FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 99

Parson Brown and Pineapple budded on rough

lemon root, with one of the above named seedlings,

is an example.

Sawing large trees off at the ground or 18 to 24

budding sprouts, I consider a very poor system of

working over healthy trees. Cavities are sure to

form, later decaying to such an extent, the tree is

broken up by winds or split off by the weight of

inches above the ground and placing grafts or heavy fruit crops.

ORNAMENTAL TREES IN FLORIDA

Harold Mowry, Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville

One of Florida's greatest attractions and assets

lies in its plant life and the state has three en

viable major advantages that should be recognized

and utilized to the fullest—a tropical climate us

ually with an abundant rainfall, a wealth of native

plants, and conditions favorable to the growth

of an almost unlimited variety of exotics.

Florida's varied landscapes owe much of their

variety to the widely divergent types of native

trees. It would be anticipated that with an ele

vation factor of but slightly over 300 feet that

there would be a monotonous similarity of tree

growth throughout the state. This condition,

however, is far from true as is evidenced by the

panoramic diversity offered by the hardwood

hammocks, open pine forests, cypress, titi, and

gum swamp lands, palmetto-dotted prairies, man

grove, seascape, and palm-fringed keys and sea

shore, oak-clad ridges, and stream banks lined

with both hard and softwood trees.

Among the native trees of Florida are some in

digenous to the New England, the Appalachian,

and the South Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains

areas while others are found whose habitat includes

the West Indian and Caribbean Islands. The state

is thus an area wherein the plant life of the

temperate zone merges with that of the tropics.

Of marine origin, the area embraced by Florida

is both geographically and geologically young and

of necessity had to draw the most of its plant life

from other regions. In the northern sections of

the state the trees are predominantly those of the

southern Appalachian region while in the south

ern peninsular portion, where congenial climatic

conditions prevail, they are identical or closely al

lied to those of the neighboring Indian Islands.

Through the agencies of the sea and southerly-

coursing rivers, aided in part by birds and ani

mals, Florida has drawn in past ages on a vast area

for its now native plant life. This situation, to

gether with the probability of the development of

new species within the region, diversity of soil

types, obtaining climatic conditions, and slight

differences in elevation, has given to Florida a

greater variety of! native tree species than occurs

in any like-sized area of the North American con

tinent north of Mexico. About one-fourth as

many species of trees as are native to the United

States are found in Florida as indigenes.

Throughout the northern sections of the state

trees- of the temperate zone are in greatest num

bers, there being 50 or more species in that area

that are also native to the northern and north

eastern states and some 90 species that grow as

natives in the other southern states. Over one-

half of the latter extend their range well into the

central parts of the state. The tropical trees are

in greatest abundance in favored locations in the

extreme south, numerous ones growing here that,

because of climatic restriction, are not found else

where in the continental United States.

Most landscapes are in large measure dependent

on tree effects for dimension, profile and perfec

tion and for this reason trees may well be con

sidered as an indispensable element in landscape

composition. Other plants, of course, are required

for completeness but theirs is the minor role.

Without its complement of trees it is seldom that

a scheme of planting, whether it be a street, road

side, urban home or farmstead, has achieved its

100 FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

fullest objective. Through the influence of trees

a residence, street, or other site is set apart and

given an individuality and since trees are in them

selves the most permanent of plants they impart

to their immediate surroundings a sense of per

manence and stability.

Numerous and varied advantages are derived

from ornamental tree plantings but they are so

obvious and so well known that it is needless to

list them. It is mainly a question of variety and

adaptability for in Florida the number of available

varieties is so great that the choice is anything

other than a simple one. The adaptability of a

species to a specific location as well as use is of

paramount importance and must be given con

sideration for climate and soils vary enough that

a tree wholly adapted to one location may be

entirely unsuited to another.

Tender varieties planted in an area subject to

low temperatures can but ultimately prove a dis

appointment as will many species from colder re

gions when planted in the most tropical sections.

Soil type, and particularly soil moisture, also has

an important role since many species naturally

adapted to high dry lands do not find low un-

drained soils conducive to sustained vigor of

growth. Neither can all varieties that in nature

are found on moist soils be expected to thrive in

dry, sandy locations, even with regular fertilization

and irrigation. For seashore planting, the number

of adapted varieties is limited in that there are

few species that can withstand the combination

of dune sands and exposure to salt spray.

