1553 
Asparagus aeutifolius (Convallariaoeae ) , 49458. 
From Hartsville, S. C. Seeds collected by Mr. J. B. 
Norton, agricultural explorer. "This is probably the 
hardiest evergreen species of the genus. Stock grown 
from S. P. I. No. 34620 has survived four winters at 
Hartsville, S. C, when the temperature has gone below 
10° P. It makes a beautiful thick-set hedge of a very 
dark green color, suggesting a five-leaved juniper. 
As the plants grow older there is a tendency to pro- 
duce vinelike shoots. The tuberlike storage roots 
and drought-resistant foliage make it valuable for 
regions of scanty rainfall. The shoots are edible, 
although much smaller than those of ordinary aspara- 
gus. The flavor, however is said by some to be supe- 
rior to that of the common species." (Norton.) 
Aulotandra sp. ( Zinziberaceae ) , 49477. From Kafue, 
Northern Rhodesia. Collected by Dr. H L. Shantz, 
agricultural explorer . "No . 320 . A beautiful orchidlike 
plant which forms a spike about 6 inches high upon 
which one flower appears at a time. The flowers, about 
2 to 3 inches across, have pale yellow centers, with 
the edges white to lavender or reddish lavender. They 
open in the morning and last most of the day. The swoll- 
en roots have a delicate flavor, and are aromatic." 
(Shantz. ) 
Baetris maraja (Phoenicaceae ) , 49476. Palm. 
From Bahia, Brazil. Seeds presented by Mr. H. M. Cur- 
ran. "A palm said to grow in a swamp; has a spiny stem 
and produces clusters of edible, dark purple fruits 
resembling grapes in appearance and flavor. The fruits 
are very common. In the markets here in Ilheos, where 
these were obtained, they are called 'Manvel velho,' 
or swamp coconut." (Cur ran. ) 
Cassiope fastigiata (Ericaceae), 49623. From Dar- 
jlling, India. Seeds presented by Mr. G. H. Cave, cu- 
rator, Lloyd Botanic Garden. A beautiful free-flower- 
ing alpine shrub about 9 inches high, one of the choi- 
cest from the northwest Himalayas. It is fairly abundant 
at elevations of 12,000 to 13,000 feet In shady situ- 
ations and in moist, peaty, well-drained soil. The 
solitary, white, bell-shaped flowers have the corolla 
segments recurved, showing the pink center and the 
curious awned stamens like those of the arbutus. The 
tiny leaves, imbricated in 4 rows which give the stem 
a 4-sided appearance, have white , membranous , ciliated 
