'I'IIE A.:M:ERICAN

~GAZINE

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, INC, A.pril 1966 AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

1600 BLADENSBURG ROAD, NORTHEAST / WASHINGTON, D. c. 20002

For United Horticulture *** to accumu.late, inn-ease, and disseminate horticultuml information

Editorial Committee Directors

FRANCIS DE VOS, Chainnan Terms ExpiTing 1966 J. HAROLD CLARKE JOHN L . CREECH Washington f 'REDERIC P. LEE W. H . HODGE Maryland CARLTON P. LEES FREDERIC P. LEE Massachusetts RUSSELL J. SEIBERT CONRAD B. LINK Pennsylvania DONALD'VATSON FREDER ICK G. MEYER Hawaii

"VII.BUR H. YOUNGMAN T erms Expi?'ing 1967 MRS. ROBERT L. EMERY, J R. Louisiana Officers A. C. HILDRETH Colorado PRESIDENT DAVID LEACH JOHN H . WALKER Pennsylvania A lexandria, Virginia CHARLES G. MEYER New Yo rk MRS. STANLEY ROWE F IRST VI CE- PRESIDENT Ohio FRED C. GALLE Terms ExjJiring 1968 Pine Mountain, Geo?-gia FRANCIS DE VOS Maryland SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT MRS. ELSA U. K NO LL TOM D. THROCKMORTON California Des Moines, Io wa VICTOR RIES Ohio STEWART D . VVI NN ACTING SECRETARY-TREASURER

GRACE P. WILSON ROBERT WINTZ Bladensburg, Maryland Illinois

The A merican Horticultural Magazine is the official publication of the American Horticultural Society and is issued four times a year during the quarters commencing with January, April, J!lly and October. It is devoted to the dissemination of knowledge in the science and art of growmg ornamental plants, fruits, vegetables, and related subjects.

Original papers increasing the historical, varietal, and cultural knowledges of plant mate~ials of economic and aesthetic importance are welcomed and will be published as early as pOSSible. The Chairman of the Editorial Committee should be con.ulted for manuscript specifications. Reprints will be furnished in accordance with the following schedule of prices, plus post­ age,. and should be ordered at the time the galley proof is returned by the author: One hundred coples--2 pp $7.20; 4 pp $13.20; 8 pp $27 .60; 12 pp $39.60; Covers $13.20.

Entered as second class matter in the post office at Baltimore, Maryland, in accordance with the Act of Au gust 24, 1912. Additional entry for Washington, D.C., was authorized July 15, 1955, in accordance with the pro· visions of Section 132.122, Postal Manual. The American Horticultural Magazine is included as a benefit of membership in the American Horticultural Society, Individual Membership dues being 16.00 a year. APRIL. 1966

FORMERLY THE NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE VOLUME 45 • NUMBER 2

Contents

Crab apples at the National Arboretum ROLAND M. JEFFERSON ______._.______231

The Tucson Botanical Garden HARRISON G. YOCUM ______. __ . ______237

The Granite Gardens of Georgia MARIE B. MELLINGER ______240

King Alfred and Form No. 1040 TOM D. THROCKMORTON, M.D. ______. ______245

Actinidia Chinensis-A Promising Fruit and Some Rela ted Species EDWIN A. MENNINGER ______252

Trees do Grow Fast E . SAM HENINIING ______. ______257

Siberian Iris-A Modern Approach PEG EDWARDS ______. ______.______261

A Book or Two ______. ______. ______..______266

The Gardeners' Pocketbook

The Genus Symphyandra. ROBERT M . SENIOR ____ . ______270

Araucaria columnaris- An Amazing New Caledonian Tree. A LEX D . HAWKES ______272

The Hardiest Acacia? LYNN R. LOWERY ______274

Lagerstroemia fauriei. B. M. BASHAM ______.______275

APRIL COVER ILLUSTRATION Podophyllum pel tatum- Photo by Peter Pettus NATIONAL A RBORETUM The buds of Malus 'Van Eseltine' are deep rose-red spheres that unfold into massive double pink flowers. Crabapples At The National Arboretum

By ROLAND M. J EFFERSON

Mention the National Arboretum tum, Lisle, lllinois, and at the Arnold and practically anyone who has heard of Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Massachu­ that institution automatically thinks of setts, have been the principal American azaleas. Such an assumption is perfectly sources of informa tion for best planting natural, for few horticultural attractions in our northern gardens. Since crab­ are as colorful as the 60,000 azaleas apples are progressively less satisfactory massed on the Arboretum's Mt. Hamil­ as one moves so uthward, recommenda­ ton Hillside. But this hillside, for all its tions for southern gardens are, if made beauty, is not the ultimate in cultivated on the basis of northern collections, elegan ce at the Arboretum. likely to be less dependable. The Na­ T he Gotelli collection of dwarf coni­ tional Arboretum's collection is begin­ fers, the assemblage of both native and ning to provide needed information on exotic specimens of dogwoods, the hun­ the best varieties for the middle and dreds of magnificent camellias along the upper south. Anacostia River, the fragrant mag­ Our observations over the past 15 nolias, and the hollies in great variety, years indicate that most crabapple varie­ all command their share of attention. ties are perfectly satisfactory for the In addition to these familiar attrac­ greater 'Vashington, D. C. area. "Winters tions, the maturing crabapple collection are cold enough to provide the approxi­ has come to receive considerable atten­ mately 1,200 accumulative hours of tem­ tion from the visi ting public. Consisting peratures belo'w 45 0 required to break of 600 plants it is largely the result of bud dormancy. 'tVhile the area's aver­ the collective contributions of members age annual rainfall of the past 10 years of the American Association of N ursery­ has been 5 to 15 inches below the long men in 1949, and the donation of scions period average of 4·0 inches, there is no of over 100 varieties from the late Arie evidence that crabapples have suffered den Boer of the Des Moines Water from drought. VlTorks. It now contains approximately The various cultivars in the Arbore­ 600 plants representing about 200 spe­ tum collection are constantly being eval­ cies and cultivars. uated for ornamental merit. Flowering Ornamental crabapples are consid­ and fruiting, plant habit, foliage and re­ ered the most dependable of all small sistance to insects and diseases are eval­ flowering trees for cold climates. The uated. The following are but a few of hardiest varieties will flower after expo­ the many cultivars that can be recom­ sure to temperatures as low as - 50 0 F; mended for this area and for others of the least hardy of the commonly culti­ somewhat similar climate in the upper vated varieties are satisfactory in areas and middle south: having winter lows of _10 0 F. There are Malus 'Golden Hornet'. varieties suitable for every region that experiences temperatures below zero in This crabapple with its large yellow the U.S.A. The extensive plantings at fruit of approximately three-fourths the Des Moines ' Vater VlTorks, Des inches across was added to the collection Moines, Iowa, at the Morton Arbore- in 1955. Our records indicate that it was received through the Glenn Dale • R olal7d j eUer on is a ta xol7omist at the U. S. National A rbO re lul1l. H e has had the 0/J1Jor­ Plant Introduction Station, from its tlll7i t)' to obse rve and study the arboretum's originator, John 'tVaterer Sons & Crisp extell sit'e craba/J/Jle co llec tiol7 . of Twyford, Berkshire, England. Dis- 231 232 THE MvlERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

played by its originator in the 1.949 and Malus 'Ellwangeriana' 1961 exhibits of the Royal HortIcultural As an alternate bearer, flowering and Society of England, M. ' Gol~e~ Hor­ fruiting heavily on alternate years, this net' received an Award of Ment 111 1949 crabapple would not be preferred by and a First Class Certificate in 1961. many gardeners. But having so man? Now about 9 feet tall, this plant has other cultivars, the Arboretum can walt upright branches covered each spring during the many months necessary for it with sino Ie white blossoms. The most at- ~ , to display its scarlet fruit. Often orange tractive time for NI. 'Golden Hornet, or yellow on their shaded side, and. a however, is in the fall, when the fruit, by little less than an inch across, the fnuts sheer weight and numbers, pulls the once of this cultivar are abundantly and at­ upright branches over into long pendu­ tractively spaced over this medium-size lous boughs of yellow. tree. The flowers, dark pink in bud Malus halliana 'Parkmanii' and white when fully open, closely re­ semble those of Malus fioribunda, to 'Nhen in flower the Parkman Crab is which it is sometimes considered to be one of the Arboretum's most beautiful related. When in fruit in the fall, how­ crabapples. Each year from mid to late ever, its beauty excels that of l\l1.. fiori­ April it is covered with hundr~ds of dou­ bunda, making it-despite mediocre ble pink blossoms that hang 111 clusters flowering quality-one of the Arbore­ from deep red pedicels. Although it may tum's outstanding crabapples. reach a height of 15 feet at maturity, this plant has added only 18 inches in 15 The name 'Ellwangeriana' probably years, and therefore is one of the Arbo­ dates back to the old Ellwanger & Barry retum's slowest growing crabapples. Its Nurseries of Rochester, New York. How­ very small, dull red fruits have no orna­ ever, according to 'Nyman!, this crab­ mental merit. apple has not yet been found in any of This plant, cultivated for many years their catalogs. in Japan under the name Yae-kaido, lV[alus hupehensis Tea Crab was introduced into America in 1862, Native to China and Northern India, when it first appeared in the Boston gar­ den of Francis Parkman, the amateur hor­ this species was introduced into cultiva­ ticulturist and former president of the tion in 1907 by E. H. 'Nilson, former Massachusetts Horticultural Society, for Keeper of the Arnold Arboretum.

whom it was named. l Donald VVyrn an, "Crabapples for Anleric3."

Planting of Malus Hupehensis. NATIONAL ARBORETUM NATIO NAL ARBOR E T U " ~ Malus 'Oekonomierat Echtermeyer'.

In spite of its being an alternate bearer, passersby. In the spring the flowers, the Tea Crab can be rated among the purplish pink ""ith wide, spreading, better National Arboretum crabapples twisted petals, can scarcely compete in for, when in bloom, few are more florif­ beauty with other Arboretum crab apples. erous. Its flowers begin as tight, cardi­ In the £a~l its purplish red frui t does not nal red buds Iater fading to pure stand out among the other red-fruited white, they engulf the tree with thou­ varieties. Yet its dark, purplish green sands of closely spaced blossoms that di­ leaves and weeping habit entitle it to a verge from numerous short spurs. place among the Arboretum's more in­ After flowering, the main point of in­ teresting crabapples. M. 'Oekonomierat terest centers in the Tea Crab's shape. A Echtermeyer' is beautiful by habit alone, low tree that has grown less than 13 feet standing 11 feet tall, with an upright in 15 years, this species has many main stem forking into many flexible branches armed with still more short branches that droop gracefully to the spur-like branches. Together they zig­ ground. zag outward at lengths often equaling the tree's height. This peculiar branch­ Malus 'Selkirk' ing habit gives the Tea Crab the wide iVI . 'Selkirk', received in 1951 as Malus vase-like shape that helps identify it. Morden 457, was named in 1962 by the­ Though less spectacular than many Experimental Station, Morden, Mani­ other crab apples in the fall, the Tea toba, Canada, which introduced it. Crab is covered with dull greenish fruit, In addition to having many beautiful the abundance of which make it an in­ large, carmine red flowers, this crab­ teresting specimen. apple, unlike most, displays outstanding, Malus 'Oekonomierat Echtermeyer' glossy red fruit from e~rly summer into M. 'Oekonomierat Echtermeyer', or fall. Thus its fruit ·.color lasts longer Pink 'l\Teeper, was introduced in 1914 by than that of any crabapple in the Arbo­ Ludwig Spaeth Nurseries of Berlin, retum. Its three-fourths inch fruit, which Germany. hang abundantly from this medium-size This crab, situated on a small mound tree, is highlighted by reddish leaves that bordering a road, is noticed by many turn dark green as the summer advances. 234 THE .-\ j'"CERI CAN HORTICULTURAL i'vIAGAZINE

NATIONAL ARBORETUM This 17 year old tree of Malus sieboldii var. zumi is covered with masses of single white flowers.

Seventeen year old tree of Malus M.alus sieboldii var. wmi2 tschonoskii. Given ·the J apanese name O-wmi, NA1" IONAL ARBORETUM this crabapple was introduced in 1892 by the late Professor Charles S. Sargent of the Arnold Arboretum. It is beautiful in spring as well as fall. Its rose-red buds open into countless sin­ gle white flowers which cover the plant in a beautiful mass of white. In summer, M. sieboldii var. zwni has commonplace foliage and a spreading, rounded shape, and it often remains in­ conspicuous until fall. Then with the ripening of the small dark red fruits that stand out in great numbers all over the plant after the leaves fall, M. sieboldii val'. zumi again emerges as one of the very good, red-fruited crabs. Its small crab apples, best from late October un­ til mid-November, attract many birds. lvIalus tschonoskii M. tschonoskii, a n ative of J apan and first discovered at the foot of Mt. Fuji­ yama, was also introduced, in 1892, by Professor Charles S. Sargent of the Ar­ nold Arboretum. It is considered one of the Arbore­ tum's truly unusual crabapples. Al-

"Name as is appears in Flo"a of Japan by Jisaburo Ohwi, p. 548. J 965. APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUiVIBER 2 235

though it has produced neither decOl-a­ through summer its green, disease-resist­ tive flowers nor fruit in 15 years, it has ant leaves add grace to its spreading many other ornamental attributes. upright shape. Fruits that turn a beauti­ Beautifully clothed in white, long, fine, ful golden-yellow in fall remain on the and silvery pubescence, its young leaves tree until winter. This tree, in its full and twigs are noticeable even among glory, has no peers among our other yel­ the flowering crabs. Its thick gray pubes­ low-fruited crabs. scence on the under side of the leaves Among crabapples here discussed are presents a pleasing contrast with the plants to serve various landscaping upper surface of green. needs. Malus hutJehensis, M. siebolclii In the fall, when the fruits of other var. zwni, and M. 'Golden Hornet' crabs reach their color peak, 1VI. would greatly enhance the beauty of any tschonoskii also undergoes a color park or large garden. M . tschonoskii, change. Leaves so attractively green and with its interesting foliage and upright gray during the summer now turn to habit, can serve as an accent plant. The various shades of bronze, crimson, orange slow-growing 1VI. halliana 'Parkmanii' and yellow, making this crabapple the and M. 'Van Eseltine' would be excel­ most outstanding for fall color in the lent for small gardens. Indeed crab­ Arboretum's collection. apples can contribute much to the spring and autumn landscape. Malus X 'Van Eseltine' Named for botanist Glen P. Van Esel­ tine, who in 1930 produced it by cross­ Sixteen year old tree of Malus 'Van ing M. arnoldiana with M. speciabilis, Eseltine'. this cultivar (with a tendency to alter­ l\ATION AL ARBOR£ T U}f nate-year flowering) is an introduction of the Agricultural Experimental Station at Geneva, New York. This beautiful, upright crabapple stands out sharply among the broad­ spreading cultivars that surround it. Its narrow vaselike shape is distinctive. Its flower buds develop as deep rose-red spheres that later unfold into massive pale pink, double flowers. These blos­ soms hang from long maroon pedicels that enhance their beauty, and they fre­ quently have as many as 20 petals. After its blooming period, M. 'Van Eseltine' again fades into obscurity. Al­ though diseases often mar its leaves, ren­ dering its brownish yellow fruit less at­ tractive, it must, by flowering beauty alone, be included among the better crab apples in the collection. Malus 'Winter Gold' A clone of M. sieboldii var. zumi 'Winter Gold' was introduced by S. G. A. Doorenbos, former Director of Parks, The Hague, Holland. "Vinter Gold' has consistently been one of the better all-purpose ornamental crab apples in the collection. In spring it is covered with red buds which later unfold into beautiful white blossoms. All 236 T H E AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

NATIONAL ARBORET UM The gray pubescent underside of Malus tschonoskii leaves present a pleasing contrast with the upper surface of green.

