18 SEEDS AND PLANTS IMPORTED. 



47429 and 47430. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Malvaceae. Roselle. 



From Zamboanga, Philippine Islands. Presented by Mr. P. J. Wester, 

 agricultural adviser. Received April 23, 1919. 



" Var. altissima. Because of the fibrous and spiny character of the small 

 calyces of the two forms belonging to the altissima, they have no culinary 

 value. However, their habit of growth is favorable to the production of a 

 long fiber; and, according to Mr. M. M. Saleeby, chief of the fiber division of 

 this Bureau, the two forms of this variety are far superior to jute and to all 

 other varieties of roselle (including four from India) in habit, growth, and 

 yield. As yet the problem of utilization of the fiber of tlie altissima has not 

 been carefully studied, but it is apparently suitable for all uses in which jute 

 fiber is now employed." (Wester, Philippine Agricultural Review, vol. 7, 

 p. 268.) 



47429. Altissimu roselle, red. . 47430. Altissima roselle, white. 



47431. DiMOCARPUs longan Lour. Sapindacese. Longan. 



(Nephelium longana Cambess.) 



From Port Louis, Mauritius. Presented by Mr. Gabriel Regnard. Re- 

 ceived April 24, 1919. 



" The longan has fruited successfully both in Florida and California. The 

 quality of the fruit, however, is inferior ; and the principal interest which this 

 species now has for us is in connection with lychee culture, as it is possible 

 that it may be of value as a stock for the lychee in certain regions." ( Wilson, 

 Popenoe. ) 



47432 and 47433. Ipomoea batatas (L.) Poir. Convolvulaceae. 



Sweet potato. 



From Mayaguez, Porto Rico. Tubers presented by Mr. T. B. McClelland, 

 horticulturist, Porto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station. Received 

 April 24, 1919. 



" Tubers of two varieties of the mamey type of sweet potato from the eastern 

 part of the island. The donor distinguishes these as Matneyona, or large 

 mamey, and mameyita, or small mamey. He prefere the mamcyita, if it is 

 eaten immediately after digging, but says that the mameyona, if kept for a 

 week, has the better flavor. However that may be, both belong to the best 

 type of Porto Rican [sweet] potato." {McClelland.) 



47432. Matneyona. 47433. Mameyita. 



47434. Annoxa squamosa L. Aimonaceai. Sugar-apple. 



From Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Presented by Mr. T. R. Day, chief. Industrial 

 Department, Leopoldina Railway Co., Ltd. Received April 29, 1919. 



" Seed of the pinha (fruta de conde), of a very special variety. This is not 

 the very large kind, but it is the best flavored I have ever found in the country. 

 This fruit will grow in southern Florida." (Day.) 



47435. ViGNA SESQuiPEDALis (L.) Fruwirth. Fabacese. 



Yard-Long bean. 



From Gatun, Canal Zone. Presented by Mr. George E. Hardwick. Re- 

 ceived April 29, 1919. 



" A bean the pods of which grow to a length of 15 to 20 inches." (Hardwick.) 



