Embothrium the South American Embotbrium coccineum, sometimes known 



and as the Fire Bush. This is quite common in Cornwall, some 



Cornus g ar dens containing several specimens. In certain cases it has 



caoitata attamec ^ a height of forty feet, and is a glorious sight when 



profusely covered with its large clusters of long, tubular, scarlet 



flowers, the tree in May appearing at a little distance like a 



cloud of vermilion. It also succeeds in south Devon and the 



south of Ireland, and is not particularly tender, having been 



uninjured by the past winter. An example at Tremough, 



planted twelve years ago when six inches high, is now over 



twenty-five feet in height and fifteen feet in diameter. 



Another attractive tree is Cornus capitata, better known 

 by its earlier title of Benthamia fragifera. It is a native of 

 Nepaul, whence it was introduced in 1825. In Cornwall it 

 has been largely planted on many estates, and has reached a 

 height of sixty feet. Early in June an isolated specimen on 

 a lawn is a charming feature, being covered with large, sulphur- 

 white, single flowers. The blossoms are followed by fruit, 

 which in October assumes a deep crimson tint. The largest 

 fruits often measure from four to five inches in circumference, 

 and are in certain cases borne in such numbers as to weigh 

 down the branches. A tree loaded with fruit almost rivals its 

 beauty when in the perfection of bloom. If undisturbed, the 

 fruit will hang until after Christmas, but in some years and 

 places the birds devour it as soon as coloured, completely spoil- 

 ing the decorative value of the trees at this season. While the 

 berries still adhere to the branchlets the future flowers may be 

 seen, the size of peas, studding the shoots. 



The Cape Silver Tree, Leucadendron argenteum, is said to 

 refuse to grow anywhere except on the slopes of Table Moun- 



72 