NATIONAL ARBORETUM The fruits of Malus 'Wintergold' are a golden yellow and persist on the tree until early winter. The T llcson Botanical Garden

By HARRISON G. YOCUM*

In view of the interest of so many seedling stage, not exceeding ten years people, a collection of native and ex­ although a number are attaining luxur­ otic plants, especially cacti and rare iance. Common ones include some mem­ palms, is being assembled as an incen­ bers of Washing tonia, Phoenix, Butia, tive for study and appreciation. Many Tmchycarpus, Erythea, Sabal and Cha­ find much enjoyment in having the maerops. Others being tested for en­ opportunity of viewing such displays, as durance are Copernicia, Jubaea, Livi­ it would become another of the many stona, Nannorrhops and Trithrinax. Of attractions with which Tucson is so fav­ course genera in addi tion to the above ored. Because of this ever increasing de­ will merit observation. Even the palms mand, it is felt that eventually a valu­ of the humid tropics do well with ade­ able purpose will be s.erved. quate humidity provided in the plexi­ The Tucson Botanical Garden was glass conservatory. Only species requir­ founded in honor of the writer's parents, ing this as well as frost-tenderness would Mr. and Mrs. Harry Yocum on their need such protection. The strictly trop­ 42nd wedding anniversary, December ical types make good growth during the 20th, 1964. However, the collection was strong summer heat in partially shaded initiated long before that (early 1940's) patios and similar situations where they through stimulation in the study of are protected from the wind; this is es­ plants whil@ a student in the Nature pecially true as humidity of the season Study Club of Liberty High School, Beth­ increases. lehem, Pennsylvania under the super­ As of September, 1965, one hundred vision of Mr. ,,,Tarren M. Horne. Serious species of palms are repr.esented with study of the wild and cultivated plants other foliage plants in addition to over led to the gradual establishment of a 200 kinds of cacti and succulents. The collection, requiring much patience in more attractive, botanically interesting acquiring the material and in growing it and rare types are stressed. To mention to attractive proportions. a few of the palms: there is the very Wonderful landscap.e possibilities can spiny Aiphanes acanthophylla from be created with the wealth of material Puerto Rico with sharp spines to over that thrives under average Tucson con­ one inch long all over the pinnate frond; ditions. The mild climate of the area is the unusual N eodypsis decaryi of Mada­ conducive to many kinds of plants. Be­ gascar with its leaf-sheaths so arranged sides the wide variety of cacti and succu­ as to give a triangular appearance to lents, many subtropical species do well that portion of the stem; the deeply cleft with adequate care. Even some trop­ orbicular leaves of the Cuban Cocco­ icals-banana, bird-of-paradise and bou­ thrinax mimguama sugg,esting the gainvillea-make lush growth with pro­ spokes of a wheel; the Carnauba wax­ tection. Because of their slow maturity, palm (Copernicia cerifera) from Bra­ eventual beauty and difficulty in obtain­ zil, the leaves of which yield this impor­ ing rare species, the palms are the most tant wax; small representatives of the prominent. Work with them is most in­ eventually gigantic Talipot palm (Cory­ tensified as they are largely all in the pha umbra culifera and C. elata) of In­ dia; the rare Sealing Wax palm (C yr­ " 1628 N. J e!ferson Ave" Tucson, Arizona. tostachys lakka) with ultimately start­ • Han'ison Yocum is a Research Assistant at the Tucson Botanical Cm"den which was founded in ling red-lacquered leaf sheaths from the h0110r of his pal"e nts. Borneo rain-forest; the famous Betel 237 231:1 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

HARRISON G. YOGU~'r Cactus and Rock Garden.

Nut palm (Areca catechtb) much are associated with the violet blossoms of prized for its fruit in the East Indies; Fendler's Hedg.ehogs, after which native also the Lieu,ala palms of southeast Arizona Rainbows glorify the month of Asia and Latania from the Mascarene May. The interesting button cactus Islands have highly ornamental plicate (Epithelantha micromeris) always leaves. raises comment by their button-like ap- Other plants of interest include the pearance. Creamy or pale rose flowers Sensitive Plants (Mimosa) of Brazil produced throughout summer are fol­ with their palmately-compound leaves, lowed by attractive elongated r,ed fruits and a climber from Sumatra with pin­ in the center of its white, globular body. nately-compound foliage that is photo­ Like many of the Echinocereus, they tropic as well as thigmotropic. The prefer limestone soil. Summer brings Traveler's Tree (Ravenala madagascar­ forth the showy nocturnal night-bloom­ iensis) , a gigantic liD.ember of the Ba­ ing cereus (Harrisia martinii, Peniocer­ nana family that is sometimes called eus greggii, H ylocereus and others) and Traveler's Palm, is interesting in storing the Easter-lily cactus (Echinopsis). water in the sheathing leaf-bases. Being surrounded by desert and moun­ tains, Tucson is fortunate in that a wide To be appreciated, the cacti should variety of rocks can be used for attrac­ be seen in bloom from March to N ovem­ tive "rockscaping." For instance, cacti ber. The parade of flowers commences and rocks go together naturally and in­ with the various Hedgehog or Rainbow finite designs can be created with them. Cacti (Echinocerew) , the leader being In addition, colorful rocks can be used E. rosei-probably natural hybrids of E. to ,enhance foliage plants thus combin­ conoideus. For Easter color, the showy ing botanical and mineralogical speci­ yellow blooms of the Texas Rainbows mens to good advantage. Harmonizing APR1L J 966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 239 well to crea te pa tterns for conserva tion den, Longwood Gardens, El Paso Cactus are the blue of chrysocolla, "sparkling & Rock Club, Billings McArthur of rocks"-crystallized with quartz and 'Winter Park, Fla., Randolph Fuller of "pintz" (the latter of much smaller Naples, Fla., Dr. M. S. Darian of Vista, sized crystals), white or stained "cauli­ Calif., Paul Weiss ich of the Honolulu Bo­ flower rocks"-usually of botryoidal cal­ tanical Gardens, Dr. O. M. Barth of the cite, the striped "candy rock"-wonder­ Institute Oswaldo Cruz in Rio de J a­ stone, and varieties of chalcedony and neiro, and the famous Botanic Gardens other agate. of Singa pore, Indonesia, Ceylon, In­ Appreciation is due the following for dia, Mauritius, Trinidad, British supplying seeds or exchange plants: the Guiana and Brazil. Also Frank R. Mark American Horticultural Society, Fair­ and Dale B. Morrica l of Los Cruces who child Tropical Garden, New York Bo­ h ave donated m any of their unusual tanical Garden, Missouri Botanical Gar- cacti.

H ARRISON G. YOCUM Washingtonia fiji/era-about 15 years old. The Granite Gardens of Georgia

By \1.... ruE B. l\fCLLINCER

In the upper Piedmont of Georgi.a, replaced many of the natural rock gar­ are certain granite-gneiss outcrops, ns­ dens. Public apathy and carelessness ing in exposed rock masses, or as mo­ has caused many of the outcrops to be nadnocks (isolated domes) above the despoiled of their rich heritage of plants. plain. They range over an area some Every year there are fewer endemic spe­ one hundred miles wide. cies and more weedy, introduced plants. Since 1776 these granite gardens have Many of the plants once listed by been explored by botanists, and the.ir .J. K. Small for Stone Mountain are no unique floras listed and described. "VIl­ longer found there, among them the liam Bartram was possibly the first to Granite Gooseberry (Ribes curvatwm) , botanize these areas, followed by Andre the phacelia (P. hirsuta) , a mountain Michaux in 1795. They were followed mint (Pycanthemum cttrvipes) , a vetch by a whole list of famous men: T. D. (Vicia hugeri) , and a rock oxalis (Ox­ Schweinitz in 1812, Thomas Nuttall in alis colora). At an early date Wilson 1816, Rev. Thomas Porter in 1846, H. W listed the Spleenwort (Asplenium brad­ Ravenal in 1848, J. K. Small in 1893 leyi) from near the summit, and Small and 1894. At the turn of the century, again listed it in 1894. Although Brad­ Roland Harper explored the granite out­ ley's spleenwort still occurs on some crops and in 1943 Rogers McVaugh did sandstone cliffs of western Georgia, it is his well-known Vegetation of the Gra­ presumably lost from the granite out­ nitic Flat Rocks. Dr. W. B. Baker and crops. So too is the Golden Honey­ Robert B. Platt and Madeline P. Bur­ suckle (Lonicem flava) listed by Ro­ banck have done extensive studie·s of land Harper. There is a very remote pos­ these areas, as has Haskell Venard of At­ sibility that some of these rarities may lanta. This is a short summary of what have been overlooked by more recent the grani te gardens once were and a botanizing expeditions but little hope warning of what they might become. of this. There is considerable evidence I was fortunate enough to see some of that many of the granite outcrops were these granite outcrops in May, 1965, and once much wetter than in recent years, they are still filled ·with ou tstanding sur­ and more capable of holding moisture prises for the botanist and plant lover. loving plants. I am indebted to Mrs. Marene Snow Still evident and most showy are the and Mr. Venard for making this possi­ vast expanses of rock covered with crus­ ble. Unfortunately, we were seeing the tose lichens and mosses in an array of grani te gardens after a period of ex­ colors and patterns. The lichens are, of tremely dry weather, yet there were still course, the rock crumblers and earth an abundance of flowering plants. builders. They pave the way for other At one time some two hundred and fifty plants by helping create pits of humus, plants were listed for these areas, some like oases, in the rocks. Because they fifty of which were casual weeds or im­ have the ability to absorb and store migrants. Seventeen species were listed moisture they can exist through dry pe­ as endemic only to these areas. In 1920, riods more easily than the more delicate these rock outcrops were still relatively forbs. Reindeer Moss (Cladonia rangi­ unspoiled, but since that time stone fera) occurs in various forms, along quarries have made inroads into the with the scarlet knobbed Cladonia cris­ mountains and tourist attractions have tatella and the Goblet Lichen, Cladonia • H ardeeville, South Carolina. grayi. There are vast patches of gray or 240 i\IARIE B. ~IELLI N GER Dark patches of Rock JUoss. yellow Parmelia on flat expanding CIr­ phial? th us h as bee n described as a deli­ cles on the rocks. cate, glabrous annual, with leaves that Botanists have made special studies of float on the surface of the water. The the mosses of the granite outcrops, and tiny white flowers are usually cross pol­ at least seven species are at home there. linated by insects, bu t in dry seasons the The dark patches of rock moss, Grim­ plant produces self pollinating blooms mia, are especially noticeable when at the base of the stems. The seeds ca n blackened and dry, taking on a more also lie dormant during a dry season. subdued hue after a rain. Other com­ W·e did see patches of the pretty pale mon mosses include Horn-tooth Moss blue flowered Lindernia 171o ntico la , also (C emtoden) , Bruchia, and Polytrichwn. a figwort, at the pool edges. At one sta­ Peat Moss (S1)hagnum) is found in wet tion we found the Quillwort, Isoetiis pockets. A few lip ferns, Cheilanthes, melanospom, in a wet pocket. This was still grow from rocky crevices, blending first listed by Canby on Mount Arabia their woolly gray fronds with the lichen in 1869, and by Small in 1893 on Li ttle and hepatic shades of gray and black. Stone Mountain. ·With the quillwort we Among the outstanding sights of the found the proliferating Spike Rush, granite gardens are the pools, called Eleocharis vivipara. \I\Te saw no sign of variously "weather pits," "rain pools," or the endemic f uncus georgianus, first "solution pits with intact rims." There listed by W. M. Canby in 1869, and moisture collects and remains to host an again by Small in 1895, nor the Rhyn­ abundance of aquatics. W·e did not see chospora saxicola of Small and Harper. the fairy shrimp, Eubranchopoda, men­ \I\Te did see last year's dried plants of tioned by Odum as being "completely Cyperus granitopholus, a small red­ isolated vertically as well as horizontally stemmed galingale, believed by some from any other bodies of water." botanists to be an endemic species, and Neither did we see the Twinleaf, A 111- by others to be an ecological variant of phiantlws 1)usillus, a rare member of the Cyperus infl.exus. In their wonder at the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Am- plant growth of the granite knobs, bot- THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE a nist sometimes went overboard in areas. So too has the little-barley, Hor­ hastily naming new species. More exten­ dewn pusillu.m. Of the native grasses we sive study and modern methods of chrom­ found Silky Hair-grass; Agrostis hyemalis osome co unts prove some of these to be and A. elliotliana, large patches of merely variations of other species caused Broomsedge, Andropogon virginicu.s, and by the unusual conditions in which they several panic grasses of the genus Pani­ grow. cum. "Ve did not see any of the Trout Possibly the best known plant of the Lily, Erylhroniw17 americanum, but the granite gardens is a small member of the season may have been too far advanced stonecrop family (Crassulaceae) called or too dry for any signs of its presence. Diamorpha. Certain areas of the out­ ,,,re saw seed of the Yellow Rush-lily crops are given the name "Diamorpha Schoel1olirion croceum (once Oxytria) , communities," because at certain times in wet depressions on the outcrops. of year this is the dominant plant. The Spiderworts, Tmdescantia ohioensis and outcrops turn vividly red in color from T. hirsuticaulis, were present in large their covering of Diamorpha. These are patches. Agave (once Manfreda) and very small plants with extensive root sys­ Yucca. filamentosa, both appeared at the tems that help hold soil in pockets and outcrop perimeters. crevices. In spring it has small white Plant succession on the granite out­ flowers . By June it seems to have almost crops is a matter of increasing or de­ disappeared, but the dried plants retain creasing; depth of soil and availability their seeds until the cool and damp of moisture. Somehow, the weedy and weather of autumn. Diamorpha vvas still introduced species seem better able to rather abundant on most of the rock out­ compete in times of drought. Fescue crops we visited. grasses (Fesluca rubra and F. octoflora) The dwarf stonecrop, Sedwn pusil­ seem to have almost taken over some Tu.m, is listed as an association plant of

Pool rimmed with Lindernia monticola. APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 243

