1910] Hall: Studies in Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. 35 



LEPTOSPEEMUM. 



This is a genus of shrubs and small trees, with small, entire, 

 alternate leaves and mostly white flowers on short lateral 

 branches. All of our species are from Australia except L. eri- 

 coides, which is a native of New Zealand, and L. scoparium, 

 which occurs both in Australia and New Zealand. 



The only one to be recommended for general planting is the 

 well known L. laevigatum, the others being in no way superior 

 and of value chiefly as novelties. This species, however, grows 

 rapidly and soon makes a spreading shrub 8 to 12 feet high, 

 which is laden during the spring months with a profusion of 

 white bloom. It is particularly adapted to mass planting in 

 large parks and for filling in unsightly corners. Because of 

 its drought resistant properties and its rapid growth, it should 

 be experimented with as a shrub for reforesting purposes in our 

 foothill districts. In case a larger plant is desired, L. fabricia 

 may be used, since it is reported as becoming quite arboreous 

 in Australia. L. flavescens is much grown in Europe and its 

 var. grandiflorum has flowers of the largest. L. scoparium is 

 a shrub, rarely attaining 12 feet. When the leaves are exceed- 

 ingly narrow it is called L. juniperinum. Its flowers are some- 

 times pink or even red. L. ericoides is one of the "tea trees" 

 of New Zealand, sometimes growing to a height of 40 to 60 feet, 

 with a trunk sufficiently large to be used for piling, fence posts, 

 etc., and would probably grow without care on our lower hills. 



Propagation is effected by use of the seeds although these 

 are not always fertile. Cuttings from young wood are more 

 satisfactory and are grown under glass. All of the species are 

 hardy for California and endure drought well. 



Key to the cultivated Species of Leptospermum. 



A. Ovary and capsule 6- to 10-celled: fertile seeds rather broadly winged. 

 Calyx glabrous: leaves broad, obtuse, % to 1 in. long: flowers large 



1. L. laevigatum Muell. 



Calyx villous: otherwise similar 2. L. fabricia Benth. 



B. Ovary 5-celled: seeds linear. 

 Calyx glabrous. 



Leaves obtuse; y to % in. long: flowers of medium size 



3. L. flavescens Sm. 



