Three small trees belonging to the following genera are described herein.
Rhododendron, (page [209]).—This genus embraces about 100 species of shrubs and small trees in the Northern hemisphere besides a large number in the southern. Of the 17 or more species native to North America only 1 reaches tree size. In addition to the species described herein the flora of the State embraces the Mountain Rose Bay (R. catawbiense, Michx.) and several species of Azaleas.
Kalmia, (page [211]).—The genus Kalmia includes about 5 species in North America, 2 of which are found in West Virginia. Kalmia angustifolia, L. is a rare shrub reported from several counties in the State.
Oxydendrum, (page [213]).—This genus contains a single species, the Sour-wood, described in this bulletin.
EBENACEAE—THE EBONY FAMILY
The Ebony family with 6 genera and many species is distributed chiefly in tropical regions of both hemispheres. The genus Diospyros (page [215]) is the only representative of this family in the United States and includes 2 species one of which is native to West Virginia.
STYRACACEAE—THE STORAX FAMILY
This family embracing about 7 genera and comparatively few species is distributed principally in North and South America and in eastern Asia. Of the 3 North American genera only Halesia (page 217) is found in West Virginia.