The vegetation on the top of the island is mainly composed of stunted tea-tree (Leptospermum scoparium) mixed with flax (Phormium tenax), common fern (Pteris aquilina), and some common sedges. A few ericetal plants grow in the shelter of the tea-tree, such as Leucopogon fraseri, Pimelea prostrata, Haloragis alata and H depressa, Lagenophora forsteri, Gnaphalium involucratum, etc. In one or two places, near the edge of the cliffs, some worn and stunted pohutukawas (Metrosideros tomentosa) can be found. In the deeper gullies, (several of which, it should be mentioned, contain nice streams of water,) the tea-tree attains a greater size, and is mixed with shrubs or small trees, but there is nothing approaching the dimensions of an ordinary forest tree. Descending from the highest peak into one of these gullies, the first plant of interest noticed was a new species of Coprosma, with the habit of the common karamu (C. robusta), but with leaves fully twice the size, and berries as large as small plums—in fact, the fruit is much the largest of the genus. For this plant I propose the name of Coprosma macrocarpa. Along the margin of the little stream which occupies the bottom of the gully were large masses of the rare Colensoa physaloides, which must present a charming appearance when covered with the pale blue flowers. Lower down a few small trees appeared, as the mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus), wharangi (Melicope ternata), and mangeao (Tetranthera calicaris). Among them was a remarkable new species, very distinct from any plant hitherto found in New Zealand. It falls into the genus Paratrophis (the Epicarparus of the "Handbook"), but belongs to the section Uromorus, of which only three species were previously known—one inhabiting the Fiji Islands, another Tahiti, and a third the Philippine Islands. The occurrence of a fourth species in New Zealand is a very extraordinary and inexplicable circumstance. I have ventured to associate with it the name of my fellow-traveller, Mr. Percy Smith.
A few tree-ferns were noticed, but all of one species (Cyathea medullaris). Of smaller ferns, Pteris tremula, P. comans, Lomaria procera, Doodia media, Asplenium flaccidum, Aspidium richardi, and Polypodium billardieri were all plentiful. So also was Lomaria acuminata, which has not been previously recorded from New Zealand, although abundant in Norfolk Island and Sunday Island.
I append a list of the flowering plants and ferns noticed, in all 82 species. Of this number five are new to the New Zealand The list is far from flora, three of them being new to science. being complete, and will be materially added to when the island is thoroughly explored. My visit was too short to allow me to do more than examine a small portion and I had no opportunity of landing on either the East or West King, both of which are covered with light bush, and doubtless have plants not found on the main island.
