1007 



Introduced from China through the efforts of Mr. 

 Maurice L. Vilmorin, this new Viburnum is one of the 

 most distinct and most remarkable of the genus. It is 

 a low plant, entirely hardy, with large persistent, 

 shining leaves resembling those of a rhododendron, the 

 shoots of the year terminating in an umbel of white 

 flowers, appearing in April. These flowers are suc- 

 ceeded by steel-blue fruits, ripening in autumn. It 

 attains a height of from 25 to 50 cm. and flourishes 

 in shady, peaty soil. Received a Certificate of Merit 

 from the National Society of Horticulture of France 

 in 1913. 



Vitex lucens T. Kirk. (Verbenaceae . ) 42790. Seeds 

 of Puriri from Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand. Pre- 

 sented by Mr. H. R. Wright. A fine tree, from 50 to 

 60 feet in height, often called the New Zealand Oak 

 on account of the strength and durability of its 

 timber. It is not injured by damp or exposure, and 

 is therefore extremely valuable for ship-building pur- 

 poses. The logs are often perforated with large holes, 

 but these do not affect the timber, except in so far 

 as it has sometimes to be cut to disadvantage. These 

 holes are made by a soft-bodied grub, which develops 

 into the puriri moth. The leaves of the puriri are 

 handsome, being of a bright, glossy green, the leaf- 

 lets 3 to 4 inches long. The flowers are in axillary 

 panicles, 4 to 8 together, pink or red, irregular in 

 shape, and with exserted stamens. The roots of the 

 puriri never penetrate deeply into the ground, but lie 

 near the surface, so that the tree is easily blown 

 over in a gale of wind. It is endemic in New Zealand, 

 and is restricted to the northern part of the North 

 Island. It is easily cultivated, and flowers more or 

 less all the year round. (Laing & Blackwell, Plants 

 of New Zealand, p. 350.) "The New Zealand Puriri is one 

 of the most handsome trees in cultivation, and worthy 

 of more extensive planting:. It transplants well, grows 

 rapidly, and makes a compact tree of symmetrical bushy 

 form, with bright glossy green foliage. It is one of 

 the New Zealand hardwoods used for railway sleepers 

 and is very durable. The berries when ripe, resemble 

 cherries, which all tend to add to its beauty." 

 (Wright.) 



