to a wide range of soils and conditions the species have been cultivated in many other lands. Probably no other trees except palms have as many uses to man, being a valuable source of timber, fuel, tannin, gums and medicinal oil. The two commonest species grown in Hong Kong are the Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta) and the Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis). A large number of seedlings of both species are raised each year by the Forestry Department for planting in the New Territories. They are of rapid growth, with straight trunks and green- white flowers which open in the winter. The calyx tube is bell-shaped, the petals joined to the calyx forming a lid which on opening falls off and exposes the numerous stamens. They are useful for windbreaks and make a good forest cover. The trees furnish an excellent timber, hard and durable. Since it does not decay readily it is used for general It building work, ships, railway ties, fence posts and telegraph poles. is also an excellent fuel. The flowers have an abundance of nectar from which bees produce fine honey.
3(A). Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria excelsa)
A beautiful and striking tree, columnar in shape and tapering at the top, with regular whorls of horizontal spreading branches, attaining a great height. It was discovered by Captain Cook on Norfolk Island where it is native. Young trees which are frequently grown in pots look almost artificial in their perfect symmetry. It is a striking tree for landscape effect. The stiff leaves are curved, sharp-pointed, and densely overlap each other on the horizontal or drooping branchlets. Male and female flowers are usually borne on separate trees.
3(B). Acacia (Acacia Richii)
This pretty evergreen tree, 20 to 40 ft. high, from the Philippines and Formosa, is grown ornamentally in Hong Kong. It has a spreading top crown, with stiff, crooked branches. An interesting feature of this tree is the fact that there is no blade to the leaf, the stem or petiole being flattened and performing the usual functions of the leaf. The false leaf is about 3 inches long, crescent-shaped and narrowed at both ends. Almost throughout the year the crown of The bark leaves is interspersed with tiny, yellow, puff-ball flowers. yields tannin for dyeing fishing nets and cloth.
4.
Evergreen Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
A medium-sized evergreen tree, 25 to 50 ft. high, with stout upright or spreading branches forming a round-topped or pyramidal crown. It is a native of North America, where it grows to 100 ft. or more. It has thick leathery oval leaves, shiny green above, smooth and hairy beneath. Its handsome, fragrant white flowers, 6 to 8 inches
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