85 



' ScUnus molle, PEPPER-TKEE. 



Planted for scenic effect. It has graceful drooping 

 brandies, the foliage and stems smelling strongly of 

 pepper. It grows badly in the western districts of the 

 Colony unless watered. The warm moist summers of 

 Knysna and the Eastern Districts suit it better. It grows 

 best in a semi-tropical climate with a mean temperature of 

 about 70 Fah. It is eminently a tree adapted to the 

 summer rains and high temperatures of the interior, but it is 

 remarkable that with a high summer temperature it will 

 stand the severe frosts of Emberley and the interior 

 plateau country. It is a favorite in Bechuanaland. It has 

 been largely planted as a street avenue tree in modern 

 Athens. It is common on the Kiviera and in Italy. It 

 grows to a large tree in California and in the cooler parts 

 of S. India. Clean seed averages 1,150 to the ounce. 



Tainarix g (.illicit . TAMARISK. 



A leaf-sheddcr. The small tree with the beautiful, 

 drooping, feathery foliage that will grow anywhere, but 

 succeeds best in the Karoo and inland. It stands the 

 severest frost and heat. It also stands the salt sea wind 

 better than any other bush of its size. Wood only useful 

 for firewood. It grows freely from slips. 



Tcixodiinn dislichum. BALD CYPRESS. 



A leaf-shedder, hence the common name. A native of 

 the swamps of the Mississippi. Found also in wet parts of 

 the Mexican plateau at 6,000 ft. elevation; and also, it is 

 said, in China. The Mexican variety forms extensive 

 forests. So far the cultivation of this tree has been 

 disappointing. It may succeed in burnt forest at Knysna. 

 There is a fine specimen in the Botanical Gardens at Cape 

 Town. This is clayey vley ground. It seems to require 

 a cold winter, a rich soil and plenty of moisture. It is of 

 no use planting it on poor sour ground. The wood is a 

 Cedar and is said to be almost imperishable. There are in 

 the Colony many vleys that might be planted with this 

 valuable tree. 



