Pagodatree `Halka`

Abstract

A novel Japanese pagodatree characterized by a high percentage of branches on two year old trees of a desired caliper, a growth rate and foliage size between that of seedling and Regent pagodatrees, leaflets with a high length to width ratio, numerous small lenticels, and leaves with heavily pubescent undersides. The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Japanese pagodatree of the species botanically known as Sophora japonica. I have named my new variety "Halka". I discovered my new variety as a chance seedling of unknown parentage which was being grown in a cultivated area of my nursery in Englishtown, N.J. While caring for this nursery, my attention was first drawn to the plant by its bright green foliage, dense growth, and rounded canopy. Other seedling pagodatrees in my nursery tended to have a loose, open growth habit and less attractive foliage. Close observations of the new seedling and continued observations of progeny thereof subsequently asexually propagated under my direction by budding on seedling pagodatree understock, has confirmed that the unique characteristics of my new variety are a result of a seedling variation. I am therefore convinced that my new tree represents a new and improved variety of Sophora japonica, as particularly evidenced by the following unique combination of characteristics, which have proven firmly fixed, are outstanding therein, and which distinguish my new variety from other varieties of this species: 1. A dense, rounded crown with up-sweeping branches; 2. Foliage which is pinnately compound, with large, glossy leaflets, the leaflets being pubescent on the underside; 3. A growth rate which is higher than pagodatree seedlings and lower than the Regent variety of pagodatree, this latter variety often being considered to grow too fast for proper management in a nursery; 4. Leaves and leaflet size which are both longer and wider than leaves and leaflets of seedling pagodatrees but smaller in both dimensions than leaves and leaflets of the Regent variety of pagodatree; 5. Leaflets having a length to width ratio which is higher than the ratio of seedling or Regent varieties of pagodatrees; 6. Extremely small, numerous lenticles which dot the stems; and 7. An extremely large percentage of branches in two year old trees which are of a caliper which contributes to a better form of pagodatree.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Japanese pagodatree, substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by a high percentage of branches on two year old trees of a desired caliper, a growth rate and foliage size between that of seedling and the Regent pagodatree variety, leaflets with a length to width ratio higher than that of seedling and Regent pagodatrees, numerous small lenticels, and leaves with heavily pubescent undersides.