Naturalisation in Extra-Tropical Countries. 167 



away from this plant. Seeds may rest underground for half-a-dozen 

 years without their germinating power being destroyed [Dr. W. O. 

 Focke]. 



Dimochloa Andamanica, Kurz. 



Andamans. A scandent Bamboo, rising to fully 100 feet. Should 

 be of particular value for scenic culture. D. Tjankorreh (Buese) 

 extends from Java to the Philippines, ascends to 4,000 feet eleva- 

 tion, but is not so tall as the other species. 



Dioscorea aculeata, Linn.* 



The Kaawi-Yam. India, South-Sea-Islands. Stem prickly, as 

 the name implies, not angular. Leaves alternate, undivided. It 

 ripens later than the following species, and requires no reeds for 

 staking. It is propagated from small tubers. This yam is of a 

 sweetish taste, and the late Dr. Seemann regarded it as one of the finest 

 esculent roots of the globe. Will keep for nearly a year ; weight to 

 8 Ibs. A variety of a bluish hue, cultivated in Central America (for 

 instance at Caraccas), is of very delicious taste. The fresh tubers 

 contain about 15 per cent, starch [Dr. Th. Peckolt], 



Dioscorea alata, Linne.* 



The Uvi-Yam. India and South-Sea-Islands. The stems are 

 four-angled and not prickly. The tubers, of which there are many 

 varieties, will attain under favorable circumstances a length of 8 feot, 

 and the prodigious weight of 100 Ibs. This species and the preceding 

 are the two principal kinds cultivated in troprical countries. D. alata 

 is in culture supported by reeds. It is propagated from pieces of the 

 old root, and in warm climes comes to perfection in about seven months. 

 The tubers may be baked or boiled. It is this species, which has 

 been successfully cultivated in New Zealand and also in the Southern 

 States of North- America. A variety or allied species with branched 

 tubers is mentioned by Peckolt as Angola-Yam, containing about 24 

 per cent, starch. It may be only cultivated perhaps in Africa. 



Dioscorea atropurpurea, Roxburgh. 



Southern India. Root elongated, attaining a weight of 2 Ibs., of 

 very nice taste. Starch about 18 per cent. [Peckolt], sugar 7 per 

 cent.; thus richer in sugar than any other species. 



Dioscorea Brasiliensis, Willdenow. 



From Guiana to Brazil. Tuber ovate, to nearly 1 foot diameter. 

 Particularly lauded by Dr. Theo. Peckolt as palatable, but not so 

 rich in starch as some other species. 



