1183 
Guaiacumofficinale L. (Zygophyllaceae . ) 44858. Guaya- 
can seeds from Zaeapa, Guatemala. Collected by Dr. 
F. S. Johnson, and sent through Mr. Wilson Popenoe, 
of this Bureau. "(No. 145a. June 5, 1917.) The gauya- 
can sometimes called by Americans lignum vitae, is found 
in abundance upon the plains of the lower Motagua val- 
ley, in the vicinity of El Rancho, Zaeapa, and other 
towns. It is a small tree sometimes attaining a height 
of 30 feet, and usually somewhat spreading in habit. 
The trunk is gnarled and twisted,, with slender bran- 
ches bearing small and delicate leaves. Toward the 
end of the dry season, i.e., in February or March, 
the tree comes into flower, and is then a mass of 
Lavender purple, distinguishable for long distances 
across the plains. It remains in bloom for several 
weeks. The wood is exceedingly hard, and, though dif- 
ficult to work, it is of value for cabinet purposes. 
The heartwood is rich brown in color, while the sap- 
wood which surrounds it is light yellow. Both take a 
fine polish. The tree thrives in a warm climate, with 
little rainfall. The soil upon which it grows is often 
rocky and poor. Whether it will stand any frost can- 
not be stated, but it seems likely that it may suc- 
ceed in parts of California and Arizona, and perhaps 
also in Florida. Small trees often flower profusely. 
It should be given a trial as an ornamental in the 
regions mentioned." (Popenoe.) 
Hydnocarpus alpina Wight. (Flacourtiaceae . ) 44896. 
Seeds froom Buitenzorg, Java. Presented by Dr. J. C. 
Koningsberger , Director, Botanic Garden, var. elongata. 
Apparently an unpublished varietal name. The species 
may be described as follows: A large tree, 70 to 100 
feet in height, with very variable leaves (red when 
young and deep green when old), up to 7 inches in 
length and 2| Inches in width, and dioecious flowers 
in axillary racemes. The fruit is globose, about the 
size of an apple, with a brown, hairy surface. The 
seeds yield an oil which is used as fuel, and the wood 
is employed for general carpentry. It is a native of 
the Nilghlri Hills in southern India. (Adapted from 
Watt, Dictionary of the Economic Products of India, 
vol. 4, p. 308, and from J. D. Hooker, Flora British 
India, vol. 1, p. 197.) 
Lepto8pemum scoparium Forester . (Myrtaceae.) 44848. 
Manuka seeds from Avondale, Auckland, New Zealand. 
Presented by Mr. H. R. Wright. "No. 1. Very hardy. 
