In this thesis the genus 'Sophora will be studied approximately along these lines: first, a study of the internal and external factors which have caused the divaricate juvenile

• non-divaricate adult to develop. This may be closely linked with the factors which have caused the divaricate shrub to develop. Second, a study of the apices of divaricate and non-divaricate species, the apex being the determining organ of the plant and finally, a study of the factors in New Zealand which may have caused the divaricate habit to become a characteristic feature of the New Zealand flora.