IN FLORIDA 129 



edly tropical appearance. It should succeed in the upper parts 

 of the state but it sprouts badly. 



Albizzia lebbek is a vigorous, rapid growing tree which I have 

 mentioned in the chapter on trees for roads. When young it is 

 somewhat tender but with age will be hardy in lower Florida. 

 k lt is a fine ornamental and grows to a great size in pine land. 

 A. julibrissin is much hardier, being cultivated as far north as 

 Washington. It is a handsome tree, and does well in the northern 

 part of the state. Mr. C. E. Pleas informs me that it is natural- 

 ized around Chipley. 



Aleurites triloba, or Candle-nut of the Moluccas, is a rapid 

 growing tree with large, trilobed leaves which bears clusters of 

 small white flowers, the leaves surrounding the flower heads being 

 silvery. It bears a soft, two-celled fruit, each cell containing a 

 nut somewhat resembling a walnut. The entire kernel is rich in 

 oil and has a flavor equal to that of English walnuts. The tree 

 is quite ornamental at all stages and grows well and bears fruit 

 in lower Florida. It should be planted in a protected place as 

 it breaks badly in high winds. A. cordata from South China is 

 a handsome tree and is doing finely in the grounds of Professor 

 Nehrling at Gotha. One or two other species have been culti- 

 vated in Florida. 



Amherstia nobilis from India is considered by many the most 

 magnificent flowering tree in the world. It has compound leaves 

 and immense candelabrum-like sprays of brilliant red and yellow 

 flowers drooping from every branch. Macmillan says that in 

 Ceylon it does not seem to flourish near the sea. It should be 

 tried in the warmer parts of Florida and if it could be made to 

 succeed it would be a splendid acquisition. 



Araucaria is a genus of noble conifers from the warmer parts 

 of the Southern Hemisphere, several of which do well in Florida. 

 A. excelsa, Norfolk Island Pine, largely cultivated in the north 

 as a pot plant, makes a lofty tree in the more tropical part of the 

 state, and is very handsome and striking. A. bidwilli, Bunya- 

 bunya Pine of Australia, is a noble tree much hardier than 

 excelsa, flourishing as far north as Tampa. It is doing splendidly 

 with me and promises soon to become a large tree. A. brazilien- 

 sis, if one can believe the pictures of it, must be one of the most 



