TREES AND SHRUBS 117 



• The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus glandulosus), belonging 

 in the family Simarubaceae, is a Chinese plant that has been 

 somewhat extensively introduced into the southern part of 

 the State, where it is a valuable shade tree. It is frequently 

 30 feet high or more. It grows very rapidly, has smooth bark 

 and large compound leaves resembling those of the walnut. 

 The small, dull white, very malodorous flowers are borne in 

 large terminal panicles. They are succeeded by the clusters 

 of winged one-seeded reddish pods, which persist for some 

 time upon the tree. It will endure extremes of drought, heat, 

 and light, and will grow very rapidly when supplied with 

 favorable conditions. . It probably reproduces most readily 

 by seed. 



The Chinaberry Tree or Umbrella Tree PicTcha (Melia 

 azederach) is also an introduced tree that is in very common 

 use in the southern part of the 'State in the irrigated valleys. 

 Its widely branching top with dense leaf covering and 

 abundant pale lavender sweet scented flowers make it a very 

 desirable plant for decorative purposes. It reproduces from 

 seed, but the seeds germinate rather poorly without special 

 treatment. 



THE STAFF-TREE FAMILY (Celastraceae) is 

 represented by three unimportant species listed below : 



Janusia gracilis is a low, twining, vine-like shrub (in the 

 family Malphigiaceae) with inconspicuous leaves and small 

 yellowish flowers that grows on the dry mountains in the 

 southern part of the State. It is of no particular importance. 



