Liquidambar 507 



with dense long pubescence. Petiole pilose, with two subulate, persistent, pubescent, 

 glandular stipules. 



Fruiting heads spiny, i^ inch in diameter, each capsule surrounded by several 

 long spines arising from the calyx, and resembling the two indurated styles which 

 terminate the valves. Perfect seeds few, or absent in many capsules, with narrow 

 short wings. 



This species is widely distributed over the central and southern provinces of 

 China, and occurs also in Tonking, Hainan,^ and Formosa. In Hupeh, where it has 

 not been seen over looo feet altitude, the tree is valuable, as its timber is used for 

 making the Hankow tea-chests. The Chinese call it Feng tree.^ 



It is doubtful if it will prove hardy, and is extremely rare in cultivation in 

 Europe, the only plant known to us being one in Kew gardens, which is trained 

 against a wall, and is interesting for its beautiful foliage, which lasts till late in 

 November. It was introduced by seeds sent by Consul Alabaster from Hankow 

 in 1884. (A. H.) 



' Swinhoe, _/<);. BoL i. 257, says it is the commonest tree in the mountain forests of Hainan. Hance, /oc. cit., says 

 that at Canton old stumps buried beneath the soil sucker freely. 



2 It yields a resin, Feng-hsian^ ; and a caterpillar, which feeds on its leaves, produces a coarse kind of silk, used for 

 fishing-lines. 



Ill 



