APRIL 1 TO MAY 31, 1920. 85 



50697 to 50607— Continued. :V. 



50606. SiDA RHoMBiFOLiA L. Malvacett. 

 "Esvoha, from Chobo, Lae Guayas, Ecuador." 



A lialf-shrubby weed growing by the roadsides and in open places, having 

 yejlow flowers which open at about half-past 10 o'clock in the niorniiiy: and soon 

 fade to a whitish color. It yields a good fiber, which in Auslialia is known as 

 Queensland hemp. Tliis is fine, strong, wliite, and lustrous and is ea.sily ex- 

 tracted. It is softer and finer than jute, but shorter. E\])oriments made with 

 this fiber show that a cord 12.5 millimeters in circumference will sustain a 

 weight of 400 pounds. In (lUam fresh plants are gathered each morning and 

 made into bundles which serve as brooms. (Adapted from SaH'onl. Cst/ul 

 Plants o/Guam, p. 375.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. Xo. 46990. 



50607. SoLANUM QUiTOENSE Lam. Solanacese. Naranjilla. 

 •■NaianjiHa. From fruits bought in the market at Guayaquil, Ecuador." 

 For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47951. 



50608. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. Myrtacete. Jambolan. 



(Eugenia jambolana Lam.) 

 From Manila, Philippine Islands. Seeds presented by Elmer D. Merrill, director, 

 Bureau of Science. Received June 19, 1920. 

 A tall handsome tree native to southern Asia, ascending to an altitude of 5,000 feet 

 in Kumaon and Polynesia and probably hardy in extratropical latitudes. The edible 

 fruit is about the size of a cherry and is purplish black when ripe; it may perhaps be 

 improved by culture: fruits li inches long have been produced under cultivation. 

 The seeds are used as a remedy for diabetes. (Adai)ted from Mueller, Select. Ertra- 

 Tropical Plants, p. £1S.) 

 For preAdous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 43217. 



50609 to 50623. 



From Coban, Alta Vera Paz, Guatemala. Seeds presented by Hany Johnson. 

 Received June 7, 1920. Quoted notes by Mr. Johnson. 



50609. Begonia sp. Begoniacese. Begonia. 

 '■ (No. 182.) A rather abundant rhizomatous plant from Chama, with smooth 



leaves 6 to 12 inches in diameter. The cymes of white flowers on long stems 

 are very ornamental." 



50610. Begonia sp. Begoniacese. Begonia. 

 '■(No. 173.) An upright plant from Chama, with white flowers and reddish 



leaves." 



50611. Begonia sp. Begoniacese. Begonia. 



• ■ -!*'(No. 180.) An upright plant from Coban, with pink flowers. Seems to 

 prefer clay soils." 



50612. Begonia sp. Begoniacese. , Begonia. 

 "(No. 181.) An upright plant from Cliama, with smooth leaves and i)ink 



flowers. Very ornamental v,'hen in full flower." 



50613. Begonia sp. Begoniacese. Begonia. 

 '■(No. 172.) Similar to Beyonia ricinifolia. A plant from Chama. with pink 



flowers and leaves marked with deep green on a lighter (ifld. Plant smaller 

 here." ,.,... 



50614. Chamaedorea sp. Phoenicacese. Pacaya. 

 "(.No. 183.) Pacaya palm." 



For previous introductions, see S. P. I. No. 44050. 