Diarnorpha, but a close search failed nox, S. glauca, and S. smallii, climb over to reveal an y, although it was the season shrubbery and trees. From rocky crev­ when it should h ave been in bloom. vVe ices the smilaxes emerged as dwarfed, did find a few plants of Talinum, the shrubby bushes, along with the Virginia rock portulaca, a small succulent with Creeper, (Parthen ocissus and the Caro­ flowers that open only during the middle lina J essamine Gelserniurn sernpervirens. of the day. W'e did not see either the Dr. Baker h as advanced the theory that pink flowered Portldaca smallii or the abnormalities in the jessa mine growth yellow-fl owered P. coronata, both listed may be due to radiation of substances by Small in 1894. deep in the granite. Other botanists in­ Several plants endemic to the granite fer that the odd forms are due to the gardens are still, h appily to say, fairly scarcity of nutrients and moisture. abundant. vVe saw great patches of the The Shining Sumac, Rhus copallina fe lty, silvery gray leaves of the Rock grows short and stubby on the outcrops R agwort, Senecio tomentosa, and the and large and rampant in adjoining Creeping Rockworth, Arenaria brevi­ woodlands. Normally a vine, Poison folia. Colonies of prickly p ears Oak, Rhus que?'cifolia, also grows shrub­ Opuntia hwnifusa were opening their like on the rocks and there closely re­ large, fragile pale yellow blooms. 'We sembles its s'weet smelling and harmless saw young plants of the Viguiem por­ relative, the Fragrant Sumac, Rhus aro­ teri, or Rock Daisy (often mistaken for matica. There are a few bushes of Spar­ a Coreopsis) that cover these rock hills kleberry, Vaccini U In arboreum and with golden flowers in autumn. Unfor­ Fringe Tree, Chionanthus on the out­ tunately a prolonged drought can keep crops along with Swamp Privet, Forestiem these seedlings from coming into flower. and small dwarfed shrubs of Thornapple 'iIVe saw flowers of the 'iIVi ld Savory, Crataegus uniflora. Sat1,reja caroliniana, Blue Sage, Salvia Trees struggle for sustenance on the azurea, Tall Bluets Houstonia longifolia granite outcrops, often appearing in and Pinewort, H Y1J ericurn gentianoicles. gnarled or freakish forms. "Winged Elm, The Lave nder Milkwort, Polygala curtis­ Ulmus alata, liquidambar, and Persim­ sii was almost ready to blossom. The mon, D iosp)lros are found there along showies t of all were the Rock Primrose with the Shortleaf Pine, P inus echinata Oenothera, bright golden patches against and the Loblolly, Pinus taeda . China­ the rocks and contrasting with the pink berries are still found where ] . K. Small of Bearclstongues or Pensternon. Lacking reported them running wild with peach from older plant lists, and probably in­ trees and Crepe Myrtle in 1893. The troduced in more recent years were the Hop Tree, Pte lea trifolia is still found weedy plantain, Plantago virgzmca, on Kennesaw where it was supposedly Toadflax, Linaria canadensis, Sorrel, planted by the Indians. Rumex hastalatus and Gemniurn cara­ A dwarfed oak called Quercus geor­ linianwn. All of these were com­ gina, is found on the granite ridges mon. Many plants from older lists along with a form of the 'iIVater Oak, Q. were missing, but whether from tempo­ nigra forma microcarya. It is said these rary dry conditions or because they had oaks as well as those in adjoining wood­ permanently disappeared is anyone's lands hybridize freely and several h y­ guess. A botanist visiting the outcrops brids are listed for the area. There is in autumn could still expect to see H eli­ beginning to be evidence that some of a,nthus, Coreopsis, Liatris, Gemrdia, these oaks may be ecological variations and the showy H ypericum. rather than valid h ybrids or species. At Around the edges of many of the out­ least it gives botanists a good subject for crops and sometimes venturing out upon argument. the rocks, were vast, riotous tangles of If this summary of the granite gardens J apanese Honeysuckle (Lonicem japon­ seems vague as to exact locale of some ica). Cross Vine, B ignonia capreolala species of plants it is purposely so. and three species of smilax Smila.'C bona- Good friends and botanists h ave told me 2-14 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE tha t to publicize the exact locale of rare ---. 1956. Some Interesting Plants on the plants is to subject them to the pickers Granite Outcrops of Georgia. and diggers who would carry them all Bormann, F. H . and Platt, Robert B. 1955. A Field Tl·ip to Stone Mountain, Georgia. away. 1£ this is true it is a sad com­ Burbanck, Madeline P. and Platt, Robert. 1964. mentary on our modern day nature lov­ Granite Outcrop Communities of the Pied­ ers. mont Plateau in Georgia. However, it is true that the general Ferna1d, M. L. 1950. Gray's Manual of Botany, public should somehow be made to real­ 8th Edition. ize that these granite gardens with their Grout, A. J. 1947. Mosses With a Hand Lens. natural plant associations are something Hat·per, R . M. 1904. Plant Explorations in special. An effort should be made to Georgia. preserve at least some of them before ---. 1939. Granite Outcrop Vegetation in Ala­ their vegetation is entirely destroyed. On bama. our recent trip we saw many places McVaugh, Rogers. 1943. The Vegetation of the where rubbish had been dumped upon Granitic Flatrocks of the South Eastern United States. the rocks. Hot rodders had used the gran­ McVaugh, Rogers and Pyron, Joseph H. 1951. ite hills for drag strips. Scouts and pic­ Ferns of Georgia. nickers had built fires in many of the Marshall, Nine L. 1910. Mosses and Lichens. shallow depressions. Something should Nearing, G. G. 1947. The Lichen Book. be done to prevent such desecration and Small, J. K. 1933. Manual of Sou theastern to preserve so unusual a natural herit­ Flora. age. Venard, Haskell. 1955. List of Plants Originally BIBLIOGRAPHY Described, at least in part from Stone i'vloun­ Baker, W . B. 1945. Studies of the Flora of the tain, or Little Stone Mountain, DeKalb Coun­ Granite Outcrops of Georgia. ty, Georgia.

• •<

lVIARIE B. 1\!f ELLINGER Gray foliage of Senecio tomentosa King Alfred And Form No. 1040

By TOM D. THROCKMORTON) M.D.

I had only been at the Callaway Gar­ filled out the order blank. I also or­ dens, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, for dered a small collection of narcissus. about twenty minutes when I broke one They, too, had the guarantee of pre­ of the Ten Commandments. I stepped formed flowers in the bulbs. And also, out of the Inn door, to get my bearings. I wasn't quite sure what they were. and saw that old American beech. A As spring uncovered the rosy-purple muscular, silv,er-gray trunk rose straight tulip shoots, she also uncover,ed tight as any arrow for the best part of 100 blue-green quivers of stiff, erect daffodil feet, to disappear into a trembling gold­ leaves. By that time, I had learned that en cloud as autumn's vagrant airs narcissus were really daffodils. As the stirred the turning leaves. In the smooth buds of the tulip 'Red Emperor' lifted bark, high as a tall man's head, were above the foliage and took on a pow­ carved interlocking hearts and pairs of dery red cast, the spathes burst on a names; obviously lovers rather than hor­ double handful of daffodils. And then I ticulturists, although there need be no learned that all daffodils are not yellow mutual exclusion of the two. As this trumpets. I saw 'Selma Lag-ero£', and king of trees peered out across his do­ have been madly in love with her since main, and his minions of scattered un· that day: a milky-white perianth broad dergrowth, I fractured that Command­ but informal as a sai l not tightly set by ment: "Thou shalt not covet." a catspaw of wind. And the trumpet Here was I, a surgeon from Iowa, re­ was not a trumpet at all, but a cup, cently bereft of eight very old vase­ flaring like a ballet skirt; green-hearted, shaped elms by an incredible plague of the lemon cup was broadly bordered by dutch-elm disease, and now confronted an orange rim with enough red in it to with a glimpse of unattainable riches. make a Sioux brave take to the warpath. And today, as I think over my collec­ I think I was expecting Pollyanna, tion of adolescent pin oaks and youthful and met Salome instead. The only simi­ sugar maples thrusting here and there lar experience I have had was, at age six­ abov,e the house-top, I still covet that teen, when a Chicago girl spent a sum­ beech. And I also treasure the days mer-month with relatives on our block. spent at the Callaway Gardens, on the 'Selma Lagerlof' bewitched me, and I've occasion of the Twentieth American been a daffodil fancier since I first saw Horticultural Congress, under the aus­ her. pices of the American Horticultural So­ As a new plant hobbiest, I r,ead all I ciety. could find (wisely) and bought all I Actually, to coin a phrase, "a funny could afford (unwisely). 'King Alfred' thing happened to me on my way to is synonymous with the word "daffodil" Pin.e Mountain": I received a copy of to most of us-which is a great pity. How the V\Tayside Garden Catalogue in about many thousands of gardeners have de­ 1949. I was overwhelmed by page after cided that they just could not grow daf­ page of tulips. What red-blooded, mod­ fodils, because a handful of big, heavy erately lazy American male (whose fav­ orite color is red) could possibly with­ • D,·. Tom D. Throchm01'ton is a surgeon at the stand such temptation. Visions of great Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa glowing goblets on stems like buggy­ and founde1' of the Daffodil Data Banh, the first whips crowded through my mind as I application of automation to amateur horticul, tU1·e. Di"ector of A me1'ican Daffodil Society and "Delivered October 14, 1965 before the Twentieth 2nd Vice P1'esident of American Horticultural American Horticultural Co ngress at Ca ll away Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia. Society. 245 246 THE Al\lERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE bulbs of 'KinO' Alfred' melted away in a that are being accumulated under your year or two? Actually, 'King Alfred' Social Security number: needs a breath of salt sea air if he is to 1. Bank account and checking ac­ flourish. Also 'King Alfred' had no fa­ count. ther! King Alfred is an autotet:aploid 2. Stock and bond transactions. and therefore a bastard-plant, In sev­ 3. In Iowa, a Social Security num­ eral senses of the word. And the ber is required by law to obtain a thoughts of illegitimacy whicl~ cling to driver's license. 'King Alfred', led by connotatIOn to the 4. Hospital admission. Federal Income Tax. 5. Military enlistment. The departments of governmen~ have 6. Life and accident insurance. developed an increasing int~rest In So­ 7. Death certificate. cial Securi ty numbers, despIte a state­ 8. And now, for Medicare. ment on your card which says: "For These and other bits of data on your Social Security and Tax Purposes-Not life, habits, and experiences are cur­ for Identification." In a "Special Mes­ rently being filed away-and are on tap sage for Taxpayers," we were informed under just one number, assigned espe­ in 1964 that: "During the past year, cially to you. Almost all bulky data are continued progress has been made in now r.ecorded and stored in electronic installing our automatic data processing computers and data processing eq~ip­ system, and some parts of the system are ment: handling insurance and bankIng, now operative in all of the fifty states. building automobiles and waging war The system is designed to give you better are dependent upon computers. If this service and more efficient and effective universal system of collecting, filing, and enforcement of tax laws. Our aim is to processing information is good for peo­ make sure that everyone pays his share ple, then why is it not good for plants? -and no more-of the cost of keeping Just suppose you put all the collected America safe, prosperous and healthy. facts about your favorite flower in a spe­ "For your own protection, and to cial draw,er in your old roll-top pigeon promote fast, accurate processing of hole desk. If some day you need to know your return, please (italics mine) the parentage of that particular flower, watch these points: or the name of its breeder, you can go "N ame and Addr,ess- straight to that special little drawer, rif­ "Copy your Social Security number fle through its contents, and find the an­ exactly as it appears on your account swer. If you are interested in 5,000 card. This number is important to plants, you just need a desk with 5,000 rapid processing of your return and to pigeon-holes. But if the drawers. ~re identifying your tax affairs." kept in alphabetical order, the addItIOn I thought it was mighty neighborly of or subtraction of a single plant would the government to use the word mean a reshuffling of many drawers. If "please," as above. In the entire 20 you manage to find the drawer of yo~r page government booklet, the word favorite flower, in this mammoth desk, It ~lease is used on just one other occa- slOn: will still be necessary for you to read over almost everything in the drawer to "Attach forms W-2 to your return. find the name of the breeder, or of the If not available, please explain." seed parent. (Italics mine) If you are really systematic and have So, your Federal and State tax data every drawer logically arranged and are filed away in computers under your stuffed full-where do you put new in­ Social Security number. If you have formation about your favorite flower if been lucky enough to get your wife a and when it becomes available? Actually, job, her number is required too. And if by this time you would have two strong she hasn't had a job, the Feds would like men in white coats looking after you; or to give her a number, anyway. Let us you would have begged, borrowed, or look, briefly, into the other types of data stolen an electronic computer. APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 247

I found myself in just about that read. "George" makes 2 true carbon quandary with a burgeoning file of daf­ copies, if requested. fodil parentages, and so I asked Thus, here is a system which allows "George" to help me. "George" is an almost instantaneous storage and re­ 1.B.M. No. 1440 computer and data trieval of data, and also allows random processing system. He lives, in sullen access to any specific bit of stored data. splendor, in a plate-glass air-conditioned In other words, all data about anyone apartment at the Iowa Methodist Hos­ plant can be stored at a specific location pital, in D.es Moines, Iowa. "George" is or address within the computer; and constantly attended by a bevy of lovely that material or any lesser portion of it ladies who punch cards and alter data may be picked out at will, to be listed programs to his taste. "George" suppos­ or compared with other data to suit your edly works for Mr. Bill Tate, in charge taste. of the Computer Center. However, when My taste was daffodils. 'l\1ith the help "George" gets into one of his irritable, of Mr. Harry 1. Tuggle, Jr., Mr. Wil­ finn icky, hair-splitting moods, none of liam Panill, and Mrs. Roberta Watrous, us is certain as to just who is doing what decisions were made as to what type of to whom. daffodil information was worth storing. How did the computer get the name? Our decisions were: '''VeIl, any job too tedious, too time-con­ 1. The name of the plan t. suming, too detailed, or too unprofitable, 2. The seed parent. for people has been turned over to the 3. The pollen parent. computer. In other words, if the job is 4. Name of breeder. an unattractive nuisance, "let George 5. Class and color. The horticul­ do it!!" Currently "George" interprets tural classification is that approv,ed electrocardiograms; records the data by the Royal Horticultural Society, output of the hospital laboratOlies; di­ and by the American Daffodil So­ agnoses congenital heart disease in chil­ ciety. A code was developed which clren; keeps a running census of the pa­ allows "George" to print a short tients and tabs on available rooms but accurate color description of keeps the hospital inventory; keeps the the bloom, when these data are payroll, and writes the employee's known. checks, after making suitable deductions 6. Season of bloom. for time off, Social Security, tax with­ 7. Height of plant. holding, insurance, etc. "George" is ob­ 8. Chromosome count (most daffo­ taining some contact with the more hu­ dils are tetraploids.) man side of people, through what are 9. Fertili ty data, i.e., s.eed fertile, known as "accounts receivable." Is it pollen fertile, or sterility if known. any wonder that "George" took up daf­ 10. Date-of origination or introduc- fodils as a hobby? tion or registration of the cultivar. Perhaps "George" would take all of If any of the above data is regarded as this more kindly if I told you a bit about questionable, uncertain, or of apocry­ him. The computer has a built-in mem­ phal origin, it is identified with a question ory of 8,000 bits of information. This is mark (?). If several daffodils have gone supplemented by a number of "disc­ under the same name, this fact is indi­ packs," each of which looks like a stack cated by code and data is filed separately of 6 long-playing phonograph records, when known. and each pack is capable of storing 2,- After two years of work, and substan­ 000,000 bits of information. By means of tial cooperation from many daffodil fan­ this equipment, "George" is able to store ciers and breeders. I have accumu­ or retrieve information at a rate of 62,- lated data on almost 5,000 daffodils. 500 bits per second. The information re­ These data have been digested by trieved from this system is printed out, "George," and in that form are dignified 120 characters per line at 250 lines per by the title "Daffodil Data Bank of the minute-a good deal faster than you can American Daffodil Society." 248 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

SEEDLING ; PRINC ESS MARY, HELLENICUS BEACONJ RECURVU S SEEDLING I POET ? WHITE SEN TIN EL ? SEEDLI NG I: ? TE MPLEM ORE

OP

ROSE CAPRICE

GRACIOUS

GREEN ISLAND SEEDLING ~PRINCESS MARY HELLENICUS MOZARTI ? DUCHESS SERAGLIO OF BRABAN T BERNARDINO LU LWORTH GALLI POLII ABSCISSU SWILL SCARL ETT RADIIFLORUS PO ROMANCE

SI LVER PL ANE

GLEN SHANE ? SILVER COIN] HELL ENICUS? RINS EY?

?

