386 



The Magnolias 



somewhat obovatc, short-pointed, i to 3 dm. long, ven- hairy when unfolding, 

 but become smooth and rather dark green on the upper side, but pale green 

 and usually somewhat hairy on the under surface; the base varies from pointed 

 to somewhat heart-shaped and the leaf-stalks from 2 to 4 cm. in length. The 

 bell-shaped upright flowers open from April to June; the green sepals are oblong 

 to oblong-lanceolate, blunt, spreading or reflexed, about 2 cm. long; the petals 



Fig. 33Q. Cucumber Tree, Carnot, Pa. 



are greenish yellow, glaucous, concave, oblong or oblanceolate, blunt, 5 to 7 cm. 

 long; the styles are slender. The ripe fruit is red, 6 cm. long or less, 2 to 3 cm. 

 thick, often curved or contorted. 



The tree is very desirable for lawn and park ])lanting, forming a tall 

 conic mass of foliage with widely spreading lower branches; it is quite free 

 from insect and fungus pests, and stands the smoke of cities better than most 

 of our native trees. Its wood is used locally for lumber, in cabinet work, and 



