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HARVARD UNIVERSITY

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Pomona College
Journal of Economic

| | Botany

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As Applied to Subtropical Horticulture

Volume Two FEBRUARY 1912 Number One

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PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF BroLoGy or Pomona COLLEGE

Sponsor, A. J. COOK, D. Sc., State HorticuLTurRsL CoMMISSIONER
CLAREMONT, CAL., U. S. A.

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Pomona College Journal of
Economic Botany

CONTENTS

1. PoprENok, F. W.
Feijoa.

2. (CORNELL, R. D:
Plans and Plants for Small Places II.

3. Davis; A. R.
The Hendersonia Disease of Eucalyptus.

Subscription price $1.00 to domestic and $1.25 to foreign postal
countries. Reprints of any of the articles canbe obtained at a nomi-
nal price.

The pages of this quarterly are at the service of active workers
’ in Economic Botany, as related to Subtropical Horticulture, from
any part of the World.

Especially is this Journal offered in exchange for all botanical
and horticultural journals, all proceedings, transactions, bulletins,
and reports of societies, gardens, laboratories and herbaria.

This Journal owes its existence first and foremost to the hearty
material support extended to it by The Ontario-Cucamonga Fruit
Exchange, The Call Fruit Company, The A. C. G. Fruit Exchange,
The Covina Fruit Exchange, The Semitropic Fruit Exchange,
Arlington Heights Fruit Exchange, The Santa Paula Fruit Ex-
change, and Mrs. E. H. Spoor. >

Address all communications to

Pomona Journal of Economic Botany
C. F. BAKER, Editor
Pomona College, Claremont
California, U. S. A

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL

of ECONOMIC BOTANY

Volume II FEBRUARY 1912 Number |

Feijoa Sellowiana; Its History, Culture
and Varieties

BY F. W. POPENOE
WEST INDIA GARDENS, ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA

Among the fruits which have been offered as commercial possibilities in Cali-
fornia there are few which possess such intrinsic merit as the one here considered.

The Feijoa is comparatively new to horticulture. It has been in cultivation
but twenty years, and in this country scarcely ten. Therefore our knowledge of
the plant and its requirements is as yet elementary, and the important subject of
varieties, in particular, is in a chaotic state.

But here is a shrub, unusually valuable as an ornamental—so much so that
‘it is grown as a pot plant for the beauty of its foliage and flowers in European
conservatories. To this attractiveness, and greatly overshadowing it, is added
the value of the fruit—of oval shape, greenish in color, highly perfumed, and
with a flavor indescribably delicate and delicious. Supplementing these qualities,
and augmenting them, is its hardiness. The Feijoa will grow and thrive not only
in California, but throughout the entire coast region, and across the continent
from the Pacific to the Atlantic, in the southern belt embraced within the Gulf
States. Certainly few plants can offer such an appeal to public favor. Everyone
who is familiar with the Feijoa to a suffcient degree, has the greatest confidence
in its future. It is a fruiting shrub of sterling excellence. As a commercial fruit
it offers great promise. Its admirable shipping and keeping qualities justify for
it an expectation that it will become a market fruit of the first class.

History of the Feijoa in Europe and North America

Upon returning from South America in 1890, the late Dr. Edouard Andre,
one of the most noted French botanists and horticulturists of his day, brought
with him from La Plata, Brazil, a layered plant of Feijoa Sellowiana. This speci-
men was set out in his garden, Villa Colombia, on the Riviera, and bore fruit in
1897. In the following year Dr. Andre published in the Revue Horticole, of
which he was editor, a description of this plant, together with a colored plate
showing the foliage, flowers, and fruit. From the behavior of his plant at Villa
Colombia, he felt justified in strongly recommending the Feijoa for southern
France and the entire Mediterranean basin, and described the merits of the fruit

218 Pomona CoLieGe JourNAL or Economic Botany

in the most favorable terms. He announced that layered plants, propagated from
his bearing specimen, would be obtainable the following year from a nurseryman
at Lyons.

Coming from such an authority as Dr. Andre, this article created a consid-
erable demand for plants, and a number of them were disseminated during the
following year, the majority being planted on the Riviera, but not a few going to
Italy and Spain, and some to conservatories in more northern countries, where
it was thought the climate was too severe to permit of their being grown in the
open. The next three or four years saw a considerable number of Feijoas planted
along the Mediterranean, and the cultivation of the plant fairly established.

As far as is definitely known, Dr. Andre was the first to introduce the Feijoa
into Europe; certain it is that he was the first to realize its horticultural possi-
bilities and to give attention to it from this standpoint. It is possible, however,
that an introduction antedating that of Andre by several years may have been made
in Switzerland. A plant is growing in the Botanic Garden at Basle which is be-
lieved to be twenty-five years old. Definite date in regard to the introduction of
this plant is lacking, but previous to its cultivation in the Botanic Garden it was
cultivated by M. de Wette, and there seems no reason to doubt that it is as old as
it is claimed to be. Andre introduced the plant twenty-two years ago. As far as
is known, he did not bring from South America any other specimen or specimens
than the one planted in his own garden, and there is no record of any plants
having been propagated from this until 1898—fourteen years ago. This makes it
almost certain that the plant at Basle was a separate introduction, and while
there is no actual proof that it was introduced previous to Andre’s plant, there is a”
considerable possibility that it was.

In 1899 Besson freres, well known nurserymen at Nice, decided to propagate
the Feijoa extensively and made an importation of seed direct from Montevideo,
Uruguay, from which several thousand plants were raised. These were dissemi-
nated almost as widely as those from Andre’s plant. The particular interest of
this importation lies in the fact that the plants turned out to be of an entirely dis-
tinct type from the Andre bush.

One or two other small importations of seed from South America were made
by French nurserymen, but no large number of plants were raised, and they were
not widely disseminated, so that practically all of the Feijoas in both Europe and
North America can be said to have originated from either Andre’s introduction
or the importation of seed by Besson freres.

In 1901 Dr. F. Franceschi of Santa Barbara, California, obtained a number
of seedlings from Andre’s original plant through M. Naudin of Antibes, France.
These plants were disseminated at once, and were set out in several different loca-
tions in Southern California, notably Orange, Redlands, and Altadena, as well
as those planted at Santa Barbara by Dr. Franceschi himself. Two years later,
in 1903, Dr. Franceschi obtained from F. Morel of Lyons, who was authorized by
Andre to sell layered plants from the parent bush, a number of these layered

plants, of which the majority were sent to Florida, although one or two were
planted in Santa Barbara.

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Mg

Figure 87. The first Feijoa planted in Europe. This plant was brought from
Uruguay in 1890 by the late Dr. Edouard Andre and planted at the Villa Colombia,
Golfe-Juan. It is the parent of the majority of Feijoas in both Europe and North
America. Mr. Paul B. Popenoe in foreground.

220 Pomona CoLiecGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany

These plants introduced by Dr. Franceschi, which it is seen were all seed-
lings or layers from Andre’s original plant, are the parents of nearly all the
Feijoas which have been propagated in California up to the present time. An
importation of seeds from Argentina was made by H. Hehre of Los Angeles, at
an uncertain date, and while the plants which were the result of this importation
have not been widely disseminated, one of them has proved to be of an entirely
distinct form from any of the Andre seedlings, and has resulted in the Hehre
variety.

Botanical Description and Affinities

Feijoa Sellowiana was named by Berg after material collected by Friedrich
Sellow in the province of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, not far from the frontier of
Uruguay. Berg’s description was published (in Martius, Flora Brasiliensis,
XIV, 1, p. 616) in the year 1858, under the name of Orthostemon Sellowianus.
The generic name Orthostemon had already been preempted by Robert Brown
for a genus of Gentianas founded by him, and it is evident Berg soon discovered
his mistake, for in the same volume of the Flora Brasiliensis (the work was orig-
inally issued in small parts) he records the change and dedicates the genus to
Joam de Silva Feijo, Director of the Museum of Natural History at San Sebas-
tian, Brazil.

While Berg’s description was the first one published, it is somewhat inade-
quate for the reason that it had to be made from the meagre herbarium’ material
collected by Sellow, in possession of the herbarium of Berlin; and particularly,
as pointed out by Andre, that no mention was made of the form of the petals,
nor of the color of the corolla. Dr. Andre, having the living material at hand in
the form of the adult plant growing in his garden, undertook to draw up a com-
plete and accurate description of the species. This was published in the Revue
Horticole (Vol. 70, p. 265) and a translation of it is as follows:

A bushy shrub, 3 to 4 metres in height, with rounded branches swollen at the nodes,
covered with light gray bark, the young branches tomentose, as is the whole plant except
the upper surface of the leaves, and the corollas.

Leaves opposite, obtusely elliptical, shortly petiolated, thick and coriaceous, the
upper surface glossy and of a fine green lustre, the margins slightly recurved, veins
scarcely noticeable above, but fine, prominent, and in arcuate reticulations below, re-uniting
before reaching the margin of the leaf; the lower surface canescent and finely puberulent.
Buds globular, puberulent, constricted above the ovary. Flowers solitary or in clusters,
in the axils of the leaves; peduncle straight, then recurved, 20 to 25 millimetres long,
whitish and velvety. Calyx tube turbinate, sepals four, unequal, obtusely elliptical, re-
curved, pubescent, ciliated. Corolla outspread, petals four, cupped, oval or obovate, en-
tire or marginate, obtuse, fleshy, glabrous, ciliated, white outside, violet red inside, 15 to 18
millimetres long and 8 millimetres wide, recurved after anthesis. Stamens numerous,
perigynous, erect in a large cluster, 20 millimetres long, filaments filiform, deep purple,
anthers globular, yellow. Style longer than the stamens, filiform, slender, stigma capitate;
ovary quadri-locular, oblong, turbinated. Fruit a berry, oblong or ovoid, with 4 polys-
permous loculaments, 4 to 6 centimetres long and 3 to 5 centimetres wide, green even
when ripe, surface first tomentose, later smooth, slightly furrowed, rough, crowned by the
thick disk and cupped sepals of the persistent calyx. Seeds small, oblong.

Flesh thick, white, pulpy and watery, of a sweet and highly ney taste, sug-
gesting pineapples and guavas and exhaling an extremely bland and penetrating odor,
even before the maturity of the fruits.

The genus Feijoa is a member of the Natural Order Myrtaceae. Among the
well known economic members of the order are the Guavas (Psidium), numerous

Pomona CotteGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany 221

species of Eucalyptus, the Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa), Allspice (Pimenta
officinalis), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), and several species of Eugenia, nota-
bly the Rose Apple (E. jambos), and Clove (E. caryophyllata). All are natives
of tropical or subtropical regions.

Feijoa is quite closely allied to Psidium, from which it differs only, according
to Nicholson (Dictionary of Gardening) in the elongated ovary, in the filaments
being erect in bud (in which respect it differs from all other members of the
order), and in its hairy anthers. The foliage of F. Sellowiana gives it a false

Figure 88. Foliage, flowers, and fruit from the original Andre tree (after Revue
Horticole, 1898).

appearance of Eleagnus, and it is also somewhat similar in appearance to the
Olive (Olea europaea), except for the larger size of its leaves.

While F. Sellowiana is the only species that has been given any horticultural
attention, two others have been described. These are:

F. obovata Berg (Martius, Fl. Bras. XIV, 1, p. 616), which was named
after specimens collected by Sellow in the same province of Brazil as F. Sellon-

Dee Pomona CotieGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany

iana (Rio Grande do Sul), and presumably collected at the same time. According
to Andre, F. obovata differs from F. Sellowiana in its lesser height, its compressed
branches, and its pointed and pellucid leaves. It has probably never been intro-
duced to horticulture, and its fruit is unknown.

