Osmanthus. 203 



sometimes classed under that head ; but the best author- 

 ities point out differences that justify a distinct classifica- 

 tion. The tribe is small, only seven species being named. 

 Those of greatest value are natives of North America or 

 Japan. Though classed as reasonably hardy, none of 

 'them will endure extreme northern winters without pro- 

 tection. But some of them, at least, will grow in the open, 

 in the latitude of Philadelphia, and with slight care in 

 New York and even in southern New England. They 

 are certainly as hardy as the English holly or most of the 

 mahonias, and should receive much the same treatment 

 in cultivation. 



O. americanus is a native of this country, and grows 

 in tree form from five to six feet. The foliage is elliptic- 

 lanceolate, the leaves about four inches long, thick and 

 glossy. The blossoms are nearly sessile, in threes, ax- 

 illary, appearing in June in a compact thyrse. These 

 are followed by purple, globose fruit in the form of a nut, 

 and quite palatable to the taste. It is a good plant, 

 though not the best of the genus. 



O. aquifolium. — This is a native of Japan, and esteemed 

 one of the best. The foliage very much resembles that 

 of the holly, being oblong or oval, coriaceous, smooth, and 

 glossy. The leaves are stififly armed with teeth, and are 

 evergreen, thus affording an attractive winter aspect in 

 connection with other broad-leaved evergreens; The 

 flowers are white, very sweet-scented, appearing in autumn. 

 Nicholson pronounces it a very handsome evergreen, vary- 

 ing considerably in the size and toothing of the leaves. O. a. 

 illicifolium is a variety which is held to be an improvement 



