DEPARTMENT OF LANDS: A BOTANICAL EXAMINATION OF THE HIGHER WAIMARINO DISTRICT (REPORT ON), BY E. PHILLIPS TURNER.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1909 Session II, C-11

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1909. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF LANDS: A BOTANICAL EXAMINATION OF THE HIGHER WAIMARINO DISTRICT (REPORT ON), BY E. PHILLIPS TURNER.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Sir, — Department of Lands, Wellington, 4th May, 1909. I have the honour to submit herewith a report upon a botanical examination of the Higher Waimarino District by Mr. E. Phillips Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves. I have, &c, Wμ. C. Kensington, Under-Secretary. The Right. Hon. Sir Joseph G. Ward, P.C., K.C.M.G., Minister of Lands.

BE PORT.

The Waimarino district may perhaps be said to comprise all that extensive area of forest land and open plain that lies between the Wanganui River on the west and north, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu volcanoes on the east, and the Karioi-Pipiriki Road on the south, and contains about eleven hundred square miles. This large area, ranging from a few hundred feet above sea-level to over four thousand, probably contains most of the plants represented in the, central botanical province of New Zealand ; so in my present observations I propose to deal only with that part lying above 1,000 ft. above sealevel, specimens of which are included in the scenic reserves along the North Island Main Trunk Railway ; and I hope later on to deal with the low-lying area when reporting on the reserves that are to be cut out along the Wanganui River. At the height of about 1,000 ft. above sea-level the plant association may be said to be that of the Rotorua plateau, rimu, matai, totara, and white-pine being present to such an extent that the forest might be termed a taxad forest; rniro is also present to a lesser extent on the spurs. The soil is a light pumice, and in this the taxads seem to master other competitors in.life's struggle. At Kakahi I was particularly struck by not only the number of taxads, but also by their unusual size. The greatest height so far given for the kahikatea (Pndocarpus dacrydioides) is 150 ft.. but I had one measured there which went 196 ft., and there were others that looked as tall. The smaller trees of this taxad forest are tawa (Beilschmii>dia tawn), hinau (Elaeocarpus dentatus), white maire (Olea lanceolata), rcwarewa (Enightia excelsa), mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), horopito (Dritnys axillaris), rangiora (Brachyglottis repanda), patete (Schefflera digitata), titoki (Alectryon excelsum), houhou (Panax arbor'eum), raurekau (Coprosma granddfolia), lancewood (Pseudopanax crassijolium), tawhero (Weinmannia sylvicola), and toro (Myrsine salicina). On the margins of the forest tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides), tawhiri (Pittosporum tenuifolium), makomako (Aristolia racemosa), houhere (Iloheria popalnea), and fuchsia (Fuchsia exoorticata) are the prevailing plants. Lianes are plentiful : Metrosideros hypericijolia is seen frequently quite clothing the trunks of tree-ferns and the

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big trees ; supplejacks (Rhipogonum scandens), lawyers (Rubus australis, Rubus cissoides, and Rubus sohmideloides), Parsonsia heterophylla, Muehlenbeckia australis, Clematis indivisa, and Passiflora tetrandra are all seen scrambling over the lower shrubs or hanging in graceful festoons from the bigger trees. Tree-ferns arc well represented by the Wheki-ponga (Dicksonia fibrosa), punga (Cyathea dealbata), wheki (Dicksonia squarrosa), Hemitelia Smithii, and in a lesser degree by the mamaku (Cyathea medullaris). Among the smaller ferns are prominent the beautiful green lace of the Todea hymenophylloides ; Lomaria discolor, L. lanceolata, L. capensis, and L. fluviatilis ; the Polypodium, Billardieri, P. pemigerum, P. grammitidis, and P. australe ; Aspidium aculeatum var. vestitum, Aspidium aculeatum var. sylvaticum; Asplenium bulbiferum, A. flaceidum, A. falcatum, and A. lueidum ; and Hymenophyllum dilatatum, 11. demissum, H. inultifidum, H. scabrum, H. australe, and H. flabeUata ; some Todea superba are sometimes met with. In scrub and fern openings the manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), mingi (Leucopogon jasciculalus), and Leucopogon Frazeri, tutu (Coriaria ruscijolia), houhou (Panax arboreum) karamu (Coprosma lucida), tawhiri (Pittosporum tenuifolium), Veronica salicijolia, Gaultheria rupestris and G. fagifolia, and Cordyline australis and (,'. Banksii form the chief trees and shrubs. At Kakahi the rather rare Teucridium parvifolium was found on a fiat near the Whakapapa Stream. Along the stream, also, kowhai (Sophora telraptera) and Olearia nitida are plentiful. The bracken fern (Pteris aquilina) abounds here in scrub country. Half-way between Kakahi and Owhango the parasitic shrub Loranthus micranthus in two places was found growing on the common totara, a fact, I believe, not previously noticed. A noticeable absentee from this district is the kiekie (Freycinetia Banksii), so common elsewhere. The foregoing association shows little change till in the vicinity of Raurimu, 900 ft. higher, and fourteen miles farther south. Here the mountain-cedar or pahautea, locally kaikawaka (Libocedrus Bidwillii) and manoao or silver-pine (Dacrydium Colensoi) appear in force among the conifers ; there also come in rahutu (Myrtus pedunculata) and papauma (Griselinia littoralis) ; Pittosporum Colensoi has taken the place of Pittosporum tenuifolium ; Fagus Solandri and Fagus jusca appear along streams ; also Coprosma -tenuifolia and horopito (Drimys axillaris and I), colorata) arc some of the chief shrubs in the forest undergrowth. The tree-fern (Cyathea niedullaris) and the supplejack (Rhipogonum scandens) have practically disappeared, as also have the rewarewa (Knightia excelsa) and titoki (Alectryon excelsum), or else they have become very rare. The mountain cabbage-tree (Cordyline indivisa) is now to be seen projecting its stately crown above the tops of Pittosporum Golensoi, Panax Colensoi, and other small trees that form the forest-margin. Mountain flax (Phormium Cookianum), is also a new accession to the flora. The soil in this locality is generally a light-brown volcanic loam. As one ascends from Raurimu, rimu and matai, though still abundant, become much smaller in size. On the higher spurs near the Spiral short-barrelled totara (both the common and Hall's) and kaikawaka (Libocedrus Bidwillii) become very plentiful. On the Waimarino table-land a height of about 2,600 ft. above sea-level is reached. Here the forest differs largely from that at an altitude of 1,000 ft. Of the forest-trees, tawhero ( Weinmannia racemosa) is predominant; there is an abundance of Griselinia littoralis, white and black maire (Olea lanceolata and 0. Cunninghamii), toro (Myrsine salieina), and kaikawaka (Libocedrus Bidwillii) ; rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) and matai (Podocarpus spicatus) are still plentiful, though rather stunted ; the silver-pine (Da,crydium Colensoi) and the two totaras (rather dwarfed) are both present in fair quantity ; Cordyline indivisa is common ; Senecio Kirkii is seen perched in the forks of the biggest trees ; the forest is fringed with a dense growth of Phyllocladus alpinus, Aristotelia frutieosa, Panax anomalum, Melicytus lanceolatus, korimoko (Veronica salicifolia), Panax Colensoi and P. simplex, Pittosporum Colensoi, and Coprosma foetidissima, C. cuneata, and C. parviflora. The short and almost trunkless tree-fern (Dicksonia lanata) is fairly plentiful ; but Cyathea dealbata, Dicksonia squarrosa, Hemitelia Smithii, and Dicksonia fibrosa are present only in small numbers ; and in places the beautiful Todea superba is the chief covering of the forest-floor, often giving to the scene the enchanting beauty of fairyland. The undershmbs within the forest are chiefly Drimys axillaris, Drimys colorata, Alseuosmia quercifolia, Coprosma tenuifolia, G, foetidissima, and C. grandifolia, and Myrtus pedunculata, and Fuchsia excorticata. The bush lying to the west of the railway between Waimarino and Erua Stations carries some rather rare plants —viz., Aristotelia Colensoi ; one specimen of Panax arboreum var. laetum was found, Panax simplex var. parvum; and Pittosporum rigidum (here a bushy-topped tree, 15ft. high, and with mature leaves 1 in. long) was found growing in a clump of Olearia virgata scrub on the Waimarino Stream ; close by the latter were several shrubs of Hymenanthera dentata var. angustifolia, exhibiting, like the Pittosporum rigidum, extreme variation in the size and shape of the leaves ; Olearia nitida var. capillaris is also found here ; and in the bush the ferns Trichomanes renijorme and Lindsaya triehomanoides were seen ; this was the only locality where T found this Lindsaya, but it probably grows on the lower slopes. The Hoheria, populnea and Plagianthus betulinus (lacebarks) are here only rarely seen ; tawa is represented only by occasional small specimens ; Podocarpus dacrydioides is rare, Cordyline australis has only a few (but big) specimens. The lianes Muehlenbeckia australis and Muehlenbeckia complexa, Rubus australis, Rubus cissoides, and Rubus schmideloides, Parsonsia heterophylla, and Clematis indivisa are all plentiful. The Waimarino Steppe. Lying between Waimarino Station and Hauhungatahi Mountain, and trending generally in a north-easterly direction, is the Waimarino grass and shrub steppe, containing roughly some 150,000 acres of land. When viewed from 'Hauhungatahi this plain has the appearance of an extensive and irregular sandy desert lying spread out below the zone of forest that clothes the lower slopes of the mountain. Examined from its own surface, however, this apparent desert proves to be an. extensive alternation of peaty bogs and narrow dry tongues of land. The bogs bear a vegetation composed

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The Slender Tree-fern (Wheki), (Dichsonia squarrosa). The bases of the old stipites adhere persistently to the trunk.

