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Arboretum News Number 3, Winter 2004

Armstrong State University

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THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC STATE UNIVERSITY ARBORETUM

Issue 3 Winter 2004 NEW COLLECTION The Camellia Species Collection, located in front of Jenkins Hall, represents the newest Have you seen? addition to the AASU Arboretum. Of the 270 Have you seen the Alligator species of Camellia re- Wall Fountain in the Ashmore Hall auditorium courtyard? corded, only a few are This project was a collabora- well known. Camellia tive effort between John Jen- japonica and Camellia sen’s ceramics class and the sasanqua are the most Department of Opera- popular species because tions. of their ornamental value. Camellia sinen- sis, instantly recogniz- New brick sidewalk in the Camellia Species Collection. Inside this issue: able by its common name Tea, produces the Who We Are 2 tea we drink. Camellia Camellia albogigas- A easily. C. brevistyla oleifera provides some small tree up to 25 feet grows in Taiwan and countries an important tall, C. albogigas dis- , Gaungdong, Construction Begins on 2 International Garden source of oil used in the plays large, white flow- , , and cosmetic and food indus- ers up to four inches Provinces, Those Tiny Little Tea 3 tries. The Camellia Spe- across and large, stiff, China. Leaves cies collection features leathery leaves. This these and some of species originated in the Camellia chekiango- Lumpers and Splitters 5 the lesser know repre- Province, leosa- A small tree up to sentatives of the . China. 18 feet tall, this camellia Featured Plant: 6 The following list de- produces large red flow- The Rice Paper Plant scribes the newest addi- Camellia brevistyla- A ers with yellow stamens tions to our collection. slender tree that up to four inches across. All camellia species reaches 15 to 25 feet The botanical epithet originate from a rela- tall, this camellia pro- combines the province tively small region in duces numerous small, name Chekiang (now Southeast Asia. Many white flowers one inch spelled ), with are native to only a few across and will develop oleosa, meaning ‘oily’. provinces in China. Use attractive orange col- Not surprisingly, the the map on page five to ored bark. This species seeds of this plant have see where our establishes itself quickly a high oil content. are from. on deforested areas in Closely related to C. ja- the wild and cultivates (Continued on page 4) PAGE 2 ARBORETUM NEWS ISSUE 3 CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON INTERNATIONAL GARDEN Construction of the International line Concrete Services, Inc., high- gravel beds, a teahouse, stone lan- Garden began in December and light the south entrance of the terns, and a small bubbling foun- installation of most of the side- garden across from Shearhouse tain. If you are interested in pur- walks, main irrigation lines, and Plaza. The bricks in the sidewalk chasing a brick for engraving or electrical lines should conclude by are available to purchase and en- sponsoring a plaza, call Clint March 2004. A brick sidewalk and grave. Rolland Keller, owner and Nessmith in the Department of compass logo, installed by Coast- operator of Coastline Concrete External Affairs at 912-921-5415. Services, Inc. admitted that the brick compass rose design pre- sented a challenge to create. He said, “It was the most complicated job we had ever laid out.” Work on the European Plaza with its 1200 square foot brick event area, 18- foot diameter gazebo, and adja- cent amphitheater should finish by June. Groundbreaking on the Asian Plaza should take place in early summer. This section will Compass rose in brick at south Nakia Cooper and Angela Hensley include many Japanese garden entrance. install irrigation. components including raked

