THE YEW SUB-FAMILY. 395 



a foot, and "karpos" a fruit, in allusion to the long pe- 

 duncle which supports the flowers and fruit. 



This extensive genus embraces about 50 species with 

 numerous varieties, and through the exertions of explor- 

 ers, the number is gradually increasing. We shall describe 

 only two or three species, that will perhaps prove hardy 

 here, and merely enumerate the remaining kinds, with a 

 few notes on each. 



1. P. COl'iacca, Richard. LEATHERY-LEAVED PODO- 

 CARPUS. Syn. Taxus coriacea, of some European collectors. 

 Leaves, long, lanceolate, very nearly sessile, coriaceous, 

 somewhat obtuse, deep glossy-green color. Branches, 

 horizontal and spreading. Fruit, quite small, with short 

 peduncles ; and with a curved, oval-oblong, hard seed. 



As there appears to be some confusion arising from the 

 name of this species, we may question the identity of the 

 specimens in oitr possession. These plants answer the de- 

 scription given by European authors, excepting in regard 

 to manner of growth and hardiness. The mature tree, 

 according to the best authorities, has horizontal, spread- 

 ing branches ; whereas in the young plants that have come 

 under the writer's observation, they are invariably erect. 

 As to hardiness, they will endure our coldest winters with- 

 out protection ; whilst in England they are reported " not 

 hardy." We do not feel confident of possessing the true 

 P. coriacea, but we do feel satisfied that we have a very 

 valuable, hardy, and beautiful evergreen under this name. 



The true species is from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica 

 and adjacent islands, where it forms a handsome tree with 

 mostly slender, spreading branches, which are tuberculat- 

 ed by the decaying leaves. It grows generally to the 

 height of 40 or 50 feet. 



2, P t Japonic;). Siebold. JAPAN PODOCAEPUS. Leaves, 

 very large, 4 to 8 inches long, and - inch wide, linear- 

 lanceolate, obtuse, rigid, coriaceous, very dark green color. 

 Branches erect, with few branchlets. Fruit unknown. 