[C. T. Salmon, -photo.

Group of Mamaku Tree-ferns (Cyathea medullaris. The trunk shows the scars left by the old stipites.

Face. y. S.]

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The Tree-fern Hemitelia Smithii. Showing the persistent habit of the dead rachides.

The Fibrous Tree-fern (Dicksonia fibrosa). Showing the persistent habit of the dead fronds.

"C. T. Salmon, 'photo.

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mainly of Oa/rex, stunted Phormium, Craspedia uniflora, Epilobium, Drosera, Hypolaena, Carpha, and Cehmisia longifolia. The dry tongues are clothed principally with Danthonia Raoulii, Poa Caespit'isa, Hierochloe redolens (sweet-scented holy grass, " Karetu " of the Maoris), manoao (Dracophyllum subulatum), spear-grass, Aciphylla squarrosa, Coprosma depressa, Vndnia rubra, hawkweed, and native dandelion (Microseris Forsteri), Celmisia longifolia and Celmisia glandulosa, Euphrasia cuneata, Viola Cunninghbmii, Leucopogon Frazeri, Pimelea laevigata, Mpacris alpina, Gaultheria antipoda, Wahlenbergia saxicola, Gleichenia dicarpa, Lomaria alpina, Lycopudium scariosum, Herpolirion norae-zelandiae and the orchids Thelymitra longifolia and Microtis porrifolia; there are also occasional poor specimens of tea-tree (Leptospermum scoparium), which here has a hard fight to maintain its place with other competitors. The plants in this association are at all times of interest to the nature-lover ; but in summer , the bright blooms of the euphrasias, celmisias, native violets, orchids, native dandelion, the sparkling berries of the dwarf coprosma, the snowy or deep-red berries of the gaultheria., and the delicately bluetinted flowers of the wahlenbergia cannot fail to claim the attention and admiration of all who pass over them. This grass-steppe has once carried a dense growth of the small conifers Dacrydium BidwiUii, Dacrydium Colensoi, and Phyllocladus alpinus, as in many places their dead stems may be found beneath the surface of the more swampy parts. It seems probable that this growth has been destroyed by a, shower of hot ashes from one of the craters of the Tongariro cones. The trees on the dry places would be consumed, while those growing in the swampy places would only be killed, and, afterwards falling, would sink into the soft wet ground and be preserved. Along the small streams traversing this grassy plain are fringes or patches of scrub which consists principally .of Olearia virgata, Coprosma propinqua, Aristotelia fruticosa, Carmichaelia flagellifiyrmis, Veronica salicina, Panax Colensoi, Pittosporum Colensoi, Phyllocladus alpinus, Coriaria rusdfolia, Coriaria thymifolia, Myrsine divaricata, Gaultheria rupestris, and occasional plants of Fagus cliffortioides, Corokia cotoneaster, and one or two Pittosporum rigidum plants. The Pittosporum rigidum here grows to the abnormal height of 15 ft., and shows extreme variation in size and shape of its leaves. Being accustomed previously only to the dwarf form (perhaps 18 in. high) that grows on the eastern side of the volcanoes, it was with astonishment that I received Mr. Cheeseman's decision that the two plants are one and the same species. In this scrub fringe are an abundance of the ferns A.spidium aculeatum var. vestitum, Hypolepis tenuijolium, Lomaria alpina, Lomaria capensis, Lomaria fluviatilis, Gleichenia Cunninghamii, and Polypodium punctatum, with Phormium tenax and Arundo conspicua. On that part of the plain intersected by the Mangahuia and Whakapapa Streams, at an elevation of about 2,800 ft., the mountain-beech (Fagus cliff ortioides) predominates to such an extent that tin; forest here might be called a mountain-beech forest, the only conifers being Libocedrus BidwiUii and Phyllocladus alpinus, with an occasional Dacrydium Colensoi and Podocarpus Hallii. The other chief plants are broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis), tawhero ( Weinmannia racemosa), pokaka (Elaeocarpus Hookerianus), Panax Colensoi, and Panax simplex. The undergrowth is principally Coprosma tenuifolia and C. foetidissima, Myrtus pedunculata, Aristotelia fruticosa, horopito (Drimys axillaris and Drimys colorata), Coprosma cuneata, Veronica salicifolia, Pittosporum Colensoi, Leucopogon fasciculatus, and Gaultheria antipoda, Gleichenia Cunninghamii, L,omaria discolor and L. capensis, and Cordyline indivisa are in abundance. This association of plants extends from the junction of the Mangahuia and Whakapapa-iti to the. forest-limit up the slopes of Ruapehu. There are numerous openings in the forest in this locality which carry the same plant covering as that above described for the grass-steppe. These openings have probably been caused by fires made by Maoris as they passed at different times from Taupo and Rotoaira to old settlements at Makaretu and Moturoa. In the neighbourhood of Erua, which is about 2,600 ft. above sea-level, and along the slopes of the volcanic mountain Hauhungatahi the forest is composed principally of tawhero ( Weinmannia racemosa), white maire (Olea lanceolata), black maire (Olea Cunninghamii), rimu (Dacrydium, cupressinum), matai (Podocarpus spicatus), Podocarpus Hallii, kaikawaka (Libocedrus BidwiUii), broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis), miro (Podocarpus ferrugineus), toro (Myrsine salicina,), Coprosma tenuifolia, C. foetidissima, and C. grandifolia, Fuchsia excorticata, horopito (Drimys colorata and D. axillaris), Dacrydium Colensoi, Myrtus pedunculata, papapa (Alseuosmia querdfolia), putaputaweta (Carpodetus serratus), houhou (Panax Colensoi), Panax simplex, Panax anomalum, lancewood (Pseudopanax crassifolium), karamu (Coprosma robusta), Aristotelia racemosa, Pittosporum Colensoi, Schefflera digitala, Coprosma cuneata, Coprosma parviflora, and Coprosma Colensoi. In this association, which is about a quarter of a mile wide and rises about 700 ft. above the plain, fern and moss life are abundant. Todea superba, Lomaria discolor, Lomaria Pattersoni, Lomaria lanceolata, Aspidium aculeatum var. vestitum are the chief. On the trunks of the cedar (Libocedrus BidwiUii) the remarkable and beautiful fern Hymenophyllum Mallingii is abundant; and I may here remark I found it on both dead and living trees of the cedar, and on one occasion on the trunk of a Dacrydium intermedium. Prom a height of about 3,200 ft. to about 3,800 ft. there are only occasional stunted rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum), Libocedrus BidwiUii having now become the most plentiful tree ; tawhero (Weinmannia racemosa) is still present; Hall's totara (Dacrydium, Colensoi and Dacrydium intermedium) are plentiful. The uppermost zone u of forest is mostly Phyllocladus alpinus, Dacrydium intermedium, Dacrydium Colensoi, Dacrydium J BidwiUii, Panax Colensoi, Panax simplex, Coprosma foetidissima, Coprosma cuneata, and Coprosma parviflora, and the grass Gahnia pauciflora. Above the last-described association one comes to a mixed growth of subalpine shrubs, grasses, and herbs, principally Senecio BidwiUii, Olearia nummularifolia, Cassinia Vauvilliersii, Veronica laevis Veronica buxifolia, Veronica tetragona, Pimelea buxifolia, Panax Colensoi, Dracophyllum recurvum.

