268 ECONOMIC BOTANY OF ALABAA/[A 



T. lata, Ashe. Lawrence and Winston Counties, especial- 

 ly the latter. (Not reported from any other state.) 



T. heterophylla, A^ent. Common in Coosa County (Ashe). 

 Dallas County (Cocks). 



T. heterophylla Michauxii (Nutt.) Sarg. Lawrence, Win- 

 ston and Coosa Counties (Ashe). Dallas County (Cocks). 



T. heterophylla amphiloba, Sarg-. {T. apposita, Ashe?). 

 Near Valley Head, DeKalb County. 



STERCULIACEAE. 



About 50 genera and 750 species, mostly tropical. Some are 

 cultivated for ornament, and others are the source of chocolate 

 and other beverages. 



FIRMIANA, Marsigli. 



Firmiana platanifolia (L.f.) R. Br. (Stcrculm platanifolia, L.f.) 



Japanese or Chinese Varnish Tree. 



A medium-sized tree with smooth green bark, large palmately 

 lobed deciduous leaves, large clusters of small yellowish flowers, 

 and dry pods which have the peculiarity of opening long before the 

 seeds are ripe. 



Commonly cultivated for ornament or shade in cities (espe- 

 cially Montgomery), and occasionally escaping to vacant lots 

 around Mobile, according to Mohr. 



THEACEAE (or TERNSTROEMIACEAE). 



Camellia or Tea Family. 



About 18 genera and 175 species, trees and shrubs, in the 

 warmer parts of the world. One species (with varieties) is the 

 source of tea, and several are ornamental. 



GORDONIA, FJlis. 

 Gordonia Lasianthus, L. (Loblolly, Red. or Tan Bay.) 



A stately evergreen tree when fully developed, with showy 

 white flowers (about the size of those of the white bay, Magnolia 

 glaiica), in mid or late summer. 



Sometimes planted for ornament, and it would d()ul)tless be 

 used more for this purpose if it was better known. According to 

 Sargent the wood has been used for cabinet-making. In the 18th 



