The Genus Araucaria. 427- 



Minos Geroes, and to the north of Bio, at an altitude of 1000 

 feet above the sea-level. They are exposed to some of the most 

 violent storms, accompanied "by the fiercest of lightning, from 

 the effects of which the trees suffer considerably — their beauty 

 and symmetry being greatly lessened by the stripping off of 

 their lower branches, or the shivering of the younger and more 

 tender parts. The height of the tree itself adds greatly to 

 the chances of injury, as it attains from 70 to 100 feet, having 

 a very straight trunk, which is covered for the most part with 

 a smooth bark, except near the summit, where the remains of 

 old leaves still persist, as on the trunk of A. imbricata. In its 

 habit it is more loose and spreading than that species, but 

 more nearly resembles it than any of the other species. From 

 the date of its introduction in 1819 to 1822, A. Brasiliensis 

 and A. imbricata were considered as one species. In the latter 

 year, however, M. Richard, who had paid some attention to 

 the two plants, published a description of this species, sepa- 

 rating it from A. imbricata, and giving the plant its existing 

 name of A. Brasiliensis. He states in that account that the 

 chief botanical difference is, that in this species the seed is 

 entirely devoid of the winged appendage, which is a distinctive 

 mark of A. imbricata. The disposition of the branches also 

 was made a character for distinction, as well as the greater 

 softness and whiteness of the wood. The branches are 

 arranged in whorls round the stem, but much more numerous 

 than the other South American species. The form of the leaves 

 s linear-lanceolate, very sharp at the apex, from one to two 

 inches long, not so thickly disposed upon the stem as in A. 

 imbricata. 



The cones are more close and compact than those of that 

 species ; they are of a dingy yellow colour, about six inches 

 long. The scales are of a soft, corky nature, thick, and 

 wedge-shaped, very closely packed together, each having a 

 long recurved spine. In general appearance, this tree is 

 much more spreading and loose than A. imbricata, and it 

 makes a more rapid growth. It is not hardy enough to bear 

 the frosts of our winters, but thrives well in a greenhouse. 

 The nuts, or seeds, are commonly sold in the markets of Rio 

 Janeiro, as an article of food. The resinous matter which 

 exudes from the trunk, mixed with wax, is much used by the 

 natives in the manufacture of candles. Two species similar to 

 this have been described : the first by M. Savin, under the 

 name of A. Bidoljiana — this has been proved by Professor 

 Parlatore to be nothing more than a form of A. Brasiliensis. 

 The second by Professor Parlatore, -who has given it the name 

 of A. Saviana, and considers it a very distinct species. This 

 plant is growing in the Botanic Garden of Pisa, where it was 



