THE LOCUST THEE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2120, 21 June 1907, Page 3

THE LOCUST THEE.

, In your issue of the 14th I noticed i a few remarks regarding a valuable timber, the Robinia (pseudo acacia). It may be of interest to many to im- ' part a few more particulars regard- ' ing it. In its native country, . North America, especially in dry, rich soil and in sheltered situations, it grows ' rapidly, and becomes a tree of con- ' siderable height. The first tree of ihe species that was ,taken to Europe was planted in a garden m Paris in 1635. Two hundred years later this tree had attained a height of 78ft, Whether >it is still in existence or not Ido not know. In the climate of Britain it thrives only in sheltered situations, and is chiefly used in ornamental plantations. After it has attained the age of 10 or 12 years it appears in its most captivating form, and produces white and yollowish racemes of bloom, which are of great beauty and fragrance. In the first two or three years of their life they grow, to a height of 5 or 6ft, leading to the belief that they would outgrow every other sort of tree, but after a few years the growth is reduced to that of other trees. ' x The timber has a high reputation for strength and durability, and is also esteemed by the cabinet-maker, and in some cases it is substituted for boxwood. Whether it will become a valuable timber tree in remains to be seen. A few days ago 1 measured a specimen growing in the grounds of Mr Telford, Otanomomo. It is about 30ft high and measured, at sft from the ground, 3ft in circumference. This specimen was planted about 30 years ago. Others growing about have not attained these dimensions as yet; being planted widely apart they are inclined to form spreading heads before attaining any great height. Close planting would have the effect of getting them up with clear stems, and " they would sooner reach a useful size than when sparsely plainted.—J t Gebbie.