"The Rhubarb Tree"

[Editor's note : The inclusion of the Rhubarb Tree in a survey of the vegetation of the African continent (called for in the routine of the classroom) was not unreasonably regarded by the master concerned as a witticism and worthy of punishment. Accordingly the boy in question was called upon to write a brief essay describing the Rhubarb Tree. The result, which we print below, would seem to confound the sceptics and prove once again that "ex Africa semper aliquid novi".]

The Rhubarb Tree, which as its name suggests resembles an overgrown rhubarb plant, is an extremely interesting botanical specimen since it has so many different varieties. They are found exclusively in the swamps of darkest Africa and all the Congo Basin. As it has only recently been discovered, the Rhubarb Tree is still something of a mystery to scientists. It is believed, and there is good evidence to prove it, that the natives use its massive leaves, which have a diameter of at least 10 feet, to make roofs for their huts. Scientists believe that the stalks contain an extremely valuable fibre which could meet the clothing needs of the world's growing population. By squashing the stalks a juice can be extracted which the natives take in the form of a drug, and many of the natives are complete "Rhubarb Addicts".

The tree itself grows to heights of 20 or 30 feet and has leaves of massive diameter. The stalk grows to a thickness of about 1 foot 6 inches, and in most varieties it is green. To grow, it must have a very large supply of water as the tree consists of sixty per cent water. Surrounding a patch of these trees is a not unpleasant smell which will in time send living creatures into a deep sleep. An enterprising French scent manufacturer has had a few Rhubarb Trees analysed, and I believe he expects to produce a new scent in the near future.

The most common variety of Rhubarb Tree is the Common Rhubarb Tree which has plain olive-green leaves. Perhaps the most beautiful of these wonderful trees is the Spotted Rhubarb Tree, the leaves of which have red and yellow spots on them; the other common type is the Bright Red Rhubarb Tree which also has orange hairs on the stalks. The not so common Rhubarb Trees are usually a little smaller than the ones so far mentioned. The rarest being the Greater Yellow Flowered Rhubarb Tree which has large yellow blooms somewhat resembling a very large orchid; these flowers, which are occasionally seen at markets, etc., for sale, cost anything up to ten pounds, and I was rather surprised to see some eminent ladies at Royal Ascot wearing these blooms on their heads as hats. The next rarest is the Feathered Rhubarb Tree whose leaves resemble those of an overgrown fern. The only other Rhubarb Tree worth noting is the Edible Rhubarb Tree, from which ordinary domesticated garden rhubarb has descended. This tree provides a very cheap food and large canning stations are being built on the coast of Belgian Congo.

49