68 LONDON TREES 



Judas Tree 



(Cercis Siliquastrum) 



THAT the comparatively rare and strikingly dis- 

 tinct Judas Tree is suitable for culture in every 

 part of the Metropolis is proved by the size and age 

 to which specimens have attained in the grounds at 

 Fulham Palace, in Battersea and Waterlow Parks, 

 Golder's Green, and several parts of the City and 

 East End. By far the largest tree that I have seen 

 is growing in the grounds attached to the Picture 

 Gallery, Dulwich ; it is 40 feet high, the stem girthing 

 7 feet ii inches at a yard from the ground. This 

 magnificent specimen has a tall, clean trunk, well 

 preserved and in perfect health. Another fine tree 

 is at Charlton House, Blackheath, the residence of 

 Sir Spencer Maryon- Wilson ; the tree has a branch 

 spread of 30 feet, the trunk girthing 4 feet 9 inches 

 at a yard from the x ground-level. Though semi- 

 procumbent for it was partially blown over many 

 years ago and the heavy branches bound together, 

 yet this giant specimen of its kind is in perfect health 

 and produces flowers in great abundance. Attaining 

 in favourable conditions to a height of 30 feet, the 

 Judas Tree in old age is often a weirdly picturesque 

 object, the thick, usually crooked branches shooting 

 out in all directions, and somewhat resembling those 

 of the Catalpa and Mulberry, though in other cases 

 it forms a comparatively broad, round, and flattish 

 head ; but its general outline can rarely be said to be 

 either regular or ornamental. Both in shape and 

 colour the leaves are unlike those of any other tree 

 that I can call to mind, being of a peculiar pale 



