JUXE 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1920. 17 



50710. CoLOCASiA sp. Araceae. Taro. 



From Quinto do Palheini. Funclial, iladeiia. Tubers presented by J. 

 Erhest Blandy, Aiiierii-an consul. Received June 18, 1920. 



" Igname branca. A variety of taro apparently identical with the yellow 

 tanyah grown in the coast regions of South Carolina and Georgia. The corms 

 are intensely acrid in the raw state and require boiling for fully two hours 

 to destroy this property and render them edible. They are of very pronounced 

 flavor, but are preferred to most other taros by those who have acquired 

 the taste for them. The buds are white, and the skin is without color beneath 

 the brown fiber. It is of interest to note that the other taro, igname vermcilho, 

 cultivated in Madeira, is apparently identical with the blue tanyah of the 

 South Atlantic States." (R. A. Young.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 19996. 



50711 to 50725. 



From Darjiling, Bengal, India. Seeds presented by G. H. Cave, curator, 

 Lloyd Botanic Garden. Received June 30, 1920. 



50711. Acacia catechu L. Mimosacese. 



A moderate-sized deciduous tree, common in most parts of India 

 and Burma, with dark-brown much-cracked bark, bipinnate leaves, 

 and spikes of white or pale-yellow flowers. The plant yields a pale- 

 yellow gum, and a dull-red dye can be obtained from a solution of 

 , catechu, the commercially important astringent resinous extract obtained 

 from the chopped wood by boiling for 20 hours. 



Kath, largely used as an ingredient in tlie betel-leaf preparation 

 which the natives are so fond of chewing, is a crystalline substance 

 deposited upon twigs placed in the boiling solution of chopped wood. 

 It is the kath in combination with lime in the betel-leaf preparation 

 which gives the teeth and lips the red color so characteristic of Hindus. 

 Continued use blackens the teeth. 



The sapwood is yellowish white; the heartwood is either dark or light 

 red and extremely hard. The wood is very durable, seasons well, and 

 takes a fine polish. It is not attacked by white ants or by teredo. It 

 is used for agricultural implements and wheelwright work. The fuel 

 of the dead trees is much valued by goldsmiths and is one of the best 

 woods for making charcoal. (Adapted from Watt, Dictionary of the 

 Economic Products of India, vol. 1, p. 27.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 45954. 



50712. Albizzia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. Mimosacese. 

 {A. stipulata Boiv.) 



A shade tree of easy culture, which is 'a native of continental and 

 insular southern Asia, extending to the Himalayas and China and ascend- 

 ing to altitudes of 4,000 feet. (Adapted from Mueller, Select Extra- 

 Tropical Plants, p. 30.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 42356. 



50713. Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Mimosacese. Lebbeck tree. 



A large deciduous spreading ornamental tree exceedingly good for 

 avenues. Its roots do not penetrate very deep. It grows in the ever- 

 green mixed forests in the sub-Himalayas from the Indus River east- 



