CBYPTOMEEIA 57 



in length. On a small plant, 18 inches high, I measured 

 branches without any side branchlets varying in length 

 from J inch to 19 inches. 



C. Japonica, var. cristata, Beiss. (" Mitt. d. d. d. Ges.," 

 1901, 77). 



Syn. : var. monstrosa, Hort; 

 var. Sekka-Sugi (Jap.). 



A broadly conical bush, slow -growing, but ultimately 

 attaining a good height. Branches short, stiff, and 

 ascending. Branchlets very short and stiff and crowded. 

 On adult plants most of the branchlets are fasciated, 

 terminating in large cockscomb -like growths densely 

 covered with short stiff leaves, the " combs " being about 

 the same size and having the same appearance as those of 

 the cockscomb Sedum — S. reflexum cristatum. Here and 

 there a few normal branchlets appear, but upon vigorous 

 plants the abnormal growths predominate. There is a 

 very fine specimen of this form at Kilmacurragh, Rath- 

 drum, Co. Wicklow. Age unknown, but evidently a very 

 old specimen ; it is now a beehive-shaped bush about 9 feet 

 high by 12 feet through. 



C. Japonica, var. spiralis, Sieb. and Zucc. (" Fl. Jap.," ii. 



52, 1870). 



Syn.: var. spir alter falcata, Sieb. " Fl. Jap.," t. 125. 

 var. Kiisari-Sugi (Jap.). 



Of this there appear to be two forms, one with very 

 thick pendulous or stiff branchlets, not very long, and 

 rather stouter and wider in the middle than at the ends. 

 The other with longer, slenderer branchlets, very pendulous 

 and almost whip-like. In both forms the leaves are usually 

 twisted tightly around the branchlets, but at times they 

 grow quite straight. 



I have carefully observed these forms for some time, 

 and I note that they, in common with other dwarf forms, 

 particularly some forms of Picea excelsa (var. nana, for 

 example), have seasons of comparative rest and seasons 



