I. Aquifolium Varieties 



thickened margins, spiral twisting of the leaf 

 blade and the surface spines borne by some of 

 the leaves. 



I. A. donningtonensis. This is another of 

 the Handsworth batch, having been sent out by 

 Messrs Fisher & Co. The plant is of free, 

 pyramidal growth, and is a very distinct and 

 effective variety in collections. The bark is of a 

 very dark purple colour ; and the leaves, which 

 are variable in size and form, and stout in texture, 

 are also of a dull purplish green, so that the bush 

 contrasts strongly with the bright green varieties. 

 The general outline of the leaves is lanceolate, 

 but they are not unfrequently turned to one side 

 so as to become sickle-like, and they have also 

 frequently a small lateral and often falcate lobe at 

 the base ; they average about 2 inches in length 

 and f inch in breadth, but sometimes slightly 

 exceed these dimensions ; the margin is fre- 

 quently quite entire or with a few (1-5) erratic 

 spines, but occasionally the spines become more 

 numerous, and sometimes the margin is furnished 

 throughout with them, the spines when present 

 being strong and much divaricate. 



The spiny leaves bear much resemblance in 

 form to those of whittingtonensis, but their 

 thicker texture and purple hue at once dis- 

 tinguishes them, while in the plant the presence 

 and prevalence of the entire or slightly spiny 

 leaves furnish additional evidence as to the name. 



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