42 HAKDY OKNAMENTAL 



Colletia (Rhamneae)* 



COLLETIA CRUCIATA (syn C. Uctonensis). Chili, 1824. 

 With flattened woody branches, and sharp-pointed spines 

 which take the place of leaves, this is at once one of the 

 most singular of hardy flowering shrubs. It forms a stout, 

 dense bush about 4 feet high, and bears quantities of small, 

 white flowers, which render the plant one of great beauty 

 during the summer months. 



C. SPINOSA. Peru, 1823. This species grows fairly 

 well in some parts of England and Ireland, and is a 

 curious shrub with awl-shaped leaves, and, like the other 

 members of the family, an abundant producer of flowers. 

 It thrives best as a wall plant, and when favourably 

 situated a height of 12 feet is sometimes attained. Light, 

 loamy soil suits the Colletias. 



Colutea (Leguminosae), 



COLUTEA ABBOEESCENS. Bladder Senna. France, 1568. 

 This is a common plant in English gardens, bearing yellow, 

 Pea-shaped flowers, that are succeeded by curious, reddish, 

 bladder-like seed-pods. It grows to 10 feet or 12 feet in 

 height, and is usually of lax and slender growth, but 

 perfectly hardy. A good town plant, and one that is by 

 no means particular about the soil in which it is planted. 

 C. arborescens melanocalyx (Asia Minor, 1892) is a 

 desirable variety. 



C. CBUENTA (syn C. orientalis and C. sanguinea).^- 

 Oriental Bladder Senna. Levant, 1731. This is a free- 

 growing, round-headed, deciduous bush, of from 6 feet 

 to 8 feet high when fully grown. The leaves are pinnate 

 and glaucous, smooth, and bright green above, and downy 

 beneath. Flowers individually large, of a reddish-copper 

 colour, with a yellow spot at the base of the upper petal. 

 The fruit is an inflated, boat-shaped, reddish pod. The 



