536 EUCRYPHIA 



and over again by frost, and even against a wall does not succeed well. Its 

 needs in regard to soil, etc., are the same as those of the following species. 

 According to Mr Comber, of Nyman's Gardens, the fruits require fourteen or 

 fifteen months to mature. 



E. PINNATIFOLIA, Gay. 



(Bot. Mag., t. 6067.) 



An evergreen or partially deciduous small tree, 10 to 15 ft. high, with erect 

 branches, bearing the leaves in a cluster towards the end ot each shoot. 

 Leaves opposite, pinnate, composed of three or five leaflets, which are ovate 

 to oval, \\ to 2\ ins. long, regularly toothed, dark shining green. Flowers 

 produced singly or in pairs from the end of the shoot, and from terminal leaf- 

 axils, each one 2^ ins. across ; petals four, white ; stamens numerous, with 

 yellow anthers. Fruit a hard, woody, pear-shaped capsule \ to f ins. long. 

 The young wood, leaf-stalks and leaves are hairy when young." 

 I Discovered by Gay, the Chilean botanist, about 1845, on ^ e rocky banks 



EUCRYPHIA PINNATIFOLIA. 



of the river Biobio ; introduced in 1859 by R. Pearce, when collecting in 

 Chile for Messrs Veitch. It is the finest and best of the Eucryphias, and 

 the only one hardy near London. Blossoming in July and August, it is then 

 a plant of singular beauty with its large pure white petals and conspicuous 

 tufts of stamens. Unfortunately, although hardy, it is not easy to propagate 

 or transplant, consequently it has never become common. In a young state it 

 is apt to die off without any apparent reason, although when once established 

 it appears to continue in good health indefinitely, as witness the original tree 

 in the Coombe Wood nursery. A moist peaty soil is best for it in the juvenile 

 state, and a little plot of this should be provided for it when planted. After- 

 wards, when established and strong, its roots will spread into the ordinary 

 soil around if it be free from lime. The best success with it at Kew has been 

 obtained by planting it in beds of heaths where its roots are shaded. I think 

 many premature deaths are due to the sun, on scorching summer days, beating 

 on naked soil about its roots. Seeds are now being produced in this country, 

 and will render its propagation more easy ; previously it had to be increased 

 solely by layering. Seedlings should be given peaty soil ; they are worth 

 every care. 



