NAMU TREE OF CHINA.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11684, 13 July 1912, Page 3 (Supplement)

NAMU TREE OF CHINA.

The nammu tree (Persea nam-mn Oliver) of the hxurc\ family of vields thQTnost valuable wood ot Uima. it grows in the moist climate of (Stern Szechuan, China, which lies between the 25th and aeth deKrew north latitude. This is m about the latitude of New Orleans, TJ.S.A., aud axtcmpts are now beinc made to grow this valuable tree in that country. The first introduction 01 the-seed has Ik-en s~ recent that it is impossible to sa'v definitely as to what part of tlie country it is most likely _to succeed iu best, but the verv mora climate or •Szechuan indicates that a considerable decree of humidity will be required. •It is hoped that the tree can J"jclimatised and grown along the fau t coast and in Florida -generally. _ In mature condition it is a tree from 100-to 125 feet m height and Trom four to six in diameter at the. base, riie nammu tree grows very sl°™y andj* does not. promise: to be. a profitable tree for" planting whthi quick returns are desired, but it would serve mental tree of exceptional The wood is *of - _good qualitv, and is used extensively, for a ereat 'variety of special purposes.; . VS. furnishes the most highly_pri2ed wood used br the beautiful: when polished, * and shrinks very little in f aso^ n %£ said to be the most -durable wood m the country. It ' s . so olive btown, aromatic, and has- f*ceedj iligly sinail-pores and very fine mc-GUl-larv ravs. , The-famous nammu tree is comparatively, rare, and is so highly valued and estromed'that its wood is used only for interior- furnish for the .chief ■ imperial palaces throughout China. The ™fhns of the rich" are usually made ot this wood. _~