F. Schenckiana (Kiaersk, Enum. Myrt. Bras., p. 186, t. 26, fig. A) is a spe-
cies much more recently described (1891). From a copy of the original descrip-
tion kindly furnished by the Director of Kew Gardens, it appears that the species
differs from F. Sellowiana in having oval leaves, and white petals, with other
minor differences. It occurs in the highlands of the province of Santa Catharina,
Brazil. Its fruit is unknown.

F. Sellowiana appears to be of common occurrence in the wild state in cer-
tain parts of Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. See under “The Feijoa
in South America” for more definite data in this connection.

Common Names

During the few years in which it has been cultivated in California the Feijoa
has had at least three names applied to it by nurserymen and _ horticulturists.
These are ‘Pineapple Guava,” “Brazilian Guava’ and “Fig Guava.” The first
can not be said to be objectionable, but the other two are somewhat inappropriate.
The fact that the Feijoa is called ‘‘guayabo” and “‘guayabo del pais” by the na-
tives of Brazil and Uruguay denotes that it is considered as a guava by them, and
its close relationship to the guavas makes the use of this name allowable. But if
the Feijoa is to be considered as a guava, and called by this name, some additional
term should be used which will distinguish the Feijoa from the more or less infer-
ior guavas. The distinct pineapple flavor of the Feijoa has suggested the appella-
tion “Pineapple Guava” and as this name is fairly attractive, and conveys a cor-
rect idea of the nature of the fruit, no objection can be raised to its use. “Bra-
zilian Guava” implies but little, and is not sufficiently distinctive, since there are
many species of guava which are natives of Brazil. “Fig Guava” is probably
founded on some slight similarity, real or otherwise, between the Feijoa and the
fig, but as this similarity is extremely slight this name can hardly be accepted as
the best. : ;
In Europe no common name appears to have been given the Feijoa, and as a
matter of fact, the use of the generic name is much more general in California
than any other. While this name is somewhat difficult for those not familiar with
it, to pronounce, there can certainly be no objection to its use. And as it is under
this name that the plant has become established in California, it is probable that
it will continue to be known under the same name.

There has been considerable difference of opinion im regard to the pronun-
ciation of “Feijoa” in California. These differences seem to have been the result
of a misunderstanding of the derivation of the word. Many have been misled by
the belief that the name “Feijo” from which the generic name is derived is Span-
ish, and consequently have given j the sound of h. But the name is Portuguese,
and according to the very best authorities is pronounced Fay-zho-a, accenting the
middle syllable. This is the pronunciation that is used in France and in the Bo-
tanic Gardens in other parts of Europe.

Pomona CoiieGe JourRNAL or Economic Botany 223

The Feijoa in California
The seedlings which formed Dr. Franceschi’s introduction in 1901, and which
are scattered over the southern end of the state, have been notably successful.
They have been grown under widely different climatic conditions, from Santa
Barbara to Redlands. Being seedlings, some of them have produced fruit of
indifferent quality, and while only a few have proved to be really superior, they

Figure 89. A seedling of the Andre Feijoa at Villa Valmer, Marseilles, France.
Note size of fruit in basket in foreground. Back of basket stands Alfred Rivier,

head gardener at this place.

have demonstrated that California is admirably adapted to the Feijoa—doubtless
much better adapted to it than southern France, where it has been grown so suc-
cessfully.

Outside of its trial in the southern part of the state, it has been tested at
Santa Rosa, and even as far north as Eugene, Oregon, at both of which places it

224 Pomona CoLieGe JourNAL or Economic Botan ~

has proved perfectly hardy. And from our knowledge of the hardiness of the
plant, gained from the experience of the European growers, it is safe to say that
it will be hardy in practically all parts of California, except at very high alti-
tudes where low temperatures are experienced.

Since the first importation of plants has come into bearing, many seedlings
have been raised, some of which are now in bearing. While the variation which
is natural to all seedling fruits has been exhibited by the Feijoa, and many of
the seedlings have been disappointing, where good care has been bestowed upon
the plants the results have, in the great majority of cases, been highly gratifying.

During the last few years several thousand seedlings have been raised and
disseminated by the nurserymen. Most’ of these have gone into private gardens,
although several small plantations have been made, the largest of which is that
on the Henry E. Huntington estate near Pasadena, and consists of about four
acres. The plant has been used in a few instances as an ornamental hedge, for
which purpose it has proved to be admirable.

During the past season a small quantity of the fruit was placed on the Los
Angeles market and retailed at fifty cents per pound.

California soils, if properly handled, seem to be particularly adapted to the
Feijoa, and the climatic conditions of most parts of the state have proved to be
most favorable to the development of the plant and the perfection of the fruit. It
has not been tried as yet in strictly desert regions, but it has been grown as far
into the interior as Redlands. There is no doubt but that when the requirements
of the plant are thoroughly understood and supplied it will reach a high degree
of perfection in this state.

The Feijoa in France

In southern France the Feijoa has been given more attention from a horti-
cultural standpoint than in any other country. Yet almost nothing is known of its
requirements or varieties, except by a few horticulturists, and there are but a
few dozen good bearing plants in the entire country. Dr. Andre considered it
“one of the most important and most useful to horticulture of the hard-wooded
plants which he introduced into Europe on his return from La Plata in 1890.”
Why this valuable fruit, in the fourteen years that have elapsed since it first
came into bearing, and in which it has been offered by the trade, has not assumed
a greater importance and become more widely planted, may perhaps be explained
by the statement of Viviand-Morel (Lyon-Horticole, XXXII, 1, p. 16): “Exotic
fruits do not please everybody—we have so many in our own country that are
worth more than the mango, banana, pineapple and avocado of the tropics.” The
French attitude toward horticultural novelties of this character is certainly not
like the American. Not knowing the value of the Feijoa from their own personal
observation, and being satisfied with the fruits they already have, the French
gardeners are content to leave the culture of this fruit to someone else. It is only
through the persistent efforts of those broad-minded horticulturists who have the
perception to realize the value of such a fruit as the Feijoa, of which may be
mentioned such men as Dr. Robertson-Prochowsky of Nice, M. Clement Nabon-

Pomona CoLuece JourRNAL or Economic Botany 225

Figure 90. Fruiting branch of a seedling Andre Feijoa at Marseilles, France, show-
ing an average productiveness. These from trees shown in Figure 89.

226 Pomona CoLLeGe JouRNAL oF ,Economic Botany

nand of Cannes, and M. Viviand-Morel, editor of the Lyon-Horticole, that this
fruit can ever be established on a commercial basis in France.

My data in regard to the Feijoa in France and other European countries, and
some of the illustrations presented herewith, are the result of the investigations
of my brother, Paul B. Popenoe, who devoted a month to the study of the subject,
in the interests of the West India Gardens.

The Riviera has proved to be well adapted to the culture of the Feijoa. Al-
though the winters are cold, the temperature sometimes getting as low as ten
degrees (Fahr.) above zero, unprotected plants are not injured, and produce
abundantly. The twenty-year-old plant at Villa Colombia, Golfe-Juan, brought
by Dr. Andre from South America, is now an immense bush, fifteen feet in height,
covering a space of ground eighteen feet in diameter, and with a trunk eight inches
thick at the base. The crop is estimated by M. Clement Nabonnand at two thou-
sand fruits. The winds coming from the Mediterranean frequently blow off part
of the fruit before it is mature, and although it can be ripened in the house, it is
not as good as though allowed to reach full maturity on the tree.

One of the most successful cultivators of the Feijoa is Alfred Rivier, chef
du culture at Villa Valmer, near Marseilles. The plants grown by M. Rivier are
seedlings from Andre’s bush, and are even better than the parent. Among other
successful growers may be mentioned Abel Gorre at Menton, who grows both the
Andre and Besson types; Francois Mangan, also at Menton, and Dr. Robertson-
Prochowsky, the well known systematic botanist at Nice. Occasional bearing
plants are found in the gardens along the Riviera in Italy as well as in France.
There are also a few in Spain.

M. Viviand-Morel believes that the Feijoa will in time take an important
place among the commercial fruits, not only on the Mediterranean coast, but also
in Provence, and the South and West of France. Certainly there is no reason why
it should not do so, other than the difficulty in establishing any new fruit upon a
commercial basis, and although progress toward such a state has been anything
but rapid, it is to be hoped that the horticulturists of southern France will devote
more attention to the Feijoa in the future than they have in the past.

The Feijoa in England

_ As a fruiting shrub, the Feijoa does not seem to be a success in England, but
its cultivation in a limited way as an ornamental is possible, and this alone speaks
volumes for the hardiness of the plant. The following extract is taken from an
article on the subject by A. C. Bartlett, published in the Gardeners’ Chronicle
(Ser. 3, XLVIII, p. 242): “The best plants I have seen were grown in yellow
loam, and were trained against a southern wall. Under these conditions the spe-
cies made fine, healthy branches. They require liberal waterings during hot, dry
weather, until the beginning of August, from which time attention should be paid
toward ripening the growth already made; otherwise the plant is almost certain to
be injured by the first heavy frosts. Although the natural habit of the Feijoa is
that of a shrub or small tree, there are few places in these islands where it could
be grown in this way with any likelihood of success, therefore the protection of a

B27

Pomona CoLueGe JourRNAL oF Economic Botany

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68 2INSIY Ul UMOYS S391} WIOI} ssoyy
‘so][lasieyy ye UMOIS Sul[pses sIpuy ue jo s}Inig

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228 Pomona CoLLeGeE JouRNAL oF Economic BoTrany

wall is essential.” Mr. Bartlett goes on to state that the fruit does not seem to
ripen under cultivation in that country. He recommends it strongly as a wall
shrub, however, and considers it well worth growing for its handsome foliage alone.

The Feijoa in Florida

Reports on the behavior of the Feijoa in Florida are not encouraging. While
as yet it has been tested at very few points, and some parts of the state may
prove to be adapted to it, past experiments do not promise extensive future devel-
opment.

At Gotha, the Feijoa has been grown for several years by Dr. H. Nehrling.
Regarding the behavior of his plants he writes under date of October 16, 1911:
“The Feijoa has fruited with me this year as well as last season. It grows beau-
tifully, has fine flowers, and would be a great ornament to any collection of exotic
plants. I have two specimens, both coming from the Department of Agriculture.
The fruit is about the size of a small walnut, entirely glossy green and only
slightly fragrant when ripe. Both of my plants grow in half shade in my Cala-
dium shed, and perhaps for this reason the fruits drop when still unripe. The
flavor is not very good, and after having dropped the fruit immediately begins to
rot, assuming a dark brown or blackish color and becoming soft and tasteless.
The plant thrives splendidly, though we have had no great cold since I began to
grow these plants, the thermometer never going below about 28 degrees Fahren-
heit.”

The Feijoa has also been grown at the Subtropical Garden of the U. S. De-
partment of Agriculture at Miami, but so far has not done as well as at Gotha.
The plants bloomed last season but did not set any fruits, according to the state-
ment of Edward Simmonds, gardener.

It will require a more thorough test to definitely decide the matter for any
part of the state, but it seems quite probable that the Feijoa has greater chances
of being a success in the more northern sections than under the almost tropical
conditions of the east and west coasts.

The Feijoa in the West Indies

So far as known to the writer, the only point in the West Indies where the
Feijoa has been grown for any length of time is at Columbia, Isle of Pines. Two
plants set out by Dr. F. R. Ramsdell in 1906 have made a growth of four feet
in height and six feet in spread, but have not yet bloomed or fruited.

