The Houhere (Populnea Hoheria) is a fine large tree of the linden kind. Like that tree, its inner bark may be utilized for bass and matting. The flower is snow-white, and very handsome.
The Kaikomako (Pennantia corymbosa) will be much cultivated as a garden ornament. The flower is sweet-scented, and the fruit is edible.
This comprises the catalogue of native trees, so far as they are known in our shanty; but, it is said that there are nearly as many more varieties indigenous to the country, though considerably scarcer than any of those mentioned.
There are some shrubs noticeable for one reason and another. We are in the habit of collecting the seeds of such as have remarkably handsome blooms or leafage, and sending them home for our friends to try and raise in their conservatories. A few of our trees and shrubs will bear the English climate, if properly attended to. I have seen fair specimens in botanical gardens. Still, they will never attain their full proportions there. Our favourite flowering or foliage shrubs are these:—
The Akakura (Metrosideros scandens), a beautiful climber, which will develop into a tree if allowed to grow. It bears flowers like tufts of crimson silk.
The Akepiro (Olearia furfuracea), a shrub with velvety foliage.
The Angi-angi (Geniostoma ligustrifolium), a shrub with a white flower.
The Kaikaiatua (Rhabdothamnus Solandri). The Maori evidently appreciated some part of this plant, the name of it signifying "Food of Gods," precisely the same title by which the old Greeks spoke of certain dainty mushrooms. It has a fine orange and red-striped blossom.
The Kapuka (Griselinia littoralis), a small tree with a yellow-green foliage.
The Karamu or Papaumu (Coprosma, sp.), a family of pretty flowering shrubs.