Listtif Ornamental Trees Shrubs with Descriptions 69 



plant the single-flowering type, which is just as good for 



scenic effect as the dwarfer, double-flowering kinds. During 



a prolonged drought young Azaleas will need water, the root 



,; _ -i-gystem being shallow and compact. Later the roots ramify 



more and become independent of surface conditions. 

 "Azalea mollis These are deciduous, and throw out the masses 

 of bloom before the leaves appear. Colours are mostly yellow 

 grounds, but there are several shades of salmon and pink 

 which are very delicate and beautiful. Height, 6 feet. 



*Baml>oos The various species of Bamboo are exceedingly orna- 

 mental and give a tropical effect to a shrubbery. While 

 living and growing on dry land, they all prefer humid at- 

 mosphere and moist soil, and luxuriate there. The small B. 

 fortunii has already been mentioned as a hedge plant, but it 

 also makes a dainty and graceful specimen shrub, as indeed 

 do all members of the family. A natural position is on small 

 islands, or borders of streams and ponds, and they should 

 stand well out from other types of shrubs and trees. Height 

 ranges from 8 to 100 feet. 



BauMnias- Several varieties are well known in South Africa, in- 

 cluding B. acuminata, B. purpurea, B. natalensis, and B, 

 galpini. The two first-named are rather ungainly trees of 

 awkward spread, but bear handsome white and purple 

 flowers. B. natalensis is a dwarf and slow growing shrub. 

 The one recommended for shrubbery planting is B. galpini. 

 It has graceful drooping branch habit, curious two-lobed 

 leaves, and in November and December great masses of 

 scarlet flowers which cover the whole shrub. It Is a fore- 

 ground plant to sweep right down to the grass border. 



Belhambra (Phytolacca dioica) A tall growing heavy foliaged 

 shade tree, perhaps suitable for thorn country where other 

 trees will not do well. Quick of growth and the tree soon 

 reaches a height of some 40 feet. Wood soft and valueless 

 a shade tree only. 



*Benthamia fragifera An evergreen shrub reaching to a height 

 of about 10 feet, and covered in Autumn with multitudes of 

 scarlet strawberry-like fruits. Handsome and hardy. 



*Ber~beris The various species of Barberry are mostly grown for 

 Autumn and Winter foliage effect, and many of them are at 

 that season delightful with scarlet berries and ruddy foliage. 

 Leaves are holly-like and prickly, and most of the stems are 

 also armed with little clusters of spikes. The best are B. 

 vulgaris, B. sieboldii, B. darwinii, B. jamesonii, and B. thun- 

 bergii. Height, 5 to 6 feet. B. vulgaris is often used as a 

 hedge plant, and is almost evergreen. Other kinds are deci- 

 duous, or nearly so. 



*Betula (Birch) The Birch cannot be recommended for South. 

 Africa. Even under the best conditions it seems unhappy. 