The Feijoa in Hawaii

At the Hawaii Experiment Station in Honolulu is a Feijoa several years old,
which is reported by J. E. Higgins, Horticulturist, to be in a thrifty condition, but
has given as yet no indication of fruiting.

The Feijoa has not been tested for a sufficient length of time in Florida, the
West Indies, and Hawaii, to fully determine its adaptability to these localities,
but experience seems to indicate that strictly tropical conditions such as are suited
to the mango and the pineapple are not so well suited to this fruit.

229

Pomona CouLeGe JouRNAL or Economic Borany

The Feijoa in South America

In regard to the Feijoa in its native country, the following notes kindly fur-
nished by Dr. J. Arechavaleta, Director of the National Museum at Montevideo,
Uruguay, are of interest: “This plant is known here under the name of ‘guayabo
del pais.’ Regarding its occurrence in a wild state in Brazil, Argentina and Para-
guay I have no exact data, but in Uruguay it is quite common in the forests. It

re.

wt

Figure 92. Feijoa trained against a wall at Villa Niobe, Golfe-Juan, France.

is cultivated on an extremely small scale. It flowers in November and ripens

its fruit in January and February. By cultivation the fruits are greatly increased

in size. They are aromatic and of a flavor very agreeable to the taste.”
Prof. Carlos Thays, Director of the Botanic Garden at Buenos Ayres, Argen-

tina, gives the following notes: “This plant is found commonly, in the wild state,

230 Pomona Co.LieGe JourRNAL or Economic Botany

in western Paraguay, in southern Brazil, and in some parts of the Territorio de
Misiones, Argentina. The common name is ‘guayabo.’ The fruit is used for the
manufacture of ‘dulces’ (i. e., jams, jellies, ete.) and is mixed with those of the

Psidium (guava). * * * Cultivation for improvement of the fruits is very lim-
ited.”

Methods of Propagation

By Seep: While there are several methods by which the Feijoa may be
propagated, the majority of plants, both in Europe and California, have been
grown from seed. Propagation is readily effected by this means, in fact it has
been found in France that when the fruits which fell to the ground were allowed
to lie until spring, a large number of volunteer seedlings would spring up.

It is well to emphasize the point that when best results are desired, it is abso-
lutely necessary to use great care in the selection of seed. Much disappointment
has resulted in the past from the planting of seeds from inferior fruits. Plants
for seed should be selected with a view to desirability in every character, not
only in the size and quality of the fruit, but in precocity of bearing, and product-
iveness as well. Propagate from those plants which possess all these characters in
as great a degree as possible. It is not a matter of planting seeds from an ex-
tremely large and fine fruit, which may have come from a plant whose bearing
habits were very poor, as the seedlings would be very likely to perpetuate this un-
desirable characteristic.

The seeds are but slightly larger than those of the fig, and for this reason,
although they germinate readily, they should be planted with care and given the
best of attention.

For starting the seeds a good medium has been found to be a mixture of two-
thirds clean sand, and one-third redwood sawdust. Both these materials are easily
obtained. This provides a practically sterile mixture in which there is little dan-
ger from the fungus known as “‘damping-off.” The sawdust should be kept wet
and allowed to rot for two or three months before it is used.

The seeds should be sown in flats three or four inches in depth, and covered
with the mixture of sawdust and sand to a depth of not over one-fourth of an inch.
They may be planted quite thickly, if they are promptly pricked off after germi-
nating.

It is best to plant the seeds as soon as possible after their removal from the
fruit. If kept dry, however, they will retain their powers of germination for sey-
eral weeks at least, probably longer, but it has not yet been determined just how
long they may be kept and still give a good rate of germination.

If the seeds are started under glass, germination will take place in twenty to
twenty-five days. If no artificial heat is provided, a somewhat longer period will
be required, but not over four or five weeks at most.

Waterings should be frequent, but not copious. As soon as the plants have
made their second leaves they may be pricked off into flats, or potted into two-
inch pots, preferably the latter. When they have attained a height of three or
four inches in the twos, they should be shifted into threes, where they can be

Pomona Coxtiece JourNAL or Economic Borany 231

carried until they have reached a hight of ten or twelve inches, when they are
ready to go out into the field.

M. Clement Nabonnand of Cannes, France, a noted rosarian and horticultur-
ist, who has been very successful in raising the Feijoa, and to whom I am indebted
for much valuable information, gives the following account of his method: “Pro-
vide some good leaf mold, preferably that gathered under trees in the forest. It
must be thoroughly decomposed. Mix the leaf mold with equal parts of clean
sand, and sow the seeds upon this compost, covering them to a depth of three-
eighths or one-fourth of an inch, with the same material. Either boxes or clay
pans may be used, and they should be placed in glass-covered frames, quite close

Figure 93. A large Feijoa at Golfe-Juan, France. On the left, M. Clement
Nabonnand, one of the noted rosarians and horticulturists of Southern France;
on the right, M. Amalberti, Dr. Andre’s head gardener.

to the glass. ‘It is necessary to have the glass whitewashed so that the young
plants will not be burned. See that the soil is constantly kept slightly moist.
Do not raise the sash until after the seeds have germinated.”

By Curtines: From the many attempts which have been made to propagate
the Feijoa from cuttings there have been varying results. But judging from the
sum of past experience, it will be no more difficult to grow this plant from cuttings
than it is many other hard-wooded shrubs which are commonly propagated by this
means. In many of the Botanic Gardens in Europe the Feijoa is considered not
at all difficult to grow from cuttings, and several of the French gardeners have
also been very successful. In California several attempts to root cuttings have
resulted unsuccessfully, but this would imply a lack of proper knowledge on the

232 Pomona Co.tieGe JourNAL or Economic Botany

part of the operator rather than any inherent difficulty in propagating the plant in
this way, since we know that it can be, and has been, done in Europe.

It is essential, if the cuttings are to be rooted at all promptly, that bottom
heat be supplied, and that the work be carried on under glass. There has been
little difficulty in rooting the cuttings when these two conditions have been recog-
nized and supplied. The cuttings shotld be made of half-ripened wood—that
from the ends of the branches, and three or four inches in length. It is probably
not essential that the cuttings be made at any particular season, but it has been
advised to do the work during June, July or August. The time required for the
formation of roots is longer than with many other plants, and a greater percentage
of cuttings may be lost, but under favorable conditions a good percentage has
been successfully rooted.

A rather novel method of rooting cuttings of the Feijoa as well as other
hard-wooded shrubs, is that practiced by Mr. Stewart, foreman of the glass de-
partment of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh, Scotland. This method
as discovered and successfully practiced by him has been named the Stewart Sun
Method, and although the difference in climatic conditions will necessitate its being
modified considerably in California, it should prove of great assistance in perfect-
ing a method of quickly and successfully rooting Feijoa cuttings in this climate.
The cuttings are placed in pure sand in a glass-covered box and placed in full
sun. The heat inside the box becomes intense, so much so that an amateur would
expect the cuttings to be promptly killed; but if they are kept liberally supplied
with water—during hot weather they must be watered every half hour—they will
form roots within ten days. Shrubs that are considered impossible to be propa-
gated from cuttings Mr. Stewart has successfully rooted by this method, and those
that ordinarily require two or three months to form roots can be struck in ten
days.

By Buppine: Attempts to bud the Feijoa do not seem to have resulted suc-
cessfully up to the present time. Many propagators consider the wood too hard
and dry to bud successfully. However, the fact that guavas can be budded leads
to the belief that the Feijoa can be budded as well. Both patch and shield
budding have been found to be practicable with the guava, and it is quite reason-
able to believe that one of these methods will be practicable with the Feijoa.

By Layertne: This is the simplest method of asexually propagating the
Feijoa. By it the majority of plants in Europe, other than seedlings, have been
grown. It requires no skill on the part of the operator, and though not so
desirable for nursery work, it is an almost infallible method, and can be practiced
to adv antage by those se ‘have a s superior plant “and desire to propagate it.

Layers may be rooted either in the ground, or in flats of soil supported by a
platform erected close to the bush. In layering in the ground it is only necessary
to bend down those branches which are most easily brought to the position, make
a shallow cut at an angle, on the branch, and cover a portion of the branch in-
cluding the cut, with soil to a depth of two or three inches. A small trench should
be dug for the purpose at the most convenient place, and if necessary the branch
may be held down with wire or wooden pegs. The layers require no further care

Pomona CoLuEGe JourNAL or Economic Botany 233

except to see that the soil is kept reasonably moist, and at the end of six months
roots will have formed, and the plants can be severed from the parent.

In layering in flats supported by a platform, the operation is the same. The
soil should contain plenty of humus, and be watered as often as necessary to keep
it moist.

By Grartine: This method of propagation has not been extensively practiced.
but has been found to be successful. So far, the work has been done exclusively
under glass. The stock used has been seedling Feijoa, of a diameter slightly less
than that of a lead pencil. Both whip-grafting and veneer-grafting have been
employed with equal success. The scions should be of about the same diameter as
the stock, and the operation should be performed during March and April or

’ Figure 94. A ten-year-old Feijoa on place of Walter Nordhoff, at Redlands,
j ‘ California.

August and September. After the graft has been made, the plants must be kept
under bell jars or in a tight glass frame, to exclude the air as far as possible, for
a week or more. It is likely that some other myrtaceous shrubs or trees may
prove more desirable for stocks than seedling Feijoas. Dr. Trabut of Algiers
suggests Eugenia jambolana, on account of its hardiness and vigor.

By Inarcuine: The Feijoa lends itself readily to inarching, but this
method is too slow and laborious to permit of its being widely practiced where
any other is successful. Layering gives the same results with less labor, and
cuttings should be more expeditious than either.

234 Pomona Co.LieGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany

Inarching may be practiced advantageously upon seedlings in pots, by plac-
ing them upon a platform erected around the tree it is desired to perpetuate. A
branch of the tree of about the same diameter as the stem of the seedling should
be chosen, and a thin slice of bark, taking as little of the wood under it as possible,
removed from both the stock and scion. The two cut surfaces should then be
bound together with raffia or other soft tying material. After two months have
elapsed, the scion may be gradually severed from its parent by cutting away a
little of the wood just below the point of union, every few days. Care should be
taken that the union is not severed too suddenly—it should be a month or two be-
fore it is entirely severed. The stock may then be trimmed down close to the
union, and the plant is ready to set out.

Climatic Requirements of the Feijoa

At this date it is impossible to make a completely definite statement as to the
different climatic conditions under which the Feijoa will thrive. The meagre data
that is obtainable regarding its behavior in tropical countries is not sufficient by
any means to prove that it will be a failure under such conditions as obtain within
the tropics; still, there is no doubt but that a climate like that of Southern Cali-
fornia is more eminently suited to it. Dr. Andre remarked that the native home
of the Feijoa was the region of Cocos australis, which sufficiently indicated the
climate in which it would thrive. It is, then, distinctly sub-tropical in nature, and
can be expected to do well in localities whose climatic conditions closely approxi-
mate those of Uruguay and southern Brazil. Furthermore, the fact that it is a
success in the Mediterranean basin shows that it is considerably hardier than the
majority of subtropical plants which are in cultivation, and will thrive in locali-
ties where the avocado and other fruits more strictly tropical in nature can not be
grown. es LF:

Whether it is adapted to desert regions such as the Colorado and Imperial
valleys cannot be stated at this time, but the fact that it does well at Redlands indi-
cates that it will tolerate a considerable amount of heat.