Who We Are

Name- Elliot Spitler Solms Hall. Vernacularly known Solms Hall. My vote for the most as the Century Plant (for the spectacular display of color would Number of years worked at amount of time it takes before easily go to the hydrangeas, in AASU- 9 months they flower), the Agave is a particular, the specimens in front unique aloe-looking plant indige- of Lane Library. I challenge any- Job duties- Planting, trimming, nous only to the Americas; and in one to find a more dynamic explo- basic plant maintenance and Mexico, the fermented heart is the sion of blues and purples in any beautification through the sea- source of the alcoholic beverages flower anywhere. For you Lord of sons. of pulque, mescal, and tequila. the Ring fans out there I’ve got a Along the line of the plant that might draw Favorite part of job- Working Agave, yuccas are inter- your interest. Found at outside. Working with the land. esting Mesoamerican the northwest corner of plants. Yuccas vary Gamble Hall, this plant Favorite plant on campus- A greatly in habit; some seems to be nothing difficult question to say the least. remain rather short, short of a most curious There are several plants scattered spiky specimens, while cross between bamboo throughout campus that I find others, like the famous and lizards. Known both unique in form and beautiful Joshua Tree of the Mo- simply as Horsetails, in appearance. I am reminded im- jave desert, are tall, these prehistorically mediately of the Agave, of which haunting sights to be- peculiar, but no less we have several planted along the hold. We have yucca charming plants, would southwest corner of the Science with lovely yellow cen- easily be at home in the Center and on the west side of ters recently planted valley bogs of Tolkien’s along the west side of Elliot Spitler (Continued on page 3) ISSUE 3 ARBORETUM NEWS PAGE 3

(Continued from page 2) would transform their ubiquitous middle earth. And for the lovers of Mediterranean scrub into vistas of “the land down under” or any- soft, fiery fields of orange from the thing else antipodal, be sure to thousands upon thousands of keep your eyes properly peeled poppy flowers. It was just this while strolling the curbs and ways profusion of color that lead the of University Hall. If you should first Spanish conquistadors to pro- happen upon a large shrub with claim from their galleons that this thousands of bright red, bee cov- perceived island of California was ered, nectar-dripping, hairy-like indeed a golden land. flowers, then you’ve just been in- The twisted and contorted thorny troduced to the Bottlebrush Bush: branches of Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying one of Australia’s finest. Nearby is Dragon’. What do you like to do for fun our hunching Eucalyptus, or Gum when you’re not at work? - I Tree; full of medicinal oils in the whimsy of the branches actually find the marshes and Sea Islands leaves and wonderfully textured, make the acridity worth it), pome- of the Georgia coast to be one of aromatic bark. The eucalyptus is granates (produced beautiful flow- the truly stunning ecosystems of undisputedly one of the great ers, but no fruit as yet, although I the American landscape. The way trees of Oceania. I’m also a sucker have faith they one day will). And, the saltwater, the fresh water, for fruiting plants, especially fruit if you look carefully you just may and the land dissolve into each one can eat. We have figs (milky cross paths with cherries, muscad- other, possesses within its proc- sap and all), banana shrubs (yes ine grapes, and Japanese Apri- esses a sort of truth about life that they do fruit, but not what I cots. But if I had to choose one I fear most of us miss as we rush would call particularly appetizing, plant on campus it would most to talk on cell phones while scur- although I never seem to learn decidedly be a sentimental favor- rying between classes. Although I this), persimmons (an acquired ite. The California Golden Poppy, don’t get out into it as much as I taste if one is inclined to acquire planted in front of Public Safety, would like, I am grateful each it), loquats (a sweet little fruit is a small, fragile-looking, but morning as I come to work and from East Asia whose seed color is tough as hell plant that is inextri- see the sun crest over the seas of reminiscent of polished mahog- cably linked with my childhood. I grass, the palmettos, and the any), Flying Dragon Hardy Or- recall every spring, after the win- Spanish moss swaying from the anges (more like sour oranges, but ter rains had retreated far out to oaks. the twisting, gnarled, thorned the Pacific, the green coastal hills

