IN FLORIDA 149 



Myrtus communis, Common Myrtle. A pretty, hardy shrub 

 from South Europe which, so far as I can learn, does well in the 

 cooler parts of the state. It fails here. 



Nerium, Oleander. I write this name with great satisfaction 

 for the varieties of this shrub are among our finest and most 

 satisfactory garden ornaments. It is hardy throughout most 

 of the state ; it grows well in all kinds of soil from brackish muck 

 to high pine land. Mr. Pleas reports that it does well at Chip- 

 ley but is a little tender. The old semi- double pink is one of 

 the finest, the flowers being large, beautifully colored and very 

 abundant; there are single and double whites, cream color to 

 almost yellow. There are many varieties of pink, red and 

 crimson "and variegated sorts. The Oleander makes a fine 

 hedge as it stands shearing well. 



Ormosia dasycarpa, Necklace Tree of Jamaica. A small tree 

 or large shrub belonging to the Pea family, having pinnate leaves 

 and large blue flowers. 



Osmanihus fragrans, usually sold as Olea fragrans. A hardy 

 shrub from China and Japan with opposite, shining leaves and 

 small whitish, very fragrant flowers. It does well in regions free 

 from limestone. 



Phyllanthus. Several species of ornamental shrubs are placed 

 in this genus, among them P. nivosus and its varieties which are 

 often cultivated for hedges in the lower part of the state. The 

 type has delicate green foliage mottled with white, a lovely 

 plant. The variety roseo-pictus is like the type but has in 

 addition shades of pink, red and brownish. Variety atropur- 

 pureus is a stronger grower and has foliage varying from green 

 to brownish purple. It sprouts very badly. P. angustifolius 

 is one of the oddest things we cultivate. It has compressed 

 branches and distichous branchlets, the latter with serrated 

 edges and strong, raised veins. The small, purplish, salver- 

 shaped flowers have a way of roosting around the edges of these, 

 singly or in clusters. The botanists say it is a native of the West 

 Indies and that it is only two feet high but I have a young 

 specimen that is fully ten. It is tender. 



Pittosporum. A genus of hardy shrubs with evergreen leaves 

 and small, often fragrant flowers, natives of Australasia. They 