The Pacific Coast is pre-eminently adapted to the Feijoa—its successful culti-
vation at many points from San Diego north to the state of Oregon prove this
beyond the possibility of a doubt. And the fact that it has withstood without
injury temperatures of ten degrees above zero warrants the belief that it will be a
success in the milder portions of the Gulf States.

Culture

While the Feijoa cannot be said to be particular in its cultural requirements,
yet best results in both growth and fruit can only be obtained by giving careful
attention to the needs of the plant and supplying them in as great a degree as
possible.

In California the Feijoa has been successfully grown in soils of at least two
kinds—sandy loam and heavy clay or adobe. And while it has succeeded in both,
there is little doubt but that the lighter soil is the best. And it is of paramount im-
portance that the soil contain an abundance of humus. Alfred Rivier of Marseilles,
one of the most successful French growers, believes many failures in that country

Pomona CoLLeGE JouRNAL or Economic Botany 235

are due to the presence of too much chalk in the soil, and advises as a remedy a
small amount of iron sulphate worked in around each tree. He emphasizes par-
ticularly the importance of a light soil and an abundance of humus.

That the Feijoa is drought-resistant has been thoroughly demonstrated. A
ten-year-old plant in Dr. Franceschi’s garden at Santa Barbara has never had a
drop of water except from the skies, and yet it has made a fair growth and is
bearing regularly. And while the fruit grown without irrigation is probably of
very fine flavor, it is probably not advisable to subject the plant regularly to such
severe conditions. A liberal supply of water during the first few years results
in much greater growth and more fruit. After the fifth or sixth year a large

Figure 95. Showing an aa es example of the upright type of Feijoa raised
by Mrs. J. Murietta in Los Angeles.

amount of water is not required, but for best results it is necessary to irrigate the

Feijoa as frequently as citrus fruits. During the blooming season water should

be withheld as much as possible, and until after the fruits have set, when it may

be applied liberally to assist in the development of the fruits.

Fertilizers of all kinds must be applied with caution, or they will stimulate the
growth of the plant at the expense of the fruit. A small quantity of bone meal, or
some other form of commercial fertilizer not too rich in nitrogen, may be advan-
tageously applied each year, as it increases both the quantity and size of the fruit.
Well rotted manure can be used to supply the much-needed humus, and should be
used liberally, but any manure that greatly stimulates the growth of the plant

236 Pomona Co.tiece JourNAL or Economic Borany

should be avoided, unless it is in the case of young plants which have not yet come
into bearing.

Practically all Feijoas observed in Europe which have arrived at the proper
age to bloom have flowered profusely, whether grown in the open ground or in
pots in a conservatory. But there are some plants which bloom regularly that are
habitually unproductive, and this condition appears to be due in the main to im-
perfect fertilization of the flowers.

French growers have tried to overcome this failure of the plant to fruit by
hand pollination. The results have been varied, some stating that it has been
eminently successful, others that it appeared to have no effect and the plants were
as barren as before, but this may have been due in a large measure to lack of
skill or knowledge of conditions on the part of the operator.

In California there are quite a few plants of mature size which are habit-
ually unproductive, although blooming regularly. It scarcely seems probable that
this condition can be due entirely to unfavorable soil or other cultural conditions,
although these have an extremely important effect. As practically all of the un-
productive plants are isolated specimens, it seems likely that the lack of foreign
pollen may have much to do with the matter, and experience with a number of
seedlings during the past few years bears out this belief. Some thirty seedlings,
planted in a row, bloomed for the first time in 1911, at the age of two years, and
every one set several furits and brought them to maturity, although it is quite com-
mon for the plant to fail to set any fruits for the first two or three years in which
it flowers. An older plant in the same location did not set any fruits until the
same year, though it had bloomed for two years previously, and was in a healthy
condition.

But the fact that many isolated specimens are producing abundantly shows
that the plant is naturally not dependent on foreign pollen. The difficulty may be
due in many cases to a weakened condition of the plant, caused by unfavorable soil
or culture, and it is probable also that it is due in some instances to atmospheric
conditions. Certain it is that the culture of the plant exercises a certain amount of
control over its productiveness. Those which are subjected to harsh treatment or
unfavorable conditions are invariably sparse bearers.

There is little likelihood that any difficulty will be experienced from this
source when several plants are grown together, and their cultural requirements are
supplied to a reasonable degree.

The Feijoa requires but little pruning. A judicious use of the shears is of
course necessary to keep the bush in good form, and when it is desired to train it
to any particular shape a more liberal pruning may be necessary. But as the fruit
is produced on the young wood, pruning of a mature bush must be done at the ex-
pense of fruit, although it will naturally result in increased size of those pro-
duced. As the bush is frequently of open and spreading growth, and inclined to
be somewhat straggling in the young stage, it is necessary to prune sufficiently to
make it shapely. This point should be kept constantly in mind and the shears
not withheld from an unshapely plant. The tips of long shoots should be pinched
out to induce the plant to branch and form a compact body. The fact that the

Pomona CoLtiEGE JouRNAL oF Economic BotTany 237

Feijoa is found in two distinct forms of growth, one upright and the other spread-
ing, makes it necessary to prune according to the individual character of the plant,
the spreading form requiring much more attention than the upright.

For permanent cultivation the plants should not be set closer than fifteen to
eighteen feet. While it may not be desirable to let the bush spread to an unlim-
ited size, this distance will be necessary when the plants are mature, if any culti-
vating is to be done between them. Andre recommended that the plant be grown
against a wall. This is undoubtedly a good practice in countries where the weather
is cold at the time of ripening, as the shelter of the wall and the heat reflected
from it assists materially in ripening the fruits.

Seedlings will come into bearing at three or four years of age if good culti-
vation is given them. Plants propagated asexually bear somewhat earlier, two
years being the usual age for layered plants. It is not known just how long the
plant will continue in profitable bearing—Andre’s twenty-two-year-old bush seems
to be increasing rather than decreasing in production.

Figure 96. Showing variation in form and: size among fruits from the same seedling
tree. These probably represent bud variations.

Season

The season of ripening varies with different varieties, but can be said in
general to be November and December. The Hehre variety matures much earlier,
September and October being its season. The locality in which the fruit is grown
also exercises a certain amount of control over the season in which it ripens, as
would be expected.

In most instances the fruits fall when mature, but are not then ready for
eating. They should be laid away in a cool place until they are in condition for
use, which can be detected by their becoming slightly soft, and also by the odor,
—a fragrance that is most delightful.

The fruits should be allowed to hang on the bush as long as they will do
so, as they increase in size up to the moment they fall, and their growth during
the last few weeks is much more rapid than at any other time. If picked before

238 Pomona CoxtieGe JourNAL or Economic Borany

fully mature they will ripen sufficiently to be eatable, but lack much of the
delicate flavor which characterizes a perfect fruit.

There is usually considerable variation in size among the fruits, those which
are the result of the latest blossoms never reaching their full development.

The Fruit and Its Uses

Very few people in California have as yet had an opportunity to taste the
Feijoa. Those who have become thoroughly familiar with it, while invariably
holding it in the highest esteem, are aware that there is a vast difference in
quality among the fruits from different seedlings. And to be fully appreciated,
the fruit must be eaten at just the proper moment. If allowed to become a trifle
overripe, or if eaten a little before it is fully ripe, it lacks much of the delicate
and aromatic flavor of a perfect Feijoa. Commenting on this point, Viviand-—
Morel says (Lyon-Horticole, XXXII, 1, p. 16): ‘Everyone knows that the
finest pears are only turnips if eaten a trifle too soon or a trifle too late.” And
also, it has been found that the fruits produced by young bushes, as well as
being inferior in size to those produced by a mature plant, are greatly inferior
in flavor.

It is well to consider what some authorities have said of the flavor and value
of the Feijoa. Dr. Andre, writing in the Revue Horticole in 1899, said: “I
must slightly modify for the better what I said before (referring to his article
of the previous year). The pulp is abundant, clear, of the consistency of a
‘Butter Pear,’ of a creamy white, and the savor approaches very much that of
the strawberry, according to everyone who has tasted it. There are some seeds,
but rare. The fruits, almost all falling slightly before maturity because of a
damaging wind, were good. Their aroma was so intense that it filled the whole
room in which they were placed, and the basket which held them is perfumed
to this very hour.”

Viviand-Morel says: “I find those that I have eaten pared, with sugar,
delicious. I compare them in a certain measure to our large garden strawberries.
The odor is very agreeable.”

H. Dauthenay, writing in the Revue Horticole, says: “The flavor is slightly
acid and very agreeable, rather vinous, and the odor something like that of the
banana and also the strawberry. It is certainly a good exotic fruit to add to
tables richly served.”

These opinions of French authorities are quoted to verify the belief of all
Californians who are intimately familiar with the Feijoa, that it is a fruit of
rare merit. A few people have become prejudiced against it because of having
sampled inferior specimens, but those who have been privileged to taste a perfect
specimen, of which many have been grown in this state, have nothing but com-
mendation for the Feijoa and confidence in its future.

The fruit can be used in many ways. Although it has been too scarce as
yet to permit of much culinary experiment, delicious jams and jellies have been
prepared, and when crystallized it is excellent. The French confectioners are
experimenting with it for the preparation of bonbons. The general use of the

Pomona Co.turcGe JourNAL or Economic Botany 239

fruits in France is that mentioned above by Viviand-Morel,—pared, with the
addition of a small amount of sugar.

Keeping and Shipping Qualities.

Two strong points in favor of the Feijoa are its remarkable keeping and
shipping qualities. Many fruits which have been grown in California have been
kept in the house for three or four weeks, at the end of which time they were
in perfect condition for eating.

As the fruits ordinarily fall when mature, and must be laid away for several
days before in condition for eating, they can be shipped to a considerable distance
and arrive in perfect condition, having ripened up in transit.

According to Alfred Rivier of Marseilles, the fruit can be kept from the
time it is harvested, November or December, until spring, if stored in a cool,
moist place. It is essential that the place of storage be cool, as otherwise the
fruit will soon decay.

Figure 97. The Andre (at left) and Besson (at right) varieties, grown by Abel
Gorre,-at Menton, France.

Fruits have been shipped from France to California, and arrived in perfect
condition after having been over a month in transit.

Diseases and Insect Pests

The hard, dry wood and tough, leathery foliage of the Feijoa render it
almost immune from the attacks of insects or fungus growths. So far as has
been observed, the only insect that attacks it is the Black Scale (Saissetia oleae),
and instances of a thorough infestation of the plant by this species are extremely
rare, even though Feijoas be planted in close proximity to other trees which are
badly infested.

; Variation and Varieties

With the Feijoa, as with practically all other cultivated fruits, the question

of varieties is one of the most important that comes up for consideration. The

240 Pomona CoLLeGE JourNAL or Economic Botany

fact that this fruit has been in cultivation for but a few years, and that in this
time no effort whatever has been made to obtain superior forms by either selection
or breeding, shows that it is as yet practically in the wild state, and the question
of varieties is still in an embryonic stage.

Andre did not, apparently, consider this question. At the time his plant
came into bearing it was the only bearing specimen in Europe, so that no oppor-
tunity was given for comparison with others, and he makes no mention of having
observed any marked variation among the plants in South America. Yet later
writers have stated that among the wild plants in Uruguay there is a wide range
of differences in form, quality and other characteristics.

Among the bearing plants in Europe it is possible to distinguish between
two entirely distinct forms, and the minor variations exhibited by individual
plants are almost innumerable. The only discussion of this subject, so far as
known to the writer, is that made by Viviand-Morel (Lyon-Horticole, XXXII,
1, p. 16) in which he calls attention to the marked differences exhibited in a
basket of fruits sent him by Abel Gorre of Menton, and discusses the subject at
some length, but his data was not sufficient to enable him to reach any definite
conclusions.

