Violarieæ.

Melicytus raniflorus, Forst. In many parts of Banks' Peninsula, this tree is known as “Cowleaf,” from the avidity with which its leaves are devoured by cattle. Tolerably hardy, this close-growing shrub, with its dark green lanceolate leaves, is admirably adapted for screen hedges; it will bear cutting-in to any extent. It thrives in any ordinary soil, is easily raised from seed. Its bluish black fruit, with which its sprays are clustered, form a favourite food for birds. In June, 1868, we found on the Peninsula, a variety of this species with white seeds. Flowering season is in November.

Melcytus lanceolatus, Hook. f. A handsome pale green shrub with very long lanceolate leaves, its purplish flowers are very small. This plant will not thrive well in a very bleak exposure, but with a little attention to shelter its growth will be found very rapid. Flowers as early as August.