APRIL 1 TO MAY 31, 1920. 



60697 to 60607— Continued. 



50606. SiDA RHOMBiFOLiA L. MalvEcese. 

 ^'Escoba, from Chobo, Las Guayas, Ecuador." 



A half-shrubby weed growing by the roadsides and in open places, ha\ing 

 yellow flowers which open at about half -past 10 o'clock in the morning and soon 

 fade to a whitish color. It yields a good fiber, which in Australia is known as 

 Queensland hemp. This is fine, strong, white, and lustrous and is easil-y ex- 

 tracted. It is softer and finer than jute, but shorter. Experiments made with 

 this fiber show that a cord 12.5 millimeters in circumference will sustain a 

 weight of 400 pounds. In Guam fresh plants are gathered each morning and 

 made into bundles which serve as brooms. (Adapted from Saford, Useful 

 Plants of Guam, p. 375.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 46990. 

 60607. SoLANUM QUiTOENSE Lam. Solanaceae. Naranjilla. 



" Naranjilla. From fruits bought in the market at Guayaquil, Ecuador." 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47951. 



50608. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels. Myrtaceae. Jambolan. 



(Eugenia jambolana Lam.) 



From Manila, Philippine Islands. Seeds presented by Elmer D. Merrill, director, 

 Bureau of Science. Received June 19, 1920. 



A tall handsome tree native to southern Asia, ascending to an altitude of 5,000 feet 

 in Kumaon and Polynesia and probably hardy in extratropical latitudes. The edible 

 fruit is about the size of a cherry and is purplish black when ripe; it may perhaps'be 

 improved by culture; fruits 1^ inches long have been produced under cultivation. 

 The seeds are used as a remedy for diabetes. (Adapted from Mueller, Select Extra- 

 Tropical Plants, p. 213.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 43217. 



50609 to 50623. 



From Coban, Alta Vera Paz, Guatemala. Seeds presented by Harry Johnson. 

 Received June 7, 1920. Quoted notes by Mr. Johnson. 



60609. Begonia sp. Begoniacese. Begonia. 

 " (No. 182.) A rather abundant rhizomatous plant from Chama, with smooth 



leaves 6 to 12 inches in diameter. The cymes of white flowers on long stems 

 are very ornamental." 



60610. Begonia sp. Begoniaceae. Begonia. 

 "(No. 173.) An upright plant from Chama, with white flowers and reddish 



leaves." 



60611. Begonia sp. Begoniaceae. Begonia. 

 "(No. 180.) An upright plant from Coban, with pink flowers. Seems to 



prefer clay soils." 



60612. Begonia sp. Begoniaceae. Begonia. 

 "(No. 181.) An upright plant from Chama, mth smooth leaves and pink 



flowers. Very ornamental when in full flower." 



60613. Begonia sp, Begoniaceae. Begonia. 

 "(No. 172.) Similar to Begonia ridnifolia. A plant from Chama, with pink 



flowers and leaves marked with deep green on a lighter field. Plant smaller 

 here." 



60614. Chamaedorea sp. Phoenicaceae. Pacaya. 

 "(No. 183.) Pacaya palm." 



For pre\dous introductions, see'S. P. I. No. 44059. 