Of the first introduction to Europe, that of Dr. Andre, at least one hundred
seedlings have been grown and fruited. These seedlings all exhibit the dis-
tinguishing characters of the parent to a greater or less degree, and even in
the second and third generation these characters are maintained by the majority
of individuals. Allowance must be made for an occasional “break,” or departure
from the type, but these seem to be less frequent than with most other fruits.

The second importation that was made to Europe was that of Besson freres
of Nice, and consisted of seeds from Montevideo, Uruguay. This stock has
proved to be of a distinct type from that of Andre, the seedlings uniformly exhib-
iting one or two characters that render the type immediately distinguishable from
that of Andre.

In California, apart from the seedlings of the Andre type, which maintain
their distinguishing characteristics here as well as in France, the only other
distinct type, so far as known to the writer, is that originating in an importation
of seed from Argentina made by H. Hehre of Los Angeles. Among the seedlings
grown by Mr. Hehre, which were, in the main, not unlike those of the Andre
type, was one which exhibited a peculiar characteristic, consisting of a marked
departure in form from the normal. This variety has been named the Hehre.
As yet it is impossible to say whether this characteristic is going to be transmitted
to the progeny or not, but the variety appears to be much more vigorous than
any other forms grown here thus far.

It is thus seen that three separate importations from South America have
produced different types of fruit.

In general, it may be said that seedlings perpetuate the characteristics of
the parent. But the fact that different types exist in South America shows that
the species is as variable as most other tree or shrub fruits, and the matter of
varieties must be given attention. Among the seedlings grown in California and

Pomono Co.ieGe JourNAL or Economic Botany 241

Europe the variations are many, but these are ordinarily so slight that it is not
advisable to consider them as distinct varieties and establish them as such, or the
subject would be involved in needless confusion. While among the seedlings of
the Andre type there are many that are inferior to the original, and many which
are slightly different from it in form and other characteristics, in general they
approach the type so closely that they could not be considered as varieties. And
it is noteworthy also, that the variation among fruits on the same tree, presumably
due to bud variation, is so great that it is necessary to distinguish the variety by
only those characters which hold good in the majority of the fruits produced.

Key to the Varieties
A. Form oblong to round.

B. Surface more or less rough; usually self colored; size large.
Andre
BB. Surface smooth; one side overspread with red or maroon; size small
to medium. Besson
AA. Form slender pyriform. Hehre

Figure 98. A seedling of the Andre at Marseilles, France.

Andre
(Figures 97 and 99)

The origin of this variety is unknown. It was brought as a layered plant
from some point in Brazil, Argentina or Uruguay to France in 1890, by Dr.
Edouard Andre. It is one of the largest of the varieties and is excellent in every
respect.

Description: Form oblong to oval; size large; base rounded, sometimes
slightly flattened; cavity none; apex rounded, sometimes slightly flattened; calyx
sepals large, cupped; surface more or less rough; color green; skin thin; flesh
whitish, very thick, granular, pulp fairly abundant, juicy; seeds very few, small;
flavor spicy and aromatic, distinctly resembling the pineapple and also the straw-

242 Pomona Co.tieGe JourNAL or Economic Botany

berry, strongly perfumed; quality very good; season November to December
at Golfe-Juan, France.

Shrub exhibiting two principal forms of growth, upright or spreading, with
many intermediate forms; growth very vigorous; foliage abundant, healthy;
productiveness excellent. So far as known to the writer, this is the first descrip-
tion of this variety.

. Besson
(Figure 97)

This variety is the result of an importation of seeds from Montevideo,
Uruguay, made in 1899 by Besson freres, of Nice, France. While considerably
smaller than the Andre, it is equally as fine in flavor, and its brighter color makes it
more attractive in appearance.

Description: Form uniformly oval; size small to medium; base rounded;
cavity none; apex rounded; calyx sepals small, recurved, cupped; surface smooth;
color green, one side overspread with red to maroon; skin thin; flesh whitish,
medium thick, soft, fine grained, pulp abundant, very juicy; seeds rather numer-
ous, large; flavor very spicy, aromatic, similar to Andre; quality very good;
season November at Nice, France.

Shrub exhibiting two principal forms of growth, as in Andre; growth moder-
ately vigorous, open; foliage fairly abundant, healthy; productiveness said to be
fairly good. This is the first description of this variety.

Figure 99. A fruit from the parent Andre tree, crop of 1911.

Hehre

This variety originated with H. Hehre of Los Angeles, California, from seed
imported from Argentina. It is a distinct departure in form, but is probably
of not as good quality as Andre or Besson. The variety is of exceptional vigor.

Description: Form slender pyriform, sometimes curved; size large; base
tapering, slender; cavity none; apex slightly tapering; calyx sepals small, re-
curved; color yellowish green, self colored; skin thin and delicate; flesh whitish,
finely granular, pulp abundant, very juicy; seeds rather numerous, large; flavor
sweet, rather lacking in aroma, melting; quality fairly good; season September
at Los Angeles, California.

Shrub upright; growth very vigorous and close; foliage abundant, large,
healthy ; productiveness fair. Here first described.

Plans and Plants for Small Places III

Slopes and Terraces

RALPH D. CORNELL
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

We now come to that treatment of grounds whose irregularity of surface or
relative position to the street makes terracing or sloping of the yard necessary ;
a difficult problem at its best. The terrace is naturally a part of the architectural
scheme and should correspond with the house, forming, as it were, a broad, sub-
stantial foundation for the safe support of the dwelling. The ground should
never slope directly away from a building, as that gives the structure a balancing,

J Figure 100. Instead of the more formal terracing, natural slopes may be frequently
used in very pleasing fashion.

unstable appearance. The width of the terrace, should, however, be determined
by the size and style of the buildings and by the general sorroundings, as no
fixed rules can be applied. The terrace should be given a slight fall to allow
for drainage. Never permit it to have a hollowed or dished appearance, but
rather crown it ever so slightly. If the size of the place permits, the terrace may
follow the contour of the land, but in the small, city plot, the street is generally
the determining factor for the line of conformity. Terraces should not end

/ Figure 101. Showing three different uses of terraces of verdure in breaking an
abrupt height.

» Figure 102, Originally an uninviting swale, this is now a beauty spot with its
terraces and graceful trees.

Pomona Co.LieGe JourNAL oF Economic Botan 245

abruptly, but should be given a gradual, convex-concave slope which allows of
greater ease in watering and mowing, aside from the fact that it makes a more
pleasing impression upon the mind of the observer. Neither should the terrace
form an abrupt angle with the front walk, but should slope down gradually,
nearing a level as it approached the walk. Where the steepness of the grade
makes this impossible, it is often necessary to construct a retaining wall of
masonry at the edge of the lot. Clinging vines, planted at its base, will soon
cover the stonework, greatly softening and beautifying its appearance. It is
well to avoid climbers of the bright flowering sorts as subdued colors create better
harmony with the dull tone of the wall.

Figure 103. Showing successful treatment of a difficult problem in grading.

Let me here state that the heart and essence of success, in any line of work,
is to fully grasp the situation that is before one; understand, in detail, the con-
ditions as they exist, and then to determine the method of procedure best suited
to the conditions before any actual work is begun. Too many home. sites are
spoiled by haphazard grading and planting, and by failure on the part of the
designer, to fully grasp the situation with its possibilities and limitations, before
beginning his work.

Simplicity is the key note of perfection. Let the grading, as well as the
planting, be done as easily and naturally as possible. By that, I mean, not to
expend unnecessary energy and expense attempting to alter natural conditions
and thus create an artificial appearance; but to utilize the suggestions that nature

J Figure 104. There is a satisfying harmony here between the stone retaining wall
and the old style architecture.

Figure 105. The conditions of a large house near the street and a difficult piece of
grading, have been met here in rather formal but very satisfactory fashion.

Pomona Co.tiecGe JourNAL or Economic Botany 247

has already presented, and by reason and sense of fitness to blend, as artistically
as possible, the artificial with the natural. Follow the line of least resistance.
One cannot create a natural landscape upon a fifty foot lot; but what he does
ereate can be made a much more harmonious portion of the surroundings than is
often displayed.

Again, simplicity in planting is much to be desired. Especially is this true
in Southern California, where the vegetation needs so little encouragement from
man to form a jungle of foliage and color. Were climatic conditions such as to
retard plant growth, so much emphasis upon this phase of planting would be
unnecessary. A small variety of common plants, thoughtfully arranged, is far

Vv Figure 106. Showing conditions similar to those in Figure 105 but with still more
formal treatment. An addition of background on the right as on the left would
greatly improve this place.

more pleasing than a florid group of antagonistic novelties all fighting for personal
recognition. Unusual plants, if harmoniously grouped in proper environment,
so as to lose something of their individuality, become indispensable in landscape
art, but the individual should be sacrificed for the benefit of the whole.

Terraces'should be devoted largely to lawn. The plantings, as on level
spaces or uniform slopes, should be grouped along the sides and at the rear,
leaving the central view open. On a small place, of any description, shrubs or
dwarf trees should be used largely to the exclusion of tall growing trees, which
because of their size, give a cramped, over-grown appearance to the yard, and
often exclude sunlight, becoming an obstacle to perfect sanitation.

248 Pomona CotitecGe JourNAL oF Economic Borany

Terraces belong to formal gardening and, for the ordinary home, should be
avoided. A gently sloping or rolling lawn is far more restful and natural in
appearance than one built of enormous grass-covered steps, and should be given
the preference, except in formal styles. Where the home is built on a rugged
hillside, as is often the case in our rough districts, the grading and planting
should be given especial consideration. Terracing becomes absolutely necessary
in many cases, and often masonry is required. Personally, the writer does not
favor stone work except as it becomes an unavoidable part of the construction;
and then he would clothe it in clinging vines and soften its angles by shrubbery.

Steep banks can often be treated to great advantage by a covering of
Mesembrianthemum, Vinca, ivy geranium or any of the numerous trailing things
that love to spread over the ground unmolested. Such a treatment is far superior,
in the mind of the writer, to a formal retaining wall that reflects the heat and
constantly reminds one of the architectural skill needed for its construction.

The Hendersonia Disease of Eucalyptus
Globulus

A. R. DAVIS
POMONA COLLEGE, CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA

As far as the writer has been able to ascertain there have been no species
of the genus Hendersonia as yet described on California eucalypts. Prof. Smith,
pathologist of the State Experiment station at Whittier, makes mention as far
back as 1909 of a Hendersonia on Eucalyptus globulus, but beyond a few words
as to its minor importance as a parasite, does not describe it. The fungus herein
worked out is probably the same as that observed by Prof. Smith and others,
although we cannot of course be certain. There are a number of fungi on this
particular species of eucalyptus and many of them are as yet undescribed; some
are parasitic, most of them fortunately saprophytic in their mode of life. With

Figure 107. Leaf of Eucalyptus globulus affected with Hendersonia.

the Hendersonia, however, there is hardly a doubt as to its parasitic tendencies ;
a detailed cultural study was made of it, its method of germination, growth of
hyphe, re-inoculation of healthy leaves, ete.

