Untitled - University of Oregon
Untitled - University of Oregon
Untitled - University of Oregon
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green tree <strong>of</strong> the order Oleaceae growing wild, and also planted in<br />
gardens. The stem attains to a height <strong>of</strong> 10 fts. In autumn it<br />
bears fragrant small white flowers in clusters in the axils <strong>of</strong><br />
leaves, being succeeded with small oval fruits which are pur-<br />
plish blue when ripe. The wood is white, hard, and fine grained,<br />
and is used to make combs, chop-sticks, engravings, abacus,<br />
wooden toys, chess-men, etc.<br />
552. Paulownia imperialis, S. et Z., Jap. Kiri ; a<br />
deciduous tree <strong>of</strong> the order Scrophulariaceae planted everywhere<br />
growing to a height <strong>of</strong> 20-30 fts. Before sprouting it bears purple<br />
or white labiate flowers in panicles. The fruits have capsules,<br />
shaped like a pigeon's egg, and expose many small winged seeds.<br />
The wood is s<strong>of</strong>t and white, and hollow in the centre. The fine<br />
grained old wood is called Shiina-giri, and is used for making<br />
musical instruments, various cases, -tables, etc.<br />
553. Cinnamomum camphora, Nees^ Jap. Kusu-noki<br />
; an everygreen tree <strong>of</strong> the order LauraceaB produced in warm<br />
regions, growing 30-40 fts. high and several feet in circumference.<br />
In early summer, it produces long peduncles from the axils <strong>of</strong><br />
leaves, and bears small pale yellow flowers. The fruits are peasized<br />
and black. The wood is gray and fine grained, and when<br />
old it becomes harder and brown. The old wood has a circular<br />
figure and cloud-like variegation. It is used for building houses<br />
and ships, and also to make book-cases, garment-cases, and many<br />
other articles, but it is not suitable for table-vessels, because it is<br />
too odorous. Camphor<br />
is made from this wood. .<br />
553. b. Machilus thunbergii, 5. et Z., Jap. Tama-<br />
knsu, Ao-kusu, Yama-kusu, Kara-damo, Inu-kusu ; an evergreen<br />
tree <strong>of</strong> the order Lauraceae growing in warm regions, Staining to<br />
a height <strong>of</strong> several feet. In autumn it blooms, and in the follow-<br />
ing summer purplish black fruits are produced. The wood is<br />
dark brown, hard, and fine grained, and the old wood has beauti-<br />
ful whirls and cloud-like variegation. An oil is taken from the<br />
seeds, and the bark is used for dying.