JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31, 1922, 11 



The South American v^'n^lc sJioxcer, an exceedingly handsome tree 50 feet or 

 more in height, which is cultivated in many tropical countries for its beautiful 

 blooms. The abundant racemes of deep-pink flowers, an inch across, are pro- 

 duced in February and March, during which time the tree is deciduous, or 

 partly so. The pinnate leaves and young branches are covered with fine, soft, 

 copper-colored hair. (Adapted from Rock, The Ornamental Trees of Ilaicaii, 



p. m.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 52401. 



54707 and 54708. Trifolium pkatense L. Fabacese. Red clover. 



From Helsingfors, Finland. Seeds purchased by Leslie A. Davis, American 

 consul. Received February 21, 1922. 



54707, Punga-apila, from Suomi. From Keskusosuusliike Hankkija, r, ]. 



54708. Sydfinslct, from Centralandelslaget Labor m. b. t. 



54709 to 54725. Prunus mume Sieb. and Zitcc. Amygdalacese. 



Japanese apricot. 



From Okitsu, Shizuokaken, Jap^n. Budwood presented by Prof. T. Onda, 

 Bureau of Horticulture, Imperial Agricultural Experiment Station. Re- 

 ceived February 24, 1922. Quoted notes by Professor Onda. 



The " mume," or Japanese apricot, is found throughout the Japanese Empire, 

 where it is both wild and cultivated. In height it ranges from 10 to 25 feet, 

 reaching its maximum development in the northern parts of its native country. 

 Before the leaves appear in the spring the tree is covered with a profusion of 

 attractive blossoms which are white in tlie wild forms, while in the cultivated 

 varieties the color varies from white to pink, with occasional tinges of green 

 or yellow. The most desirable varieties are those with double flowers and 

 dwarf habit ; the latter characteristic is of much importance among the Japa- 

 nese because of their well-known liking for dwarf trees. 



In favorable seasons the " mume " blooms at the beginning of February, and 

 one may see the altars and homes decorated with flowering branches as a 

 symbol of approaching spring. Pilgrimages are made to certain trees which are 

 considered sacred because of associations with divine princes or national 

 heroes, and cuttings from these trees accordingly assume great value in all 

 parts of the land. The tree also plays an important role in Japanese literature. 



The fruits ripen in June ; they are exceedingly sour and are eaten only in the 

 form of pickles. These are consumed in large quantities in Japan, being pre- 

 pared with the leaves of a mint, PeriUa arguta. wliich gives them a reddish 

 color and an aromatic taste. (Adapted from Revue Horticole, vol. 57, p. 56}, 

 and note under S. P. I. Nos. 9211 to 9216.) 



" The 15 ' mume ' trees at my home in Maryland are among the most ad- 

 mired plants which I have. Since this species is early flowering and perfectly 

 hardy, it should have a great future in this country. If we can propagate it 

 as we are now propagating the Japanese flowering cherries, I bolieve we can 

 make it quite as popular in America as the latter have become. The fact that 

 the ' mume ' blossoms earlier than the cherry, that the tree does not grow 

 quite so large, and that the flowers are fragrant, adapts it particularly for 

 planting in dooryards." {David Fairchild.) 



54709. " Bcni Kaga. An early-flowering variety with medium-sized 

 white flowers followed by medium-sized fruits." 



54710. " Beni Saslii. An early-flowering variety with small white flow- 

 ers and small red fruits." 



54711. " Bungo. A late-flowering variety with large light-retl flowers 

 and large fruits." 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 45878. 



54712. " Hanalcumi. A niidseason variety with rather small light-red 

 flowers and medium-sized liglit-brown fruits." 



For previoiis introduction, see S. P. I. No. 45S79. 



