26 SEEDS A.\D PLANTS [MPORTED. 



26200 Continued. 



Distribution. The countries bordering od the Mediterranean Sea and the Canary 

 [alands. 



26201 and 26202. 



Prom 30 miles north of Eangchow, China, Presented by Rev. J. M. \V. Parnham, 

 Presbyterian Mission, Shanghai, China. Received November 2, L909. 



Seeds of the following: 



26201. CUCUMIS MELO I.. Muskmelon. 

 Golden. 



26202. SlLENBep. Wild pink. 

 •■ Pound "ii the mountain here." (Farnham.) 



26203 to 26206. 



Presented by Mr. II. F. Schultz, Ancon, Canal Zone, Panama. Received 

 November 9, 1909. 



26203. A NONA SQUAMOSA L. 



From David, Chiriqui, Panama. ''Seed from a tree bearing large and very 

 superior fruits of fine flavor." (Schultz.) 



26204. Arracacia sp. "Aracache." 



From Boquete, Chiriqui, Panama. "Tubers of a plant found growing in the 

 neighborhood of Boquete in a cultivated and semicultivated state. The tubers 

 grow to a size of 6 to 15 inches in length and about 6 to 8 inches in diameter, 

 weighing from 2 to 10 pounds. The foliage resembles somewhat that of celery, 

 and it grows to a height of about 10 to 18 inches above the ground. The taste of 

 the root resembles a cross between a potato, celery, and asparagus, and it is 

 eaten like potatoes, roasted, baked, or fried, as well as cut up in soups. I have 

 found it growing at an altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level, and the 

 inhabitants claim that it will not grow on the lower levels. I think, however, 

 that it will do well in the Gulf States and that it will prove valuable, as I know 

 that it is a well-flavored vegetable." (Schultz.) 



See S. P. I. No. 3511 for previous introduction. 



26205. Byrsoxima cotixifolia H. B. K. 



From Chiriqui, Panama. "Seeds of a fruit called 'Nance' which is used by 

 the inhabitants as the main ingredient for a cooling and very pleasing drink. 

 This tree is found growing at all altitudes from sea level up to about 4,000 feet 

 and above. I do not think that it is a very valuable tree. It may possibly 

 succeed in southern California." (Schultz.) 



Distribution. — Along the Pacific coast of Mexico, from the province of Tepic 

 to Chiapas. 



26206. Parmextiera cereifera Seem. 



From Bugaba, Panama. "Seed of an ornamental tree with peculiarly shaped 

 candle-like fruits produced in great abundance on the second year's growth of 

 the plant. The long, smooth, yellow fruits are 8 to 20 inches long and one-half 

 to three-fourths of an inch in diameter, containing in the strong, fibrous, fleshy 

 pulp numerous small flat seeds. The inside of the fruit has a strong musky 

 fragrance, and the appearance of the bushy, spreading shrub, which grows to a 

 height of about 12 to 15 feet, with its numerous candle-like fruits, is quite odd. 

 The fruits were obtained on the ranch of Mr. Alexander Croetsch, of Bugaba, 

 province of Chiriqui, and flowers were not in evidence." (Schultz.) 



Distribution. — Confined to the valley of Chagres River, Republic of Panama. 

 205 