INFA TUA TION

SEEDLING I PRINCESS MARY HELLEN ICUS? RECURVUS BEACON ~ SEEDLING I POET? WHITE SENTIN EL ? SEEDLING ~ ? 'I SEEDLING I WATERVILLE PRINC ESS MARY HELLEN ICUS? MOZAR~ ? DUCH ESS (above and OF BRABANT SERAGLI O " Print Out" BERNARD INO on LULWORTH on opposite p age) ABSCISSUS GALLlPOL;L Parentage of Narcissus W ILL SCARLETT RAD II FLORUS PO 'R omance' APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 249

l\7a""e Seed Parent Polen Parent CIll$S 0- Color S HT CC FT DT Romance Rose Caprice Infatuation J. Lionel Richardson 2B Pink 4 4 59 Rose Caprice Templemore Green Island J. Lionel Richardson 2B Pink 4 3 SP 52 Infatuation Glenshane Waterville J. Lionel Richardson 2B Gree n Yello Pink 4 3 SP 54 Templemore White Sentinel OP J. Lionel Richardson 2C 4 SP 38 Green Isla nd Gracious Seraglio J. Lionel Richardson 2B Green White Yelo 4 4 SP 38 Glenshane Silver Plane Rinsey Guy L. Wilson 2C White White Yello 5 SP 41 \o\'alerville White Seminel Seraglio J. Lionel Richa rdson 2C Green White Yello 4 3 SP H White Sentinel Beacon 17 Seedling I Rev. Geo. H . 2C 4 3 28 SP 26 Engleheart OP P Gracious L. Van Leeu wen & 2B White White Yello 4 SP 31 Son Ltd Sera!l'lio Moza rt Gallipoli The Brodie of Brodie 3A Ye ll o Ye ll o Orang 4 4 SP 26 Silver Plane Au thur E. Lowe 3B Yello 5 27 Rinsel' Si lver Coin Perciva l D. Williams 3C Green White White 5 SP 34 Beacon Princess Mary 33 Seedling 1 Rev. Geo. H. 3A Yell o Yello Orang 28 SP 97 Engleheart 17 Seedling 1 Rev. Geo. H . 2C P Engleheart Mozart Princess Mary T he Brodie of Brodie 3A Yello Yello R ed S 34 Gallipoli Bernardino Will Scarlett The Brodie of Brodie 2A Orang 4 P 23 Silver Coin H ell enicus Perci va l D. Williams 3C Green White White 5 SP 49 Princess Mary 64 Seedling 1 H ellenicus Edward Leeds 2A Yell o Yell o Orang S 84 33 Sedling 1 Recurvus Poet P Bernardino Duchess of Brabant Lulworth Philip John Worsley 2B Yello Yello Orang SP 07 WiII Scarlet Abscissus Radiiflorus Rev. Geo. H. 2B R ed 4 SP 98 Engleheart Hellenicus 10 p 64 Seedling 1 lA S Recurvus 10 Yell o Yello R ed 6 SP Poet 9 SP Duchess of Brabant Minnie Hume William Backhouse 3B Yell o

Now let us see what the Daffodil Data f. Lists by season of bloom, from Bank is capable of doing: extra-early to late, in 7 arbi­ trary periods of bloom. 1. The data on anyone flower can be g. Lists by plant height, i.e., mini­ had almost instantaneously. 2. A "print-out" of all the contained ature, small, medium, and information on all daffodils can be large. had in about 40 minutes. h . Lists of specific chromosome counts, such as a list of all 3. Lists of daffodils having one or known triploid daffodils. more qualities may be had in about 5 minutes. Among such lists 1. Lists of known fertile or infer­ are- tile plants. a. All flowers bred by a certain 4. Date of introduction is added as a breeder. mark of identification. However, b. All children of any daffodil. lists of daffodils bred in particular c. All children of any specific daf­ decades make fascinating pictures fodil cross. of plant br,eeders and where they d. Lists by classification, i.e., yel­ were going at anyone time. low trumpets, jonquils, cycla­ S. Most sophisticated of all of mineus, species, etc. "George's" talents lies in his abil­ e. Lists by color, i.e., all pink ity to print the family tree of a cupped daffodils, cups with a daffodil for seven generations. The green eye, or with a red rim. form of such a family tree "print- 250 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

out" is that familiar to all gene­ more than 1,000 man-hours in the Daf­ ologists, whether botanical or fodil Data Bank. There are more than D.A.R. And, as a little anti-cli­ $10,000 of machine and program time max, "George" automatically in­ in the project-a contribution of dudes, at the conclusion of each "George," Bill Tate, and myself. This family tree, a little biogTaphy of collection of data has not cost the Amer­ each plant mentioned. ican Daffodil Society one cent! 6. George is an author of small note. The American Horticultural Society is In March, 1965, a print-out from in a unique position to capitalize on the computer was photographically George's efforts. The A.H.S. is not only a reduced and printed in a ring society of garden and plant-minded binding between covers for $3.25 people; it is also a society and associa­ including postage. The style is a tion of specific plant societies. In each bit dull, but the information on and everyone of these component plant more than 4,000 daffodils is com­ societies is a hard core of interested, dili­ pressed to 103 pages. gent plant lovers who want to know more of their favorite plant and in turn Just how practical is such a plant are the source of such knowledge. These aata bank? I really don't know, but the people should be put to work under the following observations are helpful: watchful cooperation of a special com­ 1. The genetics of the "pink" daffo­ mittee of the A.H.S.- "The Plant Data dil becomes fairly obvious. Bank" should be formed. 2. The genetics of the "reversed bi­ Each plant society should decide what color daffodil is explored, with items of information about their plant some rather astonishing conclu­ are of greatest use and interest. Each so­ sions. ciety must determine how to code their 3. The common parent in two strains standards of classification and how best of "pigment unstable" daffodils to describe their plant and flower, if such has been found. descriptions are desired. Once the 4. Fl(,wers with valuable recessive tastes of each plant society are deter­ traits can be located. mined, then the data must be gathered by interested members of that society. 5. I do a little amateur daffodil breeding and this past Spring, all Up to this point, no expense has been of my crosses were chosen by the encountered by anyone. Now, the fin­ ished proof-read data are sent to co~puter as Fz, F3 hybrid types­ whIch is almost impossible with­ "George," where they are converted to out data of the type I had avail­ verified punch-cards for $50.00 per 1,000 able. cards, i.e., $250.00 for 5,000 cards. For about $500, "George's" program can be 6. In what other form could you de­ modified to produce the results required velop a library of 5,000 plants, with random access to any plant, by any plant society, if the requirements are within reason. The charge for re­ and yet store it on a shelf, like programming might be substantially less small stacks of phonograph · rec­ ords or a roll of magnetic tape? if the alterations are simple. The whole data file of cards and the program could We have discussed what "George" can then be put on a few dollars worth of do for you; now, what can you do to magnetic tape for storage and from "George." First, you can add, subtract, which a disc-pack could be built from or alter data in any area of the recorded time to time as the plant society requests file by merely submitting a suitably data. Simple listings, as family trees, punched card to the system. Secondly, would cost about $1.00 each. A print­ the ra~her int~icate and detailed pro­ out of all 5,000 plants would cost about gr~mmmg reqUIred by this project is ap­ $7.50 per list, if run in triplicate. I un­ pl.Icable. to any other variety of plant, derstand the American Orchid Society WIth sUItable modifications. There are has more than 30,000 named orchids. If APRIL ]966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 251 this list is ever to be submitted to data tapped if the A.H.S. and the special plant processing, some considerable expense society have a common cause. In a will be involved. Perhaps some form of Plant Data Bank there is such a common birthcontrol should be practiced in cer­ interest. tain plant societies; a registration fee to Compu ters now assign patients to hos­ go toward their registration and data pital rooms, keep tabs on the pathology keeping functions seems indicated. department and are real whizzes in the In conclusion, the A.H.S . should en­ diagnosis of heart disease. A computer courage the formation of a Central Plant may even think at length about appendi­ Data Bank. The data should be shaped citis-but to date, none has been licensed to the wishes and requirements of spe­ to do surgery, which is probably just as cific plant societies. The largest item of well, because those beady-eyed little expense is man-hours, expended to lights, as they blink, do not offer much gather data and translate facts and fig­ by way of reassurance in a "bedside ures to the computer's vocabulary. As a manner." And also, as a patient, you matter of fact, I might suggest that the could never afford a large computer as a A.H.S. does not need more money; it surgeon-"George" has several cousins needs more people to work! The source who are far more expensive by the hour of the vitally interested person who will than I am. People need machines; but contribute man-hours is in the compo­ machines also need people-and in this nent plant societies. This source can be instance, lots of them.

TOM D. THROCKMORTON "George" Actinidia Chinensis A Promising Fruit And Some Related Species

By EDWIN A. MENNINGER

The tasty fruit of a vigorous Chinese body to explore the commercial possi­ vine (Actinidia chinensis) h as definite bilities, to discover best areas in this market possibilities in the United States country for cultivation, or even to pick but the field remains virgin. Limited up the successes achieved by growers in cultural experiments have been carried New Zealand where the fruit has been on at the United States Department of produced commercially for ten years. Agriculture Station at Chico, California, Actinidia is happy in climates that grow but no efforts have been made by any- oranges, but apparently requires more

This group of Actinidia fruits displays in cross section the luscious, attrac­ tive green interior of the fruit with its many tiny purple seeds around the core. The outside of the fruit is less attractive, for it is as brown as a potato and covered with stiff fuzz which must be removed before eating, either by scalding or by peeling the fruit. DOUGLAS ELLIOTT APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 ~53

elevation than south Florida can pro­ ered with stiff, fuzzy hair-anything but vide, as experiments ther,e at sea level attractive to the eye. Hence the fruit have been abortive, although attempted must be peeled, as those hairs irritate at the U. S. Plant Introduction Station, if they get in the throat. Inside, the Miami, over a long period, 1935-1957. story is different. The flesh is a beauti­ Of course all American housewives ful, translucent pale green, and at cen­ are hostile anyway toward new fruits ter are the tiny purple seeds, crisp and and vegetables. Fifty years ,elapsed be­ crunchy, that need not be remov,ed be­ fore the avocado achieved its proper fore the fruit is eaten, which is just as place as an American table delicacy; well as they are v,ery small and numer­ half this time was spent living down that ous. The raw fruit is cut and sprinkled horrible name "alligator pear." with sugar and is eaten alone or in fruit salads. It is also used before getting Actinidia is similarly handicapped be­ dead ripe, in stews, preserves, jams, cause it is usually called Chinese goose­ sauces, and these are bottled or canned. berry; of course it has no connection In commercial processing, the exterior with geese or with that sour fruit which hairs are removed in a weak lye solu­ disappeared from cultivation about the tion. Chemical analysis has shown that time of the Spanish-American war. Com­ Actiniclia fruits are richer in Vitamin mercial growers in New Zealand refll­ C than an orange, although the ascorbic ized that nobody knowingly would spend acid content of large fruits is only half money for a fruit called gooseberry, so that of small fruits. they changed to another bird and adopted the equally silly name of Kiwi­ Berry. (A kiwi is a virtually extinct, Considerable variation occurs in the flightless New Zealand bird.) Under the size and shape of Actinidia fruits. name Kiwi-Berry the fruit was shipped Those on top, left to right, appear to to distributors in Australia, England, be illustrative of Allison and Abbott and the United States and the New strains, those at bottom of Hayward Zealanders in 1962, sold nineteen tons of and Bruno strains. Kiwi-Berries in the United States, C O URTES Y N EW Z E ALAN D JOURNA L OF AGRICULTURE mostly through mail order fruit clubs and chain restaurants. They also sold thirteen tons in Australia and twenty tons in England. Those enterprising down-unders thus disposed of their crop surplus at the fancy price of 80¢ a pound or more. The total 1962 crop in New Zealand was 617 tons of frui t, and sales were made despite a name as far­ fetched and inappropriate as Jerusalem artichoke or Guernsey lily. What does the Actinidia fruit look like. First of all it lacks uniformity. Although no standardized named varieties are rec­ ognized, the improved strains produce fruits the size and shape of an elongated turkey egg, 2Y2 to 3Y2 inches long and from 1 to 1 Y2 inches in diameter, of a brownish color like a potato, and cov-

• Edwin Menninge1' is a longtime hortic'Ult'UTist jJa1·ticulaTly 1'enowned fOT his w1'iting on tTOjJical and sub tTopica I tress and sll1'ubs especially flowe,-ing s/Jecies. He is 1'esponsible for the in· troduction of nume1'OUS o'rnamental tJlants into Flo,-ida. Greater production of Actinidia fruits is achieved by training the vines over pergola-like frames, so that the fruit can hang down within picking reach. It is also much easier for the picker to see this way.

The development of improved fruits barb, and to the common gooseberry. in New Zealand dates back to 1910 when Yet, it is unlike any of these, having its Bruno H. Just and other pioneers be­ own distinctive, exotic taste." Just, ex­ gan hybridizing and producing better actly, what is an "exotic" taste? The un­ and finer fruits, though unfortunately ripe fruit is rich in pectin but this dis­ they failed to name the crosses. For appears as the fruit ripens. The fruit years these went unidentified, but more also contains an ,enzyme called actinidin recently the New Zealand Department which, like the enzyme in the papaya, is of Agricultur,e has sorted out and useful in tenderizing meat. named, after extensive field trials, the If 'would-be growers in North Florida, preferred commercial strains. These are on the Gulf fringe States, or in Califor­ titled 'Bruno', which is longer and nia, could forget about poultry-goose, thinner, like a sausage; and three types kiwi, etc.-and concentrate on produc­ that are shorter and fatter, 'Hayward', tion of Actinidia under its correct 'Abbott', and 'Allison'. Strangely name, they might well find it a success­ enough the fragrant, pretty, white, blos­ ful venture for the vine gro'ws easily in soms of these four strains are sufficiently mild climates, almost too easily. It ramps unlike that the strain can be identified over everything that gets in its way­ from the blossom. Development of these trees, shrubs, sheds; in New Zealand it improved types eliminated the small­ climbs 40-foot Japanese cedars (Crypto­ fruited early forms in New Zealand meria japonica) and a single plant will which were inferior in taste and many bear up to 700 lbs. of fruit in a sea­ had tough, inedible fibres running son. This is easy to pick, with no through the central axis of the fruit. prickles, but as difficulties are encoun­ What does the ripe fruit of Actinidia tered in picking up a 40-foot tree, vines taste like? One writer says it is "deli­ are usually trained over wire fences or cious, being of a sweet flavor which has pergola-like frames. been likened to a strawberry, to rl1U- Because of the rampant habit, and be- APRIL 1966, VOLUl'vIE 45, NUMBER 2 255

cause the fruit is produced only on new the temperature range is down to 18-20 0 growth (as with gnpes) , pruning of the F. in winter and as high as 11 5 0 in sum­ vines and keeping the new fruit-bearing mer. An annual rainfall of 18-25 r unners within easy picking range, is ex­ inches is sparse in summer so that irriga­ tremely important. The vines are di­ tion of the vines is often necessary. oecious (sexes on different plants), and Experienced growers in Florida be­ one male plant is required for each 6 to lieve that lack of altitude has been re­ 8 females. As the fruit of most seedling sponsible for the failure (to date) of all vines is inferior, commercial planting is Actinidia plantings in Florida, even in restricted to vines of known sex and areas where oranges thrive. They call proved fruitfulness. Propagation by attention to the fact that in China, Ac­ hardwood cuttings has proved unsatis­ tinielia "is very abundant from 2500 to tory at Chico, although softwood cuttings 6000 feet altitude," according to Wil­ may offer possibilities. son.! To establish this fruit under Flor­ Experience has shown that the vines ida conditions might necessitate an ex­ need deep, rich soil, adequate drainage, perimental gTowing of several thousand and ample water supplies during the A ctinidia seedlings, saving for further fruiting season. The vines appear to ' \,Vi lson, E. H .: A Naturalist i1l H'eJlern China. New York. 19 13. Vol. II, p. 32. Also cf. Vol. I , pp. 31, thrive in warm inland valleys. At Chico 32, 57, 173.

