The structure of and growth forms and habits exhibited by the New
Zealand rain forest are described and compared with those of lowland tropical
rain forest. Theories relating to the frequent regeneration failure of the forest
dominants are outlined. The floristic affinities of the forest type are discussed and it
is suggested that two main elements can be recognized-lowland tropical and
montane tropical. It is concluded that the New Zealand rain forest is comparable to
lowland tropical rain forest in structure and in range of special growth forms and
habits. It chiefly differs in its lower stature, fewer species, and smaller leaves. The
floristic similarity between the present forest and forest floras of the Tertiary in New
Zealand suggest that the former may be a floristically reduced derivative of the
latter
