8 



SEEDS AND PLAXTS IMPORTED. 



and are possessed of distinct transverse veins. The joints of the rachis are short 

 and glabrous, Tho plant has stems often 50 to 70 feet in heiglit, stouter and 

 taller than in B. tuJda. B. halcooa is the best Bengal species for building, 

 scaffolding, and other works which require both size and strength. Long im- 

 mersion in water tends to make the timber firmer and proof against the attacks 

 of the Bostrychus borer. (Adapted from Watt, Diotionnrv of the Eronomic 

 Products of India, vol. 7, p. 39.) 



51362. Hydnocarpits avigiitiaxa Bliimc. Flacourtiaceae. 



From Calcutta. India. Seeds presented by Harold R. Foss, American consul 

 in charge. Received October 4, 1920, 

 A common tree of the western peninsula from the Konkan along the coast 

 ranges of India. The seeds yield by expression, or by boiling in water, about 44 

 per cent of a tasteless, odorless, sherry-yellow oil which is chiefly used as a lamp 

 oil in Goa. The seed has long been employed by the natives of the western 

 coast ranges as a domestic remedy in cases of skin disease and as a dressing for 

 wounds and ulcers. The oil ia now used as an ingredient in a mixture for similar 

 uses. Used internally in doses of 15 minims to 2 drachms, the oil has given 

 satisfactory results as a substitute for the more expensive chaulmoogra oil in 

 the treatment of leprosy. It is also used in the same w^ay to treat secondary 

 syphilis and chronic rheumatism. (Adapted from Watt. Dictionary of the 

 Economic Products of India, vol. Ji, p. 308.) 



51363. Allium sativum L. Liliacese. Garlic. 



From Shanghai, China. Sets presented by D. MacGregor, Superintendent of 

 Parks, through Edwin S. Cunningham, American consul general Re- 

 ceived October 5, 1920. 

 " Sets of the best commercial varieties of garlic," (Cunningham.) 



51364 and 51365. 



From Kisantu, Belgian Kongo. Presented by Fatlier Hyacinthe Vanderyst. 

 Received October 7, 1920. 



51364. Cacara EEOSA (L.) Kuntze. Fabace?e. Yam beaii. 

 {PGCliyrhi^us angulatus Rich.) 



"A twining, wiry stemmed plant with large tuberous roots, occasion- 

 ally grown in tbe West Indies. It has also been tested in Florida and 

 has proved to be quite successful at Miami. Its roots, which are some- 

 times very large, contain nmch starch." (Wilson Popenoe.) 



For previous introduction, see S, P. I. No. 47146. 



51365. Sphenostylts stenocaepa (HochvSt.) Harms. Fabaceas. 

 *'This legume forms edible tubers and is cultivated by the natives in 



(jerman East Africa. The flavor of these tubers is similar to that of 

 potatoes." (Di: A. Zimmermann.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I, No. 31194. 



51366. Aralia cachemikica Decaisne. Araliacese. 



From Rochester, N. Y. Plants presented by John Dunbar, assistant super- 

 intendent, Department of Parks. Received October 8", 1920. 

 This close relative of the udo (Aralia cor data) is found in temperate regions 

 of the Himalayas in Sikkim and Kashmir, India, where it forms a lax shrub 

 5 to 10 feet in height. The leaflets of this species are said to have hairy upper 

 surfaces, while those of the udo are glabrous. Also, the leaves of this species 

 are quinately compound, while those of the udo are ternately or quinately de- 

 compound. The umbels of flowers are borne in panicles up to a foot in length. 

 (Adapted from Hooker, Flora of British India, vol. 2, p. 722, and Bailey, Stand- 

 ard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, vol. 1, p. 3J^4.) 



51367. Carica papaya L. Papayacese. Papaya. 

 From Swatow, Kwangtung, China. Seeds presented by Arthur H. Page. 



Received October 8, 1920. 

 "I am sending you a few seeds of my commonest papayas." (Page.) 

 For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 47586. 