The fungus is distributed over quite an area in Southern California, the full
extent of which cannot be fully known until further observations are reported.
Of a number of trees in and around Claremont the writer has found but few that
were not affected to a greater or less extent. The damage actually done by the
fungus seems at present to be slight. It confines its attack exclusively to the
young, broad leaves, breaking down the leaf tissue and thus preventing a flow of
_sap. Deprived of its food, the leaf soon dies and falls off. This latter is only
true in extreme cases of infection. After the tree has passed the broad leaf

250

Pomona CoLieGe JouRNAL oF Economic BoTany

Sp

2x0

Y

\

me

Figure 108. A, section of leaf showing pycnidia of Hendersonia still enclosed; B,
the pycnidia erumpent and giving out the adherent hypophyllous spore mass;
C, D, F, germinating spores; E, showing the thick walled spores.

Pomona CoLtieGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany 251

stage and develops tougher and longer leaves it is, as far as I have been able to
observe, immune. The infection has been found to be especially noticeable upon
the tender leaves of the shoots and sprouts from old eucalyptus stumps and here
perhaps it works its greatest damage. There have come to my notice such shoots
twenty feet in height on which there seemed not to be a single leaf that has
escaped the infection. Many of the leaves had turned yellow except where the
great blotches of diseased tissue were bearing their harvest of countless spores.
In a five acre Blue Gum stand just south of Claremont there was not a tree to
be found on which the young leaves were free from the fungus. In spite of this
general infection the actual damage caused was not great. The number of young,
broad leaves were few in comparison to the tougher ones and the trees did not
seriously miss their failure to function.

The infection probably takes place through the stomata on the under side
of the leaf and with the spread of the mycelium the leaf tissues are killed. The
presence of the fungus is first noticed by the appearance of small circular or
irregular purplish-brown patches on the lower epidermis. As the mycelium
spreads the diseased area extends from epidermis to epidermis and in case of
bad infection the areas merge together in large irregular shaped blotches. In
the older spots the color of the center changes to grayish-brown, while the edge
retains the characteristic purplish-brown marking. At this stage the pycnidia
are formed just beneath the lower epidermis (Figure 108 A). The pycnidia are
black granular bodies, globular in shape and ranging in diameter from .06 to
.12 mm. They appear at times in pairs and again solitary. In one small diseased
area 1 mm. across occurred ten of these pycnidia in all stages of development.
At times they attain large size extending fully three-fourths the distance through
the leaf, crowding and distorting the palisade cells. The pyenidial wall is made
up of a rather thin but quite tough granular membrane (Figure 108 A).

The spores vary noticeably in size though but little in their general shape
(Figure 108 E). They are borne upon short, simple, hyaline sporophores (Figure
108 A) ranging from 6 to 10 microns in length. The spores themselves vary in
size from 8 to 11 by 22 to 32 microns and have three transverse septa, the wall
of the spore being depressed at each septum. In color they are olivaceous to
smoky brown.

When the pycnidium is mature the epidermis is ruptured and the spores
emerge in a compact, naked, black mass which adheres loosely to the epidermis,
and these masses are noticeable as minute black dots upon the surface of the
diseased area (Figure 108 B).

This apparently undescribed species may be called Hendersonia eucalypticola.

Exchanges and Determinations

Thysanoptera and Psyllidae of the two Americas, including many cotypes
to exchange for material in these groups from any part of the world. Prompt
determinations of new collections made on request.

D. L. Crawrorp, Stanford University P. O., California.

Wanted by purchase or exchange, pupae, cocoons or eggs of any Catocalae
of the West and South, especially California and Mexico.
Josrru Sever, 335 E. 49th St., New York City..

Named Coccidae, Aphididae, and Coccinellidae of California to exchange
for named species of these groups from other regions.
E. O. Essie, Deputy Horticultural Commissioner, Sacramento, California.

Named Californian Acarina (Mites and Ticks), mounted on slides, for
similar material from other parts of the world.
H. V. M. Hatt, Pomona College, Claremont, California.

Aleocharinae (Staphylinidae) of the world. Will buy and exchange.
Dr. A. Fenyes, Box W, Pasadena, California.

Wanted by exchange, Moths, from the Western States, especially
Noctuidae. Will endeavor to determine species sent for names. Will name
any North American butterflies for privilege of retaining a set.

F. GRINNELL, JR., 572 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena, California.

Fine named American Cicadidae to exchange for Cicadidae from any
part of the world.

Named Californian and Mexican Diptera and Orthoptera (some new) to
exchange for desiderata in these groups from other Western States or from
Mexico, Central or South America.

Also named Californian and Mexican Coleoptera to exchange for named
Southwestern or Mexican Coccinellidae, Scarabaeidae, Cerambycidae, or
Rhynchophora.

C. F. Baker, Pomona College, Claremont, California.

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CONTENTS

BECCARI, O.
The Palms Indigenous to Cuba, IT

2. PoprENOE, F. W.
The Cherimoya in California

38. CORNELL, RALPH D.

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POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL
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Volume II MAY 1912 Number 2

The Palms Indigenous to Cuba, I

ODOARDO BECCARI
FLORENCE, ITALY

The palms that up to the present day are known to grow wild in Cuba and
in the small islands, its dependencies, amount to twenty-five species. Of these
only two belong to the tribe of Cocoineae, and six to that of the Arececae; the
greater bulk of the remaining species being furnished by the Corypheae. This
fact shows, I think, that the Cuban palms are derived only in very small measure
from the southern part of the American Continent, for there the Corypheae are
very scantily represented, whereas almost all the members of the Cocoineae are
native to South America. The Cuban Areceae, however, show affinities with
species or genera growing on the continental shores of the Caribbean Sea. On
the American Corypheae I have already published a study,* where I make it
evident that the Cuban palms belonging to this tribe are mostly related to and at
times quite identical with, species growing in Honduras, the Yucatan peninsula,
in Texas, and Florida.

The most peculiar of the Cuban palms is certainly the Pritchardia wrightii,
not only because of its affinity to its remote parents in Hawaii, but also on account
of its singular bottle-shaped stem, which is very well shown in one of the fine
photographs taken by Prof. C. F. Baker in Cuba. And indeed it has been the
desire of publishing this fine set of pictures, which so well illustrate the palms
inhabiting the largest island in the West Indies, the “Regina Antillarum” to use
the words of Grisebach, that has induced me to undertake the present study.
Moreover, I hope that this small contribution to the knowledge of the Palm
Flora of Cuba will stimulate fresh researches into, and the collecting of new
herbarium specimens of those species, which are as yet imperfectly known, or
of which the precise habitat is uncertain, as for the most part are also those
gathered by Wright in the east of the island.t

*Le Palme americane della Tribu delle Corypheae in “Webbia” di U. Martelli —
Firenze Vol. II (1907).

TProf. Asa Gray in the Introduction to the “Plante Wrightiane” in Mem. Acad.
Amer. Scient. etc. N. Ser. v. VIII (1860) p. 153, gives the following information:
“The specimens were mainly gathered in the high country and mountains behind
Santiago de Cuba and Cobre (mostly within a moderate distance of Filantropia, the

254 Pomona Co.tieGe JourNAL or Economic Botany

Cocos nucifera is also frequently met with in Cuba; about this palm Mr. O.
F. Cook writes: ‘Columbus himself recorded the finding of coconuts on the north
coast of Cuba, near Puerto Principe, only a little over a month after his first
landing in the Bahamas,’} an assumption, however, which in my opinion is open
to serious objections.

It is a remarkable fact that amongst the twenty-five palms indigenous to
Cuba, three of them (Oreodoxa regia, Acrocomia fusiformis, Pritchardia wrightii)
perhaps even a fourth (Pseudophoenix vinifera?) possess bulging or fusiform
trunks, whereas amongst the several hundreds of species inhabiting the Old
World, only two or three are endowed with this peculiarity. Other Cuban palms
are noteworthy for the great mass of roots at the base of their trunks, but this
is a far more common phenomenon than the bulging of the trunk.

These deviations from the normal and more common structure in palms, has
suggested to me some observations, which I hope will not be found quite out of
place, as an appendix to the systematic part of this study.

For the present monograph of the Cuban palms I have been able to study
a rather extensive material, for which I am largely indebted to Prof. C. F. Baker;
other valuable specimens I have found in the Herbarium de Candolle. But I must
especially thank Prof. I. Urban for the loan of the entire set of palms gathered
in the Caribbean Islands by numerous collectors, forming part of the Herbarium
Krug and Urban, and now incorporated in that of Berlin.

Conspectus of the Genera
I. Leaves pinnate, pinnatisect, or simply pinnately veined.

Tribe I~-ARECAE

Ovary 1-3 celled. Fruit with 1-3 seeds; endocarp membraneous, fibrous, or
thinly woody; not marked by pores on its outer surface.

1. Female flowers with valvate petals, more or less united in their basal part.

a. Flowers in groups of 3, one female between two males, at least in the lower

part of the branchlets. Oreodoxa

aa. Flowers pedicellate in small bunches at the end of the branchlets. Male

flowers numerous. Female flowers few, having the perianth smaller than

the male ones, but equally well developed stamens. Pseudophoeni«x
aaa. Flowers approximate in linear groups of 2-5, one above the other, of which
the lowest is usually female and the others male. Gaussia
2. Female flowers with imbricate petals.
a. Male flowers with 6 stamens having free filaments. Euterpe

hospitable country residence of George Bradford, Esq.) and especially in the
elevated district back of Santa Catalina de Guantanamo, where the collector’s prin-
cipal station was Monte Verde, a coffee plantation, residence of the most estimable
and hospitable M. Lescaille; from which place, as a centre, Mr. Wright is still
prosecuting and extending his herborizations.”

tHistory of the Coconut Palm in America, in Contrib. U. S. Nat. Herb. v.
KIV.1E,. p280)

Pomona CoLLEGE JoURNAL oF Economic Botany 255

aa. Male flowers with 6 stamens, the filaments united to form a columnar body
within the corolla, free and radiating above, anthers sagittate.
Calyptrogyne

Tribe II—COCOINEAE
Ovary 3 celled (in the species here described). Fruit with 1-3 seeds, often
1-2 of the cells obliterate; endocarp bony, marked by 3 pores, each corresponding

to the position occupied or which ought to be occupied (morphologically) by the
embryo in the cells.

a. Flowers in numerous glomerules of 3, one female between two males, at least
in the lower part of the branches. Female flowers having a gamopetalous
corolla. Bactris

aa. Female flowers considerably larger than the males and placed on the lower
part of the branchlets; corolla with imbricate petals. Male flowers
in notches, approximate in the upper part of the branchlets. Acrocomia

II. Leaves flabellate, and radiately divided (never pinnate).

Tribe III—CORYPHEAE

Sub tr. I—Eucorypheae
Ovary formed by 3 carpels, free from the base, or more or less united together.
a. Ovary formed by 3 carpels, completely united together, and with 3 distinct
uniovulate cells. The fruit usually formed by the development of only
one cell and with the remains of the style lying close to its base. Leaves
with unarmed petioles. Sabal
aa. Ovary formed by 3, more or less independent carpels.

1, Petiole more or less spinous on the edges. Seed with homogenous
albumen. Acoelorhaphe
2. Petiole spinous on the edges. Seed with ruminate albumen. Copernicia

8. Petiole smooth on the edges. Seed with homogenous albumen.
Pritchardia

Sub. tr. [I—Thrinaceae
Ovary formed by a single carpel, unicelled and uniovulate.
a. Seed having an even surface; albumen equable but penetrated from its basal
part, more or less deeply, or even completely transversed, by an intrusion
of the integument.

b. Stamens 6 with almost sessile reversed anthers. Hemithrinax

bb. Stamens 6 (or 5-7), with slender subulate filaments. Thrinax

aa. Seed marked by 5-6 vertical grooves and more or less distinctly lobed-
cerebriform. Coccothrinax

OREODOXA Kunth
(Non Willd.) Kunth in Humb. et Bonpl. Nova gen. et sp. Pl. I, p. 244, edit.
min. p. 305 (1815); Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. III, p. 166. Roystonea O. F. Cook
in Bull. Torrey bot. Club, 1901, p. 549.

