8 
Kidney or French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) only one variety producing black seeds is 
grown in gardens. The Rodrigues varieties however do equally well. It is noteworthy that 
leguminous plants black seeds are more used than those producing white or yellowish seeds. 
They are said to do better. 
Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) is always found growing near the hut of all labourers. 
This is the pois d’Achery of Mauritius. The strains producing white cr mottled seeds are 
preferred and are never considered as beings poisonous. The Madagascar improved types (Pois 
du Can) have never succeeded here the climate being two warm and damp and the s >il not 
fertile enough. It could be tried in the outlying islands more successfully. 
Ground nuts (Arachis hypogea) are seldom grown, many pods contain no seeds and a 
fun-us disease on the leaves and stems soon develop owing to the wet climate. 
Bambara groundnut (Yoandzeia subterranea) is more hardy and much more cultivated 
than the ordinary ground nut. It belongs to a different tribe of leguminosse. It can be grown 
in the wet season without damping off like the other ground nut. The seeds are excellent eat¬ 
ing and their composition approaches that of an ordinary complete food ration. When ground 
the meal is used in the same way as the ordinary ground nut in soups, etc. 
Amberique (Phaseolus aureus) 3 varieties of this plant are cultivated in this Colony. 
One producing yellow, the second black and the third green seeds. They are all relished by 
labourers. In Japan and India whence these plants originated the seeds are ground and used 
as a meal second to none as infant or invalid food. The yield is however small, and in tnrmony 
with the small size of the plant as compared with other leguminosse. For this reason they do 
better during the dry season, heavy showers being detrimental to such small plants. 
8. Arouilles (Alocasiaand Colocasia). Alongside streams and marshes these aroids which 
belong to the W. Indian Taro and Indian dasheen types are extensively grown for their stout 
cylindrical -oMstoek* and tubers which are eater- boiled as a substitute for rice. The yautias 
(Xauthosoma sagittifolium) have lately been introduced f rom W. Arnica, besides the root¬ 
stocks the yautias produce smooth and round tubers borne on stalks a few inches long. For 
this reason the tubers can he snapped off without removing the plant which will continue to 
produce new tubers for a long time. The young leaves of the dasheens are however seldom or 
never used as vegetables as in Mauritius and elsewhere. 
9. Bredes (Amaranthus oleraceus) brede parietaire; Solanum nigrum (Brede martm) are 
often found cultivated in native gardens. The mynah (acridotheres tristis) is fond cf the seeds 
of the latter which are spread by them undigested all over the Colony. The seeds of the former 
are also greedily eaten by the small Indian turtle dove (Geopelia striata). 
10. Brinjal (Solanum melongena). This bushy herbaceous annual is grown i i sandy soil 
near the beach where it gives better results than on the hills although in both cases the intro¬ 
duced plants from seeds have a tendency to degenerate rapidly. Very fine specimens were ex¬ 
hibited at the Show in September. 
11. dottle gourd or calebasse (Lageneria vulgaris) is exacting in its soil requirements 
and for this reason one comes across it more often in the outlying islands rich in guano deposits. 
Ripe fruits are used as flasks for carrying toddy or bacca. 
12. Cabbage (Brassiea olaracea) dues not do well here owing to caterpillars which eat the 
bead as soon as it begins to form. In places where the caterpillars are absent fairly good results 
are obtained. 
13. Chocho (Sechium edule). This little “cucumber” which is so good eating is sparsely 
grown at high elavations. For the last few years it is even becoming scarcer owing to the 
ravages of scale insects which attack the growing vines and prevent them from fruiting. 
14. Granadilla (Passiflora gnadrangularis) is often grown from seeds or cuttings. The 
large fruits are eaten boiled in the unripe state as a vegetable. 
15. Horse radish tree (Moringa ptsrygosperma). This small tree is often cultivated for 
the sake of its leaves which are eaten as spinach. The long pods are als > uael in curries. The 
roots are never used as a substitute for horse radish as they are elsewhere. The flowers are 
also used as a vegetable. 
16. Jerusalem artichoke, Topinambour, (llelianthus tuberosus). Dues not occupy the 
position it deserves. Only a few planters care to cultivate it. This excellent vegetable should be 
better known. It produces edible tubers 4 or 5 months after plinting and in good sandy soil 
<each plant set out a feet from one another produces to 2 or 3 pounds of tubers. As potatoes 
do not succeed here there is not reason for not growing this substitute which possosses the 
delicate flavour of french artichoke. 
17. Ladies fingers (Lalo) Hibiscus asculentus. This annual doss not do well owing to the 
ravages of mealy hugs and caterpillars. The young pods are much appreciated as a vegetable. 
18. Luffa acutangula & Egyptiaca (Papangaye) These two strong growing gourds are 
used as vegetables and are much in demand by the creole population. 
19. Trichosanthas angcina (Patole) Three varieties of this curcubitaceous vegetable are 
l^rown as vegetables. They are all very prolific and one small garden bed 10 feet by 4 will 
often produce 50 or 60 long fruits in a couple of mouths. A variety which short and stout 
fruits was found at Aldahra in 1916 and introduced into Mahe. It is supposel that seeds of 
this variety came ircm China. 
20. Sesbania Geandifloba (gros mourtoungue). This plant is sometimes cultivated for 
ti;e sake of its large flowers which are eaten boiled by the Indian residents. A variety with 
jiink flowers (instead of white) was recently introduced from Ceylon. 
21. Yam Beans (Pachyrrhzus tuberosus). This leguminous climbing plant produces a tube¬ 
rous root like a turnip which is edible. 
