beneath its branches, and fakirs and anchorets often seek religious solitude 

 in its deep and grateful shade. 



MORETON BAY FIG 



The Moreton Bay fig (Ficus macrojphylla ) is a native of Australia, where 

 it forms one of the finest avenue trees in some of the cities. It makes a magnifi- 

 cent tree which assumes large proportions in height and diameter in Cali- 

 fornia. It is remarkable for the fantastic development of its buttressed roots 

 which resemble the snake-like roots of the rubber tree which yields the India 

 rubber of commerce. The foliage is evergreen in character and consists of 

 bright glossy green leaves. Its large spreading head makes the Moreton Bay 

 fig desirable for street planting, but care should be taken to space the trees 

 at least eight feet apart to allow for the wide extension of the branches. It 

 should not be planted in locations subject to heavy winds which may break 

 its heavy limbs. Due to its sensitiveness to frost, it is not recommended for 

 planting outside of southern California. 



INDIA RUBBER TREE 



The India rubber tree (Picas elastica) is much grown as a house plant, 

 but will reach a large size as a tree when planted in favored localities. It 

 reaches a height of 100 feet in the tropics and has a wide-spreading habit. 

 The leaves, which grow to twelve inches in length, are very dark, glossy 

 green and have a leathery texture. This tree which is a native of Assam, 

 yields the rubber called "Rombong" of commerce. Its octopus-like appear- 

 ance given by its deep buttressed roots makes it a great attraction for tourists. 

 When planted as an ornamental tree in California, it should be given good 

 soil and plenty of moisture. It will not do well except under very favorable 

 climatic conditions, since it is naturally a tree of the tropics. 



SILK OAK 



The silk oak (Grevillea robusta) takes its generic name after Chas. F. 

 Greville, an English patron of botany. It is an Australian tree that has no 

 relation botanically with the true oaks, but which is commonly called silk 

 oak because of the silky-like appearance of its wood which is hard like that of 

 oak. It is sometimes erroneously called the gorilla tree. 



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