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quality and shape and in the number of the seeds. From the fact 
that it is the favorite food of the opossum it is frequently called 
the “possum”’ fruit. 
Distribution. Southern Connecticut west to southeastern Iowa 
and eastern Kansas, south to the Gulf. In Indiana it is confined 
principally to the southern part of the State, and is rarely found 
north of Indianapolis. Prof. Stanley Coulter reports three large 
trees growing in Tippecanoe County in situations such as to indicate 
that they are native. It is usually a small, sometimes a medium 
sized tree, 8-15 m. (25-50 feet) high. Generally found in dry soil 
in woods, fields and along fences. Frequently in the southern part 
of the State waste and old worn out fields become thickly covered 
with persimmon sprouts and in cultivated fields it is often a task 
for the farmer to subdue the persimmon and sassafras sprouts. In 
Posey County it is found on both high and low situations. In the 
Wabash bottoms it is found on the borders of swamps and one spec- 
imen was noted growing with Cephalanthus and Saururus, which 
was 2.5 dm. (10 inches) in diameter. 
The published records of the distribution are as follows: Clark 
(Baird and Taylor) and (Smith) ; Floyd (Clapp) ; Franklin (Meyncke); 
Gibson (Schneck); Jefferson (Coulter) and (Young); Knox (Ridg- 
way) and (Thomas); Marion (Douglas); Miami (Gorby); Monroe 
(Blatchley); vicinity of New Albany (Clapp); Orange (Troop); 
Posey (Schneck); Tippecanoe (Coulter); Vigo (Blatchley). 
Additional records are: Posey (Wright); Putnam (Grimes); 
Clark, Dubois, Knox, Posey (Deam). 
Economic uses. Wood heavy, hard, strong, fine-grained, takes 
a high polish; sap wood light brown, heart wood dark brown 
to nearly black in very old trees. The supply is so limited in this 
State as to be of no economic importance. 
Horticultural value. While the tree is interesting and the flow- 
ers and foliage attractive, it can scarcely be recommended for orna- 
mental planting on account of its slow growth. It is hardy in all 
parts of the State and since the fruit is relished by many people, 
the planting at least of horticultural varieties should be encour- 
aged. 
OLEACEZA. Tue Outve Famity. 
Leaves'compound:truit duy,7a samararc. 5.290022 1 Fraxinus. 
Leaves simple; fruit fleshy, a drupe...................... 2 Forestiera. 
