Liquidambar 507 
with dense long pubescence. Petiole pilose, with two subulate, persistent, pubescent, 
glandular stipules. 
Fruiting heads spiny, 14 inch in diameter, each capsule surrounded by several 
long spines arising from the calyx, and resembling the two indurated styles which 
terminate the valves. Perfect seeds few, or absent in many capsules, with narrow 
short wings. 
This species is widely distributed over the central and southern provinces of 
China, and occurs also in Tonking, Hainan,’ and Formosa. In Hupeh, where it has 
not been seen over 1000 feet altitude, the tree is valuable, as its timber is used for 
making the Hankow tea-chests. The Chinese call it Féng tree.’ 
It is doubtful if it will prove hardy, and is extremely rare in cultivation in 
Europe, the only plant known to us being one in Kew gardens, which is trained 
against a wall, and is interesting for its beautiful foliage, which lasts till late in 
November. It was introduced by seeds sent by Consul Alabaster from Hankow 
in 1884. (A. H.) 
1 Swinhoe, Journ. Bot, i. 257, says it is the commonest tree in the mountain forests of Hainan. Hance, (oc. cz¢., says 
that at Canton old stumps buried beneath the soil sucker freely. 
2 It yields a resin, éng-hsdang ; and a caterpillar, which feeds on its leaves, produces a coarse kind of silk, used for 
fishing-lines. 
III I 
