1931 
stout, creeping, underground stem, and the pinnate leaves, which are 
in erect clusters, are 7 meters (23 feet) or more in length. The flat 
fruits, 5 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches thick, are crowded 
in a large, round head which is borne on a special, erect stalk. The 
juice obtained by cutting this stalk just below the fruiting head is a 
very promising source of sugar and alcohol. Eighty-five per cent of the 
3,000,000 gallons of proof alcohol produced annually in the Philippines 
probably comes from the nipa palm. The leaves of this palm are ex- 
tensively used for thatching and for making baskets and mats, and the 
immature seeds are boiled in sugar to form a confection. In addition 
to the above the tree is also a pleasing ornamental. (Adapted from 
Brown and Merrill, Philippine Palms and Palm Products, p. 98.) 
persea Americana ( Lauraceae ) , 58019. Avocado. From Caracas, 
Venezuela. Seeds presented by H. Pittier. "The fruits from which 
these seeds were taken were obtained from a peddler here in Caracas. 
They are pear-shaped, of uniform size, about 4 inches long and 2 inches 
in diameter. The rather tough skin is light yellow, and the flesh, 
rather well developed in porportion to the seed, has a peculiar but 
agreeable flavor." (Pittier.) 
poecilanthe parviflora (Fabaceae), 57934. From Montevideo, Uruguay. 
Seeds presented by the Director, Direccion General de Paseos Publicos. 
The lapachillo, as it is called in its native home on the Uruguay 
River, is a tree of great beauty with its finely divided leaves and 
small, dense clusters of pink flowers. The heartwood is dark brown, 
very hard, heavy and durable. (Adapted from Journal of the Linnean 
Society, vol. 4, suppl., p. 80, and Lillo, Contribucion al Conoci- 
raiento de los Arboles de la Argentina, p. 107.) 
pomaderris apetala (Rhamnaceae) , 57935. From Montevideo, 
Uruguay. Seeds presented by the Director, Direccion General de Paseos 
Publicos. A tree occasionally 60 feet in height but usually smaller, 
native to southeastern Australia. The foliage is eaten readily by 
stock, often in preference to their customary feed. (Adapted from 
Mueller, Select Extra-Tropical Plants, p. 416.) 
prosopis nandubey (Mimosaceae ) , 57936. From Montevideo, 
Uruguay. Seeds presented by the Director, Direccion General de Paseos 
Publicos. A tree of moderate height which is frequent in the mountain- 
ous regions of Uruguay. The numerous small yellowish flowers appear in 
the spring, and the sickle-shaped pods inclose a pulp of acid flavor. 
Because of its great durability, the wood is prized for industrial 
purposes. (Adapted from Arechavaleta, Flora Uruguaya, vol. 1, p. 419.) 
strychnos GILLETI (Loganiaceae) , 58020. From Kisantu, Belgian 
Congo. Seeds presented by Frere J. Gillet. "The fruits of this spe- 
cies are edible." (Gillet.) 
