390 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



of the other species, and are linear-lanceolate, distichous, 

 nearly sessile, acute, dark shining green. The fruit is 

 large, oval, and drupaceous, but devoid of the ruminated 

 albumen, which is one of the characters of this genus. 

 Gordon suggests that it may ultimately be classed with 

 Cephalotaxux, and it is certainly not unlike that genus. 

 The fact that the leaves of the Torreya grandis are en- 

 tirely devoid of unpleasant odor, gives probability to the 

 view that it is generically distinct. It is very rare, both 

 in this country and Europe. 



29. CEPHALOTAXUS, Siebold. 



Flowers, dioecious, axillary, and pedunculate. Fruit 

 clustered, drupe-like, and containing within a pulpy disk, 

 the solitary nut-like seed. Cotyledons, 2. Leaves/liuear, 

 distichous, alternate, persistent, with a single nerve. 



This genus is closely allied to Taxus, but more nearly 

 resembles Torreya, and derives its name from the disposi- 

 tion of the flowers, which are arranged in clusters. The 

 derivation is from "Jcephale" a head, and "taxis" ar- 

 rangement. They are all medium-sized or rather large 

 trees, found in Japan and China, where they are also very 

 generally cultivated by the natives. There is no doubt 

 that in proper situations in this country they may be 

 made available as ornamental shrubs at least. 



! drupacea, Siebold. PLUM-FRUITED CEPHALO- 

 TAXUS. Syn. C. Fortunii foemina, Carriere, &c. Leaves 

 medium size, linear, distichous, opposite, slightly falcate, 

 rigid, coriaceous, dark shining green above, and slightly 

 glaucous below. Sterile aments globular and long-pe- 

 duncled. Branches, somewhat ascending, but mostly 

 horizontal, in whorls, spreading, straight, numerous, with 