256 Pomona CoLLeGe JourRNAL oF Economic Botany

For the old and familiar name of Oredora Mr. O. F. Cook (Bull. Torrey bot.
Club, 1901, p. 549) has substituted that of Roystonea, on the ground that the type
of the genus Oreodowxa is O. acuminata of Willdenow, a palm referred to Euterpe
by Wendland, but which, according to Cook, is the type of a distinct genus, for
which the name of Oreodoxa must be maintained.

Wendland has recognized Willdenow’s O. acuminata in the flowering specimen
of a palm, collected by Moritz at Tovar in Venezuela (N. 1670 in the Berlin,
Herb.) My own independent researches have led me to the same conclusion, with
regard to a fruiting specimen, collected by Fendler (n. 2462 in Herb. de Cand.)
also at Tovar, and consequently in a region not remote from Buenavista, from
whence came the original specimen of O. acuminata (Figure 109).

Figure 109. Euterpe acuminata. a, portion of a fruit-bearing branchlet; b, fruit;
c, seed cut longitudinally through the embryo. (From Fendler No. 2462).

The above mentioned Fendler’s specimen corresponds exactly to the descrip-
tion of O. acuminata given by Willdenow, and most certainly belongs to a typical
Euterpe, having the seed with a ruminate albumen. Now as the genus Euterpe
Gaertner is very well identified at present, as I shall demonstrate later, when
speaking of this genus, and as this genus was published in the year 1788, and
Oreodoxa Willd. in 1804, the name of Oreodoxa acuminata was rightly changed
by Wendland to that of Euterpe acuminata, and accordingly the name of Oreodoza,
applied to O. regia by Kunth, remains unattached.

The accurate study I have made of the Cuban O. regia has led me to make
a rigorous revision of all the other members of the genus Oreodozxa, which I con-
sider to be composed of the following species only:

Pomona CoLieGe JourNAL or Economic Botany 257

Conspectus of the Species of Oreodoxa

Male flowers having, when in bud, the stamens entirely enclosed in the corolla.
Fruit globular-ovoid, more or less gibbous, not more than one-third longer than
broad.

1. Fruit 11 mm. long, 9 mm. broad. Pericarp on the whole 1-1.5 mm. thick;

mesocarp grumose when dry. O. regia
2. Fruit 13 mm. long, 10-10.5 mm. broad. Pericarp on the whole 1-1.5 mm.
thick; mesocarp grumose when dry. O. charibaea

3. Fruit 17 mm. long, 13 mm. broad. Pericarp on the whole about 3 mm. thick,
subinflate, the mesocarp being very lax when dry and, apparently, very

juicy when fresh. O. princeps
Male flowers having the petals open, and with the stamens protruding beyond
them long before the anthesis. Fruit oblong, more or less curved, nearly twice
as long as wide. O. oleracea

Oreodoxa regia Kunth in Humb. et Bonpl. 1. c.; Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. III,
168, t. 156, f. III, IV, V; Griseb. Cat. pl. Cub. 222; Sauvalle Fl. Cub.
153; Combs, in Trans. Acad. St. Louis, VII (1897) 471, Becc. Reliq.
Scheff. in Ann. Jard. bot. Buit. II (1885) 147, t. 11; Sargent, Silva
N.A., X, 31, t. DV ; Hemsley in Biol. Centr. Amer. Bot. 401. O. oleracea
(non. Mart) Griseb. Pl. Wright, 531 et Pl. Cub. Wright n. 1467,

Roystonea regia O. F. Cook, 1. c. 531.

I do not think it necessary to spend many words in describing the general
aspect of this palm, which is a favorite ornament in the tropical gardens of every
part of the world. I have, however, to remark that the bulging of its stem cannot
be absolutely taken as a specific character, witness Figure 110, which reproduces
the Royal Palm in the wild state, growing in Western Cuba, and Figure 111 taken
at Santiago de las Vegas. In both of these figures some individuals have stems
almost regularly cylindrical from base nearly to summit, while others have a more
or less fusiform appearance in the intermediate portion.

The Royal Palm is a rather variable plant, not only as to the bulging of its
trunk, but also in regard to the shape, size, and small peculiarities of the fruit,
and to some other small characters. On this account it exhibits several forms,
difficult to define and apparently localized to the different regions where this palm
grows. This is the case with the Oreodoza of Porto Rico, which has been dis-
tinguished as a species (O. charibaea) but which, I think, would be much better
considered as a simple variety.

O. regia is a very widely diffused palm, as it is not only frequently met with
in the savannahs, and along streams and rivers in Cuba, especially in fertile soil,
but is naturally dispersed in almost all the other Antilles; it is also found in
Panama, where Hemsley writes that it is common about Cruces, Gorgona and San
Juan.

The Oreodoxa growing in Florida was identified by Prof. Sargent (i. ¢.) as
O. regia, but of this palm Mr. O. F. Cook has made an O. floridana.

258 Pomona CoLLeGe JourRNAL oF Economic Borany

O. regia is also reported from the Bahamas. (Gardiner in Proc. Acad. Phil.
1890, p. 358), (non. vidi).

Several notes about O. regia have been already published by me in the
“Annales du Jardin botanique de Buitenzorg” v. II (1885), but I think it con-
venient to give here a detailed description of the Cuban O. regia, which may be
considered as the type, for establishing its specific characters on solid bases.

The leaves of O. regia are very large, have an elongate leaf sheath, tightly
enveloping the vegetative cone, and one after another drops off at every fresh

J

a
<a»

Be
g:
sb
2,

Figure 110. Oreodoxa regia growing on high, stony ground in Western Cuba in
the shade of a huge ceiba tree. Note varying form of trunk.

emission of a spadix, leaving the trunk quite clean, but more or less distinctly
ringed. The leaflets are alternately inserted in contrary ways along the rachis,
and stand in four different planes, at least in its lower and intermediate part, but
are more regularly set, and almost on one plane towards the end. The leaf-
rachis is at first more or less sprinkled with small, appressed, orbicular, tobacco-
colored, deciduous scales, and by age acquires a glabrous appearance.

Pomona CoLLeGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 259

Figure 111. Oreodoxa regia as it grows with aguacates and sapodillas in the rich
Partidos tobacco district of Cuba.

260 Pomona CoLLeGe JouRNAL oF Economic BotTany

The leaflets are firmly papyraceous, ensiform, quite straight and very grad-
ually narrow above from below the middle, to a very acuminate, rather rigid,
briefly bifid apex, generally more deeply split by age, they are attached to the
rachis by a narrow base and have here the margins strongly reduplicate; they are
green on both surfaces, but on the lower are rather densely sprinkled with very
numerous, very small dots visible only under a strong lens; they have a
strong mid-costa, very prominent above, and covered below by an almost con-
tinuous line of elongate chaffy scales; the secondary nerves are 2-3 on each side
of the mid-costa; the tertiary nerves are very numerous and not very prominent;
margins acute, not or very slightly thickened; transverse veinlets obsolete. The
intermediate leaflets are 70-95 cm. long and 3.5-4 cm. broad.

The spathes are two; the exterior spathe is tubular, pervious at its upper end,
considerably shorter than the interior one, which completely envelops the spadix
before the anthesis, and is at that time flattened-fusiform and biconvex, later
deciduous.

The spadices in number 3-4 are erect at the same time, when not yet open, at
the base of the lowest leaf-sheath, are spreading when in flower, and when in fruit
form dense subglobose panicles around the summit of the trunk, under the shade
of the magnificent crown. The spadices have a very short, broad peduncular
base, and are twice branched; the primary branches are conspicuously swollen at
their bases and are divided into several alternate flowering branchlets; these are
slender, terete, 1.5-2 mm. thick at the base, 15-25 cm. long or shorter, more or
less sinuous between the flowers, and narrow very gradually above to a subulate
apex; while still enclosed in the spathes they are covered by a curious kind of
trichomes, formed by vesicular, acute cells, grouped at the end of a small,
simple or branched, pedicel; after flowering the groups of vesicular cells are
detached from their pedicels, and are dispersed in the form of a fine granular
powder, while the pedicels remain to render the surface of the branchlets more or
less puberulous-papillose.

The flowers are light colored even when dry, are ternate almost to the end
of the branchlets and are inserted on very superficial flat orbicular pulvinuli. The
male flowers are at all times considerably larger than the female, are irregularly
ovoid, obtuse, 5-6 mm. long, 3.5-4 mm. broad; the calyx is very small, with slightly
imbricate, scarious, subpellucid, subdeltoid, obtuse or acute, and more or less
carinate, sepals; petals considerably longer than the sepals, concave, thinly per-
gamentaceous, irregularly ovate-oblong or oblong-elliptical, bluntish or subacute,
striately veined, have internally at the base a nectariferous swelling. Stamens
usually 6-7, occasionally 8-9, about as long as the petals also during the.anthesis,
about 5 mm. long on the whole; anthers relatively large, 3 mm. long, erect when
in the bud, slightly shorter than the filaments, ovate-elliptical or ovate-sagittate,
obtuse, the cells united by a broad conspicuous connective, dark colored in the
dry state, inserted on the filament about their middle, from which the cells remain
separated in their lower part; filaments 4 mm. long, linear subulate at apex,
somewhat flattened; rudimentary ovary globose, with three short, acute, stigmatic
points.

Pomona CoLLEeGEe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 261

The female flowers open a short time after the male, are horizontal, 4 mm.
long when full grown but not yet open, broadly conical and apiculate; sepals
reniform, entire, smooth, slightly callous at their bases; corolla four times as long
as the calyx, urceolate-campanulate when open, divided down to a little below the
middle into three triangular briefly acuminate, valvate divisions; the staminodes
form a cup, lining the undivided part of the corolla, and crowned by six obtuse
lobes of which three peep forth between the divisions of the corolla; the lobes,
which represent the filament, do not show usually any rudiment of the loges of
the anthers, though at times faint traces of these may be found. Ovary globose,
usually unicelled, with rudiments of the two other cells, more rarely with two of
these perfectly developed, producing then a didynamous fruit; ovule attached
along one side of its cell; stigmas fleshy, triangular-subulate, recurved.

Fruit globose-obovoid and somewhat gibbous, 11 mm. long, 9 mm. broad
(when dry) or thereabouts, with a perfectly round top and with the remains of
the stigmas placed a little above the base, on the less convex side; pericarp on the
whole 1-1.5 mm. thick; the epicarp is smooth outside, thin and brittle in the dry
fruit; the mesocarp is scanty, softly parenchymatous, and apparently slightly
fleshy when fresh, grumose when dry; it has a layer composed of a few fibro-
vascular bundles in its innermost part, which form a net work very adherent to
the endocarp. The endocarp is thinly woody and forms a shell or putamen to
the seed, and is 8.5-9 mm. long, 7 mm. broad, and its inner wall remains adherent
to and almost connected with a large portion of the antiraphal side of the seed,
but is brittle and removable on the side of the hilum; the putamen presents also
on the median line of its antiraphal side a conspicuous vascular strand, which
leaves on the seed a more or less distinct sulcus, at times, however, quite obsolete.

