Inveniory 71, Seeds and Plants Imported. 



Plate VI. 



Barbados Red, a Good Variety of Tropical Yam. (Dioscorea alata L.; 



S. P. I. No. 55561.) 



This is a horticultural form of Dioscorea alata, technically known as the greater yam. It is widely 

 grown in the West Indies and is closely related to the l)ago haya, or Guam yam. It is, however, 

 better than the latter in some respects. The tuber has a purple inner skin, and the firm flesh, 

 mealy when cooked, is purphsh and of good flavor. The yam replaces the potato in certain 

 tropical regions and in its best varieties is fuUy equal to the latter: indeed, good yams properly 

 cooked can hardly be distinguished from potatoes. (Photographed, natural size, by E. L. 

 Crandall, Photographic Laboratory, June 23, 1922; P27585FS.) 



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