COURTESY NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE The rampant growth of Actinidia vines smothers the flowers and fruit in a welter of leaves, especially when trained on wire fences. 256 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

breeding and selection those few which habit makes possible long storage and come closest to thriving under local, sea­ overseas export shipping, for with level condi tions. Sandy, acid soil would proper packing it keeps well for as long be better than limestone, and of course as four months. Experience in New it should be free of nematodes. Until Zealand has shown that Actinidia is such experimental work is done, it can­ damaged by storing in the same room not truthfully be said that A ctinidia will with other fruits, such as apples and not grow in Florida. pears, but can be kept most successfully if packed in wooden boxes with poly­ Actinidia fruit normally ripens early in December. Late frosts enhance rather ethylene liners. than hurt the taste of the fruit, though The New Zealand Department of they may knock all the leaves off the Agricultur.e has published extensively vine. Early frosts during the spring on Actinidia, and a dozen or more of flowering may cut the fruit yield. these booklets and excerpts may be con­ Through the winter the vines are decid­ sulted at Morton Collectanea, Univer­ uous and dormant, so are uninjur.ed by sity of Miami, Coral Gables 46, Florida. heavy frosts. They cover propagation, culture, har­ After picking, Actinidia fruit is usu­ vesting, processing, and preparing for ally allowed a further ripening of a shipping, storage, etc., together with a month to improve the flavor. This lot of recipes for pr,eparation of the brings the product on the market at the fruit for the table. Christmas season when fresh fruits are Actinidia is not a complete stranger in high demand. The slow ripening in the United States. Both A. chinen­ sis, the best fruiting species, and half a dozen other species are frequently grown for their very ornamental foli­ age, although usually only one vine is The male flowers of Actinidia. The planted and consequently no fruit is blossoms are fragrant and pretty; at borne. Two species, A. kolomikta first white, the petals soon turn brown. (hardiest of all, to eastern Canada) , and DOUG LAS ELLIOIT A. polygama, are attractive to cats. Dr. David Fairchild in The World Was My Garden, recorded a visit to a greenhouse in Boston, and he quoted Jackson Daw­ son: "The cats have somehow discov­ ered that this new Chinese plant (A. kolomikta) is good to eat, and they gave me any amount of trouble in its propa­ gation. I keep an old cat here in the greenhouse to catch the rats, and she has bitten off the potted plants nearly to the ground. For a long time I couldn't find out what was cutting back my Actinidia plants, but one day I saw some cat's hairs on the plant and later saw the cat at work. The large vine which we set out in the arboretum was clawed to pieces, until we put netting around it." A. kolomikta is preferred for orna­ mental gardening because its fully de­ v.eloped leaves are variegated with white and pink at the tips. Sometimes this variegation covers the whole leaf. Trees Do Grow Fast

By E. SAM HEMMING

Several incidents in my early profes­ English Boxwood, long known for its sional career made me aware that virtu­ longevi ty, grows surprisingly fast. I ally no laymen and few plantsmen were know plants which my father planted in able to guess the correct age of most ma­ 192Ll that have reached 6 feet in height. ture trees they saw. "Vith this awareness, There are trees, of course, at least a I became interested in noting the true century in age and in the 'West the Red­ ages of trees as I could discover them: wood, Doulgas Fir and Bristlecone also, with the passage of some time, I Pine may live thousands of years. Here knew the age of others because I had in the East, the White Oak attains great planted them, on my own place or for age and my home is only a dozen miles others. from the famed "Wye Oak" estimated to An early incident came when, discuss­ be 450 years old. Yet the tree that ing the size of an avenue of red and reaches the century mark is a rarity and, white oaks, mostly 3 and 4 feet in diam­ as modern zoologists claim that no ani­ eter, and guessing their age a t more than mals have a life span exceeding the three a century, I was surprised to find on score and ten of man, the same, essen­ counting the rings of one recently cut tially, can be said of the trees. '!\lith down, tha t it was a Ii ttle over 60 years few exceptions trees complete their life old. Another incident, more humor­ cycles within the life span of a man's ous, occurred while walking around the 70 years. estate of a very kind lady and, remark­ Of course, many people will remark ing on a nice avenue of American Beech when planting a tree that they wi ll never and "Vhite Oak, all 3 and 4 feet or more live to sit under its shade and that they in diameter, I said that they were quite want the most rapidly growing tree pos­ old. She turned to me and said, "Sam! sible. Usually, the younger the person My father planted those when I was a the more concerned they are. Their im­ little girl!" We are still good friends. patience is founded on several things: On another occasion, reading one of age is synonymous with an old, large our fine garden magazines, I noted a tree, often an oak. When a tree is newly caption under a photograph bemoaning transplanted the gardener is most con­ the loss of a large "centuries old" weep­ scious of its presence on the lawn and ing willow. I know now most weeping during the first two or three years is the willows complete their life cycle in thir­ period when it does its most meager ty-five years or so. growing. Further to confound their im­ During most of my years as a plants­ patience, certain trees are much slower to man I have also been interested in so­ establish themselves, sometimes regress­ called "Colonial" gardens but, after in­ ing before actually growing. vestigation, have found no plant speci­ Still other plant habits confuse the mens of which I am sure, were planted layman. While it is true that climate prior to 1776 or anywhere near that, in has an effect on trees' growth, yet many spite of venerable appearance. Even grow quite large in colder climates, wit­ - E. Sam Hemming is the owne,. of the Eastenl ness the Elm trees of New England and Shore NUI·se,.ies, Easton, !lia1yland. eastern Canada. I live in the Chesapeake 257 258 THE Al"IERICA J HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

Bay region of lVIaryland, where the grow­ actively growing tree makes annual ing season is long, yet this is of only rings as much as one inch wide. minor consideration for so many trees The sizes given for the trees mentioned make all their growth for the year in a are quite accurate, the height being one to three week period in spring, re­ measured with the aid of a Brunton gardless of the climate. Pocket Transit and the diameter of the Trees, too, have comparable stages to trunk measured at a point one foot man, either three or four, as you may above the ground. wish to term them: the first two, juve­ The tallest tree measured on our own nile and youthful; then maturity; then place is a Pin Oak. It is 75 feet high, old age. Growth habits change consider­ has a spread of 40 feet and a trunk di­ ably within these stages. It is only in the ameter of 36 inches. I know of another youthful stage that trees will continue to Pin Oak on a client's place planted as grow during the summer season; even a 2Y2 inch caliper tree on a property then, it is in rhymic spurts rather than that was a cornfield in 1936, that is as continuous growth. even larger. It might be noteworthy that It is possible to document these re­ while some of the trees on our place are marks, as my father started this present in landscape positions, others are more nursery of mine in 1930, the year I fin­ or less leftovers, and that, undoubtedly, ished college; so that we have a record of trees we sold early in the years we were a wide variety of both native and ex­ here would have been still larger. otic trees that are now mature plants, Just as we find an oak the largest of all between 25 and 35 years of age, as them all, it might be worth mentioning well as still others planted for various that the quick-growing trees do not customers, along with a fairly accurate make larger trees than the quality types. record of what cultivation and fertiliz­ I do not have a good comparable speci­ ing they have been given. men of Silver rvIaple; I do know of a Perhaps the record of the growth of Chinese Elm that is the same age as the some of these, particularly of choicer Pin Oak on the previously mentioned varieties, will reassure the gardener that client's place which is as much as 12 ten years will give a respectably sized inches less in trunk diameter. I might tree and that thirty years will often pro­ digress here to say that we long ago gave duce a tree as high as 75 feet with a up growing the Chinese Elm because of three foot trunk diameter and that an its erratic growth and other poor quali­ ties. Abies nordmanniana-ap prx. 40 years Even the term "quick-growing" often old-45' high, 15/1 trunk diameter, used synonymously with the brittle 20' spread. "soft" wood trees like Silver Maple is E. SAl\conifers: Deodar Ce­ dar, 65 feet high, 31 inch diameter trunk and 24 foot spread; Cryptomeria japon­ ica, 60 feet high, 23 inch diameter trunk and 24 foot spread; Taxodium dis­ tichum, 60 feet high, 22 inch trunk diam­ eter and 21 foot spread. Deodar Ce­ dars that I have cut down have often had APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NlH',IIBER 2 259 individual growth rings exceeding one rapidly. Our native Pinus taeda in about inch, making a two inch trunk diameter 30 years grew to 51 feet high, with a 26 increase annually. inch trun~ diameter and 22 foot spread, Two deciduous trees not generally ~nd definItely out of its climatic range, thought of as growing large or rapidly 111 25. years has reached 40 feet high, with show that A cer rubrwn reached 57 feet a I? 1I1~h trunk and 24 foot spread. Pinus high, 23 inches diameter of trunk and 30 gnffitht, P. strobus, P. sylvestris and foot spread, and Betula pendula 'Dale­ P. nigra make comparable growth. carlica' 50 feet high, 19 inch diameter To complement these total growth fig­ trunk and 27 foot spread. ures, some measurements I took of some The broadest spread was found in the young trees growing in the nursery row Chinese Chestnut and the American are interesting. I measured these trees Beech. The Beech, not thought of as weekly both as to the length of the ter­ very quick-growing, reached 48 feet high, minal growth and the increase in diam­ 24 inch diameter trunk and 45 foot eter of the trunk. spread; the Chinese Chestnut is 58 feet high with 31 inch diameter trunk and 48 For a 10 fOOl Silver MaiJ/e foot spread. T he chestnut was just a TOT,\ L TOTAL Ii ttle older, being planted as a two year DATE TERMI NAL D I AMETER seedling in 1930. It is my experience April 15 1 19/ 32" April 22 J J9/ 32" that the beech is one of the slowest of all April 29 4 inches I 19 / 32" trees to establish itself, often taking five May 6 6 inches 1 19 .5/ 32" years before it makes normal annual May 13 16 inches I 21 / 32" May 20 24 inches I 22 / 32" growth. i'vIay 27 24 inches J 24/ 32" Of late years, because of the changing June 4 30 inches I 25 / 32" types of architecture of the modern June 10 33 inches 125+/ 32" June 17 stopped 1 26 / 32" home, and to avoid interference with June 24 .. 1 26+/ 32" utilities, some trees that reach a smaller July 6 1 27/32" July 15 1 27+/ 32" mature size have been recommended, Ju ly 22 1 29/ 32" including the following. The Sophora August 3 - 131 / 32" japonica grew to be 36 feet high, 15 inch August 9 2" August 18 21.5/ 32" trunk diameter and 21 foot spread; the August 31 minor new growth 2 3.5 / 32" Koelrueteria japonica 33 feet high, 17 September I I stopped 2 5/ 32" inch trunk diameter and 24 foot spread; September 22 " 2 5.5/ 32" Cericidophyllum Japonicum 36 feet high, For a 10 foot Pin Oak 18 inch trunk diameter and 22 foot TOTAL TOTAL spread. Other small trees include !lex DATE TERMINAL DIAMETER opaca 22 feet h igh, 12 inch trunk diam­ April 15 2 2/ 32" April 22 6 inches 2 2/ 32" eter and ] 8 foot spread; C ornus florida April 29 12 inches 2 2/ 32" 'Ru,bra' 18 feet h igh, 10 inch trunk d iam­ May 6 18 inches 2 3/32" eter and 24 foot spread; J apanese May 12 18 inches 2 3.5/ 32" May 20 24 inches 2 4/ 32" 'Weeping Cherry 25 feet h igh, 24 inch rvIay 27 27 inches 2 5/32" trunk diameter and 33 foot spread. June 4 30 inches 2 6+/32" Cryptomeria japonica 'Lobbii' is often J u ne 10 32 inches 2 7 / 32" June 17 stoDoed 2 7 / 32" considered a com pact form of the type June 24 .. 2 8/ 32" bu tit reached 50 feet high wi th a 17 J uly 6 2 8+/ 32" J u ly 15 2 9/ 32" inch trunk and 18 foot spread. I suppose July 22 2 10+/ 32" my favorite evergreen, where it does well, August 3 2 1l / 32" is Abies nordmanniana. I t is not very August 9 2 12/32" August 18 2 12/32" rapid in growth, bu t a specimen planted August 31 stopped as a 3 to 4 foot tree in 1930 on my lawn is close to 40 years old and is 45 feet high, Even the so-called dwarf plants are 15 inches in trunk diameter and has a hard to keep dwarf over a period of 20 foot spread. years. I have already mentioned the The pines, true softwoods, grow quite English Boxwood. The Irish Yew, the 260 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE most dwarf of the yews, will reach to 12 lin a Poplar on my lawn which was about feet in 30 years, and a pair of Taxus 100 feet high and had a trunk almost 4 cuspidata 'Nana' by my front steps spread feet. For the 35 years I knew the tree, 12 feet despite frequent prunings. Ceph­ it seemed about the same size yet it had a lotaxus haningtonia 'Fastigia ta' and only 65 rings and the last 30 rings were C. h. 'Drupacea' will reach 12 to 15 foot encompassed in a width of about 5 dimensions in that length of time. The inches (10 inches in all) . slowest growing pine, Pinus cembra, in It is hoped that these figures will help 25 years will reach 18 feet with a spread the professional plantsman answer some almost as great. The oldest plant of of the questions about time and growth which I have a direct record is a ] apan­ that he is so frequently asked, and help ese Maple planted just before vVorld the amateur gardener in many of his War I with a spread of 25 to 30 feet and planting decisions to remove a bit of the a height of 15 feet. feeling of impatience that is inevitable Recently, we cut down a dying Caro- when planting a tree.

Quercus palustris-Apprx. 35 years old-75' high, 40' spread, trunk diameter 36//.

