25 feet in height. It is valuable for its crooked multiple trunks,
lavender-blue flowers and yellow to orange fruit. Leaves are pinnately
compound with 4 to 6 leaflets in pairs along a deeply-grooved rachis.
Side veins form a loop near the leaf margin.
 This excellent small tree has been limited in landscape plantings
in Florida because of its slow growth rate. However, lignum vitae
withstands severe winds and salt spray and is well adapted for sea-
side planting. Trees are also useful as specimens for small lawn areas
and as street trees for narrow streets with restricted planting strips.
No insect or disease problems have been reported for this species.

 Hibiscus spp. Malvaceae. Mahoe. Southern area. Evergreen.
 The mahoe, Hibiscus tiliaceus, is a native of Old World Tropics
and native or escaped to the Keys and southern Florida. Trees grow
fast, attaining a height of about 35 feet. Leaves are orbicular and
leathery, 4 to 7 inches wide and long. Hibiscus-like flowers are pale
yellow with petals 2 to 21/2 inches long (Fig. 32). Mahoe thrives near
the seacoast and evidently will tolerate brackish water.
 Mahoe reaches maximum size rapidly. Where shade is needed
within a short period of time and growth of grass or flowers beneath
is not important, this tree can be recommended.
 Mountain mahoe, Hibiscus elatus, origin unknown, is a species
with red flowers that appear in profusion in winter and sparingly
during summer. It is more erect in growing habit than the above,

Fig. 32.-Foliage and flowers of the mahoe, Hibiscus tiliaceus (left) and Fig. 33
 foliage and fruit of the dahoon holly. Ilex cassine.