Much will depend on the local situation where

trees are wanted as to which of the numerous

species is best suited. The great variation in

mature size, habit of growth, and foliage and

flower characters make some especially well suited

to street or roadside planting, some to grouping,

and others to specimen planting. Thick foliaged,

spreading types are usually preferred for shade

but because of the difficulty of growing lawn

grasses and many shrubs in densely shaded situa

tions there are conditions to which those with

more open tops may be better fitted. If planted

about a building, its size and style of architecture

will have a bearing on the kinds chosen. Palms

seem to be ideally suited to Spanish types but not

so well to the English, while the adaptation of the

oaks would be the reverse; tall-growing, narrow-

headed trees may be used to enhance the beauty

and perspective of many types of larger buildings

but usually are not so appropriate to small, low

cottages or bungalows. The range of both native

and exotic species includes palms, conifers, broad-

leaved evergreens and deciduous sorts, with an

extreme diversity in size, shape, and coloration of

the foliage, flowers and fruits.

It is difficult if not impossible to differentiate

between ornamental trees and those other classes

or to choose any select group and designate its

members as ornamentals with the implication that

those not chosen are without beauty or value for

landscape planting. Differing as they do in size,

shape, foliage, and flower, some may have a

greater attraction or be better fitted for specific

locations but there is no tree species that does not

have an individuality and some degree of beauty.

Under some classifications those that do not pro

duce edible fruits or are of little or no economic

worth are termed ornamentals to the exclusion

of most fruit and many forest trees. Perhaps

the better use of the term ornamental would be

the broader one that would include any tree which

because of some character it may possess is de

sirable for inclusion in an ornamental planting.

Another source of some controversy is the indis

tinct and vaguely defined dividing line between

trees and shrubs since many small trees might

well be called large shrubs and many large shrubs

appropriately termed small trees. In a considera

tion of ornamental trees it seems best to include

those grown for ornamental effect regardless of

other uses or values they may have and to consider

as trees those plants attaining a height of 12 to

15 feet or more and normally having a single stem,

although in some instances the plant serves both

as a large shrub and a small tree.

Florida's number of native tree species is ex

ceptionally large but it is not at all improbable

that the number of introduced ones is greater.

Many of the latter are so well adapted that they

are now growing wild in many places as escapes

from cultivation. Trees from all continents have

found a congenial environment and there are

doubtless hundreds more of the world's tree species

that would thrive in some part of Florida were

they to be introduced. In this connection, the

FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 101

work of the Division of Foreign Plant Introduc

tion of the U. S. Department of Agriculture in

plant exploration is highly deserving of commenda

tion for through its efforts great numbers of for

eign plants, both economic and ornamental, are

being introduced and disseminated.

Due to the considerable variation in hardiness

among tree species as well as the failure of some

from colder regions to adapt themselves to warmer

climates and because of differences obtaining in

winter temperature minimums between the north

ern and southern sections of Florida there are

comparatively few that are wholly adapted to

statewide planting. Differences in the lower tem

perature extremes within the state are not great

but within that range is a critical point for many

tropical plants that suffer more or less severe dam

age, or death, when exposed for several hours to

temperatures below freezing. On the other hand,

many trees of more temperate climates apparently

require a period of dormancy that is induced by or

coincident with low temperatures and short day

length and consequently do not find a congenial en

vironment in the warm winters of the subtropics.

Thus, in the choice of trees for a given locality

their climatic adaptability is of first importance.

The number of kinds of trees planted as orna

mentals in Florida is almost unbelievable when a

total is given. There are some 850 tree species

native to the United States; Florida has over

one-third of these within her borders. Any of

the 300 native trees have actual or potential value

for ornamental planting although a large pro

portion of the total number are not utilized for

such purpose. Something approximating 200 dif

ferent species of palms, of the world's 1400 to

1500, have been introduced into the state. Exclusive

of citrus, of which there are many species and

which we must admit have an ornamental value,

there are over 50 species of the so-called fruit

trees—most of which have a distinct ornamental

value. Further, there is.an uncounted number of

exotic trees thriving under Florida's climatic

environment. Exclusive of palms and fruit trees,

there are now plantings embracing at least 50 dif

ferent families represented by some 250 distinct

species. Of these, the majority are introduced

varieties.