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Dracophyllum subulalum, Gaultheria rupestris, Leucopogon Fraseri. Podocarpus nivalis, Daorydium laxifolium, and Phyllocladus alpinus. There are also prominent the herbaceous plants Celmisia speclainlis, Celmisia longijolia, Celmisia incana, Celmisia glandulosa. Helichrysum bellidioides, Ourisia macrophylla, Ourisia Oolensoi, Euphrasia cuneata, Gentiana bellidifolia, and Ranunculus nivicola : Boa Colensoi, Danthonia Raoulii, and Hierochloe redolens abound. Carpha alpina is also much in evidence. The foregoing plants extend up through the boggy slopes almost uniformly to two or three hundred feet from the rocky summit (about 5,000 ft.), where there are only a few gaultherias, celmisias, dracophyllums. Tolara nivalis, Veronica tetragona, Coprosma depressa, Poa Coknsoij &c, with lichens and mosses, to represent the vegetable kingdom. In the valley lying between Hauhungatahi and Kuapehu are large patches of mountain-beech forest, between which are boggy spaces carrying the shrubs, herbs, &c, that other similar localities in the district carry. Travelling from Erua in a southerly direction to Pokaka, the same approximate altitude of 2,600 ft. is kept; and the predominating forest-trees are tawhero (Weinmannia racemosa), Olea lanceolata, Griselinia littoralis, Myrsine salicina, Panax arboreum, Carpodetus serratus, Elaeocarpus Hookerianus, Libocedrus Bidwillii, Dacrydium cupressinum, Podocarpus spicatus, Podocarpus ferrugineus, Podocarpus dacrydioides, and some Fagus Solandri; with the usual undergrowth of Coprosma tenuifolia, Coprosyna grandifolia, and Coprosma foelidissima, Drimys axillaris, Drimys colorata, Myrtus pedunculata, with an abundance of the ferns Todea superba, Aspidium aculeatvm var. vestitum, and Lomaria discolor. The u;iant astelia (Astelia, nervosa), Enargea marginata, and Cordyline indivisa now form prominent features in the forest. The Cordyline indivisa (mountain cabbage-tree) almost takes possession of any neglected bush-clearing, and forms beautiful avenues along the roadsides. It is a shame that this queen of lilies should have a name that associates it with the kitchen-garden. Unfortunately, my best picture of it was spoiled. In the accompanying photo it is represented by only small specimens. In this stretch of country lie the Makatotc* and Manganui-a-te-ao Gorges, and, being some 300 ft. deep, they naturally carry plants that are not seen on the table-land above. For instance, Fagus cliffortioides is found on the gorge-sides, Cladium Sinclairii, Dracophyllum longifolium, Coriaria ruscifolia, Coriaria thymijolia, Gaultheria rupestris, Gaultheria. antipoda, Lomaria vulcanica, Senecio latifolius, Olearia nitida, Arundo conspicua, Veronica catarractae, Ourisia macrophylla. Calceolaria repens, Carmichaelia flagelliformis, Leptospermum scoparium, Cyathodes acerosa, Raoulia tenuicaulis, Helichrysum bellidioides, and the subalpine plants Ranunculus insignis, Veronica Hookeriana, Gentiana bellidifolia, Celmisia spectabilis, Cassinia Vauvilliersii, and Senecio Bidwillii here and there make their appearance on the river-beds. Travelling due west from Pokaka Station, though the altitude remains about the same, the dominant Libocedrus gradually lessens, and at a distance of about three miles from tin , railway the forest approaches in constitution that growing at the 1.500 ft. level. The chief tree components are rimu {Dacrydium cupressinum), growing much more luxuriantly than in the last-described localities, matai {Podocarpus spicatus), miro (Podocarpus ferruginea), Weinmannia racemosa, Griselinia littoralis, Olea lanceolata, Myrsine salicina, Carpodetus serratus.. Pennantia corymbosa, Panax arboreum, Pseudopanax crassifolium, Elaeocarpus Hookerianus, Olea Cunninghamii, Panax Edgerleyi, Elaeocarpus dentalus, Podocarpus dacrydioides, Coprosma Colensoi, Plagianthus betulinus, and Dacrydium Colensoi ; the undergrowth is principally Aristotelia racemosa, Drimys colorata and I), axillaris, Fuchsia excorticata, Coprosma tenuifolia and G. grandijolia, Panax Colensoi, Myrtus pedunculata, Coprosma foetidissimxi,, Melicytus ramiflorus and M. Innceolatus, Brachyglottis repanda, and Coprosma parviflora. Tree-ferns are more plentiful, the chief being Dicksonia fibrosa, and Hemitelia Smiihii, with occasional Dicksonia squarrosa and Gyaihea dealbata. Of small ferns, Todea superba, Lomaria discolor, Lomaria fluviatilis, Lomaria lanceolata, Lomaria, Pattersoni, Lomaria capensis, Pteris incisa, P. scaherula, and P. aquilma, Hypolepis distans, Hypolepis tenuifolia, Asplenium falcatum, A. fl.accidum, and A. bulbijorum, Aspidium aculeatum var. vestitum, Polypodium Billardieri, P. novae-zelandiae, and P. grammitidis, IJ'ymenophyllum puhherrimum, 11. demissum, and H. rarum, are all plentiful. The liases are Ilubus australis.. />'. cissoides, and R. schmideloides, Muehlenbeckia australis and M. convplexa, Parsonsia heterophylla and /'. capillaris, Clematis indivisa, and Metrosideros hypericijolia ; the Rhipogonum scandens is still noticeable by its absence. The soil in this locality is still a light-brown volcanic loam. Progressing from Pokaka, still at the same altitude;, in a southerly direction to Horopito, one traverses between the Fagus and taxad zone ; on the west the forest is composed -mostly of rather stunted Dacrydium, cupressinum (rimu), Podocarpus spicatus (matai), Podocarpus ferruginea, Libocedrus Bidwillii (cedar), Podocarpus dacrydioides, and occasional Dacrydium Colensoi. Between the railway and the base of Ruape.hu the forest-trees arc mostly -Fagus, Weinmannia racemosa, Griselinia littoralis, Panax arboreum, Elaeocarpus Hookerianus, with an occasional rimu. kaikawaka. totara, and matai. The chief shrubs and smaller trees are Myrtus pedunculata, young Fagus Solandri, Panax simplex and P. anomalum, Coprosmn tenuifolia and 0. foetidissima, Myrsine dinaricata, Pseudopanax crassi/ol urn, Leucopogon fasciculatus, Cyathodes acerosa, Coprosma robusta, C. propinqua, C. Colensoi, ('. cuneata, and C. parviflora. Astelia nervosa is plentiful on the mossy floor. In this locality I found growing on a rotten tree-trunk one or two very, large specimens of the orchid Chiloglottis cornuta. At about three miles from the railway the Fagus Solandri gives place to the Fagus fusca and Fagus Menziesii, which continue to the outer zone of forest, where Fagus cliff ortioides takes their place, and becomes the dominant tree. Advancing from Horopito to Ohakune (which is 2,000 ft. high) the taxads again become more vigorous, and another more noticeable change is the occasional instrusion of wedges of rata (Metro-

* ".Makatote " (which in locally mispronounced "Makkatote") is a contraction of the Maori "Manga katote"miniya meaning a branch of a river, and kalote being the name of the tree-fern fhmitdia, Smithii.

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The Silver Tree-fern (Ponga), (Cyathea dealbata). Showing the spreading habit of the fronds.

[C. T. Salmon, photo.

The Waimarino "Grass Steppe," with Danthonia Raoulii. Hauhungatahi and Ruapehu in background.

{Mr. Moore, photo.

Face p. If. l

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The Toi (Cordyline indivisa) in Highland Forest.

\T. A. Johnston, photo.

The New Zealand Cedar (Pahautea), (Libocedrus Bidwillii), at Horopito.

[T. A. Johnston, photo.

