07 - 08.pdf - University of Georgia

m C 267 3
PYRUS SPECTABILIS. CHINESE APPLE TREE.
Clafs and Order.
ICOSANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.
Generic Character.
Cat. 5-fidus. Petala 5. Pomum inferum, 5-loculare, poly-
fpermum.
Specific Character and Synonyms.
PYRUS fpeflalilis umbellis feflilibus, foliis ovali oblongis
ferratis lasvibu's, unguibus calyce longioribus, ftylis
bafi lanatis. Ait. Kew. V. 2 . p. 1 75. Linn. Syji.
Nat. ed. 1 3. Gmel. p. 842.
The Chinefe Apple-Tree when it bloflbms in perfection,
anfwers truly to the name of fpeSfalilis / a more Ihewy or
ornamental tree can fcarcely be introduced to decorate the
Jluubbery or plantation; its beauty like that of moft trees,
vhofe ornament confifts chiefly in their bloflbms, is however
but of Ihort duration, and depends in fome degree on the
favourablenefs of the feafbn at the time of their expanfion,
which ufually takes place about the end of April or beginning
of May; the flowers are large, of a pale red when open, and
femi-double, the buds are of a much deeper hue, the fruit is of
little account, and but fparingly produced. Trees of this
fpecies are to be met with in fome gardens of the height of
twenty or thirty feet.
Dr. FOTHERGILL is regarded as the firft who introduced
Ais Chinefe native, he cultivated it in the year 1780; fuch
plants of it as where in his collection, pafled at his deceafe
!"io the hands of Meflrs. GORDON and THOMPSON, in whofe
^li and elegant Nurfery, at Mile-End, this tree may be feen
"' great perfection.
Though perfectly hardy, as its bloflbms are liable to be
lfijured by cutting winds, it will be moft proper to plant it in
a flielter'd fituation.
h is ufually increafed by grafting it on the Crab ftock.