early November to the end of March.
The fragrant flowers are very large, up to six inches in diameter, rich crimson-red and have five stamens.
6.
Candlenut Tree (Aleurites Moluccana)
The Candlenut tree, from Malaya, is a quick-growing tree with a spreading top and has now been introduced to most tropical countries. It is one of the best trees in the Colony for ornament and shade on account of its hardiness and adaptability as a street tree. The dark green leaves are 5-point maple-shaped on the young shoots, changing to 3-point triangular on the older shoots and branches. At flowering time, when the clusters of small white flowers are displayed, the immature leaves of the tree have frequently a whitish woolly covering which makes them look as if milk had been spilled on them. Because of this coating, the tree can be distinguished on the landscape at a considerable distance. The fruits are large and round, and an oil similar to Tung-oil is obtained from them. The inhabitants of Hainan and Polynesia use the oil as an illuminant. The wood is of use for fuel and the manufacture of wooden shoes.
7.
Large-leafed Banyan (Ficus Wrightiana)
A large wide-spreading tree, very similar in form and habit to the Chinese Banyan, but distinguished by its larger, somewhat more soft-textured leaves, which fall off during winter. The very long branchlets and young shoots are densely clothed and droop with the weight of foliage. The leaves are 4 to 6 inches long, with long tapering tips and rounded bases, light green when young but becoming darker with age.
During winter when the leaves have fallen, large buds develop at the ends of the twigs. The soft, light green leaves rapidly unfold in the early Spring when for several weeks the trees are of striking beauty. The reddish berry-like fruits are produced in great quantity and are sometimes eaten by villagers.
8. Spider Tree (Crataeva Religiosa)
This large handsome flowering tree which has been planted extensively over the Island and the New Territories is a native of South China. It is a deciduous tree which sheds its leaves in autumn, and flowers at the same time as the young leaves appear. The long-stalked leaves are composed of three leaflets which are about 3 inches long and the creamy white flowers are profusely produced in clusters covering the whole tree. The fruit is a large fleshy berry about the size of a small plum, but seeds seldom develop. commonly planted as a roadside tree on account of its abundance of flowers and its wide spreading crown which gives moderate shade in summer. The wood is light and soft, yellowish white at first, turning to pale brown, and is used for making furniture, models or musical instruments. In Formosa models of small fish are made from the wood of this tree and are used as lures for catching cuttlefish.
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