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