1007 
Introduced from China through the efforts of Mr. 
Maurice L. Vilmorln, this new Viburnum is one of the 
most distinct and most remarkable of the genus. It is 
a low plant, entirely hardy, with large persistent, 
shining leaves resembling those of a rhododendron, the 
shoots of the year terminating in an umbel of white 
flowers, appearing in April. These flowers are suc- 
ceeded by steel-blue fruits, ripening in autumn. It 
attains a height of from 25 to 50 cm. and flourishes 
in shady, peaty soil. Received a Certificate of Merit 
from the National Society of Horticulture of Prance 
in 1913. 
Vitex lueens T. Kirk. (Verbenaceae . ) 42790. Seeds 
of Puriri from Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand. Pre- 
sented by Mr. H. R. Wright. A fine tree, from 50 to 
60 feet In height, often called the New Zealand Oak 
on account of the strength and durability of its 
timber. It is not injured by damp or exposure, and 
is therefore extremely valuable for ship-building pur- 
poses. The logs are of ten perforated with large holes, 
but these do not affect the timber, except In so far 
as it has sometimes to be cut to disadvantage. These 
holes are made by a soft-bodied grub, which develops 
into the puriri moth. The leaves of the puriri are 
handsome, being of a bright, glossy green, the leaf- 
lets 3 to 4 Inches long. The flowers are in axillary 
panicles, 4 to 8 together, pink or red, irregular in 
shape, and with exserted stamens. The roots of the 
puriri never penetrate deeply into the ground, but lie 
near the surface, so that the tree is easily blown 
over in a gale of wind. It is endemic in New Zealand, 
and is restricted to the northern part of the North 
Island. It is easily cultivated, and flowers more or 
less all the year round. (Lalng & Blackwell, Plants 
of New Zealand, p. 350.) "The New Zealand Puriri is one 
of the most handsome trees in cultivation, and worthy 
of more extensive planting. It transplants well, grows 
rapidly, and makes a compact tree of symmetrical bushy 
form, with bright glossy green foliage. It is one of 
the New Zealand -hardwoods used for railway sleepers 
and is very durable. The berries when ripe, resemble 
cherries, which all tend to add to its beauty." 
(Wright. ) 