E. SAM H EMMING Siberian Iris-A Modern Approach

By PEG EDWARDS

For a while in the 1920's it looked as short, the TBs had all the advantages. though Siberian Irises might catch up in By the late 1940's a certain dissatis­ popularity with the Tall Bearded Group faction b.egan to develop among iris which at that time consisted mostly of fanciers. In many parts of America these diploids (24 chromosomes) ; the new tet­ glamorous irises had to be staked to raploid Bearded (48 chr.) were just be­ keep them upright. The breeders' en­ ginning to filter doWn from the hands thusiasm for new and startling colors of the specialists into the gardens of the and color combinations seemed, to some 'lay' iris fanciers. The rate of introduc­ growers, to be causing them to neglect tion of new Siberian varieties was on the such matters as flower production, vigor, upswing, with the fine introductions of hardiness and disease resistance; and Miss Preston, Mr. Morgan, and Mrs. perhaps most telling was that these Cleveland'. Still-popular varieties, such splendid plants were simply too over­ as 'Gatineau', 'Caesar's Brother', 'Lle­ whelming for the small suburban gar­ wellyn', were about to join the earlier dens that were really beginning to 'Blue Ridge', 'Turquoise Cup', and proliferate on the fringes of our cities. 'Caesar' from these American Breeders. Of course, there was no one reason In England Mr. Waterer's 'Heavenly why any particular group of irises came Blue' had come into the trade to join the into prominence at this time, but sev­ earlier introductions of Mr. Perry. These eral types did make an appearance, or and other breeders were putting into the at least began to catch on with fanciers, hands of the connoisseur-gardner plants the Miniature and Standard Dwarfs, Ta­ decidedly finer than the chance seedlings ble Irises, Spurias, and Arils. Each had and accidental hybrids which were all a different appeal for a different group that was available earlier. By the mid- of iris lovers. With the Siberians I can 1930's those wonderful, tetraploid Tall pinpoint several reasons for the sudden Bearded were getting the main attention rise of interest. For one thing, flower of the fanciers and making a strong im­ arranging was developing away from the pression on the rising generation of hy­ simple massing of flowers into mixed bridizers. There was no comparison in bouqu~ts in the style of the three pre­ the matter of color range-the Siberi­ vious centuries, toward the Japanese ans' white, blue, violet and red-violet and Contemporary styles in which a few versus the wide, almost full-spectrum flowers were carefully placed to create a color range of the Iall Bearded and the visual line which gave a feeling of wider range of patterns; the seemingly rhythm, motion, grace and delicacy­ much gr.eater ease of growing and breed­ somewhat the feeling of the actual plant ing Tall Bearded over most of Canada in the garden. The Tall Bearded irises and the United States; the impressive just didn't fill the bill, but the Si­ size of the Tall .Bearded as compared berians did, beautifully, with their thin with the smaller, daintier Siberians-in flexible stems and flowers not too small to be visible and not too large to domi­ • M,'s. H . L. Edwards is one of the founders and nate the whole composition. At the same {il'st President of the Society for Siberian [rises, a Sect ion Of the A me,'ican Iris Soceity. She has time gardeners came to realize that here been breeding irises since 1950. were irises which didn't have to be di- 261 262 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

vided every two or three years but which, such as I. chrysographes, the most attrac­ once established, could be left in one tive, which had been crossed with I. for­ spot for as much as ten or fifteen years restii in 1923 by Mr. Perry, who named with a minimum of fuss. They some­ several se.edlings of this breeding. The times took a year or two to settle in, named seedlings were off the market, but with a little patience, moderately acid and what remained was a group sold as soil, and reasonable a pplica tions of fer­ Chrysofor seedlings. Like their parents tilizer and water they would soon se ttle they were not easy to manage in the down to make fine clumps of graceful, average garden, and while interesting butterfly-like flowers. Their size also they were not really beautiful. Other made them suitable for small gardens, crosses had been made with other 40- yet, planted in masses, they were equally chromosome species but these too were good in the largest plantings. generally cantankerous garden subj,ects. A few growers became interested in Somehow, if these yellows could be working with the Siberians. ,l\Theeler's worked into a line of breeding which 'Yankee Trader' (1953), Hall's 'Royal would produce strong, vigorous seed­ Ensign' (1950), Scheffy's 'Blue Moon' lings, the color-range of Siberians would (1952) and 'Royal Herald' (1949), Hod- come close to rivaling the Tall Bearded son's 'Mountain Stream' (1954), Casse­ group on plants that didn't need staking, beer's 'White Swirl' (registered origi­ were not subject to borers, were rela­ nally as 'Frank Stubbs' in 1954) , and tively free of diseases, and could stay Marx' 'Congo Drums' and 'Seven Seas' put for years. (1954) all appeared just at the right At about the time I was falling in time to reinforce this rising interest and love with ',I\' hite Swirl', Maurice Kit­ to send the new Siberian fanciers hunt­ ton, in England, had come to the con­ ing through catalogs for the few intro­ clusion that I . chrysographes was not the ductions of the 1930's and early 1940's parent to combine with the yellows, but tha t were still available. It appears cer­ that I . delavayi might be. A few Amer­ tain that many varieties were produced ican hybridizers were beginning to during these slack years which have been work in the same area. I have not as yet lost because there was no real demand seen any of the Kitton introductions ex­ for them. And of course, new fanciers cept in color-slides, and the American enlarged the market for new introduc­ work has not as y.e t progressed very far. tions, and the new varieties brought But on present evidence it appears that more new fanciers-what I believe the we should soon have not only strong, physicists might call a resonance effect. vigorous, beautiful yellows, but apri­ By 1960 one could really speak of a Si­ cots, pinks, orange-reds, readily avail­ ?erian 'audience,' still small, but grow­ able in the next five years or so. Prices mg. may be high at first but they will drop Siberians were still pretty much con­ as stocks increase. In addition, these 40- fined to the violet segment of the spec­ chromosome species seem to carry an in­ trum; even the blues and reds, so-called, heritance of a pattern new to irises-a were mostly lavender-blue and red-violet sort of leopard-spotting that appears in or orchid. Yellow species, such as I . for­ some of the Chrysofor seedlings and is restii and 1. wilsonii, were not very im­ turning up in some other crosses. In pressive and rather difficult to grow, ex­ addition there are possibilities of not cept for a few clones and not at all easy only the bitones and bicolors but also to obtain. To make matters worse these tricolors, plus the veining patterns that were 40-chromosome species while most are already familiar in the 28-chromo­ of the garden varieties were 28-chromo­ some group. some. Crossing the two OTOUPS o·ave And what of this older line of breed­ seedlings which were a lmo~t unifo~mly ing? Any line which is intensively bred 'doggy' and nearly sterile. There w,ere seems to burst forth in 'breaks.' ',l\Thite several ?ther 40-chromosome species, Swirl' was one of these. Its form is Tather tncky to grow for the most part, quite different from that of its ancestors APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 263

F. w. CASSEBEER Well grown plants of Siberian Iris. from which it is derived, and its seed­ The growth habit of Siberians varies lings are also producing some breaks. considerably. Most of our hybridizers Dr. McGarvey has produced seedlings of recognize this and are working to pro­ orchid hues not previously known in Si­ duce new varieties which will fit into a berians. At the same time Mr. Cas­ new garden as readily as 'Summer sebeer is turning up seedlings with the Sk ies', a delightful older variety in li ght form of 'White Swirl' in the blue and blue and white. I have yet to hear of it violet rang, some on short stems, to giv­ not blooming the spring after it has ing us nicely proportioned true dwarf been planted. Most varieties adapt read­ Siberians. Other lines are also turning ily to most climates in the Temperate Lip dwarfs, and I don't mean the normal­ Zone as long as the soil is somewhat size flowers on short stalks which have acid, but a few kinds are decidely de­ passed for dwarfs hitherto, but plants all manding, such as 'Eric The Red', which in scale. I have planted three times without hav- 264 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE

ing had a bloom, y.et a few miles away wet feet. Plant them a little higher than it seems quite happy. Some varieties, the surrounding ground. If you live in delightful in bloom, have floppy foli­ an alkaline-soil area, you might try ex­ age over the ground during the summer cavating the bed to a depth of a foot or with a messy appearance. However, most more, then add about an equal bulk of varieties, once the clump has begun to acid peatmoss plus a lavish helping of increase, b.ecome more self-supporting. acid-plant fertilizer. Work this mixture The flopping habit is another character­ thoroughly together, then pile it 10-12 istic breeders are working to eliminate. inches high above the surrounding ''''e have had little trouble with insects ground. The plants are set with roots and diseases, but some Siberians are un­ well spread so that the rhizomes are Y2 happy in the more southerly parts of the to 1 inch below the surface. Water them country while others are a bit tender for in and keep the ground moist for the the more northern parts of the Siberian next couple of weeks. If your water climate belt. More and more we are try­ tends to be alkaline a rainbarrel is very ing to produce varieties tolerant of heat useful. Clip off the foliage as it turns and cold. Another improvement would brown in the fall, don't yank it, as this be greater tolerance of limestone soils. will loosen the new roots and make the To start planting a bed of Siberians, plant more likely to heave in later win­ what would I choose, and how should ter and early spring. If you live in an they be grown? Until I had a little ex­ area with much freeze-and-thaw, a mulch perience, I would first choose these, all of straw, salt hay or similar material may available for a dollar each or less, 'Sum­ be helpful. Water them well during mer Sky'; 'Blue Ridge'; a good light the spring and through the bloom sea­ blue with less lavender than most; 'Caes­ son. As soon as growth starts in early ar's Brother', a vigorous medium violet; spring work in very lightly some acid­ 'Royal Herald', similar to 'Caesar's plant fertilizer, so as not to disturb the Brother' but perhaps darker and with a roots close to the surface. Many of the different form; 'Llewellyn' and 'Blue new plants should bloom the first year. Star', both blue and violet bicolors, After blooming, fertilize again and again with different flower-shapes; water during the early summer. Re­ 'Snow Crest', about the best of the older moval of seedpods will encourage new whites; and 'Red Emperor', red-violet growth and grea ter bloom, and by the with a lighter, bluish area on the falls. second spring all should bloom for you. There are many others but these make a Concerning the spacing of the plants. good start. Some more expensive would This. will, depend on how large you want include 'White Swirl'; the "double" the clumps to grow. If you set out 'Tealwood', violet with very broad, al­ groups of three or more of a variety, most horizontal standards; any of the plan t them 8 or 10 inches apart, with a Cassebeer introductions, such as 'Blue foot or more between groups. If you Brilliant', which has almost a true blue have only one division of a variety space tinge at the center of the fall; 'Violet them a foot or more apart. In five years Flare', a very rich light violet; 'PlacidWa­ a small division can spread to a foot or ters', a cool light blue; Marx' 'Seven even 18 inches in diameter. A 2 foot Seas', a dark blue-violet, and 'Congo spacing between varieties is also good, Drums', a deep violet self. If you like filling the spaces with annuals for the patterned irises by all means get 'Yan­ first couple of years. As the clumps kee Trader'. spread out there will be some dead areas Siberians prefer a fertile, humusy, in the center, which if removed and re­ moderately acid soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5) placed with fresh fertile soil, some of the capable of holding considerable mois­ growth will turn inward and fill the gap. ture but not inclined to become soggy. To decrease the size of a thick clump, cut Choose a location where sun is avail­ wedges out of the circumference with a able for at least eight hours. Good drain­ sharp knife either in early spring or just age is important, since they do not like after blooming, lifting out the pieces APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 265 with a spading fork for replanting in frame where they will stay over the first some other location. Again fill the de­ winter. Some seedlings may appear in pressions with fresh earth. the fall and these may be transplanted ·What could an amateur plant breeder to pots and left in coldframe over win­ aim at? In the 40-chromosome group, ter. Label each pot with the cross num­ quite a lot. I have mentioned the wid­ ber or letters, plus a separate number ened range of colors, but I think that for each plant potted. In spring pr.e­ new and different plants in the older pare a bed for the seedlings, just as for colors could also be produced. Certainly new plants, lining the young plants in this division of the Sibiricae will reward rows about the time the mature plants the breeder with finer bloom, stronger are blooming. Seedlings should be plants, better branching, the more it is spaced 6 to 8 inches apart in the row, worked with. The 28-chromosome group with rows 8-12 inches apart. Young also can be improved still more. Its plants require frequent watering and color possibilities are far from ex­ some shade in the middle of the hotter hausted. Tetraploid (56 chromosome) days (temperatures over 80° F.). By seedlings have already been produced, the next winter seedlings should require and these may make possible a much no more care than the mature plants. wider range of habit, height, and color­ S.eedlings will start blooming the sec­ combinations. The breeding of Siberi­ ond spring at which time rogues should ans is perhaps a little more complicated be removed immediately. Do not pot than that of the Tall B.earded. I am these seedlings. Keep all plants that look more careful to keep the blooms cov­ good for at least a second year, when the ered before and after making crosses to mature character is reached. avoid contamination with other pollen I think tha t in 15 years it will be pos­ (circles of nylon chiffon tied over the sible to have a border of Siberians, in bud before it opens seem to give good many colors, from 10 to 40 and mor.e protection) , and the pollen is not always inches tall, with bloom season extended easy to obtain. Once the seed pods have perhaps to two months and even the pos­ formed the procedure is fairly simple. sibility of reblooming in late summer. As soon as the seed pod starts to turn Seedlings have turned up that produce brown I remove it, with its tag and put a second crop of flowers in late summer the seed in a clean dry pill bottle. I add or early fall. Other seedlings are appear­ a little v,ermiculite, a few drops of wa­ ing with two and even three side ter, snap on the lid, and store them in branches, which adds to the total quan­ the refrigerator (not the freezer) for tity of bloom. Whatever the breeders two to three weeks. Seeds are then sown may develop, the Siberian iris will al­ in small pots, covered with about an ways find a place of distinction in gar­ inch of earth, and removed to a cold- dens. A Book or Two

Orchids, Care and Growth Reichenbach fil. is variously abbreviated, but hardly Rchb. f. would be correct, and surely not By Michel Paul. Published in U. S. by Uni­ C. wa,·scewiczii-Rchb. f. as it appears on page verse Books, Inc., 381 Park Ave., South, New 59. Also on p. 58, C . .triarlae Lind. Rch. f. is York, N. Y. 100J6. 1965. 135 pages, illustra ted. hardly correct either. On p. 63 , Klotzsch is Paperback $1.95. Cloth $2.75. (Library) probably meant for Klotzch. O"chids, CaTe and C"owth is a fin e addition to CYP"ipedium reginae 'Walt is not correct; it our knowledge of how to grow and take care of should be C. "eginae Walt.; again p. 68 C. mon­ greenhouse orchid culture. Most of the culture tanum Dougl. Ldl. is not correct; p. 79, D. chry­ information follows the conventional procedures santhum "Vall. Ldl. is not correct; Batem on p . recommended by other orchid books. The book 53, but Batem. on p . 90; Batem Ldl. is wrong is well illustrated both as to culture- techniques on p. 104; H . B. K on p . 97, but H. B. & K. on and as to color reproduction and text-figures p. 111 , 11 8, and 119, etc. showing generic differentiating characteristics. Again I want to call attention to the fact that Though not distracting to the amateur, but the basic subject material of this book and its obvious to the professional are several undesir­ presentation is very good. It is unfortunate that able features. I have not seen the original the book was not checked for its scientific ac­ Dutch edition, of which this is an English trans­ curacy before publication. lation, so I cannot tell whether all of these are CLYDE F. REED features of the author or the translator. But they do appear in this edition. Hybrids First. the misuses of terms: p. 8-"The exten­ By David C. R ife. Published by Public Affairs sive orchid genus"-when family is meant; page Press, 419 New J ersey Ave., S.E., 'Washington 36-Ada Ldl. represents a genus of orchids, not a 3, D. C., 1965, 160 pages, ilustrated. $3.75 tribe; a similar misuse of tribe (meaning genus) (Library) . is on page 39 for A. (Angraecum) sesquipedale Thou.; p. l 32-"H ybrids produced from two or A most interestingly book written in lay­ more tribes of orchids," when only genera are man's language on h ybrids in plants and ani­ listed. As a ma tter of taxonomy, generic na mes mals. The author first tells the meaning of "hy­ which are assigned to h ybrids, i.e. by the hy­ brid" with examples in both plants and animals. bridization of species of two genera, are desig­ This orients the reader for chapters that fol­ nated according to the International Rules of low. The story of h ybrid corn is told using this Botan ical Nomenclature, by placing X in front to point out what basic genetic principles were of the new genus, as X Adaegloswn, X Adioada, discovered and the improvement in corn pro­ etc. duction tha t h as resulted in enormous yields. Second, although this book is published in The presen t day breeds of cattle are discussed USA (A merica is mispelled on copyright page) , to illustrate the influence of h ybridization in the translation is typically British, as indicated animals. Unusual h ybrid combinations in some by such spellings as metre (p. 42); colour (p. plants and animals are described. In plants these 8) ; coloured (p. 8); h ybridisation (p. 15); ster­ include examples of interspecific h ybrids in ilising (p. 29); centimetres (p. 29); whiteish lilies, iris, wheat, tobacco, melons, as well as (p. 51) etc. other plan ts. Interesting animal combinations Third, and the most confusing: H av ing the are included, such as horse and donkey, buffalo authority names after the generic and specific and cattle, tigers and lions, bear species. The names is commendable; very few horiticultUl'e final chapter deals with man and the various books do this (not even Roy. Hort. Soc. nor populations of the world. CONRAD B. LIN K Bailey's Cyclopedia of Horticultme; nor. Exot­ ica). But the spelling should be identifiable, The Small Rock Garden correct and consistent. Cattleya Lell. (p. 50) and C. ameth),stoglosa Lind & Rchb. f. both E. B. Anderson, Pan Books, Ltd., London, refer to Lindley. The proper abbreviation for 1965. 144 pages. Lindley is Lindl. As the most recent of the Pan Piper Small