It is with considerable hesitancy that a few of

these are selected for discussion since many that

are just as attractive and just as valuable will

have to be omitted. However, it will suffice to say

that irrespective of the planter's wants as to

ornamental trees he will find available for most

situations not only one but several eminently sat

isfactory species.

The native oaks (Quercus sp.) are quite prop

erly utilized to a greater extent for specimen,

park, avenue and roadside plantings than any

other native or introduced tree. They are, as

proved by their long resistence, thoroughly adapted

to both climate and soils; are relatively free

of attack by insect or disease; and because of

their size and growth habit are admirably suited

for permanent ornamental planting. Botanists

credit Florida with 30 of the 354 species in the

United States, this number including several of

the natural hybrids. Within this range of species

are found both evergreen and deciduous sorts as

well as a wide diversity in mature size which

ranges from small shrubby specimens to im

mense trees.

For general planting the evergreen species are

chosen almost without exception. Those most

widely planted are the Live Oak, virginiana, the

Twin Live Oak, geminata, the Water or Laurel

Oak, laurifolia, and the Black or Water Oak,

nigra. The first three are found in nearly all

areas other than the extreme south so they may

be selected for planting anywhere than perhaps

on the Keys. The trees, however, attain their

largest size in the northern areas.

The Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphord) is

common in the northern parts of the state where

it seems best adapted but it is by no means re

stricted to that area. On suitable soils it is a

huge, spreading, round-headed tree reaching a

height of 50 feet or more. An evergreen, the

foliage is attractive throughout most of the year

except early spring. This species is the natural

source of camphor which is distilled from the

wood and leaves. The latter when crushed give

off the distinct camphor odor. The discovery of

a synthetic camphor substitute reduced the de

mand for the natural camphor so that the tree

offers no commercial possibilities from that

source.

102 FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Banana-shrub (Michelia fuscata) is an old

favorite in southern gardens. It is closely allied

to the Magnolias but at best is but a small tree.

The evergreen foliage is small, and a deep shining

green. Small, yellow flowers are produced

abundantly in the spring months and have an

odor strongly resembling that of a ripe banana.

The cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis),

is large and erect growing, is rare in Florida but

is of unusual interest because of its flowers and

fruits as well as for its close relationship with

the tree producing the Brazil-nut of commerce.

The flowers are borne on heavy, woody racemes

several feet in length that are attached only to the

trunk or larger branches. Huge, brown, hard

globular fruits, 7 or 8 inches in diameter and

filled with a malodorus pulp, are produced in

large numbers.

Because of its profusion of bloom and delicate,

fern-like foliage the Jacaranda (Jacaranda oval-

if olio) is one of the favorite flowering trees of

Florida. It is a large, spreading tree, attaining

a height of 40 to 50 feet. From April until June

long, loose panicles of large, lavender-blue flowers

are borne in profusion. For a short tinme prior

to blossoming the tree is partially or wholly with

out foliage.

The flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is a

small tree of rare beauty when in blossom

throughout the hammocks of the northern sec

tions. The true flower is in itself inconspicuous but

is subtended by four involucral bracts or scales

that turn white and appear like petals to form a

corolla-like cup 3 to 4 inches across. Small scar

let fruits in tight clusters and the color changes

of the foliage add to its ornamental value during

the fall months.

The Brazilian Pepper, a small tree with the

large scientific name, Schinus terebinthefolius,

is an evergreen with attractive foliage and for

several weeks in the winter has numerous clusters

of small, bright-red fruits that add materially to

its ornamental value. It seems to thrive in all

but the coldest parts of the state. The California

Pepper Tree, although of the same genus, does

not seem to be adapted; your speaker has not

Vet seen nor heard of a thrifty specimen any

where in Florida.

