1940 
"For many years it was believed that the mangosteen could not be 
made to bear fruit outside the Asiatic Tropics. There is now a fruit- 
ing orchard of more than a dozen trees on the Island of Dominica in the. 
West Indies, and another of nearly the same size near Guayaquil, Ecuador. 
Fruit has also been produced in Trinidad, Jamaica, and the Hawaiian Is- 
lands. It is evident, therefore, that the mangosteen can be grown suc- 
cessfully in many regions, given the proper conditions of climate and 
soil, and appropriate cultural treatment. 
"The sesds of this fruit are among the most difficult in the world 
to transport long distances. Year after year .the Department of Agri- 
culture has received small shipments from Ceylon, Java, and other parts 
of the Asiatic Tropics, without being able to save more than an insigni- 
ficant number of them. Attempts to secure seeds from the trees in Dom- 
inica have been somewhat more successful, but large quantities are not 
available from that source. 
"In 1922, it was found that seeds obtained through Vilmorin-Andrieux 
and Co., of Paris, reached Washington in better condition than any which 
had been obtained previously from any source. A good number of plants was 
grown from this seed, but, due to their extremely slow growth, they will 
have to be kept in the greenhouses at Washington until they are two years 
old, when they will be ready to send out for testing in various parts of 
Latin America. In order to increase the stock available for this use, a 
second shipment of seeds has been secured this season." (Wilson Popenoe.) 
hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Malvaceae), 58035. Chinese hibiscus. From 
Manila, Philippine Islands. Cuttings presented by Adn. Hernandez, di- 
rector, Bureau of Agriculture. "The Chinese hibiscus is an exceedingly 
popular ornamental plant in southern Florida, where the single scarlet 
variety is practically the only one which has been commonly planted up 
to this time. The Department has undertaken to introduce the best 
forma from other parts of the world, in the hope of diversifying some- 
what the ornamental plantings of Florida gardens. The scarlet variety, 
though a handsome and useful plant, is in danger of becoming monotonous. 
An excellent collection of new varieties has recently been introduced 
from the Hawaiian Islands, where much has been done to improve this 
genus by breeding." (Wilson Popenoe.) 
hyphaene crinita (Phoenicaceae) , 58028. Palm. From Pretoria, 
Union of South Africa. Seeds presented by C. P. Lounsbury, Chief, Di- 
vision of Entomology. A South African fan palm which in some sections 
of its native country reaches a height of 30 feet. The leaves are used 
by the natives to make matting, basketware, and rope. From the sap, 
obtained by tapping the trunk, a native beverage is prepared. (Adapted 
from Marloth, Flora of South Africa, vol. 4, p. 50.) 
