COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 123 
The species of Colocasia can be distinguished from those of Xanthosma by the 
peltate leaves. 
Mr. W. M. Armstrong, of Honolulu, states that he found the Porto Rican taro, 
or yautia, invariably inferior to the Hawaiian, the introduction of which he con- 
siders would be an important service for the agricultural population of Porto Rico. 
Stock should be secured from Hilo through the experiment station authorities. 
Mr. Armstrong also states that the Hawaiian taro has been found superior to 
that of Fiji and Samoa by Mr. Alexander, who has investigated the subject. Its 
wholesome and delicate quality recommend it to resident Americans, and many 
who have returned to California now import taro for household use. 
Recently the Chinese have taken to raising another variety of taro, or taro-like 
plant, in California, particularly at Bakersfield. This is said to be propagated 
from tuberous lateral shoots, not like the taro in which the leafy cut-off ends are 
planted. Chinese taro is also imported to California from Canton and Hongkong. 
This is by some thought to be somewhat inferior to the Hawaiian, but the 
difference is not great. 
Coloquintilla. See Cayaponia racemosa. 
Colubrina ferruginosa. SNAKE woop. ABELLUELLO. 
Family Rhamnaceae; a tree 15 to 20 meters high, found in mountains. Stahl 
states that this species is also called ‘* quitaran.’’ (Stahl, 4: 45.) 
Colubrina reclinata. Mast. 
A shrub or low tree found in the mountains; 15 to 20 meters high. From near 
Guanica. (Stahl, 4: 46.) 
Called ‘‘ palo mabi’’ by Grosourdy (2: 366), who says the wood is strong and 
durable and is used in Cuba for building. Specific gravity, 0.947. 
Both this and the following species are said to be used to make the drink called 
““mabi.” (Ceanothus reclinatus.) 
Columnea hispida. “See Colummnea tulae. 
_Columneatulae. TIBEY PARASITO. 
Family Gesneriaceae; an annual 50 centimeters high, found in high mountains. 
Stahl’s C. hispida is found by Urban not to be Swartz’s species of that name and 
is redescribed as variety flava of C. tulae, the flowers being yellow instead of red. 
(Urban, Symb. 1: 410.) 
Commelina. CoITRE. 
Several species of Commelina are common in Porto Rico and all seem to be 
called ‘* coitre.”’ 
Comocladia. 
A West Indian genus belonging to the family Anacardiaceae and having a 
poisonous juice similar to that of poison ivy and other species of Rhus. All the 
species are shrubs or trees with compound leaves and nearly all have the margins 
of the leaflets armed with pointed teeth into which the veins are produced. 
This peculiarity, while not unique, will assist in the recognition of the species 
with which those who have occasion to visit West Indian forests will do well to 
become acquainted. In Cuba species of Comocladia-are called ‘‘ guao,’’ in Porto 
Rico * carrasco,’’ and in Santo Domingo ‘“‘chicarron.’’ In his last revision of the 
genus Professor Engler, of Berlin, recognized nine species. While several of these 
are represented in the National Herbarium, there are also several new forms, 
including three from Porto Rico, making ten species available for study. 
Comocladia acuminata. CaARRASco. 
A shrub 2 to 3 meters high; found at the base of the mountains; said to be 
poisonous. 