Grown mainly for its fruit in Asia and Africa,

the Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) in Florida is

not considered in a commercial way and is planted

only as an ornamental. It is a large, round-topped

and spreading tree, usually low branching and

with a heavy trunk. The leaves are pinnate with

numerous finely cut leaflets and there is no sea

son when the tree is entirely without foliage. The

fruits are pods with a hard, brittle shell that con

tain a pulp that is acid but of a pleasing flavor.

The Royal Poinciana (Poinciana regia) is con

ceded by nearly everyone to be Florida's most

popular flowering tree. It blooms during the

early summer months, a mass of scarlet over

topping the broad top of deep green, finely-cut

foliage. For a time in spring prior to blossoming

the tree is practically without foliage and the

numerous heavy, strap-like pods are exposed to

view. Borne in large racemes, the individual

flowers are 2 or 3 inches across with the petals a

striking scarlet except for the upper one which

is tinged with yellow. The tree attains a height

of about 30 feet, the spread of its branches usu

ally equaling or exceeding the height.

Of the many species of Cassia only a limited

few are grown in Florida. All are relatively

small trees with pinnate foliage and are prized for

their flowers which are so freely produced in

large masses. Most are quite tropical in require

ment and should be planted only in protected

locations. Cassia fistula, the Pudding Pipe or

Golden Shower, bears a profusion of long, loose

racemes of yellow flowers in spring. Siameafs

flowers are pale yellow and in evidence most of

the year. The blossoms of nodosa, the Pink Cas

sia, are rose-scented and pink in color, those of

grandis a paler pink, and of Beariana an attrac

tive yellow.

All five species of Aleurites have been grown

in Florida. These include fordi, the Tung oil

tree, which is now commercially planted to the

extent of about 10,000 acres; montana, the Mu-oil

tree; moluccana, the Candlenut tree; cordata, the

Japan wood-oil tree; and trisperma, the Banacu-

lag of the Philippines. The others are natives

of Japan, China or Malaya. All are of value as

ornamental trees. They are heavily foliaged and

produce flowers in profusion. All are deciduous

except the Candlenut.

FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 103

With its large felted leaves clustered at the

ends of its few branches the tall Trumpet tree

(Cecropia palmata) is unlike any of our many

other trees. The stem is hollow, smooth and pale

green and without branches except at the extreme

top. The flavor of the long, finger-like fruits is

something like that of the cultivated fig.

The ornamental value of a tree may be in its

foliage, flowers or fruits and in the latter class

are several in Florida, among them the Calabash,

Sausage tree, Horseradish tree, Candletree, Can-

nonball, Akee. and others. Of this type is one

bearing edible fruits that is quite distinct from

most others—the Carambola (Averrhoa carambola)

from Asia. The leaves of the tree are sensitive

to both touch and light, folding when touched

or in darkness. The translucent brown fruits are

of unique shape; in cross-section they are dis

tinctly star-shaped.

A recent newcomer to Florida, the Australian

Cajeput or Punk-Tree (Melaleuca leucadendron)

has quickly proven its liking for our soils and cli

mate and in two or three areas is growing as an

escape from cultivation. The tree is of medium

height with slender branches and a conspicuous

gray, thick, soft bark that readily peels off in

thin layers. The flowers, with protruding stamens

that give them a bottle-brush shape, are white to

yellowish in color and greatly favored by honey

bees. Since the tree is quite resistant to both

grass fires and overflow conditions and self-seeds

so readily it is not unlikely that at some time in

future we will have Cajeput forests in Florida.

Closely related to the Breadfruit, the Jak-Fruit

(Artocarpus integrifolia) has in a few instances

been grown to maturity in Florida. It is a huge,

erect tree with large leathery leaves and bears

immense, edible fruits on the trunk and larger

limbs. Due to its susceptibility to frost injury it

can be grown only in the most protected areas.

The Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis) is a

deciduous round-headed tree with short main

trunk and heavy spreading branches. In late fall

the leaves turn scarlet and orange and this, with

the numerous clusters of small, red fruits, make

the tree quite attractive over a period of several

weeks. It is very satisfactory as a shade tree

and remarkably free of diseases and insects. It

is said that in China the young shoots and leaves

are utilized as a vegetable.

