OCTOBEB 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1922 17 



55920. Hlocama pendiila Ait. Rubiacese, 



From Orotava, Canary Islands. Seeds presented by Juan S. Bolinaga. 

 Received November 10, 1922. 



" A species of low : growfhg shrub found on the slopes of the arid hillsides 

 in the Canary Islands. It has a most beautiful weeping habit, giving the 

 plants the appearance of tiny weeping willows not over 2\ to 3 feet high. This 

 would be very beautiful as a cover for dry hillsides overlooking the sea. It has 

 already been brought into cultivation and will probably withstand severe 

 drought." (David Fairchild.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 21011. 



55921. Posoqueeia latifolia (Rudge) Roem. and Schult. Ru- 



biacese. 



From Ajttcon, Canal Zone. Seeds presented by James Zetek. Received 

 November 14, 1922. 



'• The very conspicuous white flowers of this rubiaceous plant have a sweet 

 perfume somewhat like that of the orange jessamine (Chalcas exotica Millsp.)." 

 (Zetek.) 



A shrub, sometimes 25 feet high, native to the forests of northern Bahia, 

 Brazil, where it grows in dry sandy soil with but little water. It flowers 

 in February, and its succulent fruits, which ripen in July, are sold in the 

 native markets for making marmalade and jelly. The greatest value of the 

 shrub, however, lies in the finely grooved rigid branches,* which are highly 

 prized for walking sticks. These are exported to England under the name of 

 "Brazilian oak."' (Adapted from Keic Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information. 

 1904, p. 9.) 



A handsome plant, worthy of general trial in tropical regions. 



55922. Cucumis melo L. Cueurbitacese. Muskmelon. 



From Augol, Chile. Seeds presented by the Instituto Agricola Bunster, 

 Angol. Received November 13, 1922. 



" The melons of Chile, which ripen during the months of February, March, 

 and April, are famous for their delicate flavor and remarkable keeping Qual- 

 ity. Recently a number of them have been shipped from Valparaiso to New 

 York, reaching the latter market in good condition. This seed is to be tested 

 in our Southwestern States." (Wilson Popcnoe.) 



55923. Punica granatum L. Punicacese. Pomegranate. 



From Tangier. Morocco. Seeds presented by Jules Goffart. Received No- 

 vember 14, 1922. 



•• A variety of pomegranate with white flowers and fruits, which I found in 

 Reunion. In flavor the fruit is slightly more acid than most varieties. When 

 in flower and in fruit the tree is very ornamental." (Goffart.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 40856. 



55924. Dioscobea pentaphyela L. Dioscoreacese. Yam. 



From Aulnay sous Bois, France. Tubers presented by Prof. R. de Noter, 

 Ecole d'Acclimatation de Recherches Agricoles. Received December 7. 

 1922. 

 Variety Hortorum. 



" Igname ronfie de Chine (round yam of China). The tubers made the 

 first season, from plants grown from ' eyes ' dug and replanted, weigh 11 kg. 

 each ; the second year the tuber may weigh 4 to 5 kg. The plant requires light 

 sandy clay or, better, calcareous, richly fertilized soil. The tubers are gathered 

 at the first frost and stored in the cellar. Two years' storage does not. injure 

 but improves the tubers. This yam is an excellent vegetable of delicate flavor 

 and makes delicious fritters, cakes, and souffles. The leaves, after the harvest, 

 are used as cattle feed." (De Noter.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 52867. 