(Books available for loan to the membership O?'e designated: (Lib,'O?)') . Those not so designated aTe in private collections and m'e not available for loan. Books available for sale to the Membership are designated with the special ,'educed price and aTe subject to the usual change of p"ice without notice. Orde,'S must be sent throu,gh the American HOTti cultuml Society accompanied by the proper payment. Please allow two to thTee weeks for delivery. T hose not designated fo,' sale to the Membe?"ShitJ at ,'educed pTices can be purchased thTough the Society, howeve,', at the ,'etail prices given. In these instances the full P,'ofit is received by the Societ)' to be used for increased services and benefits ot the Membership.) 266 APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUlVIBER 2 267

Garden Series, this book does exactly what it sets whether just starling or one of many years ex­ out to accomplish-reduce the institutional rock perience. As with many specialized yearbooks garden to dimensions suitable to the modern several articles are co ncerned with breeding, home owner. Rock gardening is certainly the hybrids, and their evaluation and in propaga­ form of gardening mos t easily adapted to a small tion of such new kinds. Authors include many place and. wi th the co nstant tendency to smaller familiar as lily speciali sts-So L. Emsweller, Jan lots and houses and an increasing interest in fine de Graaff and Norma E. Pfeiffer. Special note horticulture, rock gardening is gaining in pop­ should be made of the research reports by staff ularity. Without falling prey to the dogmatisms members of the U. S. Department of Agricul­ and prejudices of many who write on the sub­ ture. T hese include The Effects of Tempera­ ject, Mr. Anderson presents a thorough outline ture, Supplemental Light and Types of Storage of the processes and plants involved in rock gar­ on Forcing of Easter and Other Lilies, by Neil dening on a smalI scale. The disc ussions of rock VV. Stuart; Weed Control in Lilies by L. L. Dan­ plants are divided according to difficulty and ielson and S. L. Emsweller and the Beltsville cultural preference with a short section on Lily Introductions by Joseph U hring. shrubs for the rock garden. The easy- to-read CONRAD B. LINK style a nd balanced humor that characterize Mr. Anderson 's two earlier paperbacks are here also. Fruit Culture in India My one quarrel with the book, and it is not realIy a valid criticism, is that it was not writ­ Dr. Sham Si ngh, Dr. S. Krishnamurthi and ten for American conditions, a fault that could S. L. Katyal-Editors. Indian Council of Agri­ hardly be overcome in a book purposely limited cultural Research . New Delhi, India. 1963. as to length and written primarily for a Brit­ 456 pages. Illustrated. (Library). ish audience. No one, I am certain, realized This is an informative work for amateur grow­ this more than Mr. Anderson, for he h as trav­ ers of primarily subtropical and tropical fruits eled about the United States and certainly ap­ as well as other plant enthusiasts who enjoy the preciates our clima tological difficulties well. exotic in practical terms. A map on page II Most of the plants listed from New Zealand and gives an idea of the country's climatic diver­ South America will not, however, easily find a sity: India stretches from temperate-zone Kash­ home in the United States in the north be­ mir where heavy frosts occur, on southward to cause it is too cold and wet, in the south be­ Cape Comorin in the humid coastal tropics. cause it is too hot, and in the west because of Frost can sometimes occur above a line that heat and drought. Only in our northwest can dips well below the tropic of Cancer into the we attempt to grow well plants from these re­ provinces of Bombay, Mysore and Andhra Pra­ gions. Some of the plants h e mentions as fussy desh. The authors therefo re seem well advised are our weeds, and some of our difficult gems in devoting 57 pages (a bout 12 .5 percent of the are the bane of British gardeners. All this, of book) to temperate-zone fruits and nuts. course, goes without saying and detracts little Upon considering India's geograph y and range from the value of this fine book as a guide to of climates one can accept the authors' state­ those begi nning a rock garden. ment: "In India, the area under temperate For the book itself, we could only wish that fruits is by no means large at present, but the better p aper had been used, both for the text quality of the fruit produced is superb and and illustrations. The content deserves better. compares very favorably with that attained in other countries. The present production can RICHARD W. LIGHTY meet only a fraction of the demand and, conse­ Bromeliads, The Colorful quently, the prices l'emain very high_" From the Houseplants viewpoint of plan t explorers it is unfortunate that native forms of peach and plum are not By J ack Kramer. Published by D. Van Nos­ discussed. This is perhaps because quality of trand Co. Inc., 120 Alexander St. , Princeton, these types is relatively low and the purpose of N. J. 1965, 114 pages, illustrated. $5 .95 (Li­ the book is to encourage cultivation of varieties brary) . Members price $5_05. of maximum market value, many of which have A book on culture of an interesting group of been introduced from Europe or America. The plants that are useful as house plants, in the 'Ambri Kashmiri' apple is described together home greenhouse or out doors in frost free with clones more familiar to westerners, as are areas. 'Baghu Gosha' and 'Nashpati' pears. A section One hundred and fifty species and varieties on nuts covers the almond, hazlenut, pecan, wal­ are described, with a brief description of the nut and cashew. People who know fruit-growing genus and kinds. Cultural comments are made will find a good many old friends among the for many of these-based on the author's ex­ tropical and subtropical fruits treated and will periences and study. be intrigued by a few (e.g. mangosteen and breadfruit) which are not grown outdoors on the The Lily Yearbook, No 17, 1964 mainland of this country. Eastern North Ameri­ George L. Slate, Editor. Published by The can readers who may be surprised to find the North American Lily Society, Inc., Geneva, grape (Vitis vinifera cultivars) listed among New York (Library). subtropical fruits should recall that vines have Something in this issue for a lily enthusiast been planted alongside fig trees in Asia Minor 268 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE since Biblical times. Plants are listed by common names, resulting The book gives us an insight into horticul­ in some inconsistency in the citing of botani­ tural practices in a developin-g country: "farm­ cal names, and in several cases the author incor­ yard manure," bonemeal and wood ash in mix­ rectly uses the term "genera" instead of "spe­ ture are suggested for fertilizing mango trees cies_" The cross-references to chapters rather yet one finds supplemental use of inorganic fer­ than page number are rather difficult to use. tilizel-s recommended, as well as the application ROBERT L. BAKER of trace elements where needed to correct nutri­ tional deficiencies. People familiar with the In­ Building a Greenhouse and dian practice of allowing domestic animals to Potting Shed roam at large may question whether the term By A. K. Berry. Pergamon Press, 44-01, 21st "farmyard manure" as used by these authors St., Long Island City, N. Y. Illustrated. 104 has the same meaning as in Europe and North pages. 19@5. Paperback. $1.50. (Library) America where penning makes it easier to collect A practical book intended for a high school manures in useable quantities. Inexpensive and class iQ England-to use in building a small readily available Bordeaux mixture and copper greenhouse with attached service building. De­ are recommended for controlling fungous dis­ tails are given beginning with the foundations eases, however existence of other and newer and building a brick wall for support. Good metallic sprays is mentioned. Chlorinated hy­ sliggestiollS for the amateUl- builder but - not drocarbons are discussed fully and recom­ many American gardeners will build the type mended for certain pests. described_ Ready cut homesized greenhouses There is a long (55 pages) chapter on preser­ are available with metal frames and wood or all vation which includes rather thorough instruc­ metal wh.ich an~ easy to construct and l-equire tions for home canning and juice preservation, simple foundations. These have greater use to interesting recipes for pickles, sauces, chu tneys, the amateur greenhouse builder. jellies and jams, and a brief discussion of freez­ ing fruits and vegetables_ - CONRAD B. LINK This book falls short of one of its avowed purposes, usefulness to "the advanced research The Chrysanthemum Book worker in pomology," and furthermore there is By Roderick W. Cumming. D. Van Nostrand no index or literature cited. This will probably and Co. Princeton, N. J. 1964. 301 pages. Il­ not bother many amateurs who enjoy browsing lustrated. $7.%. (Library) Members Price through a new book, gathering impressions of $6_75 the world as seen and dealt with by fellow­ A well written manual of chrysanthemum cul­ gardeners in another area. ture_ The author begins with its history in the ROBERT J. KNIGHT, JR- Orient, Europe and the United States and the Gardening by the Sea persons associated with its development. This By Daniel J. Foley. Chilton Books, 226 S. 6th leads to the discussion of the species and the St., Philadelphia, Pa_ Illustrated. 285 pages. horticultural classification of the many types 1965. $6.95 (Library). Members Price $5.90. and cultivars now available. The culture of this plant is discussed from This most recent book by horticulturist and planting time and all the details in growing to garden writer Daniel Foley is a valuable con­ J. bloom. For those with a greenhouse, cultural tribution to the limited literature available on directions are included not only for the nor­ the subject of seaside ornamental horticulture. mal season of flowering but for the out of sea­ As the title implies, the basic aspects of gar­ son or year round production. For the exhibi­ dening by the sea are considen~ d in view of the tor, information is given on the special care distinctive limitations imposed by a coastal hab­ and techniques that may be followed for grow­ itat. There are chapters on dunes and wind­ ing prize winners as well as exhibiting them_ breaks as well as more general information on The author has long been associated with planting, pruning, and insect and disease con­ the chrysanthemum as was his father who intro­ trol. However, the most useful portions of the duced many varieties. He Biology (Proceedings-Vol. cumber beetle (X II) and the roundheaded ap­ 6-16th Int. Congo of Zoology) ple tree borer? (XIV). By J ohn A. Moore. Published by Doubleday Overall, I would find T he Gm'del1er's Bug & Company, Inc. , 277 Park Avenue, New York, Book an excellent reference. 10017 . 1965. $8.00. (Library) THEo. L. BISSELL The Ceylon Species o.f Asplenium Other Books Added to the Library By W. A. Sledge. Published by The British American Tomato Yearbook Museum (Natural History), Cromwell Road, By John W. Carncross. Published by C. S. London, S.W. 7, England. 1965. (Library) Macfarland, Jr., 114 Elmer Street, Westfield, New Jersey, 07090. 1965. $2 .00. (Library) Consumers All (The Yearbook of Agricul­ ture 1965) A Library Guide to Agriculture By The U. S. Dept. of AgricultuTe. Pub­ By K. W . Neal. Published by K. W. Neal, lished by Superintendent of Documents, 'Wash ­ 41, Wychbury Road, Finchfield, Wolverhamp- ington, D. C. 20402. 1965. $2.75. (Library) Gardeners' Pocketbook

The Genus Symphyandra the anthers are entirely free from the In the large family of Campanulaceae style. Of course, this distinction, which is there are many plants that thrive in our rec.ognized by the taxonomist, is hardly gardens. Of course, the Campanulas out­ of mterest to the gardener. number all the other genera. Neverthe­ Like most of the Campanulas, the less in any good sized garden, we are flowers of the Symphyandras we have likely to see specimens of Platyeodon, raised are violet-blue, purplish, or white. Edraianthus, Phyteuma, and possibly One is of a yellowish cast. All have Codonopsis and Adenophora. flowers bell-shaped, five lobed, and nod­ The Symphyandras are not often culti­ ~ing .. The plants we have raised range vated, partly due to the fact that some m heIght from six to eighteen inches. have flowers that closely resemble those The seeds germinate readily, and seem of various Campanulas-and also partly to require nothing more than a 'well due to the fact that the seeds of Symphy­ drained soil and some sun. The species andras are not as readily obtained as are S. wanneri and S. pendttla are prolific those of Campanulas. Moreover, there bloomers. The resulting formation of are about 300 species of Campanula, the numerous seed pods, which is a de­ and probably not more than 16 species bilitating process for the plant, possibly of Syrnphyandra, mostly native to the results in the belief that some of them are really biennials. In one instance, we ~aucasus. and Asia Minor; one species IS found m Crete and one in Korea. The had a plant of S. wanneri that appar­ main characteristics that differentiate ently bloomed itself to death. With an­ these two genera are found in the an­ other plant, we cut off all the flowers thers. In Symphyandra the anthers are immediately after blooming; this one joined into a tube surrounding the up­ survived, and bloomed the following per part of the style. In Carnpanula year. Some of the Symphyandras, such as S. eretiea, probably cannot endure our wet variable winters, and should no doubt Symphyandra asiatica. be placed in a cold frame or in the Al­ CURTIS BOT. MAG . pine House. On the other hand, our S. wanneri was planted in the rock gar­ den. S. hofJmannii we kept in a cold frame; it started blooming about the first week in June, and there still were flowers on it a month later. , IVith the exception of S. asiatica and S. ossetiea, of which we have never been able to secure seeds, we have grown all of the plants mentioned below. S. arrnena. This plant is about six to twelve inches high, wi th erect and de­ cumb-cnt branching stems. It has ovate, coarsely toothed leaves, the lower ones long-petioled, the upper ones much smaller, and almost sessile. The rather thin peduncles bear terminal drooping bluish violet flowers that are tubular campanulate, with short lobes. One characteristic of the calyx is that it has tive of the Caucasus mountains where it