The Traveler's tree (Ravanala madagascarien-

sis), also called the Traveler's "palm," is closely

related to the banana and its appearance gives the

impression of a huge open fan. It derives its

common name from the storage of a watery fluid

in the base of the leaf-stalks which supposedly is

a palatable substitute for water. The tree can be

grown only in the most frost-free sections.

The Casuarinas are best known in Florida under

the common name of Australian Pine but else

where they are called Cassowary tree, Beefwood,

and She-Oak. They are adapted to perhaps the

widest range of ornamental uses of any tree in

Florida; about the only factor limiting their

growth is low temperatures. The trees are util

ized extensively for closely clipped hedges, for

trimmed and untrimmed specimens, for wind

breaks, and for street and highway planting.

They thrive on both acid and alkaline soils, mak

ing a vigorous growth on dune sands, calcareous

rocky soils, the muck of the Everglades and the

many sandy soil types of the lower peninsula.

One species in particular, equisetifolia, withstands

brackish soils and salt spray with no apparent

injury and is planted extensively on the coast. In

many places the tree is becoming naturalized

through self seeding and is able to compete suc

cessfully with native vegetation. There are nu

merous species but the ones planted in greatest

number are equisetifolia, Cunninghamiana, and

lepidophloia, with glauca, stricta and others planted

in lesser numbers. Although not bearing even a

remote botanical relationship to the legumes, an

examination of the roots of these trees will dis

close the presence of nodular growths somewhat

similar to those on leguminous plants. We

at the Experiment Station have had the pleasure

of demonstrating that symbiotic fixation of atmos

pheric nitrogen takes place in these nodules in

the same manner as with peas, vetch, clovers,

and other leguminous plants.

The Mahoe (Hibiscus tiliaceus), common in

the tropics of the Old World, grows as a native

or escape on the Keys and in the extreme southern

area. It thrives near the seacoast and evidently

has no aversion to brackish water. The leaves are

rounded and leathery, 4 to 7 inches wide, and the

104 FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

pale yellow flowers resemble those of the hibis

cus. The Mountain Mahoe (H. elatus) is also

grown in Florida. It resembles the common Ma

hoe but is more erect in growth habit and has

red blossoms.

The Poupartia {Poupartxn axillaris) is a large

round-topped, deciduous tree with massive

branches that is very rare in Florida, but has

shown its adaptability to the northern area. In

general growth habit it is somewhat similar to

the common Chinaberry but not so heavily foli-

aged. Its blossoms are inconspicuous. The fruit is

oval, a light transucent yellow when ripe and about

the size of a pigeon's egg. The flavor is abom

inable, although it is classed among the edible

Chinese fruits. Because of its rapid growth and

relative freedom from serious insect or disease

attack, this species ranks high among deciduous

sorts for ornamental planting.

Grown mainly as a dooryard shade tree, the

African Woman's Tongue Tree (Albiszia Lebbek)

probably has advantages as a windbreak tree and

is adapted to many soil types. Except when de

foliating in late spring the tree is quite attractive

but does not have so striking blossoms as does

its close relative, the Silk-tree or Mimosa (Al-

biszia Julibrisseri) of the northern part of the

state.

Seemingly built well for defense, the Sandbox

tree (Hura crepitans) easily repels those who would

damage it with its spiny trunk and poisonous sap.

It grows as a native in extereme southern Florida

and is planted there as an ornamental. The fruits,

abouJ. 3 inches across and shaped like an onion, are

divided into several sections each containing a

single seed and exploding loudly when mature.

Prior to the advent of the now common ink blot

ter and when sand was used for the purpose, the

dried fruits were used as containers for the sand—

this giving the tree its common name.

The African Baobab (Adansonia digitata) dif

fers from most trees in the immense diameter of

the trunk in old specimens. Some of the trees in

their native habitat are said to be among the old

est living plants and to have attained a trunk

diameter of nearly 30 feet. There are but few

specimens in Florida although it seemingly thrives

in the Miami area.

The Red Sandalwood or Circassian Bean (Aden-

anthera pavonina) from Africa and Southern Asia

seems well adapted to Florida's warmest areas.

It is a moderate-sized, symmetrical, upright tree

with small, feathery pinnate foliage. The long

pods curl up as they mature and expose the hard,

brilliant red seeds that are somtimes used as beads.

