﻿JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31, 1918. . 23 



45802. Triticum speltoides (Tausch) Grenier. Poacese. 



From Algiers, Algeria. Presented by Dr. L. Trabut. Received January 30, 

 1918. 

 A bushy grass, branching from the base, with slender, erect stems bearing 

 rough narrow leaves and stiff, rather loose, spikes of long-awned flowers. It 

 is a native of western Asia, being found especially in Syria, and is considered one 

 of the species from which the cultivated wheats were derived. (Adapted from 

 Ascherson and Graebner, Synopsis der Mitteleuropdischen Flora, vol. 2, p. 111.) 



45803. Gleditsta sinensis Lam. Cpesalpiniacese. Honey locust. 



From Yihsien, Shantung Province, China. Presented by Eev. R. G. Coon- 

 radt. Received February 5, 1918. 

 A tree up to 60 feet in height, with a trunk girth of 3 to 9 feet, found in the 

 dry valleys of western Szechwan at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet. 

 It grows to a very large size, with a massive bole clean of branches for 9 

 to 30 feet from the ground and a wide-spreading head of thick branches. The 

 bark is quite smooth and pale gray in color. In degree of spinescence the 

 trees vary considerably, and some are quite thornless. The wood is nearly 

 white and of little value, but the flattened pods are rich in saponin and are 

 valued as a substitute for soap ; they are also used in the process of tanning 



hides. (Adapted from Sargent, Plantae Wilsonianae, vol. 2, p. 91.) 



I ' ■ ■ 



45804 and 45805. 



i 



From Buitenzorg, Java. Presented by Dr. J. C. Koningsberger, director 

 of the Botanic Gardens. Received February 6, 1918. 



45804. Gaecinia mangostana L. Clusiacese. Mangosteen. 

 A medium-sized Malayan tree, with large feathery leaves and globular, 



purplish brown fruit, about the size of an apple. It is one of the most 

 delicious fruits of the Tropics. The delicate, white, juicy pulp, surround- 

 ing and adhering to the seed, is the part eaten. The dense, thick, red- 

 dish rind contains tannin and a dye. The tree is a slow grower and 

 does not usually bear until it is 9 or 10 years old. The essential con- 

 ditions are a hot, moist climate and a deep, rich, well-drained soil. It 

 thrives up to 1,500 feet and is propagated usually by seed, but also 

 by layering. (Adapted from Macmillan, Handbook of Tropical Garden- 

 ing and Planting, p. 164.) 

 For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 45180. 



45805. Nephelium lappaceum L. Sapindaeese. Rambutan. 

 A large, handsome, spreading tree, up to 40 feet in height ; common 



in the low country of Ceylon and the vicinity of Malakka Strait, ascend- 

 ing to. 2,000 feet altitude. The terminal clusters of bright crimson 

 fruits, about the size of hen's eggs, are produced on every branch, each 

 fruit being covered with long soft spines. The large seed is surrounded 

 by a layer of white, opaque pulp, which is of a very agreeable acid taste. 

 The tree is readily propagated by grafting or " gootees " (layering). 

 (Adapted from Macmillan, Handbook of Tropical Gardening and Plant- 

 ing, p. 116.) 





