21 



The tuberous roots are short and thick. Their starchy natter is mealy and savory. 

 Eaten like bread." (de Tourreil.) According to Dr. Paul Sagot this species is 

 cultivated in Guiana, Brazil, and the West Indies. • ' The tuberous roots are numer- 

 ous, ovoid or rounded, covered with a black cracked bark. It is an excellent 

 species." Paillieux and Bois, to whom this species was particularly recommended 

 by Professor Ernst, say that it produces a large number of elongated or fusiform 

 roots, like those of the Jerusalem artichoke. They are much superior to the other 

 yams in value. They also say that it has finer tubers than the Maupeney branco. Its 

 flavor is excellent, and in texture so starchy that it breaks down when merely touched. 

 This species does not succeed in the climate of Paris and doubtless can only be 

 grown in warmer regions. Distributed. 



3511. Arracacha esculenta. Arracacha. 



From Caracas, Venezuela. Donated by Prof. A. Ernst, through Messrs. Lathrop 

 and Fairchild, June, 1899. 



"The Arracacha does not like a hot climate, but as the root needs about nine to ten 

 months for full development, the temperature must be rather equable all this time — say 

 about 60° to 68°. The root when ripe and in good condition contains a large amount 

 of starch and a sweet yellowish sap, from which a fermented liquor is sometimes pre- 

 pared. But generally the root is boiled and eaten like potatoes, being superior to the 

 best variety of the latter. The plant grows in Venezuela under the name of 'Apio,' 

 on account of the great similarity of its leaves with those of the true Apio or celery." 

 (Ernst.) Distributed. 



3512. Tibouchina holosericea. Tiger ear. 



From Sao Paulo, Brazil. Keceived through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 215), June, 1898. 



"A species of Melastomiaceae, which is without doubt one of the showiest-flowered 

 plants in Brazil. The purple flowers are very large and are produced in great num- 

 ber all the year round. It is about 5 feet high. A moist sandy soil is necessary; will 

 stand very slight frost. The native name is 'Tiger ear,' because of its leaves." 

 ( Fairch ild. ) Distributed. 



3513. Crotalaria paulina. 



From Sao Paulo, Brazil. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 216), June, 1899. 



"Recommeded by Dr. Pereira Barreto as a forage plant. It is a native of Sao 

 Paulo; from quite dry localities and on poor soil. The roots have long slender tuber- 

 cles of moderate size. The stems seem to be rather woody for fodder. For California 

 and Florida. ' ' (Fa irch ild. ) 



3514. Tristachya chrysothrix. 



From Sao Paulo, Brazil. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 217), June, 1899. 



' ' This is said to be an important fodder grass. It grows On dry prairies in Moca 

 and on the high plateau of the interior. It will stand drought well. For California, 

 Arizona, and Florida." (Fairchild. ) It belongs to the tribe Aveneae, which includes 

 oats and many other useful grasses. (See No. 3516. ) 



3515. Desmodium eeiocarpum. Beggar-weed. 



From Sao Paulo, Brazil. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 

 218), June, 1899. 



' ' This species has not been fully tested for fodder. It is recommended by Dr. 

 Barreto, a Brazilian agriculturist. It is found in the scrub everywhere about Sao 

 Paulo; 8 to 10 feet high; generally without branches." (Fairchild.) It is a legu- 

 minous plant, presumably able to assimilate free nitrogen from the air. 



3516. Tristachya leiostachya. 



From Sao Paulo, Brazil. Received through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild, 

 June, 1899. (See No. 3514.) Distributed. 



