with dense long pubescence. Petiole pilose, with two subulate, persistent, pubescent, glandular stipules.
Fruiting heads spiny, 1½ inch in diameter, each capsule surrounded by several long spines arising from the calyx, and resembling the two indurated styles which terminate the valves. Perfect seeds few, or absent in many capsules, with narrow short wings.
This species is widely distributed over the central and southern provinces of China, and occurs also in Tonking, Hainan,[1] and Formosa. In Hupeh, where it has not been seen over 1000 feet altitude, the tree is valuable, as its timber is used for making the Hankow tea-chests. The Chinese call it Fêng tree.[2]
It is doubtful if it will prove hardy, and is extremely rare in cultivation in Europe, the only plant known to us being one in Kew gardens, which is trained against a wall, and is interesting for its beautiful foliage, which lasts till late in November. It was introduced by seeds sent by Consul Alabaster from Hankow in 1884. (A.H.)
- ↑ Swinhoe, Journ. Bot. i. 257, says it is the commonest tree in the mountain forests of Hainan. Hance, loc. cit., says that at Canton old stumps buried beneath the soil sucker freely.
- ↑ It yields a resin, Fêng-hsiang; and a caterpillar, which feeds on its leaves, produces a coarse kind of silk, used for fishing-lines.