270 APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 271 is said to grow in crevices among rocks, blooming in mid-summer. S. asiatica. In Curtis's Botanical Magazine, plate 8837, also in the R.H.S. Dictionary of Ga.rdening there are pic­ tures of this plant, together with descrip­ tions. Apparently it has stems up to two and one-half feet high and very large bell-shaped delicate violet flowers, fully one and one-half inches long, with short slightly recurved lobes. It is native of Korea, the only species found in this part of the world. S. cretica.. This is a very interesting species with large bluish violet bells, slightly inflated below the middle of the flower; these hang down along the up­ per part of the unbranched stems that are fully fifteen inches high. The toothed basal leaves, possibly over three inches long, and distinctly cordate at the base, have long petioles. The few leaves along the stem are all much smaller. There is ROBERT M_ SENIOR Symphyandra hofJmannii. said to be a white flowered form also. Originally we secured seeds through the Peter Davis botanical expedition to these side shoots are still living and Crete. Though the plant derives its name promise to bear flowers again. from this island, it is said that some va­ S. ossetica is probably an attractive rieties are found in neighboring islands. plant, since at one time it was given an Possibly in our climate it is not reliably Award of Merit by the Royal Horticul­ hardy, but it should certainly thrive in tural Society. It is said that the erect the Alpine House, possibly even in a stems are about one foot high, bearing cold frame. many slightly nodding, rather narrowly S. hoffmannii is an attractive plant, bell-shaped flowers, of a deep lil'ac shade; which one authority says is "of good its lobes are slightly recurved. There are habit, and well worth cultivating." Our numerous toothed leaves below the mid­ plant was about sixteen inches high, with cUe of the stem. Apparently one char­ erect, flowering stems. The basal leaves acteristic of the calyx lobes is that they are large, toothed, oblanceolate, on short are denticulate and almost as long as petioles. The large flowers blooming on the corolla. It is a native of the Cau­ the upper part of the stream are white, casus. droJping, with short acute lobes. These S. pendula. Farrer considered this started blooming about the middle of plant "the most beautiful thing of its June and there were still flowers a kind -that the garden beholds in August." month later. It is a native of Yugoslavia. Later he added, "its flow ers are a most Some authorities have questioned wonderful glassy shade of pale and trans­ whether this plant is a true perennial, or lucent yellow white." At one time it also a biennial. Based on our experience received an Award of Merit. The plant with the plant pictured, I am inclined has numerous bright green basal leaves to think it is a perennial. Although the that are rather large, ovate-cordate, basal rosette from which the flowering coarse-toothed, on long petioles. The stem arose finally died, nevertheless sev­ pendulous stems, hardly one foot high, eral side shoots with their basal leaves bear numerous drooping bell-shaped continued to live, and now, several flowers that narrow considerably toward months after the flowering stem died the base; their lobes are fairly long and THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE recur\'ed. Although the plant has been secure seeds from a botanic garden lo­ classed as a perennial, due to its profuse cated in this province. and long period of bloom, like some S. daralaghezica. We received seeds other members of this genus, it may die of this plant in 1965, and although they of exhaustion. It is a native of the germinated and bore basal leaves, it did Caucasus. not bloom in that year. Our descrip­ S. wanneri has been in cultivation for tion therefore is of their basal leaves: many years, and is frequently listed in the account of the flowering stems is the catalogs of nurserymen. As re­ taken from the original description of cently as 1961 it received an Award of the plant. The basal leaves are rather Merit. Our plant was about one foot thin, serrate, heart-shaped, petiolate, high, with many branching stems bearing widest at the base, and one inch long. numerous drooping tubular-campanu­ Indeed, if it were not cordate at the base, late bluish violet flowers; its very short the leaf would be definitely triangular. lobes were fairly erect. The basal leaves The flowering stems, at least fifteen are rather thin, saw-toothed, narrowing inches high, bear numerous, slightly nod­ into a winged petiole. The upper stem ding white, tubular campanulate flowers. leaves are also coarsely toothed, ovate The calyx with minute hairs; its lobes and sessile. The calyx lobes are erect, are spreading, acute, with very tiny, and hardly one-half the length of the acute appendages. It is found in rocky corolla tube. As above mentioned, if you crevices at an altitude of about 6000 let all the flowers go to seed, the plant feet. will probably die. It is a native of the S. zangezura. The original description Balkans. of this plant was as follows : stems about The next two plants lnentioned have one foot high, erect or decumbent, and probably never been described or pic­ usually branching, with single terminal tured in this country. They are both na­ flowers. Lower leaves long-petiolate, tive to Russian Armenia, and I under­ deeply cordate and p almate, oblong­ stand derived their names from certain triangular, coarsely dentate or entire, districts in that r~gion. We were able to the pedicels very thin. Corolla nod­ ding, violet-colored, almost subrotate, Symphyandra wanneri with lobes cut almost halfway. Calyx­ ROBERT M. SENIOR lobes spreading, linear-Ianceolate, with short acute appendages. In comparing the description of this plant with that of S. daralaghezica, it will be observed that in regard to the leaves, stem, and calyx appendages, there are many points of similarity. The main differences seem to be that one has white tubular campanu­ late flowers, while the other has more subrotate violet-colored flowers. It oc­ curs to us therefore, that possibly one may be only a variety of the other. ROBERT M. SENIOR Cincinnati, Ohio Arauc,aria Columnaris- An Amazing New Caledonian Tree The genus Araucaria contains a dozen or so species of very unusual and often impressive tropical and subtropical con­ iferous trees. Several of them have long been justifiably popular with gardeners, especially the juvenile form of the 50- APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 273 called Norfolk Island Pine, Araucaria Caledonia. One of these New Caledon­ heterophylla) long known as A. excelsa. ian Ara ucarias is the Sll bject of these The relatively hardy Bunya Pine, or notes. Monkey-Puzzle Tree, Araucaria bid­ Araucaria co lumnaris is certainly willii) the Hoop Pine, A. cunninghamii) among the most amazing of all of the ex­ and more rarely, the lovely Pinheiro, A. traordinary members of its genus. It was angustifolia) have all found a place in discovered by Captain Cook, and I can­ our choice American plant collections. not do better as an introduction to it These Araucarias well illustrate the than to quote the words of William Jack­ strange, disjunct distributional range of son Hooker, writing in connection with this genus. A. heterophylla is found only plate number 4635 in the Botanical Reg­ on tiny Norfolk Island, between Aus­ ister for the year 1852. tralia and New Zealand; A. biclwillii "To Capt. Cook, the great circumnav­ and A. cunninghamii are Australian; igator, in his second voyage, is due the and A. angustifolia is widespread in first discovery of this Araucaria, in the southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. little islands off New Caledonia, and Another, species, A. amucana) is found subsequently on the main island: 'On at rather high elevations, where snow of­ one of the western small isles was an ten falls, in Chile and Argentina, and al­ elevation like a tower; and over a low most all of the others are encountered neck of land, within the isle, were seen only on the South Pacific island of New many other elevations resembling the

Araucaria columnaris growing in the wild on the lle des Pins, New Cale­ donia. Some of the trees approach 200 feet in height. COURTESY PACIFIC AREA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION 274 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE masts of a fleet of ships'; and again, a time, knew of no island in the South Pa­ few days later, 'as we drew near Cape cific Ocean where a ship could supply Coronation, we saw in a valley to the herself with a mast or a yard, were she south of it a vast number of those ele­ ever so much distressed for want of one. vated subjects before mentioned, and My carpenter, who was a mast-maker some low lanel under the foreland was as well as shipwright, was of opinion that covered with them. vVe could not agree these trees would make exceedingly in our opinions of what they were. I good masts. The wood is white, close­ supposed them to be a singular sort of grained, tough, and light. Turpentine trees, being too numerous to resemble had exuded out of most of the trunks, anything else; and a great deal of smoke and the sun had inspissated it into a kept rising all the day from amongst rosin, which was found sticking to them, those near the Cape. Our philosophers and lying about the roots. These trees were of opinion that this was smoke of shoot out their branches like all other some internal and perpetual fire. My pines, with this difference, that the representing to them that there was no branches of these are much smaller and smoke here in the morning would have shorter; so that the knots become noth­ been of no avail, had not this interal fire ing when the tree is wrought for use. I gone out before night, and no more took notice that the largest of them had smoke been seen after. They were still the smallest and shortest branches, and more positive that the elevations were were crowned, as it were at the top, by a pillars of basaltes, like those which com­ spreading branch like a bush' (probably prise the Giant's Causeway in Ireland.' occasioned by their having been former­ "On nearing the island, a few days ly densely crowded, and the tallest hav­ later, 'every one was satisfied that they ing most liberty at the top). 'This was were trees, except our philosophers, who what led some on board into- the extrav­ still maIntained they were basaltes.' To agant notion of their being basaltes; in­ the comlnander, 'they had much the ap­ deed, no one could think of finding such pearance of tall pines, which occasioned trees here." my giving that name to the island. I The habit of this New Caledonia Pine, was, however, determined not to leave Araucaria columnaris (which is not, of the coast till I knew what trees these course, a pine at all!), is well shown in were which had been the subject of our the accompanying illustration of an old speculation, especially as they appeared church surrounded by the towering trees to be of a sort useful to shipping, and on the Iles des Pins (Isle of Pines), off had not been seen anywhere but in the the southeast corner of New Caledonia. southern part of this land.' Through these specimens are indeed im­ "At length Capt. Cook landed, ac­ pressive ones, they are mostly less than companied by the Botanists. 'We found the 200 feet which is on occasion attained the tall trees to be a kind of Spruce by thus remarkable species. Pine, very proper for spars, of which we Araucaria columnaris (with the syn­ were in want. vVe were now no longer onym, A. cookii) is a rarity in contem­ at a loss to know of what trees the 'na­ porary cultivation in this country, albeit tives made their canoes. On this little a most desirable plant for the connois­ isle there were some which measured seur. In warm climes, it can be grown twenty inches diameter, and between outdoors, but otherwise needs the pro­ sixty and seventy feet in length, and tection of the heated greenhouse. would have done well for a foremast to ALEX D. HAWKES the Resolution had one been wanting. P. O. Box 435 Since trees of this size are to be found Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 on so small a spot, it is reasonable to expect to find some much larger on The Hardiest Acacia? the main and larger isles; and if appear­ A cacia wrightii is one of the hardiest ances did not deceive us, we can assert of the tree acacias. It is probably hardier it. If I except New Zealand, I, at this than all of the approxima tely 300 spe- APRIL 1966, VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 275 cies of Acacia occurring in Australia. Lagerstroemia faUl-iei About 300 more species are found Lagerstroemia fauriei of the Loose­ throughout warm climates in other p arts strife family is now being grown in the of the world. Houston area and is destined to become The Australian Acacias are much bet­ another important specimen plant. ter known in the U.S. (especially Cali­ Very little information has been writ­ fornia) than the natives and may have ten about it and no record could be more ornamental value. Acacia farn esi­ found in the leading garden encyclo­ ana or Huisache is the best known acacia pedia of an accepted common name. In of the Southwest and it is also found in fact the only mention of it was found in other parts of the world. an article of the April 1958 issue of A. wrightii while not as fast growing The National H orticulture M.agazine en­ as Huisache makes a larger tree in Hous­ titled "Exploring Southern J apan for ton because it is not hurt in coldest Ornamental Plants" by Dr. John L. winters that freeze back Huisache. It also Creech. He was on a plant explora tion blooms more consistently. team that was sponsored by the United Many years Huisache does not bloom States Department of Agriculture and in Houston because the blooming sea­ Longwood Gardens. In this article he son is late winter and cold often gets sa id .. . "Only a few trees of this en­ the swelling bloom buds. A. wrightii demic species were noted; it was evident usually blooms at least twice during sum­ that it would soon be extinct in the mer after which curly reddish-brown seed wild." Dr . Creech further sta ted that the pods are (ormed. A. wTightii while liking trees were deciduous, had brown and good drainage tolerates more moisture green flaky bark, h ad white flowers, and than most western natives. The finger­ that they attain a height of 30 ft. He col­ like white fuzzy blooms are fragrant. lected seed from one of the last "wild" The trees are very easy to grow from trees on the J apanese island of Yaku- seed and germinate almost as fast as lima beans. ·When not in bloom or seed Lagerstroemia fauriei. it is hard to separate from the almost LYNN LOWERY identical appearing A. greggii. A greg­ gii is shru b-Iike with flowers that are in creamy yellow spikes. As a small flowering tree A. wrightii should have a future because of adapta­ bility, hardiness (probably down to O °F), and good ornamental value. The drawing is by Mrs. Peggy Berg from a tree growing in Houston. (See B'ackcover) It may be unfair not to mention probably the most attractive Texas acacia. Acacia berlan dieri (Gua jillo) is a large shrub with ferny foliage re­ sembling but finer than mimosa (Al­ bizia julibrissin) with white round mi­ mosa-like flowers in early and late winter. Many claim that the clear honey produced from the Guajillo around Uvalde, Texas is the best honey in the U.S. Unfortunately Guajillo is not as harely as A. wrightii. LYNN R . LOWERY Rt. 8 Box 308 H ouston) T exas 276 THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL MAGAZINE shima and brought them back to the location. Early in July it began to form Plant Introduction Station, where they its flower buds and it was noted that were germinated and either seedlings or they were pink which caused a stir of cuttings were sent to various people in excitement because L. fauriei buds are the United States to grow and test. white. The excitement was justified be­ The tree in my garden was planted in cause the flowers were dark lavender the spring of 1961 from a 5 gallon con­ and of the same size of those on L. tainer. After removing the turf, the soil fauriei. However, the leaflets were longer was prepared by adding rotted pine than L. fauriei but of the same coarse­ bark, steer manure, and some 5-10-5 com­ ness. A watermelon red L. indica grows mercial fertilizer which was thoroughly 15 ft. away from the L. fauriei in my mixed with existing sandy loam. It was garden and it appears that the seedling 3 ft. tall and branched 1 ft. from the is a hybrid of the two (L. fauriei X L. soil line. The first whorl of branches indica). The lavender seedling has been were removed then another was removed in continuous bloom for two months the following spring and the lower outer and the longer duration could be an limbs were removed several times during inheritance from the L. indica. each growing season. Presently it is 15 A second seedling too is a hybrid, and ft. tall and has a beautiful vase shape. it began to bloom in early September Three other trees were planted during with flowers that are pale pink or light 1961 in various sections of the city. One orchid much the same shade as L. of these was planted in sandy soil and in dica. The florets are also about 1 in. has gTown more slowly than the ones diameter, similar to L. indica and its planted in heavier soils. Good drainage leaves are small and lacy like L. fauriei. is very important to proper growth and This year's seed crop from L. fauriet yet they prefer constant moisture; how­ will be collected, planted, and observed ever, the slower growing tree seems to for more new hybrids. It might prove in­ ha ve the longer bloom period of this teresting to take seed from the L. indica group. growing nearby and see what develops. L. fauriei has leaves that are light In summation it should be noted that gTeen in color and they are longer and L. fa uriei is a valuable plant for several more lacy than L. indica. It has small reasons: white flowers that are about Y2 in. in di­ l. It is a rapid grower which requires ameter which open here in late May and little attention. early June. The duration of bloom is 2. It is a perfect small tree for small approximately three weeks and will ex­ areas. tend sporadically into the fall. The old 3. It has a beautiful lacy appearance. bark peels into long ribbons leaving a 4. It has attractive bark and yellow satin smooth, burgundy-colored new bark behind. leaves in the fall. Propagation is relatively simple with 5. It has few if any serious insect or hardwood cuttings, but they will probab­ disease problems. ly not grow as rapidly as seedlings. In 6. It grows well in average soil with the spring of 1964 what appeared to be good drainage. three seedlings of L. fauriei were found 7. It has opened a new area for de­ growing in a flower bed. Two of them veloping many new and interesting hy­ were transplanted in the summer of the brids. same year. The one remaining, grew to B. M. BASHAM a height of 5 ft. by the spring of 1965 9630 Larston Dr. and then it was transplanted to another Houston, Texas 77055 THE AZALEA BOOK Second Edition by FREDE RIC P. L EE

T his handsome book. tells everything there U nited States Departmen t of Agriculture. is to know about azaleas, incorporating th e Part II thoroughly covers bas ic h orticul­ most recent developments in cultural prac­ tural-plan t str ucture, growth factors, so ils tices, the latest m ethods of treating diseases and nutrition, with step-by-ste p procedures and pests, and the bes t of the new imported for h ybr id izing. and domesti c azalea varieti es. P art III considers the place of azaleas in H ere is botanical and historical informa­ th e plant world: relationship to rhododen­ tion of immense interest to the scientific ex­ d rons; d istribution and class ifi cati on, with pert as well as complete know-how for en­ detail ed descriptions of Ghent, Mollis, Ku­ thusias ti c amateurs on selecting, planting, rume, Belgian and So u thern Indicas, Gable, fertilizing, and pruning azaleas-wh ether Glenn D ale, and many other azalea groups, they be evergreen or deciduous, 6-inch dwarf together with their origins and h is tory. or 10·foot giant. T h ere is also a revised classifi cation and de­ T he vas t knowledge of plant ex plorers, scription of some of th e American and J ap­ government sp ecialists, and foreign collectors anese species and a thorough revision of the is embodied in this authoritati ve book. Sa tsuki group. Sponsored by the America n H orticultural - Part IV o ffers a complete index of de­ Society and successor to its Azalea H and· ciduous and evergreen azaleas, with notes on book, this volume refl ects world ex perience h abi t, blooming period, fl ower type, size, with azaleas, and also co n tains the consider­ and color. T he list of azalea breeders and able practi cal knowledge of Frederic Lee, nurserymen in America, and their contribu­ who himself continually tes ts some 500 azalea tions to azalea culture has been fully up­ plants in his Maryland garden. dated. International regislration proceedings Part I is a complete garden guide, with are discussed, and the list of trade sources information on planting and care, h ardiness, extended. A table ca taloging register ed companion plants, propagati on, indoor cul­ azaleas is also included, as well as several ture, and directions for bonsai plants. In ad­ lists of recommended varieti es. dition, plant h ardiness h as been keyed to 408 pages, 6% x 9% . 65 illustrations, 5 in the n ew Plant H ardiness Zone Map of the color. Publish er's price, $12.00 plus postage.

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