Perhaps because of its slow growth and decid

uous character, the native Fringe Tree of Old

Man's Beard Chionanthus virginica is not widely

planted. It is often classed as a shrub but in Flor

ida it attains a height of 25 to 30 feet. In the

early spring at about the time the leaves appear

the greenish-white flowers are borne in profusion

and in early fall great quantities of small, blue

or purple fruits add to its attractiveness.

Although limited to only the warmest areas the

native Geiger tree (CordicA Sebestena) is of con

siderable ornamental worth because of its large

orange colored flowers that are in evidence most of

the year. The tree itself is small, slender-trunked

and round-topped with stout branches and large

leaves.

The native Seagrape (Coccolobis uvifera) is a

stout branched, broadly spreading and usually

small tree that grows naturally along the coasts

and is utilized to considerable extent in beach

plantings. Its foliage is thick and leathery and

the grapelike bunches of greenish fruits are pro

duced in abundance.

As is common with the Ficus species, the Mon

key-apple or Fat Pork Tree (Cltisia rosea) of the

West Indies may start as an epiyhyte on other

trees. On some specimens aerial roots hang from

the branches. It is a large, spreading tree with

broad thick leaves and interesting globular fruits

2 to 3 inches in diameter.

The Indian Dalbergia Sissoo has shown itself io

be well adapted to Lake, Pinellas and Lee Coun

ties ; in the last named it has escaped and is grow

ing wild in a limited area. The tree is upright in

growth habit with foliage that appears much like

that of poplar. It seems to be able to withstand

severe droughts and flooding for considerable

periods without damage.

A tree of interest to most who have seen it be

cause of its large and peculiarly shaped leaves is

the Pterospermum acerifolium growing on the

lawn of the court house in Orlando. So far as

FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 105

the speaker knows this is the only specimen in

the state. It comes from southeastern Asia and

belongs in the family Sterculiaceae.

In appearance, Sterculia foetida is similar in

many respects to the Kapok tree but is not as large

in maturity. It is clean limbed, with a smooth

bark, whorled branched and digitately compound

leaves. The fruits, suspended singly or in clusters

on heavy stalks, are quite large and unlike any

other growing in Florida. The tree is quite rare

but merits wider planting.

Growing in a limited way as an escape in the

southern area, the Tropical Almond Terminalia

Catappa is adapted to planting either inland or

near the coast. The tree is large and erect grow

ing with whorled branches that extend at nearly

right angles from the trunk. Its large leaves are

deciduous, turning red before they fall. Almond

like fruits are borne in quantity and are considered

edible by some.

Its near relative, Terminalia arjuna, a larger

tree with smaller leaves and fruits, has proved

its adaptability to the lower east coast and is a

valuable acquisition to our list of ornamental trees.

The native seaside Mahoe (Thespesia populnea)

is a tree of moderate size that occurs naturally

quite close to the coasts and is well suited for sea

side ornamental planting. Its foliage is somewhat

like that of the poplars and its yellow flowers are

large and bell-shaped, appearing in late spring or

early summer.

No listing of Florida trees would be complete

without some mention being made of the numerous

palm species growing within the state's borders.

Many people are averse to the use of palms in

ornamental plantings but it must be admitted that

this group of plants goes further than any other

in creating that intangible "tropical atmosphere."

A newcomer to Florida, standing under a palm in

his shirtsleeves in January is absolutely certain

then that he is in Florida and not in Michigan

or Maine and that's what he wants!

Florida with 15 species has by far a greater

number of native palms than all of the other states

combined. Of these the Royal and Coconut are

noted throughout the tropical world. Palms have

been used most effectively in several southern lo

calities, particularly in Palm Beach, Miami and

Fort Myers. The last probably has a wider va

riety of large sized specimens than any other and

is justly proud of the appellation "City of Palms."

