JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31, 191&. 15 



" This species is common on tlie slopes of the valley of Mexico, and is still 

 used by the Indians to a limited extent. Doubtless, it was of much greater im- 

 portance as a foodstuff in ancient times than it is to-day. Mrs. Nuttall has 

 planted in her garden a number of bulbs gathered on tlie hillsides near her 

 home and has found that they multiply rapidly and require no cultural atten- 

 tion. When in bloom, the plants are beautiful, their flowers varying from 

 yellow to deep scarlet in color. As an ornamental plant the Tigridia is already 

 known in other countries, but the use of its bulbs as an article of food is not 

 common outside of Mexico. When fully developed, the bulbs are slightly less 

 than 2 inches in diameter. For eating, they are usually boiled, or parboiled 

 and fried. When boiled they are mealy and have a very agreeable flavor some- 

 what suggesting that of chestnuts. 



" It is suggested by Mrs. Nuttall that the cacomite be given a careful trial 

 in the southern United States as a root crop. When grown from seed it re- 

 quires two seasons for the bulbs to reach maturity, but they demand very little 

 cultural attention, and the ornamental character of the flowers .should make 

 the cultivation of the cacomite very attractive to those who are interested in 

 new and rare vegetables." (Wilson Popenoe.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 11627, Inv. 11, p. 63 ("Undeter- 

 mined "), which has been identified as Tigridia pavonia. 



46982. TuTCHEEiA spECTABiLis (Champ.) Dunn. Theacese. 



From Hongkong, China. Presented by the Botanical and Forestry De- 

 partment. Received January 23, 1919. 



A handsome, ornamental small tree or shrub, indigenous to the island of 

 Hongkong. The leaves are alternate, short petioled, coriaceous, and shining. 

 The flowers are about 2i inches in diameter, usually having seven white, round- 

 ish obovate petals. The fruit, which is the size of a small apple, retains at 

 the base the persistent sepals, and contains several fairly large seeds. The 

 plant flowers in May and fruits in November. (Adapted from Champion, 

 Transactions of the Linnean Society, vol. 21, p. 111.) 



-For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 45720. 



46983. Manisueis exaltata (L. f.) Kuntze. Poacese. 



(Rottboellia exaltata L. f.) 



From the Philippiue Islands. Sent by Dr. W. H. Weston to the Office of 

 Acclimatization and Adaptation of Crop Plants. Received January 9, 

 1919. 

 From fields near the experiment station farm. College of Agriculture, Los 

 Banos, Philippine Islands. This seed was introduced for the use of the oflicials 

 of the Office of Acclimatization and Adaptation of Crop Plants. 

 For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 39927, 



46984. Persea Americana Mill. Lauracese. Avocado. 



(P.. gratissima Gaertn. f.) 



From Ambato, Ecuador. Bud sticks collected by Dr. J. N. Rose. Numbered 

 January, 1919. 

 "Avocado from Ambato. Fruit brownish to black, but sometimes green or 

 red, 2^ to 4 inches long. A fine fruit but small." (Rose.) 



" Budwood of an avocado from Ambato, with sassafras-scented leaves. This 

 variety apparently belongs to the Mexican race. It is likely to be hardier than 



