SOME STRAY NOTES ON SAPIUM. 
By Epaar BEcKETT. 
There is not much doubt but that there is yet a great amount of information 
to be gained concerning this genus of our indigenous rubber plants. 
That there are large numbers of Sapiums to be found growing in our forests, 
at scattered intervals, is well-known, that this tree is also to be found growing 
vigorously along the Coast lands is also a fact, but that we know the nomencla- 
ture correctly is probably open to doubt, whilst as to the behaviour of the tree 
under tapping operations and of its merits as compared with Hevea brasiliensis 
we may quote from Prof. Harrison’s and Mr. Stockdale’s interesting article inthe 
October issue, 1910, of the Journal of the Board of Agriculture. ‘‘ Without 
therefore pledging ourselves to any definite statement,” they write, “in regard 
to the relative merits of the Para rubber tree and the indigenous Sapium, we are 
inclined to the opinion that, whereas the value of Hevea brasiliensis as a rubber- 
producing tree under cultivation is known in many countries and under different 
conditions, that of Sapzwmn Jenmani has yet to be definitely ascertained ; and 
whereas the growth of Para rubber has been satisfactory in a very large number 
of different localities in the Colony cultivators would be wise to choose this 
variety and to consider Sapium as still being in the experimental stage —worthy 
of trial only on a small scale until more definite information is available in regard 
to the yields of rubber that can be obtained fromit.” In the April number for 
this year, the Journal contains the following: “‘ Mr. Stockdale reported on the 
experimental tappings of Sapiwm Jenmani at Bonasika. The experiments were 
not complete, but the result showed that the planting of Sapzwm could not be 
recommended if Para rubber was available.” 
But apart from these considerations, mention of a few of the characteristics 
of the plant may not be out of place at this juncture, when every tongue runs riot 
with the name of rubber. 
All Sapium leaves bear the distinct character of two glands on the petiole or 
leaf stalk ; in some cases they are very conspicuous, being of considerable length, 
whilst, in othe: cases, they are just barely indicated to the naked eye. The 
margins of the leaves are, in some varieties, serrated, and, in others, smooth, with 
a gland or two of some prominence. On good authority the writer is informed that 
both the serrated and smooth margins are to be found on leaves of the same tree. 
The flowers are very small and are grown on long spikes, the females being 
at the bottom and the males at the top, the latter generally being also 
produced in larger numbers than the former. ‘The fruit consists of a 
small capsule or seed case, not conspicuous at all, and each capsule generally 
contains three divisions, and, when ripe, splits open, when the seed 
itself is disclosed, which upon examination is shown to possess a bright arillode, 
which, in all probability, proves an attraction to birds, insects and rodents, The 