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sidefos robusta). These wedges of rata, it may be remarked, occur on or in the vicinity of spurs formed by old flows of andesitic lava; and Hear Ohakune Station the rata abounds on the slopes between some small craters and the steep shell-limestone hill called Raetihi. In this locality, growing on an Ole.a lanceolata I found a solitary specimen of Pittosporum Kirkii, perched in the forks of the highest trees in this locality are frequently seen the epiphytic daisy shrub (Senecio Kirkii) which, when in full flower, looks like a mass of snow. The summits of the flat-topped hills Raetihi and Rongokoupa are clothed chiefly with Fuchsia excorticata, tawhero (Weinmannia racemosa) and broadleaf ((friselinia Kttoralis). Down the course of the Mangawhero River there is a considerable wedge of Fagus Solandri with some Fagus fusca and Fagus Menziesii. Around Ohakune and towards the Raetihi Township rimu is the prevailing large tree ; tawhero, matai, miro, black* and white maire are also abundant ; whilst white-pine (Podocarpus dacrydioides) is plentiful in the swampy parts. The accompanying undergrowth has several new accessions here : there is an increased quantity of Alseuosmia querdfolia ; Melicytus rwmvfiorus is fairly plentiful; (fahnia xanthocarpa is common, also Hoheria populnca var. lanceolata, Pennantia corymbosa, Paratrophis heterophylla, and tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa). Here alone in the region under description I found a solitary plant of the parasite Tupeia antarctica growing on Olea lanceolata. The ferns Asplenium Hookcrianum var. Colensoi and the orchid Adenochilus gracilis were also found in this locality. In the Ohakune locality, perhaps, a greater variation is to be expected, as the presence of several small craters proves that volcanic action has here been particularly great ; and when the original plant covering was destroyed the-new growth would be almost certain to contain some plants that were not formerly there. These craters are, features of considerable geological interest. They are not merely the small craters that are often formed when lava from a big volcano flows over a swampy piece of land, and the gas generated by the combustion of the underlying organic matter explodes, and forms a crateral hollow. The same convulsion which produced Ruapehu may have produced these craters ; but that they are otherwise unconnected with Ruapehu is. I'think, proved by the existence between them and Ruapehu of the Raetihi hill, which is composed of unaltered shell-limestone rock. From Ohakune to Rangataua there is practically no change from the last-described association of plants ; but beyond Rangataua to the end of the forest on the Karioi Plains the beeches have descended in full strength ; here, however, the black-beech (Fagus Solandri) is subordinate to Fagus fusca and Fagus Menziesii. Taxads are represented only by occasional rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) and matai (Podocarpus spicatus). There is here little variation in the undergrowth; the beautiful lace-fern is not so plentiful, Lomaria. discolor, Lomaria Pattersoni, and Aspidium aculeatum var. vestitum sharing between themselves the ascendency. Coprosma rotundi/olia and Coprosma rhamnoides are common, and there is a greater, prevalence of the divaricating shrubs Myrsine divaricala, Panax anomalum, Elaeocarpus Hookerianus, and Aristotelia fruticosa ; the beautiful Cordyline indivisa is here, also, abundant. This beech forest continues uninterrupted for eight miles towards Ruapehu, giving out only on the appearance of Phyllocladus alpinus and Fagus cliffortioides. There is this, however, to be noticed : that on the lowest elevation Fagus Solandri predominates, on the next higher Fagus fusca, and then Fagus Menziesii, till the Fagus cliffortioides is reached at an altitude of about 3,600 ft. Why these plants should be found in the associations that they are found in can only be conjectured. As far as I have experienced, and from what lam informed by those who have a longer experience than lof the areas described, the climatic conditions all over are fairly similar. There is a heavy winter and spring rainfall over all the district; frosts in winter are severe ;| snow falls often ; and winds are, I believe, far less frequent here than in any other part of the Dominion : I have now spent in this district two summers and one spring, which are the windiest seasons in other parts of New Zealand, whilst here the usual condition has been one of comparative atmospheric tranquillity. That there should be a marked difference between the vegetation on the spurs and foothills of Ruapehu and that on a, plateau I,oooft. lower is easily comprehended: for in these cases, in addition to the marked difference in climate, there is also a great difference in soil-condition. On the slopes of Ruapehu the soil consists mostly of small particles of rock chemically little altered ; whereas on the plains the soil is generally a fine volcanic loam, which (though originally of the same composition as the other) has been more easily altered by the adtion of air and water, as the particles were finer. The "wedges of beech that penetrate the t'axad forest may be the result of a volcanic discharge of hot sand or lapilli which have destroyed the original plant covering ; the beech having succeeded as being the most suited to withstand the resulting exposed situation, and the (as yet) imperfect soil. A notable ieature, perhaps, of the district described is the number of plants with polymorphic characteristics. The photographs show specimens of the white hinau (Elaeocarpus Hookerianus), lancewood (Pseudopanax crassi folium), Panax arboreum, and Panax anomalum. Before obtaining its mature leaves, the white hinau bears three other forms of leaf ; sometimes all four forms are found together on young plants : but as a rule the leaves and habit of growth (very divaricating) of the young plant differ so much from the adult that many people, when told that the two plants are one and the same species, would be incredulous. Few, also, would recognise the very close relationship that there is between Panax arboreum, with its large, glossy, digitate leaves and open habit of growth, and the Panax anomalum, close-set, and with minute, lustreless leaves. I have already referred to the remarkable difference there is in appearance and habit of different specimens of Pittosporum rigidum. The lancewood is a tree so peculiar that most people have their attention attracted to it whenever they are in the bush ; but a complete stranger, seeing the young and the old tree for the first time, would find it difficult to believe they were identical in species. • A tree that is very plentiful in Waimarino forests is the tawhero, towai, or kamahi ( Weinmannia raccmosa) ; in fact, in many parts it is the dominant tree. It starts its life as a seedling in another tree that is decaying, and very often on a tree-fern. As it grows it sends down several aerial roots, which

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6

in the end kill the tree-fern, and, afterwards coalescing, serve as an ordinary tree-trunk. From irregular coalition the trunks have frequently quite a network appearance. The epiphytic habit is also very common with the Panax genus ; and Panax Edgerleyi and Panax arboreum are frequently seen growing high up on the trunks of tree-ferns, which will eventually be killed by the treacherous embraces of the aerial roots of the Panax. Another very plentiful plant in the bush is the red horopito (Drimys colorata), the bright-red leaves of which serve as compensation for the general absence of coloured flowers. It is remarkable how plants that are the most assertive in the lower plains give way to others in this table-land. The manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and bracken (Pteris aquilina), appear only as weakly specimens of their kind. Tree-ferns are far less plentiful than in lower districts, the two that are most seen being Dicksonia fibrosa and Hemiteha Smithii, both of which have their stems protected by a thick coating of fibre. Cythea medullaris disappears at an altitude of about 1,100 ft. The Forest economically considered. The Waimarino Forest probably carries in its timber the most valuable crop it will ever produce. In several localities riinu and matai are so plentiful that they are the chief forest-trees. The Maori owners of the land in some instances get as much as £8 an acre solely for the timber-rights. The bush worked by one sawmill in the Kakahi locality I was told was yielding 40,000 sup. ft. of rimu, totara, and matai to the acre. The bush in the Ohakune locality in several places yields over 20,000 sup. ft. of rimu, matai, and white-pine to the acre. The kaikawaka, or mountain-cedar (Libocedrus Bidwillii) is very plentiful in the Waimarino district. The mills do not yet convert it, but when its value is known there should be a strong demand for it, for it is quite equal to Australian cedar. Maire is very abundant, but, as steel is now so much used for the purposes for which it is valuable, the commercial value of it is doubtful. It is the strongest wood in the world, and it is also very durable. The red-beech (Fagus fusca) is admitted to be durable and strong, but it has many defects which make it unsuitable for building purposes. It will soon, however, become of value for fencing purposes ; and, Powellised, it may be of value for railway-sleepers ; it is fairly tough, and should hold the rails well. . ) The Waimarino Grass-steppe. The altitude of the Waimarino plain or grass-steppe is 2,600 ft. above sea-level. The winters are severe ; and the soil is of a poor pumiceous nature. The land, therefore, will never bo of value for farming purposes ; consequently, I think it would be a most suitable locality to reforest. Round the borders of the steppe trees of varied nature flourish, so there should be no difficulty in finding trees of commercial value to re-cover what (practically considered) is vow almost a useless waste. Many portions of the plain are, indeed, boggy ; but there is a good fall, and draining would be a matter of no difficulty. E. Phillips Turner, Inspector of Scenic Reserves.

LIST OF INDIGENOUS PLANTS IN WAIMARINO FOREST. Explanation of Abbreviations uked. N. = Northern botanical province of New Zealand. C = Central botanical province of New Zealand. 8. = Southern botanical province of New Zealand. Ch. = Chatham Islands province. Sub. = New Zealand siibantaretie islands province. Ker. = Kermadeo Islands province. End. = Endemic. Aus. = Australia and Tasmania. S.A. = South American and subantarctic. Pol. = Polynesia. Mai. = Malay and South Asian. Cos. = Generally distributed in tropical or temperate lands.

Natural Order arrd Species. (_ 1. Ranunculaceae. .'lematis indivisa Ranunculus insignia nivicola hirtus rivularis Magnoltaceae. Drimys axillaris colorata Distril Maori Name. English Name. R„,„,„a or Endemic. « alana - . Puawhananga ; Clematis .. j End. .. N. C. S. 1 Mountain-butter- End. .. C. 8. .. 1 cup I End. .. C. .. I Maruru .. Common N.Z. Aus. .. N. C. S. ( buttercup Ch. Waoriki .. Marsh-buttercup End. .. N. C. 8. 1 Ch. Horopito .. Pepper-tree .. | End. .. N. C. S. • I Horopito .. Pepper-tree .. ' End. .. ' N. C. S. 1 N. C. S. Forest. C. 8. .. Bed of Maungaturuturu River. C. .. Hauhungatahi and riverbeds. N. C. S. Grass-steppe. Ch. N. C. S. By streams and swamps. Ch. Distribution. Ibution. In the Waimarino Forest. Forest. Bed of Maungaturuti River. Hauhungatahi and riv beds. Grass-steppe. By streams and swamp Lower forest. Forest.; abundant. N. C. S. I Lower forest. N. C. S. < Forest.; abundant.

