TREES OF ^ORTH CAROLINA 85 



This and the preceding species are very close to 

 each other, and descriptions of the two by different 

 authors do not agree either with each other or with 

 our plants. We have described our plants as they ap- 

 pear in this state, where so far as we know they can 

 be distinguished as indicated. 



138. Tilia pubescens Ait. Southern or Downy Lin- 



den or Basswood. 



A small tree found in deep, sandy fertile soil along 

 the margins of swamps and streams near the coast, 

 and extending little farther west than Wilmington, 

 Newbern and Washington. Leaves 3-7 inches long, 

 rusty downy beneath; twigs pubescent or smooth; 

 fruits about ^ inch in diameter. 



TEA FAMILY 



(TERNSTROEMIACEAE) 



139. Gordonia Lasianthus Ellis. Loblolly Bay. 



A medium sized evergreen tree with a narrow, 

 compact head and broadly ridged bark, found in the 

 low grounds and edges of swamps near the coast. 

 Leaves thick and leathery, narrowly elliptic, 2-6 

 inches long, shallowly toothed along the edges; 

 flowers white, fragrant, about 2 inches across, both 

 sepals and petals silky; fruit a dry, woody, ovoid 

 pod, about 2 / 3 inch long and silky on the surface. 

 This is a beautiful tree at all seasons, but particularly 

 so when in flower. Unfortunately it does not do well 



