JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1922. 19 



55669 to 55706— Continued. 



55687. Ligustkum conftjstjm Decaisne. Oleaceae. 



This relative of our common privet is a small tree, sometimes 40 feet 

 in height, and is native to the mountains of northeastern India at alti- 

 tudes of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. The narrow leathery leaves are sometimes 

 as much as 3£ inches long, and the small white flowers are borne in 

 dense panicles. (Adapted from Hooker, Flora of British India, vol. 

 8, p. 616.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 49640. 



55688. Magnolia campbellii Hook. f. and Thorns. Magnoliacese. 



A beautiful deciduous magnolia from the Himalayas, where it ascends 

 to 8,000 feet altitude. It reaches a height of 80 feet, has very dark 

 bark, large elliptical dark-green leaves, and white to purple flowers 10 

 inches in diameter. This magnolia has flowered freely in southern 

 France and Italy. (Adapted from Curtis' s Botanical Magazine, pi. 6793.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. Nos. 47714 to 47718. 



55689 to 55691. Michelia spp. Magnolia ceas. 



55689. Michelia cathcartii Hook. f. and Thorns. 



A lofty tree with magnolialike foliage and terminal white flowers 

 about an inch in diameter. It is native in the temperate forests of 

 the Sikkim Himalayas, where the moderately hard, dark-brown 

 heartwood is used for planking and for making tea boxes. (Adapted 

 from Gamble, Manual of Indian Timbers, p. 6, and Hooker, Flora of 

 British India, vol. 1, p N 42.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47730. 



55690. Michelia excelsa Blume. 



In the temperate regions of the Himalayas, where this tree is 

 native, it is known as the " white magnolia " and is the principal 

 timber tree of the Darjiling Hills. The oblong leaves have silky 

 brown lower surfaces, and the solitary white flowers are 4 or 5 inches 

 in diameter. (Adapted from Watt. Dictionary of the Economic 

 Products of India, vol. 5. p. 243, and Hooker, Flora of British India, 

 vol. 1, p. 43.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 49642. 



For an illustration of the flowers of this tree, see Plate III. 



55691. Michelia lanuginosa Wall. 



A tall tree with narrow leaves having white, woolly lower surfaces 

 and solitary white flowers 3 to 4 inches across. Although it is spring 

 flowering in most places in northeastern India, where it is native, in 

 Sikkim it is said to form a large bush which flowers in autumn. 

 (Adapted from Hooker, Flora of British India, vol. 1, p. 43.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 46089. 



55692. Moeus laevigata Wall. Moracese. Mulberry. 



An India mulberry which occurs wild and cultivated, though not 

 common, in the lower Himalayas, where it forms a medium-sized tree 

 with oval leaves up to 7 inches in length. In early spring appear the 

 long-cylindrical, yellowish white or pale-purple fruits; these are edible, 

 although of a rather insipid sweet flavor. (Adapted from Atkinson, 

 Notes on the Economic Products of the Northwestern Provinces, pt. 5. p. 

 83.) 



55693. Paspalum conjugattjm Berg. Poacese. Grass. 



A creeping perennial grass with the flowering branches sometimes as 

 much as 3 feet tall. Originally from Dutch Guiana, this species is found 

 in moist places in the Tropics of both hemispheres and forms extensive 

 and close mats. (Adapted from Contributio-ns from the National Her- 

 barium, vol. 18, p. 318.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 51189. 



