94 About Trees, Shrubs and Climbing Plants for S.A. 



*Salisl)iiria adiantifolia (Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo biloba) The 

 common name indicates the shape of the leaves, the form 

 being much like the Pinnae of a Maidenhair Fern. A hand- 

 some and large tree in China and Japan, but so far not very 

 successful here. 



*Salix (Willows, various) Generally planted on the banks of 

 streams, and nearly all the varieties are extremely graceful 

 in this situation. They succeed also in any fairly moist soil 

 and situation. The best varieties for scenic effect are S. 

 babylonica (Weeping Willow), S. caprea (Common Willow), 

 S. caprea pendula (Kilmarnock Weeping Willow), S. pur- 

 purea, the bark of which is purple or red, and Vitelina aurea 

 with golden bark. The Osier Willows S. amygdalena, S. 

 viminalis, &c. are often found useful about a homestead for 

 various purposes, basket making, &c. 20 to 50 feet. 



Salvia* The shrubby varieties, especially S. van Houtii (crim- 

 son), are useful for shrubbery borders, but need warm posi- 

 tions in the colder districts. They may be preserved through- 

 out a frost spell by being cut down and the crowns covered 

 with loose litter. 



*Saml)ucus (Elder) The Common Elder, from which the berries 

 which make " Elderberry Wine " are obtained, are seldom 

 met with in South Africa, but the varieties with variegated 

 foliage, gold and green or silver and green, are very orna- 

 mental in Summer. Deciduous. 15 feet. 



The variety " laciniata " has very finely divided leaves. A 

 very handsome shrubbery plant. 10 feet. 



*8chinus molle (Pepper Tree) The finely pinnate foliage of the 

 Pepper, and the multitudes of red berries formed at various 

 seasons, make this a favourite tree where it succeeds. It is 

 essentially a tree for dry districts and thorn country, and in- 

 deed it will not succeed in the mist belt of the Eastern dis- 

 tricts . The limbs are gnarled and twisted in all shapes, and 

 the stem is very seldom straight. Yet it is quite a handsome 

 foliage tree, and will succeed in very dry parts where most 

 trees fail. 20 to 30 feet. 



For the humid coast districts and some parts of the mist 

 belt, where S. molle will not succeed, we prefer S. terebinth! 

 folius. This grows to about 15 feet, is somewhat drooping 

 in Labit. and the numerous masses of crimson-scarlet berries 

 are borne erect. A very showy plant in Winter. 



*8ophora japonica (Japanese Pagoda Tree) The leaves are 

 graceful, deep bluish-green and pinnate. A very hardy, hand- 

 some deciduous tree inclined to sucker in the warmer dis- 

 tricts. 30 to 50 feet. 



*Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom) A very hardy deciduous 

 shrub, with rush-like branches, almost leafless. An orna- 

 mental shrubbery plant, especially when in full bloom. 

 Flowers yellow, very numerous and prolonged. Of quick 

 growth. S feet. 



