SEPTEMBER, 1000, TO DECEMBER, 1003. 295 



Its origin also is not known, according to Professor MacOwan. It should be sent for 

 trial to the frostless regions of America and distributed among the superintendents 

 of parks and public gardens and private ornamental plant growers. Its upright stem, 

 spiny, broad leaves, and horizontal branches make it effective." (Fairchild.) 



9615. PORTULACARIA AFRA. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Preseoted by Prof. P. MacOwan, Government 

 Botanist, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1118. Received March 

 3, 1903), May 6, 1903. 



Spek-boom. "Seed of this interesting fodder plant. (See Nos. 9604, 9605.)" 

 ( Fairchild. ) 



9616. Harpephylltjm caffrcjm. Kafir plum. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented by Prof. P. MacOwan, Government 

 Botanist, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1114, March 5, 1903). 

 Received May 6, 1903. 



"One of the prettiest evergreen shade trees to be seen in the gardens of Cape Town. 

 Prof. P. MacOwan has planted a row of these trees in a very windy situation near the 

 parliament buildings in Cape Town and they are admirably suited to such a trying 

 situation, where they are whipped by continuous winds which blow from various 

 directions. Professor Sim remarks that its timber resembles mahogany and is used 

 for wagon making, being called eschenhout by the Dutch. The red, showy drupes 

 are suitable for preserves, but in the Cape they are apparently not popular though 

 they have a pleasant acid taste, but little pulp. The branches are sometimes planted 

 as fence poles and these large 'cuttings' take root and form trees. [Sim.] Professor 

 MacOwan recommends this heartily as a shade tree for windy situations, where its 

 beautiful dark green foliage forms a dense shade. The tree will thrive in the frost- 

 less belt of California and Florida and is sure to be appreciated by owners of parks as 

 an avenue plant. The seeds should be sown in a seed bed and plants transplanted 

 to situations desired. It is not a desert plant, but will stand some drought. This 

 tree is worthy a prominent place in the gardens and parks of California and Florida." 

 (Fairchild.) 



9617. Solanum aculeastrum. Natal thorn. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented by Prof. P. MacOwan, Government 

 Botanist, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1115, March 8, 1903). 

 Received May 6, 1903. 



"An ornamental species with very large fruits, grows 6 feet high if grown singly or 

 4 to 4J feet if in a hedge, for which latter purpose it is used by the farmers. 

 Very acutely hook-thorned, rather disposed to use up too much space if left alone. 

 The fruit is the size of a mandarin orange. It will not bear more than a short and 

 slight frost, To be sent to Texas, Arizona, and California gardens." (Fairchild.) 



9618. Paspalum digitaria. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented by Prof. P. MacOwan, Government 

 Botanist, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1128, March 8, 1903). 

 Received May 6, 1903. 



"Seed of a grass, which, according to Prof. P. MacOwan, is promising for moist 

 bottom land. It will not endure cold weather, but is suited to subtropical condi- 

 tions. ' ' ( Fairchild. ) 



9619. Pentzia virgata. 



From Cape Town, South Africa. Presented by Prof. P. MacOwan, Government 

 Botanist, through Messrs. Lathrop and Fairchild (No. 1129, March 9, 1903). 

 Received May 6, 1903. 



"Old seed of the fodder bush called the Goed Karroo. This is the best plant in 

 the Karroo for sheep pasturage, for it furnishes good fodder, binds the sand, prevent- 

 ing gullying, and withstands drought. (Fairchild. ) 



