CERCIS 335 



coloured, produced on short stalks in clusters on the wood of the previous or 

 earlier years. Pod 2 to 2^ ins. long, f in. wide, smooth. 



Native of California, and quite distinct from the eastern C. canadensis in 

 its leaves, which are rounded or notched at the apex, and are very similar in 

 outline to those of the European Judas-tree, but of a vivid green. It will 

 probably prove rather tender in this country, judging by plants introduced to 

 Kew in 1908. Nearly allied to it is C. RENIFORMIS, 5". Watson (C. texensis, 

 Sargent], from Texas and New Mexico, a slender tree sometimes 20 ft., rarely 

 40 ft. high, with leaves downy beneath and pods larger than in C. occidentalis. 



C. RACEMOSA, Oliver. 



A deciduous tree, 20 ft. high, with downy young branchlets. Leaves heart- 

 shaped, ~2.\ to 5 ins. long, 2 to 4 ins. wide, smooth and dark green above, paler 

 and downy all over beneath, especially on the veins. Racemes up to 4 ins. 

 long, downy, carrying as many as thirty or forty flowers, which are under \ in. 

 in length, rose-coloured. Pod 3 to 4 ins. long, f in. wide, flat, smooth. 



Native of China, in the provinces of Hupeh and Szechuen. The beauty and 

 distinctness of this species had been known to us ever since it was discovered 

 by Henry about 1886, but it was not introduced until 1907, when Wilson col- 

 lected seed for Harvard University. It is remarkably distinct from all other 

 species in the comparatively long inflorescence ; and the downy character of 

 the young wood, leaf, and flower-stalk is also well marked. Mr Wilson informs 

 me that this is one of the very best and most beautiful flowering trees he has 

 introduced. Like the European Judas-tree it flowers on the naked wood, one 

 to many years of age. As it comes from 6000 ft. altitude in N.W. Hupeh, it 

 ought to be quite hardy. 



C. SlLIQUASTRUM, Linnczus'. JUDAS-TREE. 



(Bot. Mag., t. 1138.) 



A deciduous tree, usually of low, bushy habit, and below 25 ft. in height, 

 but occasionally forming a distinct trunk and reaching from 30 to 40 ft. high ; 

 branchlets smooth. Leaves roundish, with a heart-shaped base, sometimes 

 pointed, but usually broad and rounded at the apex ; from i\ to 4 ins. across, 

 somewhat less in length ; they are quite smooth, and of a welf-marked glaucous 

 green. Flowers produced in clusters from the joints of the old wood (even on 

 the trunk of old trees), each flower on a slender stalk about | in. long ; they 

 are bright purplish rose, and \ to f in. long. Pod 3 to 5 ins. long, f in. wide, 

 flat and thin, eight- to twelve-seeded, remaining on the plants throughout 

 the winter. 



Native of S. Europe and the Orient ; known and cultivated in England for 

 more than three hundred years. I n I taly it is the most delightful tree flowering in 

 April and May ; with us, flowering a few weeks later, it is also one of the most 

 beautiful and picturesque trees that can be found in gardens. It flowers in 

 the leafless state, and the profusion of blossom gives at a distance the effect 

 of a rosy-purple mist. A sun-loving tree, it is better suited for the south of 

 England than the north. It should only be propagated from seeds which, 

 although they do not come to perfection regularly in this country, can be 

 easily and cheaply purchased. The popular name of " Judas-tree " is derived 

 from the legend that this was the tree upon which Judas went out and hanged 

 himself after the great Betrayal. The largest tree at Kew is 40 ft. high, with 

 a trunk 4 ft. 9 ins. in girth. One of the largest known in this country grew, 

 and perhaps still grows, at Bath ; its trunk in 1878 was stated to be nearly 



