstock stout, hard and woody. Stems numerous, arcuate at the base and then erect, slender, rigid, wiry, simple, black or purplish-black, obscurely tetragonous, glabrous except 2 or 4 faint pubescent lines on the angles. Leaves numerous, usually close-set, opposite or alternate, ¼–⅔ in. long, uniform, narrow linear-oblong, obtuse or apiculate, sessile or very shortly petioled, rigid and coriaceous, usually dark-red, glabrous, deeply and coarsely toothed or almost lobed. Flowers sessile in the upper axils, small, erect, 1/5 in. diam., white or pink. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, acute, shorter than the petals. Stigma shortly clavate. Capsules ½–1 in. long, slender, purplish-black, glabrous; peduncles very short. Seeds papillose. Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 60; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 80; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 307; Kirk, Students' Fl. 177.
Var. polyclonum.—Stems much more slender, branched. Leaves distant, spreading, not so deeply toothed. Flowers rather smaller.—E. polyclonum, Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 308, t. 20, f. 87a; Kirk, Students' Fl. 111.
North Island: Ruahine Range and mountains near Lake Taupo, Colenso! South Island: Abundant throughout in mountain districts. Var. polyclonum: Alpine localities in Canterbury and Otago, Travers! Buchanan! Petrie!
The typical form is one of the most easily recognised species of the genus, from the prominent characters of the numerous rigid simple purplish-black stems and small uniform deeply-toothed leaves.
24. E. rostratum, Cheesem. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. [[Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 28/Article 54#534|xxviii. (1896) 534.—Stems numerous from a hard woody rootstock, 2–6 in. high, decumbent at the base and then erect, simple or branched, terete, wiry, grey with a short uniform pubescence. Leaves opposite or ​the upper alternate, crowded, 1/6–1/2 in. long, linear-oblong, obtuse or apiculate, coarsely toothed, rigid and coriaceous, glabrous or pubescent near the base, sessile or very shortly petiolate. Flowers rather numerous in the upper axils, small, erect, 1/8 in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, pubescent, almost equalling the petals. Stigma narrow-clavate. Capsules ½–¾ in. long, sessile or very shortly peduncled, stout, curved, suddenly narrowed below the tip, grooved, finely and closely pubescent. Seeds minutely papillose.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 177.
South Island: Canterbury—Shingly beds of streams, apparently not uncommon. Upper Waimakariri; Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, T.F.C. Otago—Naseby, Black's, Petrie! 1000–3000 ft. December–February.
This comes nearest to E. melanocaulon, from which it is distinguished by- its smaller size, paler colour, uniform pubescence, and especially by the short curved capsules, which are abruptly narrowed towards the tip.
25. E. microphyllum, A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 325, t. 36.—Stems very numerous from a hard and woody base, much branched below, 3–8 in. high, shortly decumbent at the base, erect strict and wiry above, dark purplish-black, hilariously pubescent. Leaves small, opposite or the upper ones alternate, 1/8–1/5 in. long, oblong or ovate-oblong or ovate-orbicular, obtuse, sessile or very shortly petioled, obscurely denticulate or quite entire, glabrous, coriaceous. Flowers few towards the tips of the branches, small, white or pink, 1/8 in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, acute, almost equalling the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsules ½–¾ in. long, strict, erect, purplish-black with 4 silvery pubescent lines on the angles; peduncles very short, hardly exceeding the leaves. Seeds smooth.—A. Cunn. Precur. n. 537; Raoul, Choix, 49; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 59; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 79; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 308, t. 18, f. 79; Kirk, Students Fl. 178.
North Island: East Coast and Cape Palliser, Colenso! near Waiapu, Petrie! Lake Waikaremoana, Elsdon Best! Tukituki River, Petrie! Orongorongo River, Kirk. South Island: Abundant in shingly river-beds in mountain districts. Sea-level to 3000ft. Papa-koura. December–February.
A well-known plant, easily recognised by the strict and wiry habit, purplish-black stems, small uniform leaves, small flowers, and dark-purplish capsules with silvery-pubescent angles.
