LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA, L. 109 



prominent corky ridges on the upper side ; young twigs 

 yellowish. 



Winter Buds and Leaves. Buds ovate, reddish-brown, 

 glossy, acute. Leaves simple, alternate, regular, 3-4 inches 

 in diameter, dark green turning to reds, purples, and yellows 

 in autumn, cut into the figure of a star by 5-7 equal, pointed 

 lobes, glandular-serrate, smooth, shining on the upper surface, 

 fragrant when bruised ; base more or less heart-shaped ; stalk 

 slender. 



Inflorescence. May. Developing from a bud of the season ; 

 sterile flowers in an erect or spreading, cylindrical catkin ; 

 calyx none ; petals none, stamens many, intermixed with 

 minute scales : fertile flowers numerous, gathered in a long 

 peduncled head ; calyx consisting of fine scales ; corolla none ; 

 pistil with 2-celled ovary and 2 long styles. 



Fruit. In spherical, woody heads, about 1 inch in diameter, 

 suspended by a slender thread : a sort of aggregate fruit 

 made up of the hardened, coherent ovaries, holding on till 

 spring, each containing one or two perfect seeds. 



Horticultural Value. Hardy along the southern shores of 

 ~NQW England ; grows in good wet or dry soils, preferring 

 clays. Young plants are tender in Massachusetts, but if 

 protected a few seasons until well established make hardy 

 trees of medium size. It is offered by nurserymen, but must 

 be frequently transplanted to be moved with safety ; rate of 

 growth rather slow and nearly uniform to maturity. Propa- 

 gated from seed. 



PLATE LV. LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA. 



1. Winter buds. 

 ^.2. Flowering branch. 

 ^3. Sterile flower. 

 ^ 4. Fertile flower. 

 S 5. Fruiting branch. 



