=The Flowers= are irregularly shaped, of an uniform red-purple, in small loose spikes. Two of the sepals are modified and appear to be petals. There is a concave lower petal with an appendage and two small petals. There are 8 stamens with peculiar-shaped anthers. The flowers appear from February to April and are very decorative and highly perfumed. =The Fruits= are winged seeds, 2 inches long, the seed portion being prominently ridge-veined and the wing with close parallel venation. They become red before drying to pale yellow and are conspicuous. =Uses.=—The root, which has a rank odour, is made into a concoction and taken as a purge. Bits of it are also worn as a charm. The seeds are crushed and used as a substitute for soap and a concoction of them taken as a cure for colds. The roots are sometimes an ingredient of arrow poisons. The name “Mother of Medicines” is given it from the number of medicinal properties possessed by the plant. [Illustration] =STERCULIA TOMENTOSA= G. & P.—_Kukuki_. STERCULIACEAE. A common tree which inhabits granite country and may be found in quantity on hills or in valleys amongst rocks. It does not occur in the extreme north on laterite formations. There is rarely any length of bole, the stem branching low down and the large, crooked limbs spreading wide apart to form a very open crown of irregular form. It can be distinguished at once by its purple bark. Amongst rocks the roots are above ground for several feet, clasping the boulders or creeping between the crevices. Root flanges are common. The branches are so soft in the wood that they, or even the whole of a fair-sized tree may be swayed to and fro by the hand, without difficulty. =The Bark= is purple and quite smooth except for occasional large grey scales which leave yellow patches of very distinctive appearance. A gum exudes from the crimson slash and a watery sap flows at certain seasons. =The Wood= is white and so soft as to be useless. =The Leaves= are about 4-5 inches long and 3½-4 inches broad, cordate with the lobes overlapping the stalk, roughly 3-lobed, the middle lobe being the most prominent and the outline of two other lobes at the base being sometimes visible. There are 5 main veins corresponding with these lobes. The leaves are light green and downy on both sides, the nerves prominent on the under surface. There is a stalk about 3 inches long. The leaves are soft in texture. =The Flowers= which spring from old as well as young wood are in small erect panicles 2-3 inches long, appearing February to April. The calyx is ½-¾ inches across, pale green with reddish lines from base to near tip, 5-lobed and downy. There are no petals. The stamens are on a column which is divided into 5 branches, each bearing 3 anthers. The anthers surround the style which is curved and finally the stamens drop off and leave the style exposed.