CLEANLINESS

Manawatu Herald, 13 June 1895, Page 2

CLEANLINESS

Brings comfort and health, adorns living, and gives existence a ohavm. Enjoined with Wolfe's Sohnnpps it imparts real enJoyment.

Numerous communication's have beetl received asking for information about the so-called "codlin-moth plant."

Public attention was first directed to this plant in New Zealand by Mr Maskell, who received specimens from Major Lockett, of Wanganui, and submitted them to Professor Kirk for identification.

This plant is a climber, with beautiful white waxy flowers.

Moths of several species and considerable size are caught in large numbers, and occasionally a bee falls a victim ; but I never saw a codli n ■ moth ( Carpompm pomonetta) captured by it.

The cut is a very good representation ot the plant, and shows the mode in which the insects are held, but as the " trap " is connected with the reproductive organs, and is therefore not seen in the above figures, it may be well to give a few words concerning it.

If the corolla be carefully cut away five small black shining objects will be seen. These are hollow, tubular, and have a slit extending from the top to the bottom. The margins are turned in. The flowery

being white and slightly perfumed, attract the moths, most of which are night-fliers, and when the insect alights on the flower a .drop of nectar is expelled, the proboscis is inserted, and to obtain the coveted sweet passes down the flower and through the tube described. This is easily accomplished, but when the owner attempts to withdraw big trunk it is held fast, and the insect is a prisoner, held by bis nose. Sometimes the captive escapes, and in that case carries the pollen to another flower and fertilises it ; but with New Zealand moths in a largo number of instances the first visit is fatal, and the second always. Death, however, is not speedy, and I have seen moths linger for a week.

Though the plant does not, at any rate in this country, catch small moths, yet it certainly does good, for very many of the larger kinds caught are captured before ovipositing. The plant, moreover, is a handsome climber, and adds a very distinct charm to the garden g were grown.

It is a native of Brazil, and the scientific name is Aranja albtm.

It is easily propagated by cuttings.