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The Crape-fern (Todea superba), forming the Forest-floor.

[C. T. Salmon, photo.

The Crape-fern (Todea superba).

\0. T. Salmon, photo.

Face p. 6.]

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The Margin of a Taxad Forest at Rangataua Crater-lake. Ruapehu in background, and midway between Raetihi Hill, a limestone bluff.

[Mr. Lilley, photo.

Fagus Forest in Gorge of the Manganui-a-te-Ao. Cordyline indivisa in foreground.

[Mr. Lilley, photo.

7

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List of Indigenous Plants in Waimarino Forest— continued.

Natural Order and Species. Maori Name. English Name. Distribution. Beyond New Zealand, or Endemic. Within New Zealand. In the Waimarino Forest. ■ I ' Crtktferae. Cardamine hirsuta . . Hairy bittercress Cos. temp. N. C. S. Ch. Sub. Forest, near streams. VlOLARIEAE. Viola filicaulis Cunninghamii Melicytns ramiflorus Common N.Z. violet Mahoe .. Whitewood End. .. Aus. N. C. S. OS. .. Forest. Swampy places. lanceolatus Hymenanthera dentata var. angustifolia Pol., Norfolk Island. End. .-. Aus. N. C. S. N. C. 8. c. s. Lower forest. Higher forest. By stream in scrub. PlTTOSPOREAE. Pittosporum tenuifolium Kohuhu or tawhiri End. j N. C. S. Lower forest and scrub. Colensoi rigidum End. .'. End. c.'s. .. c. s. .. Forest and scrub. 15 ft. high ; by stream in Waimarino grass-steppe. Higher forest. Forest. Lower forest-margin and in scrub. Kirkii cornifolium eugenioides Tarata .. Lemon-wood . . End. .. End. .. End. .. N. .. N. C. .. N. O. S. Tarata Lemon-wood . . Malvaceae. Plagianthus betulinus Manatu Manatu .. i Lacebark Lacebark End. .. N. C. S. Ch. N. C. S. Forest-margin to 2,500 ft. Hoheria populnea var. lanceolata Houhere Houhere .. : Lacebark Lace bark End. .. Forest-maTgin to 2,200 ft. Ttliaoeae. Aristotelia racemosa Colensoi .. .. i f r uticosa .. ... Makomako .. Makomako .. Wineberry Wineberry End. .. End. End. .. I N. C. S. as... N. C. S. Forest, common. Forest-margin. Margins of higher forests and scrub. General in forests. Forest to 2,400 ft. Elaeocarpus Hookerianus dentatus .. Pokaka Hinau Pokaka Hinau End. . . End. .. n. a s. n. a s. Geraniaceae. Geranium microphyllum Small -leaved nraneshill Small -leaved cranesbill End. .. N. C. S. Sub. N. C. S. Ker. Grass -steppe. Oxalis cornioulata var. ciliifera cranes Dili Forest-opening. Rutaceae. Melicope simplex End. .. N. C. S. Forest; common. Olacineae. Pennantia corymbosa Kaikomako . . Kaikomako .. End. .. n. a s. Forest; common. Coriarieae. Ooriaria ruscifolia .. ' Tutu tupakihi Tutu tupakihi 8. A. .. n. a s. Ch. a s. .. Forest by streams and in open country. By streams in high forest and open country. thymifolia .. .'..■'' Tutupapa Tutupapa .. 8. A. .. Leguminosae. Carmiehaelia flagelliformis .. ' Taunoka Taunoka .. N.Z. broom .. N.Z. broom .. End. .. n. a s. Grass-steppe and by lower streams. By streams at margin of lower- forest. Sophora tetraptera Kowhai Kowhai . . N.Z. laburnum N.Z. laburnum 8. A. . . n. a s. Ch. Rosaceae. Rubus australis .. .. ' Tataramoa . , Tataramoa . . Bush-lawyer .. Bush-lawyer .. End. .. N. C. s. ! Forest and. scrub at lower levels. Forest. Forest on Hauhungatahi, &c. cissoides schmideloides Bush-lawyer . . Bush-lawyer .. Bush-lawyer . . Bush-lawyer .. End. End. . . n. a s. n. a s. Aeaena novae-zelandiae . . 1 Piripiri Piripiri . . N.Z. burr N.Z. burr End. .. N. C. S. Grass-steppe and bushroads. Forest. sanguisorbae .. 1 microphylla var. depressa Piripiri Piripiri .. N.Z. burr N.Z. burr Aus., Tristan da Cunha End. .. n. a s. Ch. Sub. Grass-steppe. a s. .. Saxifrageae. Weinmannia racemosa .. I Kamahi, towai, tawhero Kamahi, towai, tawhero End. n. a s. Forest, and by streams in open. Droseraceae. Drosera arcturi spathulata .. Alpine sundew Spoon - leaved sundew Alpine sundew Spoon - leaved sundew Aus. Aus. c. s. .. N. C. S. j Hauhungatahi bogs. Bogs near Erua. binata. . . . . ' sundew Aus. n. a s. Bogs near Erua.

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8

List of Indigenous Plants in Waimarino Forest— continued.

Diil Natural Order and Species. Maori Name. English Name, Bevond New Zealand. W |J££,S eW or Endemic iea l aIM - ■ribution. In the Waimarino Forest. Hai.orageae. Haloragis depressa .. .. .. ... • Aus. .. N. C. 8. Gunnera monoica .. .. .. .. .. N. C. 8. Ch. Bog near Pokaka. Common on wet banks. Myrtaceae. Leptospermum scoparium .. Manuka, kahi- ! Tea-tree .. Aus. .. N. C. S. katoa ericoides .. .. Manuka . . White tea-tree End. .. N. C. 8. Margin of forest, and by streams in open. In open and by riverbanks in forest. On trunks of forest-trees and tree-ferns. At Ohakune, on foresttrees and tree-ferns. Near Ohakune, ,on foresttrees and tree-ferns. Forest, but local. Forest. Metrosideros hypericifolia ., I .. .', • Rata . . End. .. N. C. 8. Colensoi .. ' ■ • • • Rata ■ • End. ■ • N. C. .. scandens .. .. I Aka .. Rata .. End. .. N. C. .. robiista .. .. j Rata .. .. End. .. N. C. S. Myrtus pedunculata .. ' Rahutu ... .. End. .. J N. 0. S. ■..■'.•• i in bed of sulphur-stream, Horopito. Swamp in Pokaka Forest. 1 ■ . OnaghaRIE/E. Epilobium niimmularifolium [ .. hong - stemmed End. . . N. C. S. var. pedunculare willow-herb Sub. —- pallidiflorum .. .. .. Aus. .. N. C. S. Ch. juneeiim var. macro- .. Tall willow-herb Aus. .. N. C. S. phyllum pubens j .. . . Aus. .. N. C. S. Ch. insulare .. .. I .. . . End. .. N. C, 8. Ch. glabellvm .. .. . . Glossy - leaved End. ... N. C. 8. willow-herb Fuchsia excorticata .. Kotukuluku Fuchsia . . End. . . N. C. S. Plentiful in scorched forest at Pokaka. Forest near Pokaka. On roads through forest. Beds of livers in high country. In all forest. Passjfj.oreae. Passiflora tetrandra .. j Kohia . . .. End. . . N. C. .. In bush near Kakahi. Umbelliferae. Aciphylla squarrosa . .1 Taramea kuri- Spear-grass .. End. .. C. S. .. kuri Grass-steppe. Ligusticum aronraticunr . . . . ■ ■ End. . . G. S. .,. Hauhungatahi, Mangaturuturii Stream, Ate. Araliaceae. j Panax simplex .. . . Haumakaroa .. End. .. N. C. S. Sub. simplex var. parvum .. . • End. .. C. S. .. Edgeileyi . . .. Raukawa . . Lemon-wood . . End. .. N. C. S. anomalum . . . . Wauwaupaku Shrubby panax End. .. N. C. 8. var. micro- .. • • End. .. C. S. .. phyllum Sinclairii .. .. .. • • End. .. , N. C. . . Colensoi .. . . Houhou .. Ivy-tree .. End. . . N. C. S. arboreum .. .. Houhou . . Ivy-tree ..' End. .. N. C. 8. Ker. var. laetum .. • • End. N. C. Schefflera digitata .. .. Patete .. ... End. .. N. C. S. Pseudopanax crassifolium .. Horoeka. holro- Lancewood .. ' End. .. N. 0. 8. eka Common in forest. Forest near Ohakune. Common in forest. Forest. Forest, Ohakune. Highest forest. Forest, and sub-scrub. Forest. Forest west of Erua. Forest; common. Forest; common. Cornaoeae. Corokia cotoneaster .. .. • • | End. .. N. C. S. Griselinia littoralis .. .. Papauma .. Broadleaf .. End. .. N. C. S. | By stream near Erua. Common in forest. Caprifoltaceae. j Alseuosmia qurrcifolia :.. Papapa .. N.Z. .honey- ; End. .. N. C. .. suckle Common in forest. Rubtaceae. Co|irosma grandifolia .. Raurekau ka- .. End. .. N. C. .. nono lucida .. • • Karamu ' .. Yellow-wood .. End. .. N. C. S. robusta . . .. Karamu .. . . End. .. N. C. S. Cunninghamii .. Mingimingi .. . . End. .. N. C. 8. Common in forest. Forest and scrub. Forest and scrub. By streams and forestmargin. Forest. tenuifolia .. .. • • Soft-leaved co- End. .. N. C. . . prosma rotundifolia.. .. .. Round - leaved End. .. N. C. S. Forest. coprosma tenuicaulis . . .. .. • • • End. .. N. C. .. ihamnoides .. • • • • End. .. N. C. S. var. divaricata .. .. End. .. C. (N. andS.?) Kaitieke forest. Edge of forests. Edge of forests.