The palms are for the most part natives of the

tropics and their total now approximates some

thing like 1500 species. Of that 1500, Florida

has about 200 now planted but of course many are

yet quite small. Among those rare or otherwise

that have reached a mature size are:

The, Sugar Palm Arenga saccharifera of India

and the Philippines. To a degree it resembles

the Coconut with its very large pinnate foliage but

a glance at its trunk immediately shows it to be

different. The stem on young plants is covered

with black horse-like fibres. In eastern commerce

the fibers are used in the manufacture of cordage

that has no substitute for durability when subjected

to repeated wetting. In Malaya the saccharine sap

of the flower spadices is obtained in abundance for

the making of toddy and sugar. The sap when

fresh is like sweet cider, but by fermentation be

comes intoxicating and is distilled into rum or

brandy.

Blackburn's Palm (Sabal Blackburniana), a na

tive of Bermuda, is probably best represented by

the huge specimens at the base of the Box Tower.

Because of its immense leaf crown and sturdy

smooth trunk it is always an object of attraction.

Another Sabal (Sabal causiarutn), the Yaray or

Porto Rico Hat Palm, is also of the massive type.

The tree is quite rare in Florida. Excellent speci

mens can be seen on the Experiment Station

grounds in Gainesville, at the Chinsegut Hill Sanc

tuary near Brooksville, and also in the city of

Winter Haven.

From the Philippines we have the Sagisi palm

(Heterospathe elata), sl tall, unarmed, graceful,

pinnate-leaved tree with a ringed, erect slender

trunk.

The Coconut (Cocos nucifera), is too well known

to require any description. Its use, however, gives

an effect that can hardly be duplicated by any

other and its resistance to damage by salt water

or winds makes it doubly valuable for many loca

tions. On dune sands, in combination with the

native Yuccas and Agaves, very satisfactory re

sults have been achieved where other plants refuse

to grow.

106 FLORIDA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

The Royal Palm (Roystonea regia) is without

peer among all palms and is deserving of a place

where soils and climate are suited.

Two of the most graceful of the fan-leaf type

are from the Pacific Islands. They are the Fiji

Fan Palm (Pritchardia paciUca) and Thurston's

Palm (P. Thurstonii). Unfortunately both are

sensitive to cold and can be grown only in the

most frost-free sections.

One of the native fan palms that is yet planted

but little and is deserving of wider attention is

the Saw Cabbage palm (Acoelorraphe Wrightii).

It grows in the extreme southern part of the main

land in swamps and undrained soils. The trees

have slender trunks and usually grow in clumps

which attain a height of 40 feet.

Two other classes of palms, not new or rare in

Florida, have recently had their names changed so

that within the genus Co cos we have nothing left

but the Coconut palm. One of these, commonly

known throughout the state as Cocos plumosa now

becomes Arecastrutn Romtansoffianum—and it's a

safe wager that no Russian Soviet named it—

while the other is the one known as Cocos australis

or Cocos eriospatha. The latter have been farmed

out into the new genus Butia and now become

Butia australis or Butia erisopatha.

The genus Ficus, commonly called the Rubber

trees, includes several hundred species and is rep

resented in Florida by about 20 fairly widely

planted species. Two F. aurea and F. brevifolia,

are native and generally known as Strangling

Fig. Most of the trees of this genus are vigorous

growers with handsome foliage. A typical char

acteristic of most is the great number aerial roots

hanging from the branches, many of which ulti-

timately reach the ground and thus form a tree

with numerous trunks. Among the many species

there is a wide variation in size, shape and texture

of the leaves. The fruits also-vary widely; they

are typical figs ranging in size from that of a pea

to that of the cultivated fig and in color from yel

low and purplish to a bright red.

Among the plants from Mexico is the peculiar

Beaucarnea recurvata that could as well be termed

a tree as a shrub. It is also known as Nolina

tuberculata and by either name retains its. unusual

onionlike base, tapering stem and mop of leaves

at the crown.

May I add one thought as to cultural require

ments. An undernourished, diseased, or insect-

infested plant, struggling on the losing side for

existence, has lost the value it may normally pos

sess as an ornamental. Only thrifty specimens,

free of destructive parasites to the extent that their

vior of growth and attractive qualities are not

impaired, can fulfill the exacting requirements of

those chosen for purposes of beautification. For

the most part their thrift can be insured by ferti

lization, regular watering when rainfall is inade quate, correct and timely pruning, and, If needed,

control of insect pests and diseases. If a plant is

not worth some cultural attention it is not worth

planting.