Inventory 63, Seeds and Planis Imported. 



Plate III. 



The Manketti Tree of the Belgian Kongo. (Ricinodendron rautanenii 

 SCHINZ; S. p. I. No. 50029.) 



The fruits produced by this tree, an ally of the castor-bean, somewhat resemble almonds in 

 character. They yield over 57 per cent of a rich yellow oil and are much prized as food by the 

 natives. Unfortunately, they are somewhat difficult to crack because of the hard shell. The 

 tree is ornamental, and the wood, which is very light, is used in the construction of boxes and 

 for other purposes where light weight is a prime consideration. In this respect the manketti 

 may well be compared to the balsa tree of Central America, whose commercial exploitation is 

 now receiviag much attention. (Photographed by Dr. H. L. Shantz, Victoria Falls, Southern 

 Rhodesia, November 13, 1919; P36745FS.) 



