Abstract
Volume 4 of Flora of New Zealand describes the naturalised dicotyledons, gymnosperms and pteridophytes, the groups covered by Volume I for indigenous species. New Zealand has a rich weed flora, about equalling the indigenous flora in number of species, and this is the first comprehensive account of these plants since H. H. Allan's Handbook of the Naturalised Flora of New Zealand of 1940.
Most of the plants included in this Volume are fully naturalised weeds. These range from weeds of garden and crops such as milkweed, black nightshade, shepherd's purse, and broomrape to more serious agricultural weeds such as gorse, nodding thistle, and Spanish heath, and poisonous plants such as hemlock, Jerusalem cherry and ragwort. However, many naturalised plants may be better regarded as wild flowers; these include naturalised roadside species such as everlasting pea, yarrow, viper's bugloss and Californian poppy, as well as casual garden escapes or persistent discards such as marigolds, antirrhinums, honesty and rambler roses. The many trees which are naturalised to varying degrees, especially gums, wattles, pines and willows, are also described.
This book is an identification manual intended for agriculturalists, horticulturalists, botanists, and anyone else who wishes to name naturalised plants. Within each family, keys also include genera with only indigenous species, and for genera with both indigenous and naturalised species, the indigenous species are also keyed out and described.
In total 1867 species are described and of these 533 are illustrated.
For each species the correct botanical name, common name, plant description, and known distribution and habitats are provided, as well as the region of origin and the date the species was first recorded wild in New Zealand. For many species there are also notes on taxonomy, synonomy, reproduction and ecology.
Cover illustrated by Pat Brooke.
Design includes: Lupinus arboreus, Rubus echinatus, Verbascum thapsus (front cover and spine). Senecio cineraria, Solanum marginatum, Brassica napus, Glaucium flavum (back cover).
