OLIVE TRIBE 



189 



i. Ligustrum (Privet) 



I. L. vulgar e (Privet). The only British species. A common 

 hedge bush, with opposite, narrow-elliptical, evergreen leaves, dense 

 panicles of white, sickly smelling flowers, and black, shining berries, 

 about the size of currants. It is much used for hedges, especially 

 in conjunction with White-thorn, over which it has the advantage 

 of being a rapid grower. It is particularly useful as a hedge- 

 plant in towns, not being liable to injury by smoke. Fl. May, June. 

 Shrub. 



Ligustrum Vulgare {Privet) 



Fraxinus Excelsior (Ash) 



2. Fraxinus (Ash) 



1. F. excelsior (Ash). Calyx and corolla both wanting ; leaves 

 pinnate, with an odd leaflet. A noble tree, characterized by the 

 light, ash-coloured, smooth bark of its younger branches, of which 

 the lower ones droop and curve upwards again at the extremities ; 

 by its large, black, terminal buds, the twigs supporting which are 

 flattened at the end, and by its gracefully feathered foliage. The 

 tufts of seed-vessels, popularly called " keys," remain attached to 

 the tree until the succeeding spring. A variety is occasionally 

 found with undivided leaves, but it is not so handsome as the 

 common form of the tree. Woods and hedges ; common. 

 Fl. April, May, forming at first fruit-like, terminal heads, and finally 

 loose panicles. Tree 