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Houhou (Panax arboreum); and P. anomalum. The large leaves are those of the houhou (Panax arboreum); the small specimen is Panax anomalum, showing its minute leaves and divaricating habit.

Heterophylly: Four Different Leaves which may be found at one time on the Pokaka (Elœocarpus Hookerianus). The largest are the adult form.

Face p. §.]

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Heterophylly: Lancewood (Pseudopanax crassifolium). The long are the juvenile and the short the adult leaves.

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9

List of Indigenous Plants in Waimarino Forest— continued.

2—o. 11.

Natural Order and Species. Maori Name. English Name. Beyond New Zealand, or Endemic. Within Ne Zealand. Di! rtribution. ' In the Waimarino Forest. Rubiaceae— continued. Coprosma parviflora End. . . N. C. S. Sub. N. C. S. N. C. S. Ch. N. C. S. Sub. N. C. S. C. S. Sub. as. .. Common in high forests. acerosa var. brunnea ] Tatarahake .. propinqua .. .. Mingimingi .. End. .. End. .. Grass-steppe. Forest, and by streams in scrub country. Common in higher forests foetidissima.. .. Hupiro, karamu | Stinkwood End. .. Colensoi cuneata depressa .. End. .. End.' .. Forest. In'highest forests. Waimarino Plain and .Hauhungatahi. Compositae. Lagenophora petiolata .. .. N.Z. daisy Olearia nitida .. .. .. Daisy-tree — var. capillaris.. End. .. End. End. .. N. C. 8. a s. .. a •Abundant everywhere. Common by streams. On bank of Waimarino Stream near forest. Lower forests. Hauhungatahi and Maungaturuturu Stream. Common by streams in open country. Hauhungatahi. Hauhungatahi. Grass-steppe, Ate. Grass-steppe and bog. Cunninghamii .. Heketara .. nnmmularifolia End. .. End. .. n. a.. a s. .. virgata End. .. as. .. Celmisia incana .. .. .. spectabilis .. .. .. Cotton-plant .. ■— longifolia var. graminifolia End. .. End. .. End. .. End. .. n. a s. as. .. N. a s. var. gracilenta glandulosa .. .. .. Bog-celmisia .. Gnaphalium keriense luteo-album Raoulia tenuicaulis Heliehrysum bellidioides .. .. Mountain-daisy End. .. End. End. .. End. End. .. n. a s. as... n. a s. N. a s. Ker. Sub. n. a s. a s. ch. Sub. a s. ch. a s. Sub. Grass-steppe. Bogs and wet ground. Banks of streams. Common on edge of bush and plains. In river-beds. Hauhungatahi and riverbeds. Waimarino Plains. Hauhungatahi and riverbeds. Lower forest. filicaule .. .. Cassinia Vauvilliersii End. .. End. Brachyglottis repanda .. Pukapuka Rangiora rariiriora Pukapuka rangiora End. .. n. a.. rangiora Seneeio latifolius .... Kirkii Bidwillii Microseris Forsteri .. End. .. End. End. .. Aus. n. a s. n. a as. as. In gorges. Ohakune, Kaitieke, and Hauhungatahi. Hauhungatahi. Grass-steppe. Styeideae. Oreostylidium subulatum End. a s. .. Grass-steppe. COMPANULA CE AE. Pratu* angulata . . .. .. ., Wahlenbergia gracilis End. .. Aus. n. a s. n. a s. Ch. as. .. Near streams. Karioi Plains, near forest. — saxicola .. .. . . Bluebell End. .. Grass-steppe. Ericaceae. Gaultheria antipoda .. Tumingi .. Snowberry .. antipoda var. fluviatilis var. depressa . . Snowberry perplexa .. .. I .. ■ • Tumingi End. .. End. .. AUs. End. .. n. a s. n. a s. a s. .. a s. .. In scrub and by rivers. Near streams. Grass-steppe near forests. Bed of highland streams and edge of forest. Hauhungatahi, Ate. Landslip in forest near Erua. Whakapapa River banks. Cliffs on Whakapapa River. | rupestris . . .. j rupestris var. lanceolata . End. .. End. .. n. a s. as. fagifolia oppositifolia End. .. End. .. a a Epacrideae. Pentachondra pumila Cyathodes acerosa .. .. Mingi empetrifolia ... Mingi Aus. Aus. End. .. n. a s. n. a s. n. a s. Sub. n. a s. n. a s. as. Grass-steppe. Forest on highlands. Steppe. Leucopogon fasciculatus .. Mingimingi .. j Fraseri . . Epacris alpina Mingimingi . . End. .. Aus. End. .. Forest and scrub. Grass-steppe and scrub. H a u h u n g a t a h i and steppes. Hauhungatahi. Steep banks of rivers. Steppes and on river-beds Dracophyllum recurvum longifolium .. Maka .. Grass-tree subulatum .. .. Manoao Maka Manoao End. End. .. End. .. a a s. Sub. n. a..

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10

List of Indigenous Plants in Waimarino Forest— continued:

Natural Order and Species. Maori Name. English Name. ~ Beyond" New Zealand, or Endemic. Diati Within New Zealand. ■ibution. In the Waimarino Forest. Myrsineae. Myrsine salicina .. .. Tore Urvillei .. .. Mapau, tipau divaricata *.. End. .. Red-birch .. End. End. .. . N. C... N. C. S. N. C. S. Forest. In bush near Kakahi. Forest and margin. Oleaceae. Olea Cunninghamii .. Maire raunui lanceolata .. .. Maire Black maire .. Aus. White maire .. Airs. N. C. .. N. C. .. Forest. Forest. Apocynaceae. Parsonsia heterophylla .. Kaiku capsularis .. .. Akakiore (?) .. End. End. .. N. C. S. N. C. S. Forest. Forest. Loganaceae. Geniostoma ligustrifolium .. \ Hangehange . . End. .. N. 0. .. Kakahi forest. Getttiasteae. Gentiana Griesbachii .. Small N.Z. End. .. gentian Common N.Z. End. gentian as. Near Mangawhero River, Ohakune. Grass-steppe, Hau hungatahi, &c. bellidifolia .. a s. .. Boragineae. Myosotis Forsteri .. .. j End. .. n. a s. Kaitieke Forest. Scrophtjlarineae. Calceolaria ropens Veroirica salicif olia .. .. Koromiko .. laevis . . .. . buxifolia tetragona End. .. End. .. End. .. End. .. End. .. a s. .. n. a s. c a s. .. a Kaitieke Bush, and gorges. Forest-margins. Hauhungatahi, Ate. Hauhungatahi, Ate. Hauhungatahi and riverbeds. River-banks. Mangaturuturu River bed. Hauhungatahi and riverbeds in highlands. Bogs in highlands. Grass-steppe. catarractae var. diffusa . .. Hookerianum Ourisia macrophylla .. ; End. .. End. End. n. a s. a .. a s. .. Colensoi .. ..I Euphrasia cnneata .. End. .. End. .. as. a s. .. Gesheraceae. Rhabdothamnus Solandri . . '. Waioatua End. ... n. a .. In bush at Kakahi. Verbenaceae. Teucridium parvifolium End. .. n. a s. Banks of Whakapapa near Kakahi. POLYGON ACEAE. Muehlenbeckia australis complexa .. .. Pohuehue axillaris .. .. \ Pol. End. .. Aus., Pol. n. a s. n. a s. as. .. Ohakune Forest. Forests generally Grass-steppe. Latjrineae. Beilsohmiedia tawa.. .. | Tawa End. .. n. a s. Lower forest. Proteaceae. Knightia excelsa .. .. Rewarewa .. Honeysuckle .. End. n. a .. Lower forests. Th ymelaeaoe ah, Pimelea buxifolia .. End. .. n. a .. n. a s. n. a .. Grass-steppe and Hauhungatahi. Grass-steppe, and scrub. Hauhungatahi. laevigata .. Drapetes Dieffenbachii End. .. End. .. LORANTHACEAE. I joranthus micranthus - tetrapetalus End. .. Scarlet, mistle- End. toe Scarlet mistletoe End. Yellow mistletoe j End. ' n. a s. : n. a s. Forest at Kakahi. Ohakune beech forest and Whakapapa beech forest. Karioi beech forest. Beech forests at Ohakune, Ace. — Colensoi ,. — flavidus ... a s. .. a s. .. Tupeia antarctica .. Pirita Green mistletoe ! End. n. a s. On maire in taxad forest, Ohakune. Urticaceae. Paratrophis heterophylla .. Turepo Urtioa ferox . . ... Ongaonga .. irlcisa .. .. Milk-tree .. End. Tree-nettle .. End. Aus. n. a s. n. a s. n. a s. Lower forests. Near Ohakune. Kaitieke Forest, Cupuliferae. Fagus Menziesii .. .. Tawhai fusca ... .. Tawhai raunui Solandri .. .. Tawhai rauriki cliffortioides .. | Tawhai rauriki Silver-beech . , End. Red-beech .. | End. Black-beech .. ' End. Mountain-beech | End. n. a s. i n. a s. i a s. .. as... Higher forest. Higher forest. Higher forest. Highest forest.

