EUPHORBIACEAE 229 



source of rubber. Most of the species in temperate regions are 

 herbs, but Alabama has three native shrubs and one introduced 

 tree, besides several cultivated species. 



CROTON, Linnaeus. 

 (Figs. 56, 57) 



Croton Alabamensis, E. A. Smith. 



An evergreen shrub covered with close-fitting scales, 

 which have a silvery appearance on the under sides of the 

 leaves. Flowers inconspicuous, mostly in February and March. The 

 plant has some ornamental value, and Dr. Smith, the discoverer, 

 had it growing in his yard at the University for many years, but 

 it is so rare that it is little known, and is not handled by horticul- 

 turists at all. 



This is one of the rarest shrubs in the United States, and 

 there is little likelihood of its ever being found growing wild out- 

 side of Alabama. It was first discovered by Dr. Smith in 18TT, 

 on dry limestone rocks (Silurian) along the Cahaba River near 

 Pratt's Ferry (long since replaced by a bridge) in Bibb County 

 (region 3). This locality was visited by Dr. Mohr in 1882 and 

 by the waiter in 1906 and 1934. The plant is rather abundant 

 there, forming small dense thickets, which are said to be known 

 locally as "privet brakes." In December, 1905, I found it on 

 shaly cliffs on the left side of the Warrior River about ten miles 

 above Tuscaloosa (region 3B) ; and on many subsequent visits it 

 has been found to be fairly common along that river for a mile or 

 two, but apparently no farther. Specimens from there have been 

 transplanted to the University campus, where they have been grow- 

 ing for several years. 



References :— Plant World 9 :106. 1906 ; Jour. Elisha Mitchell 

 Sci. Soc. 37:157, 159. 1933; Mohr 6, 9; Plant Life of Ala. 93-94, 

 591, pi. 5. 



STILLINGIA, Linnaeus. 

 Stillingia aquatica, Chapm. (No common name.) 



An erect shrub several feet tall, branched above the middle, 

 with yellowish finely toothed willow-like deciduous leaves, and 

 spikes of small yellowish apetalous flowers, blooming all summer. 

 Stems about an inch in diameter at the base, rapidly tapering up- 