Those Tiny Little Tea Leaves

for a few hours. Then the leaves tion, also known as fermentation, Green tea and are heated to prevent oxidation takes place. Finally, the leaves black tea come and preserve freshness. Finally, are heated to stop the oxidation from the same the leaves are rolled into various process. plant. The specific shapes and then dried. Black teas, variety of tea and also known as red tea in China, "In my own hands I hold a the way it is are traditionally processed by bowl of tea; I see all of nature processed after withering, rolling, oxidizing, and represented in its green color. harvesting determine the type of drying. First the leaves are spread Closing my eyes I find green tea created. Green teas are often on racks or trays to be wilted until mountains and pure water referred to as unfermented teas. soft enough to roll without tearing within my own heart. Silently, The traditional method of process- the leaf. Next, the withered leaf is sitting alone, drinking tea, I ing green teas is comprised of rolled to release the chemicals in feel these become part of me. withering, heating, rolling, and the leaf that will contribute to the Sharing this bowl of tea with drying. After picking, the fresh tea’s final color and flavor. The others, they, too, become one leaves are spread out on trays and rolled leaves are then spread out with it and nature." exposed to sunlight or warm air in cool humid rooms where oxida- - Soshitsu Sen XV PAGE 4 ARBORETUM NEWS ISSUE 3

(Continued from page 1) purplish tint and coppery- colored This species is native to Japan, ponica, this species came from new growth. It grows in , Korea, and southern and eastern Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fijian, and Hu- , , Guangxi, China. nan Provinces, China. Guangdong, Fujian, and Jianxi Provinces, China. Camellia japonica ‘Unryu- Camellia crapnelliana- A tree tsubaki’- Zigzag Camellia- With from 20 to 25 feet tall, this plant Camellia edithae ‘Dongnan stems that make a 45-degree turn displays smooth, brick-red bark Shancha’- Forming a shrub up to at every node, this camellia looks and four inch wide floppy, white nine feet tall, this camellia exhib- twisted, contorted, and weird. The flowers. It was discovered by Mr. its three inch wide, formal, rose- Japanese prefix ‘Unryu’ translates W. J. Tutcher in 1903 as a single red flowers and dense, yellowish to ‘dragon in the clouds’. Originat- surviving tree on Hong Kong Is- hairs covering the young ing in Izu Oshima, Japan, the ar- land and named after Mr. A. E. branches. C. edithae grows in Ji- rangement of stems and leaves Crapnell who often traveled with angxi, Fujian, and Guangdong was said to resemble a dragon Tutcher on his bo- Provinces, China. ascending into the sky. tanical expeditions. It has since been Camellia japonica Camellia octopetala- Although the found in the Chinese ‘Crimson Can- specific epithet implies that it has Provinces of dles’- This beauti- eight petals, this plant can have Guangxi, Zhejiang, ful, upright, fast- anywhere between eight and 13 and Fujian. growing cultivar white petals per flower. Culti- Camellia sinensis leaf. displays unusual vated for seed-oil and bearing a Camellia cuspidata- and attractive fruit that resembles a rough, This shrub-sized camellia will flower buds all winter up to the brown apple, this small tree grows grow to 10 feet tall and produces time of blooming. The long between 10 and 20 feet tall and is small white flowers one inch pointed buds have deep red sepals native to the Chinese province of across that crowd the ends of its encasing the petals giving the ap- Zhejiang. branches. One of the most cold- pearance of red candles on a hardy camellias, C. cuspidata, has Christmas tree. The buds open to Camellia oleifera- Tea-Oil Camel- small, dark green leaves with a reveal bright-red single flowers. (Continued on page 5)

Shaded area indicates geographic distribution of camellia species. PAGE 5 ARBORETUM NEWS ISSUE 3