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The Houhou (Panax arboreum) growing as an Epiphyte from the Trunk of the Tree-fern Dicksonia fibrosa.

[C. T. Salmon, 'photo.

The Raukawa (Panax Edgerleyi) growing as an Epiphyte on the Tree-fern Hemitelia Smithii.

[0. T. Salmon, photo.

focc p. Zo.]

C. —11.

The Rata (Metrosideros robusta).

\C. T Salmon, photo.

11

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List of Indigenous Plants in Waimarino Forest — continued.

Natural Order and Species. ... i Maori Name. English Name. Di Beyond wit , h i n N( ,. New Zealand, or Endemic. Zealand - Dis itribution, J i r In the Wiihmmno i'urest. COKIFERAE. Libocedrus Bidwillii End. .. N. C. 8. Higher forests. Podooarpus totara .. Hallii nivalis ferruginous spicatus dacrydioides Dacrydium biforme Bidwillii Pahautea. kaikawaka Totara Totara Mountain-cedar Totara Mountain-totara Creeping totara Black-pine Black-pine White-pine Yellow-pine .. End. .. End. . . End. .. End. End. .. End. .. End. .. End. .. N. C. 8. N. C. S. N. C. S. N. C. S. N. C. S. N. C. 8. c. s. .. N. C. S. Lower- forests. Higher forests. Hauhungatahi. Common in forest. Common in forest. Common in forest. Hauhungatahi Forest. Base and on Hauhungatahi. Miro, toromiro Matai Kahikatea cupressinum intermedium Colensoi Phyllocladus alpinus Rimu Manoao Toatoa Red-pine Silver-pine End. End. .. End. . . End. .. N. C. S. N. C. S. N. C. S. N. C. S. Common in forest. Hauhungatahi. Common in higher forest. Common in highlands fringing forest. ()rchideae.5 Earina mucronata .. End. N. 8. C. Ch. N. C. S. N. C. .. N. C. S. Ch. Sub. N. C. S. N. 0. S. Ker. N. C. S. Sub. n. a s. Ch. n. a s. n. a s. Ch. Sub. as. .. Taxad forests. suaveolens Spiranthes australis Thelymitra longifolia Makaika End. .. Aus. . .. Aus. Lower forests. Bog near Erua. Grass-steppe. uniflora Microtis porrifolia End. Aus. Grass-steppe' and bogs. Grass-steppe. Prasophyllum Colensoi End. .. Grass-steppe.. PterostylisfBanksii .. Hooded orchid End. .. Edge of forests. . i •■ graminea Chiloglottis cornuta End. .. End. Edge of forests. Forest between railway and Ruapchu, 2,700 ft. ' Between Ohakune ami Ruapehu in beech forest. In gorges on banks. In gorges on banks. Adenochilus gracilis] End. .. Corysantb.es triloba.. macrantha End. End. .. n. a s. n. a s. Ch. Sub. IIUDEAE. Libe'rtia pulehella .. Aus. n. a 8. Forest, damp places. LlEIAOEAE. Rhipogonum scandens Kar-eao Kar-eao Supplejack End. .. n. a s. Ch. n. a s. n. a .. In forest below 2,001) ft. Enargea marginata Cordyline Banksii .. australis Puwatawata.. Tikapu whauaki Ti, ti-kauka, tirahau Toi Puwatu Tikapu uaki Ti, ti-k rahai Toi r»„...r..., iawat u v i kauki HI ita.. whata, ti- Cabbage-tree, palm-lily Mountain cab-bage-tree .i....... 1 S.A. End. .. End. .. n. a s. Forest. Makatote and other gorges Common below 2,000 ft. indivisa End. n. a s. Forest openings in highlands. On forest-trees. Common in damp forests. Astelia Cunninghamii nervosa Puwharawhara Puwhai trawl 'hara Bush-flax End. End. .. n. a .. n. a s. Ch. n. a s. Dianella intermedia Turutu Turutu Blueberry Pol., Norfolk Island N or f o1k Island Norfolk Island End. Aus. Bush gorges. Phormium tenax Harakeke .; Harake eke .: | N.Z. flax n. a 8. Ch. Sub. n. a s. In the lower open country. Cookianum .. Wharariki Wharar n'iki .. I Mountain-flax In the higher open country Artropodium candidum Herpolirion novae-zelandiae .. Rengarenga .. Rengar rengi ;a .. j N. (.!. S. as. .. Kaitieke and Erua Bush. Wet places in grass-steppe-. l Jtjncaceae. Juncus vaginatus .. Aus. n. a .. Swampy forest opening. Pokaka. Swampy forest openings, Pokaka, Ate. Common in swamp. Common in swamps. Swamp in forest, Erua. effusus Wiwi .. ! Rush Cos. n. a s. bufonius planif olius Luzula campestris Cos. Aus., S.A. End (?) .. n. a s. n. a s. n. a s. Thyphaceae. Thypha angustifolia Raupo Bulrush Cos. n. a s. In swamps. Naiadaceae. Potamogeton natans Cos., temp. n. a s. Stagnant water.

α-ii

12

List of Indigenous Plants in Waimarino Forest— continued.

Natural Order and Species. Maori Name. English Name. Distri I v Be 7 y ° r d „s Within New New Zealand, 7lPB i., nrt or Endemic. Distri bution. ibution. In the Waimarino Forest. Restiaceae.*' Hypolaena lateriflora Aus. N. C. 8. Ch. Bogs in steppe. Cyperaceae. Carpha alpina Aus. N. C. S. Sub. N. C. .. N. C. .:. N. C. S. Common in highland bogs Cladium Sinclairii Gahnia pauciflora .. xanthocarpa Uneinia oaespitOBa .. australis riparia rubra Carex ternaria var. gracilis .. ('utting-grass Cutting-grass ,. Ehd. Epd. .. Lord Howe Island End. End. .. End. End. End. .. N. C. S. N. C. S. Ch. N. C. 8. c. s. .. N. C. 8. Sub. as... On sides of gorges. Hauhungatahi Forest. Bush at Erua and Ohakune. Forest on Hauhungatahi, Ate." Forest on Hauhungatahi, &c. Forest near Erua. Grass-steppe. Boggy ground near Pokaka. Boggy ground near Pokaka. Boggy ground near Pokaka. dipsacea End. dissita End. .. n. a s. Gramineae. Bush oat-grass Holy grass n. a s. n. a s. Ch. Sub. a s. .. n. a s. Ch. a s. .. Forest near Erua. Grass-steppe, Ate. Miorolaena avenacea Hierochloe redolens Karetu End. Aus., S.A. Fraseri Deyeuxia Forsteri Toothed bent - grass Rod - tussock, Aus. Aus., Norfolk Island End. Grass-steppe. Edge of bush at Erua. Danthonia Raoulii .. Grass-steppe. semiannularis var. setifolia Arundo conspicua snowgrass Desert oat-grass End. a s. .';. ; Grass-steppe Toetoe N.Z. reed End. n. a s. Ch. n. a .. Up to 2,600 ft. Poa anceps Nodding plumed End. .. By stream in grass-steppe. caespitosa .. Colensoi Wi . . poa Tussock Blue-tussock .. Aus. End. .. n. a s. n. a s. Grass-steppe. Grass-steppe, Hauhungatahi. Grass-steppe. Grass-steppe. Kirkii Agropyrum scabrum Blue-grass End. .. Aus. as... n. a s. FlIJCES. Hymenophyllum rarum Filmy fern Cos. n. a s. Sub. Ch. n. a s. Forest, on rocks or trees. australe Filmy fern Ind., Mai., Aus. Bush at Kakahi. atrovirens . . pulcherrimum dilatatum .. Filmy fern Filmy fern Filmy fern Aus. End. Aus., Mai., Pol. Mai., Pol. n. a s. n. a s. n. a s. Ch. Sub. n. a s. Ker. Ch. Sub. n. a s. Ch. n. a s. Ch. Sub. n. a s. n. a s. Ch. Sub. n. a s. Ch. n. a s. Ch. n. a .. Hauhungatahi Forest.. Common in forests on trees. Common in forests on trees. demissum .. I Filmy fern Forest. scabrum Filmy fern .. I End. Forest, on trees. flabellatum Filrrry fern Aus., Pol. Forest, on trees. Malingii multifidum .. Silver filmy fern Filmy fern End. Aus., Pol., Mai. End. .. On mountain-cedar trees. Forest, or shaded banks. bivalve Filmy fern Forest, on ground or trees, Trichomanes reniforme Rauienga Kidney-fern .. End. In forest; rare. humile » Mai., Pol. n. a s. Ch. n. a s. Ch. n. a s. Ch. n. a s.. Sub. n. a s. Ch. n. a s. Ch. n. a .. In forest, on wet rocks or banks. In forest, on tree-ferns. venosum Aus. Cyathea dealbata .. Ponga Silver tree-fern Mai., Pol. Forests of lowlands. medullaris Korau, mamaku Black tree-fern Aus., Pol. In lowland forest. Hemitelia Smithii Soft-leaved treefern Slender tree-fern End. Forest to 2,700 ft. Dicksonia squarrosa WhekiEnd. Forest to 2,000 ft. fibrosa Whekiponga.. Fibrous-stemmed tree-fern Woolly tree-fern End. .. Forest to 2,600 ft. . lanata End. .. Forest to 2,700 ft.

