1071 
Viroa surinamensis (Rol. ) (Myrlstlcaceae . ) 43424. 
Seeds of Ucuuba from Para, Brazil. Presented by Mr. 
George H. Plckerell, American Consul. "Myrlstlcaceae 
are more Important as timbers than the Annonaceae, In 
spite of being represented by a much smaller number of 
species, especially the two commonest species of the 
Amazon, ucuuba branca (Virola surinamensis Warb.) and ucuuba 
vermelha (Virola sebifera Aubl.) The first, especially, is 
one of the most useful trees of the Amazon region, 
not only for its easily worked wood, moderately hard, 
but also for its seeds, which furnish a kind of vege- 
table wax rich in stearin. While the ucuuba branca is 
found principally In the varzeas (probably meaning 
low, swampy valleys) it is not excluded from the terra 
firma (meaning dry ground); the ucuuba vermelha, which is 
distinguished by Its larger leaves and smaller fruits, 
is a tree of the dry land and Is found principally in 
the forests. Both these species have, especially when 
young, a characteristic manner of growth, with slender 
whorled branches furnished with regularly distichous 
leaves. The regularity of its branching reminds one 
of the European conifers. Without doubt other Ama- 
zonian species of Virola and probably also some species 
of Iryanthera furnish wood which, could be utilized, 
but I have no positive knowledge in regard to this. " 
(J. Huber, Mattas e Madeiras Amazonlcas, Boletim de 
Museu Goeldi, vol. 6, p. 174, 1910.) The wood of this 
Brazilian tree is used for interior work and general 
carpentry. The bark is medicinal and the fruits con- 
tain 55 per cent of myristin, a waxy substance of the 
consistency of beef tallow, used in the trade for 
candles and soap. (Adapted from Correa, Flora do Bra- 
zil, pp. 70, 71.) 
