IN FLORIDA 149 
Myrtus communis, Common Myrtle. A pretty, hardy shrub 
from South Europe which, so far as I can learn, does well in the 
cooler parts of the state. It fails here. 
Nerium, Oleander. I write this name with great satisfaction 
for the varieties of this shrub are among our finest and most 
satisfactory garden ornaments. It is hardy throughout most 
of the state; it grows well in all kinds of soil from brackish muck 
to high pine land. Mr. Pleas reports that it does well at Chip- 
ley but is a little tender. The old semi-double pink is one of 
the finest, the flowers being large, beautifully colored and very 
abundant; there are single and double whites, cream color to 
almost yellow. There are many varieties of pink, red and 
crimson and variegated sorts. The Oleander makes a fine 
hedge as it stands shearing well. 
Ormosia dasycarpa, Necklace Tree of Jamaica. A small tree 
or large shrub belonging to the Pea family, having pinnate leaves 
and large blue flowers. 
Osmanthus fragrans, usually sold as Olea fragrans. A hardy 
shrub from China and Japan with opposite, shining leaves and 
small whitish, very fragrant flowers. It does well in regions free 
from limestone. 
Phyllanthus. Several species of ornamental shrubs are placed 
in this genus, among them P. nivosus and its varieties which are 
often cultivated for hedges in the lower part of the state. The 
type has delicate green foliage mottled with white, a lovely 
plant. The variety roseo-pictus is like the type but has in 
addition shades of pink, red and brownish. Variety atropur- 
pureus is a stronger grower and has foliage varying from green 
to brownish purple. It sprouts very badly. P. angustifolius 
is one of the oddest things we cultivate. It has compressed 
branches and distichous branchlets, the latter with serrated 
edges and strong, raised veins. The small, purplish, salver- 
shaped flowers have a way of roosting around the edges of these, 
singly or inclusters. The botanists say it is a native of the West 
Indies and that it is only two feet high but I have a young 
specimen that is fully ten. It is tender. 
Pittosporum. A genus of hardy shrubs with evergreen leaves 
and small, often fragrant flowers, natives of Australasia. They 
