FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS 141 



lusitanica myrtifolia (Myrtle-leaved Portugal Laurel) 

 differs from the species in the smaller, longer, and 

 narrower leaves, which are more thickly arranged, and in 

 its more decided upright habit of growth. P. lusitanica 

 variegata is hardly sufficiently constant or distinct to 

 warrant recommendation. P. lusitanica azorica, from the 

 Azores, is of more robust growth than the common plant, 

 with larger and richer green leaves, and the bark of the 

 younger branches is of a very decided reddish tinge. 



P. MAHALEB (syn Cerasus Mahaleb). The Mahaleb, or 

 Perfumed Cherry. South Europe, 1714. This and its 

 variegated variety, P. Mahaleb variegata, are very free- 

 flowering shrubs, and of neat growth. The variegated 

 variety is well worthy of attention, having a clear silvery 

 variegation, chiefly confined to the leaf margin, but in 

 a less degree to the whole of the foliage, and imparting 

 to it a bright, glaucous tint that is highly ornamental. 

 There is a partially weeping form named P. Mahaleb 

 pendula. 



P. MAKITIMA, Beach, or Sand Plum. North America, 

 1800. A prostrate, spreading shrub, that is of value for 

 planting in poor sandy soil, and along the sea-coast. The 

 flowers are small, but plentifully produced. There is a 

 form named P. pygmaea. 



P. NANA (syns Amygdalus nana and A. Besseriana). 

 Dwarf Almond. From Tartary, 1683. This is of dwarf, 

 twiggy growth, rarely more than 3 feet high, and bearing 

 an abundance of rose-coloured flowers in early February. 

 From its neat, small growth, and rich profusion of 

 flowers, this dwarf Almond may be reckoned as a most 

 useful and desirable shrub. Suckers are freely produced 

 in any light free soil. 



P. PADUS (syn Cerasus Padus). Bird Cherry or Hag- 

 berry. An indigenous species, with oblong, doubly-serrated 

 leaves, and terminal or axillary racemes of pure-white 

 flowers. It is a handsome and distinct small-growing tree, 



