in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xiii. (1881) 351. V. diosmæfolia var. trisepala. Kirk in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xxviii. (1896) 525; Hook. f. Bot. Mag. t. 7539. V. trisepala, Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xv. (1883) 324.
North Island: Auckland—In various localities from the North Cape to Whangarei, but far from common. Hawke's Bay—North end of Te Kaweka Mountain, A. Hamilton!
The distinguishing characters of this well-known species are the narrow acute leaves, truly corymbose inflorescence, usually 3-partite calyx with obtuse segments, and comparatively short corolla-tube. Its nearest ally is V. Menziesii, which is separated mainly by the equally 4-partite calyx with acute segments, long corolla-tube, and larger capsules. Mr. Kirk has divided it into 2 varieties; one, which he considered to be the typical state, with rather broader and shorter entire leaves and a 4-partite calyx; the other, which answers to the V. trisepala of Colenso, and which he called var. trisepala, with narrower incised leaves and a 3-partite calyx. But entire or incised leaves occur in both forms, so that the difference between the two varieties really consists in the number of calyx-segments alone, or rather in the extent to which the two upper sepals are united. It seems hardly worth while keeping up a distinction founded on such a slight character, but if it is retained the form with a 3-partite calyx should be considered as the type, seeing that it extends through the whole range of the species, whereas the form with the calyx 4-partite is rare in the wild state. Cunningham does not mention the number of calyx-segments in the original description, but both Bentham (D.C. Prodr. x. 460) and Hooker (Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193) give the number as 3.
22. V. Menziesii, Benth. in D.C. Prodr. x. 461.—A compact perfectly glabrous shrub 3–8 ft. high; branches terete, leafy. Leaves usually rather close-set, shortly petioiate, suberect or spreading, ½–1 in. long, ⅕–¼ in. broad, lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate or linear-oblong, acute, rigid, coriaceous, flat or slightly keeled beneath. Racemes crowded near the tips of the branches, 1–2 in. long, peduncled, corymbosely branched, very rarely simple, erect or erecto-patent; rhachis slender, puberulous; pedicels variable in length. Flowers white or pale-lilac, ⅕–¼ in. diam. Calyx deeply 4-partite; segments ovate-oblong, subacute or obtuse, ciliolate. Corolla-tube nearly twice as long as the calyx, funnel-shaped; lobes oblong, obtuse or subacute, the anterior one narrower than the rest. Capsule ovoid, acute, more than twice as long as the calyx.—Hook. f. Fl. Nov. Zel. i. 193. V. Colensoi, Hook. f. Handb. N.Z. Fl. 209 (in part only).
Var. divaricata, Cheesem.—More sparingly branched; the branches slender, spreading. Leaves narrower, lanceolate, acute, often falcate, spreading or deflexed, not so closely placed nor so coriaceous as in the type. Racemes copiously corymbosely branched. Calyx-segments narrower, ovate-lanceolate, acute. Has much of the habit and general appearance of V. diosmæfolia, but differs markedly in the longer corolla-tube and narrower acute calyx-segments.
South Island: Marlborough—Pelorus and Tinline Valleys, J. H. Macmahon! Nelson, Bidwill! Maitai Valley, Kirk! T.F.C.; Lake Rotoiti, Monro, T.F.C.; Hanmer Plains, T.F.C.; Clarence Valley, Kirk! Otago—
