TURMERIC OF ECONOMIC PLANTS. 421 



Tulip Tree {Ziriodendron tidijnfera), a tree of the ^Magnolia 

 family (Magnoliaceic), native of North America. A noble tree, 

 attaining, even in this country, a height of 70 to 80 feet ; this, 

 however, is exceeded by one at Longleat, in Wiltshire, wliicli 

 is stated to be 100 feet high, and 10 feet in circumference at 

 feet from the ground. Its leaves are three-loljed ; it has 

 numerous erect flowers of a pale-yellow colour, similar in form 

 to a tulip. The wood is hard and durable, takes a good polisli, 

 and is used for many purposes. 



Tulip-wood of Brazil {Physocalymma florihunda), a small 

 deciduous tree of the Henna family (LythracCcT), native of 

 Brazil ; it has opposite, oval, rough leaves, and large terminal 

 opposite-branched panicles of purplish flowers. Its wood is 

 Leautifully striped and rose-coloured, and is highly esteemed by 

 cabinetmakers for inlaying costly furniture. 



Tulip-wood, Queensland {Harimllia pendida), a lofty tree of 

 the Soapberry family (Sapindaceic), native of Queensland, its stem 

 varying from 18 to 20 inches in diameter. Its wood is light 

 coloured, interspersed with darker mahogany-coloured patches 

 capable of taking a high polish. 



Tumboa, the native name of Welwitschia (which see). 



Tupelo Tree {Nyssa villosa), a tree of the Cornel family 

 (Cornaceoe), native of North America ; it has simple, entire, 

 small leaves, and attains a height of 40 to 70 feet. In 

 autumn it is very conspicuous by its leaves turning red. It 

 has a hard wood, and is difficult to split on account of its hbre 

 being twisted. It is used for naves of carriage-wheels. X. 

 caintata, N, hiflora, and N. denticulcda, natives of North America, 

 are also known as Tupelo trees. 



Turk's-cap Cactus. (Sec Melon Thistle.) 



Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a perennial herb of the Ginger 

 family (Zingiberace?e), with elliptical leaves rising from a 

 fascicle of tuber-like roots, which differ in form, some being 

 round, others long and narrow. It is in general cultivation 

 throughout the whole of the Eastern tropics, the Polynesian, 

 and most of the Pacific Islands. The tubers yield the yellow 