26. E. Krulleanum, Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 305, t. 23, f. 95.—Stems numerous from a hard and woody base, 2–6 in. high, decumbent below, erect above, strict and wiry, densely leafy, bifariously pubescent. Leaves opposite or the uppermost alternate, ⅓–½ in. long, ovate or oblong-ovate, obtuse, shortly petioled, coriaceous, often purplish, entire or very obscurely denticulate. Flowers few in the upper axils, small, erect, 1/5 in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, acute, almost equalling the petals. Stigma clavate. Capsule strict, erect, glabrous, ¾–1¼ in. long; peduncles usually shorter than the leaves. Seeds papillose.—Kirk, Students Fl. 175.
South Island: Nelson—Hanmer Plains, Kirk! Canterbury—Krull, Haast. Otago—Mount Earnslaw and the Humboldt Mountains, Cockayne! 1500–3500 ft. December–February.
A very imperfectly understood species, of which much more complete specimens are required before its exact position can be determined.
27. E. glabellum, Forst. Prodr. n. 160.—Stems 6–14 in. high, usually numerous from a hard and woody base, decumbent below, strict and erect above, terete or obscurely tetragonous, often red or purple, glabrous with the exception of 2 or 4 pubescent lines decurrent from the petioles, simple or branched below, remotely or densely leafy. Leaves opposite or the upper alternate, ⅓–¾ in. long, ovate or ovate-oblong to narrow-oblong, obtuse, shortly petioled or almost sessile, perfectly glabrous, usually red or purple, often shining, from almost membranous to coriaceous, remotely sinuate-denticulate. Flowers in the upper axils, few or many, erect, white or pink, 1/5–1/4 in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, acute, glabrous, shorter than the petals. Stigma rounded-clavate. Capsules 1–2 in. long, slender, erect, glabrous; peduncles short, seldom much exceeding the leaves. Seeds papillose.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 59; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 79; Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 304; Kirk, Students' Fl. 174. E. erubescens, Haussk. l.c. 306, t. 23. f. 98; Kirk, l.c. 175.
North Island: Rare and local north of the East Cape, common in mountain districts from thence southwards. South Island: Abundant throughout. Sea-level to over 5000 ft. December–February.
One of the most variable and puzzling plants in New Zealand; excessively plentiful in hilly and mountainous districts in the South Island. I have re-united Professor Haussknecht's E. erubescens with it, finding it quite impossible to lay down a strict line of demarcation between the two plants. The true E. glabellum is less rigid, with more membranous distantly placed leaves, and the capsules are longer and shortly stalked. E. erubescens has numerous rigid simple stems, the leaves are crowded and erect, the flowers more numerous, and the capsules shorter and almost sessile. But intermediate states are plentiful, and many of them might with equal propriety be placed under either head.
28. E. novæ-zealandiæ, Haussk. Monog. Epilob. 305, t. 20, f. 86.—Stems 3–9 in. high, decumbent or prostrate at the base, erect or ascending above, branched, usually pale-green, bifariously pubescent. Leaves opposite or the uppermost alternate, ½–1 in. long, lanceolate or linear-oblong to oblong, obtuse or subacute, sessile or very shortly petiolate, rather thin, light-green, glabrous, obscurely and remotely denticulate. Flowers in the axils of the upper leaves, small, white, 1/6–1/4 in. diam. Calyx-lobes ovate-lanceolate, glabrous, shorter than the petals. Stigma shortly clavate. Capsules ¾–1½ in. long, slender, glabrous; peduncles usually longer than the leaves when the fruit is mature. Seeds papillose.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 175. E. elegans, Petrie in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxix. (1897) 425.
2. FUCHSIA, Linn.
Shrubs or small trees. Leaves alternate or opposite or whorled. Flowers axillary, solitary or clustered, rarely in racemes or panicles, usually pendulous, often handsome. Calyx-tube ovoid, produced above the ovary into a tubular or companulate 4-lobed limb. Petals 4, often small, rarely wanting, convolute, spreading or reflexed. Stamens 8; filaments filiform; anthers linear or oblong. Ovary 4-celled; style slender, elongated; stigma capitate, entire or 4-lobed; ovules numerous, attached to the inner angle of the cells. Berry ovoid or oblong, fleshy, 4-celled, many-seeded.
