

Gnetacea Ephedra. 457 



has oblong-lanceolate leaves about 3 inches long, and N. ovdta 

 has rather smaller ovate cuspidate leaves. There are handsome 

 variegated varieties of both species. 



Dacrydium, Microcdchrys, and Phylloclddus are Australasian 

 genera belonging to this tribe, but none of their species are 

 sufficiently hardy for our climate. 



ORDER CXI. GNETACEJE. 



This is a small order or, as considered by some, a tribe, of 

 the Coniferce. The species are shrubs or trees with jointed 

 branchlets and simple net-veined broad or small scale-like 

 leaves. The fruit is a small 2-seeded berry in the only genus 

 concerning us. There are only three genera referred here. 

 Gnetum has large opposite leaves, and Welwitschia is re- 

 markable for its short thick tabular flat-topped trunk with two 

 opposite leaves. 



1. EPHfiDRA. 



This genus consists of trailing shrubs with numerous very 

 long slender jointed green branches, and small scale-like 

 leaves. The fruit is a 2-seeded berry. These shrubs inhabit 

 the rocky shores of the Mediterranean and salt plains of Asia. 

 The generic name is of Greek origin, and was applied by the 

 ancients to the Horsetail (Hippuris vulgaris). 



E. altissima and E. distdchya, from the Mediterranean 

 region, and E. monostdchya from Siberia, will flourish near the 

 sea in the South-western counties. They are suitable for covering 

 rock- work or pillars. The first is very showy when covered 

 with its scarlet berries. 



