ON INEDIBLE FRUITS 



which in general are red, suggesting the common 

 name given the shrub. 



There are several other species of Arbutus, 

 among them some of the most beautiful trees and 

 shrubs for the adornment of lawns. One of the 

 most prized species is the California form known 

 as the Madrona, which sometimes grows to a 

 height of about one hundred feet, and which bears 

 ovate leathery leaves not unlike those of the 

 Magnolia. 



This tree is quite hardy, even in the mountains 

 of California, its native home, and its leaves, blos- 

 soms and fruit are ornamental and attractive. The 

 blossoms grow in clusters, sometimes erect and 

 sometimes drooping. They are white in color, and 

 very fragrant. The berries, orange or scarlet in 

 color, somewhat resemble those of the Unedo or 

 Strawberry tree, but the clusters are more numer- 

 ous and smaller. 



A singular thing with regard to both of these 

 forms of Arbutus is that blossoms and ripe fruit 

 may be seen on the tree at the same time. In this 

 respect the Arbutus resembles the orange tree. 



I have often thought that a handsome tree could 

 be produced by crossing the Unedo or Strawberry 

 tree with the Madrona, and I have no reason to 

 doubt that the cross could be made. I regard the 

 Arbutus as a promising tree for experimentation. 



[26:] 



