- Spreading tree - A tree of the same genus as the common fig, and called the
Indian fig (Ficus Indica), whose branches send shoots to the ground,
which take root and become additional trunks, until it may be the tree
covers some acres of ground and is able to shelter thousands of men.
- A spreading thorny shrub or small tree (Prunus
spinosa), with blackish bark, and bearing little black plums, which are
called sloes; the sloe. - A species of Crataegus or hawthorn (C. tomentosa). Both
are used for hedges.
- Tropical fruit - A leguminous tree (Tamarindus Indica) cultivated both the
Indies, and the other tropical countries, for the sake of its shade,
and for its fruit. The trunk of the tree is lofty and large, with
wide-spreading branches; the flowers are in racemes at the ends of the
branches. The leaves are small and finely pinnated. - One of the preserved seed pods of the tamarind, which
contain an acid pulp, and are used medicinally and for preparing a
pleasant drink.
- A genus of great trees related to the Bombax. There are
two species, A. digitata, the baobab or monkey-bread of Africa and
India, and A. Gregorii, the sour gourd or cream-of-tartar tree of
Australia. Both have a trunk of moderate height, but of enormous
diameter, and a wide-spreading head. The fruit is oblong, and filled
with pleasantly acid pulp. The wood is very soft, and the bark is used
by the natives for making ropes and cloth.