352 
glabrous leaves, which are glandular on the underside in the axils of 
the primary veins, and b pyramidal inflorescence. In 
September, before its coral-red fruits become black, the plant is 
a presentation from Mr. M. L.de Vilmorin. The species is Chinese, 
Vv 
coloured flowers. It is a native of German New Guinea, and the 
plant from which the material for the figure was obtained was 
reared from a cutting sent to Kew by Sir F. W. Moore, who had 
received seeds from Dr. R. Schlechter. 
Presentation to Herbarium.—A small collection of water-colour 
April last. 
Ecanda Rubber (Raphionacme utilis).—In the Kew Bulletin, 1908, 
p- 209, and 1909, p. 321, a full description is given of this interesting 
plant, together with other details bearing upon the possibility of its 
eventually becoming exploited as a source of commercial rubber. 
From the first it was not doubted that the plant would yield good 
rubber, but it was pointed out that until trustworthy information 
could be obtained as to the rate of growth of the rubber-yielding 
tubers, the cultivation of the plant as a profitable crop could not 
safely be recommended. 
“ Experiments made by Europeans in the regions of Bihé, Bail- 
unda and Ganguellas to cultivate the tuberculous rubber plant 
known as Bitinga (Raphionacme utilis) (see the Kew Bulletin, 1908, 
no. v., p. 209) have proved a total failure. To raise the plants in 
the seed beds was easy enough, but the development of the tuba 
containing the rubber was too slow.” 
e growth of the seedling plants at Kew has also been found to 
be remarkably slow. 
J. M. G. 
