PLANTS THAT ARE ATHLETES 87 



the lighter side or portion of the object upon which 

 it climbs. 



The American wistaria (Kraunhia frutescens) 

 is one of the most popular of climbing athletes. 

 It is commonly found in the South and West where 

 its blossoms form a veritable canopy of purple over 

 the porches and trees in the early spring. Later, 

 when its leaves are fully developed, its boughs are 

 a favourite nesting place for mocking-birds. The 

 wistaria sometimes grows to the enormous height 

 of sixty feet, its grey stems looking not unlike 

 twisted wooden arms reaching upward. 



Yellow jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is 

 perhaps the most typical of all American twiners. 

 The genus has only this single species, and no very 

 near relatives outside of the American continent. 

 The vine has small, willow-like leaves, and is usually 

 classed as an evergreen, but it has been known to 

 shed its leaves at intervals. 



This interesting climber blossoms among the 

 earliest flowers of spring. It is not uncommon to 

 find it in full bloom in January, especially in Texas 

 and Florida; and in March, Alabama and Missis- 

 sippi are filled with its fragrance. It delights in 

 climbing over bushes and shrubs, and often its 

 delicate yellow flowers may be seen in great pro- 



