SKPTKMHKK. HMKl, TO DKCKM KKU. lM(i3. 'iUf) 



Its origin also is imi known, arconliiig to Professor ISIacOwan. It should be sent for 

 trial to the frostifss ic^'ions of AnuTica and distrihntcil anioni: the snpfrintciideiils 

 of parks and itul)lic;rardt'ns and private ornamental plant i:ro\\ers. Its iipri^dit stem, 

 spiny, broad leaves, and Imrizontal Itranches make it effective." {Fairrjiilfi. ) 



9615. POKTLLACARIA AFKA. 



From Cape Town, SoutJi Africa. Presented by Prof. P. MacOwan, (Jovernnient 

 Botanist, throiifrh Messiv. Lathrop and Fairchild ( No. ill.!. Keceived ^^areh 

 3, 1903), May U, ISIO.'J. 



Spek-hooni. "Seed of this interesting' fodder plant. (See Nos. 9«>04, imori.)" 

 (FairchiM.) 



9616. Uaki'kimiylm M < aifiu m. Kafir plum. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented l)y I'rol. 1'. MacOwan, (iovernment 

 Botanist, through Me.ssrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (Ni>. 1114, March 5, 1908). 

 Received May 6, 1903. 



" One of the prettiest evergreen shade trees to be seen in the gardens of Cape Town. 

 Prof. P. MacOwan has planted a row of these tree.M in a very win<ly situation near the 

 parliament buildings in Cape Town and they are admirably suited to such a trying 

 situation, where they are whipped by continuous win<ls which blow from various 

 directions. Professor Sim remarks that its tindu-r resend)U's mahogany and is used 

 for wagon making, being called rfirlienlioal by the Dutch. The red, showy <lrupes 

 are suitable for pre.«erves, but in the Ca|>e tln'y are apparently not popular though 

 they have a pleasant acid taste, but littU' pulp. The branches are sometimes planted 

 as fence i>oles and these large 'cuttings' take root and form trees. [.S7///.] I'rofessor 

 MacOwan recommends this heartily as a shade tree for windy situations, where its 

 beautiful dark green foliage forms a dense shade. The tree will thrive in the frost- 

 less belt of California and Florida and is sure to be appreciated by owners of ])ark.sas 

 an avenue plant. The seeds should be sown in a f^ovA bed and plants transplanted 

 to situations desired. It is not a desert plant, but will stand some drought. This 

 tree is worthy a prominent place in the gardens and parks of California and Florida." 

 {Fairchild.) 



9617. SoLANUM AOULEASTRiM. Natal thorn. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented by Prof. P. MacOwan, Government 

 Botanist, through Messrs. Lathrop and F'airchild (No. in5, March 8, 1903). 

 Received May ti, 1903. 



"An ornamental species with very large fruits, grows 6 feet high if grown singly or 

 4 to 4^ feet if in a hedge, for which latter j)urpose it is used by the farmers. 

 Very acutely hook-thorned, rather disposed to use up too much space if left alone. 

 The fruit is the size of a mandarin orange. It will not bear more than a short and 

 slight frost. To be sent to Texas, Arizona, and ('alifornia gardens." {FairchiM.) 



9618. PASPALUivr digitaria. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented bv Prof. P. MacOwan, Government 

 Botanist, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1128, March 8, 1903). 

 Received May 6, 1903. 



"Seed of a grass, which, according to Prof. P. MacOwan, is promising for moist 

 bottom land. It \vill not endure cold weather, 'out is suited to subtropical condi- 

 tions. ' ' ( Fairchild. ) 



9619. Pentzia virgata. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented bv Prof. P. MacOwan, Government 

 Botanist, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1129, March 9, 1903). 

 Received May 6, 1903. 



"Old seed of the fodder bush called the Goed Karroo. This is the best plant in 

 the Karroo for sheep pasturage, for it furnishes good fodder, binds the sand, prevent- 

 ing gullying, and withstands drought. {Fairchild. ) 



