GIANT WISTARIA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 78, 23 October 1939, Page 5

GIANT WISTARIA

TE PUKE VINE LARGEST IN SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE What may be termed a perfumed paradise is the only description of the magnificent wistaria bower of Mr T. Palmer, now approaching its full bloom. The vine is reputed to be one of the largest, if not the largest, in the Southern Hemisphere. Springing from the one gnarled and twisted trunk, the bower spreads over an area of 300 square yards,, and is suspended on a series of arches which allow the long tendrils and clusters of blossom to hang as long as eighteen inches down, making a multi coloured canopy of the tender green of the foliage and the varied colour from the lightest cream tinged mauve to the deepest purple of the blossoms. It speaks highly of the age and vitality of the vine to know that the bowers have to be frequently extended to take in the additional clusters of bloom. The delicate perfume of this amazing handiwork of nature is almost beyond description. It is no exaggeration to state that the perfume can be noted as one passes the end of King Street. The perfumed air is, therefore, a delicate bait for the honey bee, and makes the bower a murmuring haunt during these bright days of sunshine. It is a sight one seldom sees during a lifetime, and worthy of the longest journey. Mr Paimer is only too willing for the public to see this rare beauty, and an invitation is extended to all nature lovers to visit the bower.