A beautiful and well-known genus of about 60 species, all of which, with the exception of the three following, are natives of America, from Mexico to Fuegia.
| * Flowers pendulous. Petals present, small. |
| Shrub or tree 10–40 ft. high. Leaves lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate | 1. F. excorticata. |
| Small shrub with long straggling branches. Leaves ovate or orbicular-ovate | 2. F. Colensoi. |
| ** Flowers erect. Petals wanting. |
| Stems very slender, trailing. Leaves small, orbicular-ovate | 3. F. procumbens. |
1. F. excorticata, Linn. f. Suppl. 217.—A shrub or small tree 40ft. high; trunk usually 6–18 in. diam., but sometimes reaching 2–3 ft.; bark thin, loose and papery; branches brittle. Leaves alternate, 2–5 in. long including the slender petiole, ovate-lanceolate or lanceolate, acuminate, entire or obscurely and remotely toothed, thin and membranous, green above, pale and silvery beneath. Plowers ¾–1¼ in. long, axillary, solitary, pendulous; peduncles long, slender. Calyx-tube inflated at the base, then suddenly contracted and again expanded into a funnel-shaped tube; lobes 4, acuminate, spreading. Petals 4, small. Stamens and style very variable in length. Berry oblong, purplish-black, juicy, ½ in. long.—Lindl. in Bot. Reg. t. 857; A. Cunn. Precur. n. 533; Raoul, Choix, 49; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 56; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 75; Kirk, Forest Fl. t. 36, 36a; Students' Fl. 180. Skinnera excorticata, Forst. Char. Gen. 58; Prodr. n. 163; A. Rich. Fl. Nouv. Zel. 331.
2. F. Colensoi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 728.— A small shrub with long stragyHng branches, sometimes producing slender tlexuous unbranched shoots several feet in length. Leaves alternate, very variable in size, ½–2 in. long including the petiole, ovate or orbicular-ovate, rounded or corriate at the base, thin and membranous, entire or obscurely toothed; petioles often longer than the blade. Flowers much as in F. excorticata, but shorter and proportionately broader, and petals smaller.—Kirk, Students' Fl. 181.
North and South Islands, Stewart Island: From the Northern Wairoa River southwards, but often local. Sea-level to 1500 ft. October–February.
A very variable plant, large forms of which almost pass into F. excorticata.
3. F. procumbens, R. Cunn. ex A. Cunn. Precur. n. 534.—Stems very slender, much branched, prostrate and trailing, often several feet long. Leaves alternate; blade ¼–¾ in. long, roundedovate or almost orbicular, cordate at the base, obscurely sinuate-toothed, membranous; petioles very slender, longer than the blade. Flowers axillary, solitary, erect, ½–¾ in. long; peduncles short, ¼–½ in. Calyx-tube cylindric, without raised ridges, pale-orange; lobes sharply reflexed, purple at the tips, green at the base. Petals wanting. Stamens erect, always exserted; filaments slender. Style longer or shorter than the stamens, or equal to them. Berry large, oblong or obovoid, ¾ in. long, bright-red, glaucous.—Hook. Ic. Plant. t. 421; Raoul, Choix, 49; Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 57; Handb. N.Z. Fl. 76. 728; Bot. Mag. t. 6139; Kirk, Students' Fl. 181. F. Kirkii, Hook. f. in Ic. Plant. t. 1083.
North Island: Sandy and rocky places near the sea, rare and local. North Cape district, J. Adams and T.F.C.; Ahipara, R. J. Matthews! Matauri, A. Cunningham; Whangaruru, Kirk! Whangarei Heads and near Ngunguru, T.F.C.; Cape Colville Peninsula, J. Adams! Great Barrier Island, Kirk!
A beautiful and graceful little plant, remarkable for being the only species known with erect flowers. As in F. excorticata, the flowers are trimorphic. In the long-styled form the flowers are smaller and narrower, much less brightly coloured, the style is exserted far beyond the anthers, the stigma is very large, and the anthers rather smaller. The mid-styled and short-styled forms appear to vary into one another: in the first the style usually equals the anthers, in the second it is shorter and included within the calyx-tube. The stamens are of equal length in all the forms.