white, five petaled flow- Sichuan, , as well as Ti- ers on small trees grow- bet, Japan, Indonesia. ing up to 18 feet tall. It originated in Guang- Camellia sinensis var. assamica- dong Province, China. This large leaved variety of Tea, growing into a tree up to 50 feet Camellia sinensis- Tea - tall in the wild, essentially re- Probably the most im- placed C. sinensis var. sinensis in portant camellia spe- most commercial tea plantations, cies, Tea produces small especially in India, Sri Lanka, and white flowers on shrubs Kenya. This variety grows natu- growing to six feet tall. rally in Guangxi, Hainan, Guang- The history of tea be- dong, Yunnan Provinces, Viet- gins in 2737 BC, when nam, and Assam. the Chinese Emperor One of the many 20+ year old Camellia japonica Shen Nung discovered Camellia sinensis var. sinensis- A cultivars in the Camellia Collection. tea by accident. Accord- small leaved variety of tea and ing to Chinese folklore, this widely cultivated in Japan for tea (Continued from page 4) scholar and herbalist was sitting production, this form makes an lia- Utilized for centuries in China beneath a tree while his servant excellent ornamental in the land- and grown commercially since the boiled drinking water when a leaf scape. 1940’s, this camellia produces from an overhanging branch fell ‘tea-oil’, a thin, clear oil used for into the kettle. The aroma of the Camellia vietnamensis- Develop- cooking and cosmetics. Fragrant, leaves steeping in the hot water ing into a small tree and native to white flowers develop into marble- intrigued Shen Nung, who then Guangxi Province, China and sized seeds with a 50-percent oil decided to taste the infusion. After Vietnam (as the name suggests), content. Forming a tree to 25 feet further experimentation, he found this species produces four inch tall, this plant can grow in full to the drink to have medicinal prop- flowers with white or tinted green partial sun and is widely distrib- erties as well as a pleasing taste. petals. uted in South China. The emperor encouraged the Chi- nese people to cultivate the plant Camellia ptilophylla- A confusing for the benefit of the nation. Ca- plant to classify because of its mellia sinensis grows in the Chi- similarity to C. sinensis (see nese provinces of Guangxi, Lumpers and Splitters below), Guangdong, Yunan, Anhui, Ji- this camellia produces little, angxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, ,

Lumpers and Splitters

The genus Camellia has changed versity, Nanjing, China, published splitters. The lumpers prefer to considerably as the number of his monograph on the Genus Ca- group together a large number of species described by botanist in- mellia reclassifying Sealy’s work species in each genus, or genera in creased from the original two, C. to include many newly described families, and the splitters choose japonica and C. sinensis, listed by species. The formal international to divide genera among new fami- Carl Linnaeus (1735) as the gen- agreement on plant names is laid lies, and put species in new gen- era Camellia and Thea, up to the out in the International Code of era. Chang classifies Camellia present day 267. In 1958, Botanical Nomenclature, but the ptilophylla, one of the newly J. Robert Sealy attempted to fully code does not take into considera- planted camellias on campus, as a organize the genus by producing tion how personal preferences in- separate species but some au- the manuscript, A Revision of the fluence the division of families, thorities list it as a variety of Genus Camellia, in which he de- genera, etc. This subjective effect C. sinensis. scribed 87 species. In 1981, Chang produces two camps of taxono- Hungta of the Sunyatsensi Uni- mist: the lumpers and the

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC STATE UNIVERSITY ARBORETUM

Plant Operations Attn: Philip Schretter 11935 Abercorn Street Savannah, GA 31419-1997

Phone: 912-927-5329 Fax: 912-921-5472 Email: [email protected]

The AASU Arboretum welcomes your support. If you would like to contribute, please call Clint Nessmith in the Office of External Affairs at 912-927-5263.

Featured Plant: Rice Paper Plant

Himalayas and China genus of just three species closely grows to five feet high related to Daphne, another fra- and wide. The flower grant, winter-blooming shrub. The buds, covered with genus gets it name from Michael white silky hairs, form Pakenham Edgeworth (1812- in late summer on the 1881) of the East India Company’s end of the branches and Service, an amateur botanist who remain visible until collected many new plants in In- blooming the following dia. A very high quality paper winter. Blooming for us made from the bark of this plant in February, the flowers provides a material used for the resemble dense, nod- manufacturing of bank notes in ding, clusters of yellow Japan. Rice Paper Plant grows narcissus-scented um- best in moist, well-drained, hu- bels. Rarely troubled by mus-rich, loamy soil and with Edgeworthia chrysantha flower buds in January. pest or disease (except dappled shade. Several Rice Paper for the scale on our Plants grow on campus along the The Rice Paper Plant, Edgewor- plants now), Edgeworthia requires diagonal sidewalk between Lane thia chrysantha, provides fragrant little maintenance once Library and Jenkins Hall. winter flowers on a deciduous established. A member of the shrub. Also known as the Paper Thymelaeaceae Family, Bush, this woodland native of the Edgeworthia represents a small