CRINODENDRON. Chile, Argentina. This is a genus of only two shrub-trees, both of them highly ornamental and unusual in their features. Both are upright in their main axis, with widely spreading branches closely lined by narrow, leathery leaves. The flowers are long-lasting, and their succession lasts for many weeks. They nod gracefully along the stems, holding their waxy petals closely together. These are beautiful plants for coastal gardens but need shading and protection against hot, dry winds in the interior. They also require well drained, preferably acid soil and constant moisture (though they actually use only modest quantities of water for their size). They are hardy to around 15^oF.

hookerianum. Lantern tree. Chile. It is hard to fathom why this beautiful tree has been nearly absent from California gardens. It grows at a moderate pace to 10-30’ tall. The sturdy branches are neatly lined by narrow, shining, very dark green leaves, about 3" long in this selection, and rolled down along the margins. Long-stalked, pendant flower buds appear all along the stems in fall, gradually developing into dark red 1" lanterns, each lasting several weeks. This is a choice plant for containers, as well as for featured, if somewhat protected, spots in the open landscape.

patagua. Lily of the valley tree. This species is described in some texts as a smaller tree than the last, though it is clearly more vigorous and presumably larger here. The current selection has a strong, straight main trunk and nearly horizontal branches. The leaves are roughly oval in form, dark green and shiny above, grey-green beneath. White 1" bells hang on stalks of equal length, all along the younger branches, through the summer months. I cannot think of a similar display in the world of woody plants.