1414 
Ecuador, called Algarroba, is a very common shrub or tree 
in the dry parts of the Ecuadorean coast. The pods, 
which are produced in great abundance, are very sweet, 
and form a staple food for horses, mules, and cattle. 
The wood is very hard and of a dark brown color. It 
makes fence posts, tool handles, the very best of 
charcoal, and is an important fire-wood on railroad 
engines." (Rose.) 
Pyrus kawakamii (Malaceae), 46979. Pear. Prom 
Formosa. Seeds presented by the Arnold Arboretum, 
Jamaica Plain, Mass. (Wilson No. 10876.) This pear 
is a native of the island of Taiwan and resembles 
P. lindleyi, from which it differs in having the leaves 
acute at both ends. The punctate, reddish fruits are 
globose and about one- third of an inch in diameter. 
(Adapted from Journal of the College of Science of the 
Imperial University, Tokyo, vol. 30, p. 99.) 
Tigridia pavonia (Iridaceae), 46981. Tiger flower. 
Prom Casa Alvarado, Coyoacan, Mexico. Presented by 
Mrs. Zelia Nuttall , through Mr. Wilson Popenoe . "Cacomite. 
Among the plants used as food by the ancient Mexicans, 
the cacomite is one which has received comparatively 
little attention in modern times. This species is 
common on the slopes of the valley of Mexico, and is 
still used by the Indians to a limited extent. Doubt- 
less it was of much greater importance as a foodstuff 
in ancient times than it is today. Mrs. Nuttall has 
planted in her garden a number of bulbs gathered on 
the hillsides near her home, and has found that they 
multiply rapidly and require no cultural attention. 
When in bloom, the plants are beautiful, their flowers 
varying from yellow to deep scarlet in color. As an 
ornamental plant the Tigridia is already known in other 
countries, but the use of its bulbs as an article of 
food is not common outside of Mexico. When fully de- 
veloped, the bulbs are slightly less than two inches 
in diameter. For eating, they are usually boiled, 
or parboiled and fried. When boiled they are mealy 
and have a very agreeable flavor somewhat suggesting 
that of chestnuts. It is suggested by Mrs. Nuttall 
that the cacomite be given a careful trial in the southern 
United States as a root crop. When grown from seed it 
requires two seasons for the bulbs to reach maturity, 
but they demand very little cultural attention, and 
the ornamental character of the flowers should make 
the cultivation of the cacomite very attractive to those 
who are interested in new and rare vegetables . " (Popenoe.) 
