72 



SEEDS AND PLANTS IMPORTED. 



51195 to 511 97— Continued. 



the panicles are 12 centimeters long, the long lower branches at first as- 

 cending, finally wide spreading; the spikelets are crowded toward the 

 ends of the branches. Native to wooded hillsides of Jamaica, and 

 from Mexico to northern South America at altitudes of 1,000 to 2,000 

 feet. (Adapted from Contributions from National Herbarium, vol. 18, p. 

 SJtS.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 49447. 



51198. Phaseolus vulgaris L. Fabaceae. Common bean. 



From Santiago, Chile. Seeds present^ by Salvador Izquierdo. Received 

 August 27, 1920. 



The Chilean bean, as this most interesting variety is called, is a climber 

 with whitish flowers and pods which become purple at maturity ; each pod con- 

 tains 5 to 7 almost globular, chamois-colored seeds. The foliage is equally 

 abundant at flowering and fruiting time. During rainy periods this plant 

 matures with no signs of mold or rot. The seeds are sown May 10, and are 

 harvested the latter part of September. 



When green, this variety makes an excellent dish; the ripe seeds dried 

 are especially good in meat stews and soups. The seed is very starchy; it 

 cooks well without splitting, and the seed coat is much more digestible than 

 that of the Soissons bean and similar varieties. (Adapted from BuTletin de la 

 Soci^te Rationale d'AccUmatation de France, vol. 65, p. 350.) 



51199. AvENA SATivA L. Poacese. Oats. 



From Cadiz, Spain. Seeds presented by B. Harvey Carroll, American 

 consul. Received August 27, 1920. 

 " The only cultivated variety of Spanish-grown oats on sale in the market 

 of Cadiz ; on account of its isolated position, Cadiz is not the best market for 

 agricultural products, and no new varieties have been produced In recent years." 

 (Carroll) 



51200. Garcinia mangostana L. Clusiacese. Mangosteen. 



From Peradeniya, Ceylon. Seeds presented by C. Drieberg, secretary, 



Ceylon Agricultural Society. Received August 30, 1920. 

 The mangosteen is renowned as one of the delicious fruits of the world and 

 has been called the ' queen of tropical fruits.' The tree is strictly tropical and 

 can be successfully grown only under the most favorable soil and climatic 

 conditions." {R. A. Young.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 49441. 



51201. Eugenia curranii C. B. Robinson. Myrtacese. 



From Lamao, Bataan, Philippine Islands. Seeds presented by P. J. Wester, 

 agricultural adviser, Lamao Horticultural Station. Received September 

 1, 1920. 



A very attractive Philippine tree attaining a height of 9 meters or more, with 

 gnarled trunk and tortuous branches and quadrangulate-winged young growth. 

 The oblong-ovate, entire, leathery leaves are dark green and shining ; the fruit 

 is congregated 20 to 50 in clusters on the bare branches or betw^een the leaves 

 on the more mature twigs ; the individual fruit is about the size of a grape with 

 a thin, smooth, dark-red skin which changes to black at full maturity. The 

 flesh is red near the skin, otherwise white, rather dry and crisp, and pro- 



