Fig. 30.-Fiddle-leaf-fig, Ficus lyrata.


well-rounded head (Fig. 30). However, a slow growth rate makes
this tree well adapted for use as a specimen for indoor, patio and
terrace decoration. Fiddle-leaf-fig makes an excellent lawn specimen
where it can be protected from frost.
 Indian laurel or Cuban laurel, Ficus retusa, from India and Ma-
laya, is very popular as a street or lawn tree in southern Florida.
Indian laurel is an upright tree, rapidly growing to 50 feet tall and
wide, with dense foliage and ovate, small, glossy green laurel-like
leaves 2 to 4 inches long. Indian laurel is resistant to wind damage,
but is subject to damage by thrips which causes leaves to become
curled and deformed. This tree is frequently used as a sheared speci-
men and as a large clipped hedge.

 Gordonia lasianthus. Theaceae. Loblolly Bay. Central and North-
ern areas. Evergreen. Native.
 Loblolly bay is a large upright tree with a cylindrical head, some-
 imes attaining 60 feet in height. Leaves are simple, lanceolate to
 blong, leathery, lustrous, 4 to 5 inches long, green on top and silvery
 underneath. Some shedding of leaves occurs irregularly, and before
 dropping they change color from green to deep scarlet. White flowers,
 p to 31/, inches in diameter, appear during summer on long stalks
 -om leaf axils of new growth.
 Loblolly bay is valued because of attractive foliage and large
 ragrant white blossoms that appear for 2 or 3 months during early
 ummer. Silvery undersides of leaves present a pleasing contrast
 vhen stirred by a breeze. This well-adapted tree is useful as a speci-
 nen in naturalistic and woodland plantings, as a street tree or for
 order plantings and for wet or boggy situations. It is generally
 free from insect and disease pests.