C—ll

13

List of Indigenous Plants in Waimarino Forest— continued.

Natural Order and Species. Dist Maori Name. English Name. u„„„„^ « J? £?i „a Within New New Zealand, ,7„„i„.,j or Endemic. Zoalallcl - .ributioir. j In the Waimarino Forest. Fmces— continued. Davallia novae-zelandiae Lindsaya linearis End. . . N. C. S. Aus., Pol. N. C. S. Ch. Aus., Pol. N. C. S. Common maiden- Aus., Ker. N. C. S. hair Ch. Aus., Pol., N. C. S. Mai. Ch. End. .. N. C. S. Ch. Aus., Nor- N. C. S. folk Island R a u a i- u h e, Bracken .. Aus., S.A. N. C. S. rahurahu Ch. Sub. End. .. .N. C. S. Ch. End. .. N. C. .. Cos. trop., N. C. 8. Aus. Ch. Sub. Aus., Pol., N. C. S. Mai., S.Asia, Sub. Petipeti .. .. Aus., Nor- N. C. S. folk Island Ch. Sub. Aus., Pol., N. C. S. Mai. Aus., Pol. N. C. S. Ch. Aus., S.A. N. C. S. Ch. Sub. Piupiu .. .. Aus., Mai., N. C. S. Pol., S.A., Ch. Ker. S. Africa, Sub. Trop. Am. Taxad forest throughout. In swamp near Erua. trichomanoides Adiantum affine In Kaitieke Forest. On cliffs and river-banks. Hypolepis tenuifolia By streams in scrub ; bush roads. Sides of bush roads. distans .. Pellea rotundifolia In bush near Kakahi. Pteris aquilina var. esculenta Common to 2,000 ft. ; in scrub. Bush roads ; landslips. scaberula macilenta .. incisa Bush near Erua. By bush roads and streams. Common in highland bush. Lomaria Patersoni var. elongata —■ discolor Common in forest throughout. vulcanica Gorges and cliffs and riverbanks. lanceolata .. Common in forest. alpina Grass-steppe and upper forest. Throughout. capensis var. minor Hauhungatahi and Pokaka. Hauhungatahi by rill. Common in taxad forest. nigra .. .. fluviatilis .. .. I I End. .. N. C. S. Kiwikiwi .. .. Aus. .. N. C. S. Ch. Sub. End. .. N. C. S. Petako .. Drooping spleen- Aus., Pol., N. C. S. wort E. Africa, Ch. Asia Shining spleen- Aus. .. N. C. S. wort membranacea Asplenium falcatum In forest. In lower taxad forest. lucidum In lower forest. var. anomodum End. .. C. Limestone Cliff, Raetihi Hill, 2,800 ft., at Ohakune. Raetihi Hill, at Ohakune. Hookerianum v a r. Colensoi bulbiferum .. End. .. N. C. 8. Maku .. Common spleen- Aus., N. N. C. S. wort India, Sub. Penang In forest throughout. var. tripmnatum Raetihi Hill, near Ohakune. In forest throughout. flaocidum Rakautauri .. Pendent spleen- Aus., S. N. C. S. wort Africa Ch. Sub. Prickly shield- Aus., S.A. N. C. S. fern Ch. Sub. Aspidiurn aculeatum var. vestitum In forest throughout, and by streams in scrub. Forest near Ohakune. Forest near Karioi Village. Forest near Ohakune. var. sylvaticum Nephrodium glabellum Polypodium punotatum '.'. '.'. Aus.,' Pol. N. C." S. Aus., Pol., N. C. S. S.A., Asia, African islands Pol. .. N. C. S. Ch. Aus.,S.A., N. C. S. Tristan Sub. da Cunha pennigerum Bush throughout. australe Bush throughout. var. villosum.. grammitidis Aus. .. N. C. S. Ch. Sub. Aus., Nor- N. C. S. folk Island Ch. Ker. Aus., Pol. N. C. S. Ch. Ker. Sub. End. .. N. C. .. Bog umbrella- Aus., Pol., N. C. S. fern Mai. Ch. Bush on Hauhungatahi. Bush throughout serpens Forest-margins, on trees. Billardieri .. Forest throughout. novae-zelandiae Gleichenia dicarpa .. .. j Higher forest. Common in bogs.

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14

List of Indigenous Plants in Waimarino Forest— continued.

1 have throughout adopted the 'nomenclature and arrangement as given in Mr. Cheeseman's Manual, as that book is likely to remain for some years the chief book of reference. J have to thank the author for his kindness in determining some of the plants that 1 could not myself be sure of. E. P. T.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. (Jheeseman., T. P. " Manual of the New Zealand Flora." 1906. Cockayne, L. " Botanical Survey of the Tongariro National Park." 1908. " Botanical Survey of the Waipoua Kauri Forest." 1908. Field, H. C. " The Ferns of New Zealand." 1890.

A/iitroximate VOsl of Papefl. —Preparation (not given); printing (1,250 copies), Including illustrations- £38 7s. 6d.

Price Is.]

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington. —1909.

Distribution. Natural Order and Species. Maori Name. English Name. Bevond New Zealand, W J.™,",iS ew In the Waimarino Forest. or Endemic. | ■ 6eaUnd - I ' Filioes— continued. Gleichenia dicarpa var. alpina I , .. . . .. N. C. 8. ! On Hauhungatahi. Cunninghamii .. Tapuwac-kotuku Bush umbrella- End. .. N. C. S. In forest arid by streami fern Todea hymenophylloides .. Heruheru . . Single crape-fern End. .. N. C. 8. In taxad forest throug out. On Hauhungatahi. In forest arid by streams. OUL. superba .. .. Heruheru .. Prince of .. N. C. 8. In higher forests; comnn Wales's feather, double crapefern Botrychium ternatum .. .. Parsley-fern . . ; Cos. .. N. C. S. In manuka scrub, Kaka var. dissectum . . .. .. N. C. S. Edge of bush, Kakahi. In taxad forest throughout. In higher- forests ; common. In manuka scrub, Kakahi. Edge of bush, Kakahi. Lycopodiaceae. Lycopodium Billardieri .. Whiri-o-Rakau- Hanging club- .. Ker. N. On trees in forest throug tauri moss C. S. out. fastigiatum .. .. Alpine club- | Aus. .. N. C. S. Grass-steppe, Hauhuiuj moss Ch. Sub. tahi. scariosum ... .. ■ :..' Creeping club- Aus. .. N. C. 8. Sunny banks in Kaitie moss Ch. Sub. Bush. volubile .. .. Waewaekoukou Climbing club- Pol., New N. C. 8. Edge of forest. moss Cal., Aus., I Ch. Mai. Tmcsipteris tannensis .. .. .. Aus., Pol. I N. C. S. Epiphytic on tree-ferns Ch. Sub. Kaitieke Forest. On trees in forest throughout. Grass-steppe, Hauhungatahi. Sunny banks in Kaitieke Bush. Edge of forest. Epiphytic on tree-ferns in Kaitieke Forest. .....

C.-ll

Map showing WAIMARINO DISTRICT.