494 
DECIDUOUS TREES. 
however, the valuable quality of flourishing in the shade and drip 
of trees. It needs a strong soil. 
The Evergreen Italian Privet, Z. sempivirens , is an im¬ 
proved variety, more valuable where hardy. 
The Gold-striped and Silver-striped Privets, L. folds 
anreis and argenteis , are considered by some “ pretty and desirable 
mingled with the common privet.” 
The Oval-leaved Privet, L. ovalifoliicm , is a variety with 
larger leaves and stronger growth than the common, which we 
have seen formed into a superb hedge ten feet high, at the resi¬ 
dence of Alfred Cope, Esq., Germantown, Pa. 
There are numerous varieties named from small differences in 
forms of leaves and fruit, which it is not necessary to enumerate. 
The Waxy-leaved Privet, L. luddum , is a species recently 
introduced, and now growing with great beauty in the Central 
Park. It is a native of China, where it forms a low sub-ever¬ 
green tree, twenty feet in height. The leaves are much larger, 
brighter-colored, and more glossy than those of the common privet. 
Z. /. floribundum is its finest variety. 
The Spike-flowered Privet, L. spicatum , is a tender species 
from Nepal, with large pointed elliptic leaves, and larger spikes of 
flowers ; six to eight feet high. 
The California Privet, Z. californica. —This species, re¬ 
cently introduced, has a leaf of such remarkable beauty, that, if the 
shrub proves hardy, it will be very popular and in great demand. 
The leaf is considerably larger than that of the common privet, of 
a very dark waxy-green on the upper surface, a purplish tinge 
about the edges, and the under surface pea-green. The growth 
of young plants is about the same as that of the common privet, 
but from the greater size of the leaves, their thicker texture, and 
brilliant glossiness, they have a ranker appearance. The leaves 
have a peculiar veining, that adds to their beauty. Mr. J. R. 
Strumpe, of the Parsons’ nursery, believes that it will prove hardy. 
What size it attains in California we have not learned. We fear 
that the thick waxy foliage of this beautiful species indicates a 
tropical nature that may not' be acclimated in most parts of the 
northern States. 
