APRIL 1 TO JUNE 30, 1921. 



55 



flavor of the fruit is subacid and sliglitly acrid, resembling that of some of 

 the northern haws (Crataegus). 



"This plant has been used at Loja as a stock on which to graft the apple, 

 according to Dr. Ramon Eguiguren. It is introduced for trial as a stock plant 

 in the United States." (Popenoe.) 



63486. DiGiTARiA ExiLis (Kippist) Stapf. Poaceae. Fundi. 



From Kaduna, Nigeria. Africa. Seeds purchased from P. H. Lamb, Di- 

 rector of Agriculture, northern Provinces. Received March 28, 1921. 



" This grass in a single season's testing has proved remarkably promising 

 as forage for our Southern States. In the northern Provinces of Nigeria it 

 seems to be known under the name of acJia.'' (C. V. Piper.) 



53487. AcROCOMiA sclerocarpa Mart. Phoenicacese. 



Macauba palm. 



From Horqueta, Paraguay. Seeds procured by Thomas R. Gwynn. Re- 

 ceived May 4, 1921. 



Mtocaya (coco). The coco, from the roots up, is a most valuable plant. 

 When very young the roots can be used as mandioca. When matured, the stem, 

 from a foot or two above the roots toward the bud of the plant, makes 

 excellent starch, which is just as good as that furnished by the mandioca plant ; 

 moreover, this part of the plant yields nourishing feed, without any prepara- 

 tion, for all kinds of livestock and fowls. The leaves make thread and twine 

 from which the Indians make hammocks that for endurance are par excellence. 

 The coco has a long, straight body, sometimes 80 feet in height, and from its 

 top sends out its long, feathery, waving leaves. The fruits are formed at 

 the base of the leaves like huge bunches of grapes From two to four bunches 

 are produced every year by a single tree. The oil from the kernel is better 

 than any olive oil to be found in this country, and the soap made from it is 

 equal to any toilet soap in use. The one dra^^back to this palm is the 

 thorns on the stems of the leaves and on the trunk. Sometimes, however, 

 the trunk is entirely free from thorns, especially when very tall and in its 

 full vigor. The leaves also furnish feed for stock ; in times of drought when 

 pasture fails the natives fell the trees for their horses and cattle and split 

 open the trunks so that the cattle may eat the pith." (Gwynn.) 



For previous introduction, see S. P. I. No. 51742. 



53488. VACCi>'irM meyenianum Klotzsch. Vacciniacej*. 



From Hawaii. Seeds collected by J. F. Rock, Agricultural Explorer of the 

 Department of Agriculture. Received June 11, 1921. 



" Collected on Isoorora Hill, Northwestern District. British Guiana, in May, 

 shrub 15 feet in height, native to the mountains of Hawaii, related to the ohelo 

 berry (Famnfwm reticuhitiim Smith), and loaded with bright, cherrylike 

 berries which are brilliant red for several months in the year. It grows at an 

 altitude of about 4,000 to 5,000 feet and is especially abundant about the region 

 of the Volcano Kilauea. The berry is less well known than the ohelo berry. 

 Owing to the bright-red color of the berries they have been avoided for fear 

 of their being poisoncms. They are much juicier than the ohelo berries, but 

 are often slightly bitter. Some, however, are .sweet and del cious. The plant 

 is peculiar to the Hawaiian Islands." (Rork.) 



53489. Clusia sp. Clusiacese. 



From Georgetown, Demerara, British Guiana. Seeds presented by R. Ward, 

 superintendent, Botanic Gardens. Received June 9, 1921. 



" Collected on Isoorora Hill. Northwestern District, British Guiana, in Mav, 

 1921." (Ward.) 



The Clusias are opposite-leaved trees or shrubs, usually with roseate flowers, 

 native to tropical America. They may be of value as ornamentals. 