The seed is broadly ovoid-elliptical, rounded at both ends, slightly compressed
and flattish on the raphal side, 7.5-8 mm. long, 7 mm. broad, 6 mm. thick; the
raphal side is conspicuously marked by a circular central area in which, a little
below the centre, is placed the hilum, whence numerous, very apparent, vascular
ramose, whitish venations radiate. Albumen homogeneous, very slightly excavate
on the raphal side, because of a very superficial thickening of the integument’ in
that place, which corresponds to the external circular area spoken of above.
Embryo, obliquely basal, penetrating deeply into the substance of the albumen.
(Figure 112). :

Fruiting perianth explanate, not accrescent. (Figure 112).

The description of the fruit given above is from the specimens numbered
3516 in the Herbarium C. F. Baker, which were collected near Santiago de las,
Vegas; that of the flowers from Curtiss n. 432, who gathered the specimens at
Nuova Gerona in the Isla de Pinos. In these specimens the fruit is very slightly
smaller than in those from Santiago de las Vegas, and the branchlets of the
spadix are glabrous, whereas they are puberlous-papillose in those of the other
locality. The specimens of the “Plante Cubenses Wrightiane” (n. 1467) dis-
tributed under the name of O. oreodova oleracea are certainly O. regia.

Of O. regia I have examined the following specimens:

262 Pomona CoLtLeGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany

Figure 112. Oreodoxa regia. a, b, male flowers in bud; c, male flower during
anthesis, from which one of the petals and two stamens have been cut out to
show the interior; d, female flower in bud; e, portion of a flowering branchlet
with female flowers during anthesis; f, female flower cut longitudinally; g, fruit,
side view; h, fruit cut longitudinally through the embryo; i, seed seen from the
ap we (h and i from Baker No. 3576; all the other figures from Curtiss

0. 432).

Pomona CoLLeGEe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 263

CUBA: Province of Santa Clara, district of Cienfuegos, Cieneguita, Combs .
n. 694 (Herb. Berol.) Neighborhood of Santiago de las Vegas, Prov. de Habana,
Wilson n. 3516 (Herb. Berol. and Bece.) Near Nueva Gerona, Isla de Pinos,
Curtiss n. 432 (Herb. de Cand.)

JAMAICA: Near Castleton, Aug. 1902, Herb. Bot. depart. n. 8, in Herb.
Berol. (In. these specimens the female flowers are almost globular and very
slightly or not apiculate. The male flowers are slightly smaller than in the plant
of Cuba (4-4.5 mm. long). The fruit as in the type, but with the intrusion of
the integument more pronounced. (Figure 113, d, e, f).

S. DOMINGO: Mouth of the Yuna River, Taylor n. 61 (Herb. Berol.)
Fruits as in the type from Cuba (12 mm. long, 9:mm. broad) but with the seed
almost completely free from the inner wall of the endocarp; intrusion of the
integument of the seed rather deep. (Figure 113, f).

ST. CROIX (Danish Antilles): Rev. J. J. Ricksecker n. 103 (Herb. Berl.)
Apparently not different from the plant of Cuba.

PANAMA: Fruits indistinguishable from those of the Cuban specimens, but
with the seed adherent to the inner wall of the endocarp over a very small area
only.

Oreodoxa charibaea (Spreng) Damm. et Urb. in Symb. Antill. IV 129.
Roystonea Borinquena O. F. Cook in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club, 1901, p.
552, t. 45 f. 2 a dextera. Euterpe charibaea Spreng. Syst. II (1825) p.
140 (excl. Areca oleracea Jacq.)

The type of Euterpe charibaea of Sprengel is apparently a specimen col-
lected by Bertero in Porto Rico, but doubtless Sprengel also included in his
diagnosis the characters of Oreodoza oleracea, for he describes the fruits as “sub-
incurvatis.” I have examined one of Bertero’s specimens in the Berlin Herbarium,
and another in that of De Candolle; both consisting of small portions of the
spadix with male and female flowers only. The male flowers have 6-7 stamens
with anthers slightly larger than in the flowers of O. regia from Cuba. The female
flowers have the teeth of the staminal urceolum furnished with sufficiently distinct
anther cells; but little importance is to be attached to this character as rudimentary
anther cells exist also in the female flowers of Wright’s n. 1467 from East Cuba,
whereas they are altogether absent in the flowers of the specimens coming from
the opposite end of the island.

I have examined of O. charibaea the flowering specimens of Sintenis n. 1605,
and the fruits numbered VII of the same collector (Herb. Berol.) and also com-
plete specimens in flower and fruit from plants cultivated in the botanical Garden
at Buitenzorg (Figure 113, a, b,c). The main differences between O. charibaea
and O. regia consist in the fruit, which is somewhat larger in the first than in the
second, and in the seed, which remains almost entirely free from the inner wall of
the endocarp. The fruits in Sintenis n. VII are 13 mm. long, 10-10.5 mm. broad.
In the fruits from the plants cultivated at Buitenzorg the intrusion of the inte-
gument of the seed into the mass of the albumen is considerably deeper than in

264 Pomona CoLiecGe JourRNAL or Economic Botany

- O. regia, and has the form of a cone with a broad base. This same character is
offered by fruits I have received under the name of Roystonea borinquena by Dr.
Franceschi from Porto Rico; this intrusion, however, is less pronounced in the
fruits from n. 1605 of Sintenis, and in those of Sintenis VII is not more pro-
nounced than in the seeds of O. regia from Cuba.

On the whole, O. charibaea is so closely related to O. regia that it seems
to me only a geographical form of that plant, or in any case nothing more than
a second degree species.

f

Figure 113. Oreodoxa charibaea. a, longitudinal section of a fruit (from a plant
cultivated in the Botanical Garden at Buitenzorg); b, longitudinal section of a
seed from Sintenis No. 1605; c, longitudinal section of a seed from Sintenis No.
VII. Oreodoxa regia. d, female flower, and e, longitudinal section of a seed
(both figures from the specimen No. 8, Bot. Dep. Jamaica); f, longitudinal sec-
tion of a seed from a plant collected in S. Dominga (Taylor No. 61 in Herb.
Berol.).

Mr. Cook has observed that on the roots of this palm exist tubercles, pro-
duced by bacterioids, analogous to those of the Leguminosae and other plants.
The same kind of tubercles I have observed on the roots of another palm, the
common Trachycarpus excelsa.

To O. charibaea is referrable the Genus Ignotum, Urban Symb. Antill. IV,
131; Sintenis n. 6512 in Herb. Krug et Urban (Berlin Herb.) collected at San
André near Usuado in Porto Rico. The specimens consist only of very juvenile
and tender flowering branchlets with flowers very imperfectly developed; the
branchlets are entirely covered by the characteristic trichomes, which I have de-
scribed in O. regia, and which has enabled me to settle the question of the iden-
tification of these specimens.

Pomona CoLLecGe JouRNAL or Economic Botany 265

Oreodoxa oleracea Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. III p. 166 t. 156. f. 1, 2, et tab.
163; Becc. Relig. Scheff. in Ann. Jard. bot. Buit. II 150 t. 12; Drude, in
Mart. FI. Bras. III, II, 474.

This species is peculiar to the smaller Antilles and is quite distinct from O.
regia and its near ally, O. charibaea, not only by its quite cylindrical, never
bulging stem, and by the curved, rather elongate fruit, but also by the quite
different male flowers.

The stamens in the male flowers of O. oleracea spring beyond the corolla a
long time before the anther cells are apt to open, and emit the pollen grains;
perhaps they never remain entirely enclosed in the corolla, even when very young.
On account of this circumstance the branchlets of O. oleracea, when covered with
male flowers, as are those distributed by Glaziou under n. 8055, have an aspect
quite different from those of O. regia and O. charibaea.

Figure 114. Oreodoxa oleracea. a, male flower before anthesis; b, male flower dur-
ing anthesis; c, longitudinal section of a fruit.

The female flowers are globular, apiculate, similar to those of O. regia; the
lobes of the staminal urceolum have rather distinct rudimentary anthers.

The fruit is oblong, slightly curved and concave on the side of the stigmas,
it is 14-15 mm. long and 9 mm. broad; at complete maturity the mesocarp leaves
the endocarp free, which forms a thin and fragile shell or putamen to the seed,
and has an even, dull surface, upon which, however, the internal fibrous vascular
net of the mesocarp remains adherent. The putamen has the general form of

266 Pomona Co.tieGe JourNAL or Economic Botany

the fruit, but it tapers a little towards the base, which is acute or shortly caudi-
culate. The seed is oblong-elliptical, 11 mm. long and 6 mm. broad, rounded at
both ends, flattish or slightly concave on the raphal side, where two-thirds of its
surface is covered by the oblong areola formed by the vascular ramification of
the raphe; the hylum is linear. On the more convex or antiraphal side I have
observed a small papilleform point about its centre, where at times the endocarp
adheres to the testa of the seed; otherwise the seed remains entirely detached
from the internal wall of the endocarp. The albumen is homogeneous, and with-
out any intrusion of the integument. The embryo is slightly obliquely basilar.
(Figure 114).

There is a rather good representation of this palm in “Descourtilz: Flore
medicale des Antilles” v. IV (1827) plate 265, which is not mentioned by Martius.

The young flowering branchlets of O. oleracea are, when still enveloped by
the spathe, covered by an abundant white cottony matter, which remains free
when the spadix expands, and is composed of a very curious kind of trichomes,
composed of inflated acuminate cells of the same nature as those existing in O.
regia, but much more abundant, and with more elongate cells.

Of O. oleracea I have examined in the Berlin Herbarium complete specimens,
collected by Pére Duss in Guadaloupe (n. 4173), where it is said to be abundant
at Basse-Terre.

Pére Duss describes the trunk of O. oleracea as 30-36 m. high, rarely more,
and measuring about 2 m. in circumference at its base, but it soon grows more
slender and remains cylindrical throughout. The leaflets are equidistant, all on
one plane, 3-3.5 cm. apart in the intermediate portion of the rachis; are of a
rather herbaceous texture, lanceolate-ensiform, very long acuminate, shortly bifid
at the apex, with the point in prolongation of the upper margin subulate and
longer than the other; the intermediate leaflets are 70-75 cm, long and 5.5-5.8
em. broad; those near the base are narrower and slightly shorter, the uppermost
are smaller and less acuminate.

The inner spathe is thickly coriaceous, glabrous, of a reddish color inside,
brown externally, from 70 em. to 1.24 m. in length in vigorous young specimens.

The spadiz is much branched, its peduncular part is 15-18 em. long. The
primary branches are as much as 90-95 cm. in length, form several partial
panicles and are divided into several secondary and tertiary branchlets; the
ultimate flowering branchlets are flexuose, 15-20 cm. long, carry ternate flowers
on their lower part, but higher up only germinate male flowers.

Oreodoxa princeps Becc. sp. n.

A tree about 18 meters high*Harris). Leaves apparently similar to those
of O. regia. Rachis dotted by very minute rusty scales. Leaflets pointing differ-
ent ways; the two seen by me, belonging to the intermediate portion of the leaf,
are lanceolate-ensiform, gradually acuminate above, somewhat larger than the
largest of O. regia seen by me, about 80 cm. long, 6.5 cm. broad about their middle;
have the mid-costa covered with chaffy scales a long way up from the base, but
naked above. Spadiz ultra compound; flowering branchlets more slender than in
O. regia, up to 40-45 cm. long, 1.5-2 mm. thick at the base, the lowest divided

Pomona CoLieGe JourNAL or Economic Borany 267

into 2-3 secondary branches, very gradually narrowing above to a very fine and
acuminate point, slightly sinuous between the flowers; they carry glomerules of
three flowers (one female between two males) on the lower two-thirds, and only
germinate male flowers on the remainder; when bearing the fruits they are
glabrous, but they appear to have been covered by the same kind of trichomes
as in O. oleracea and regia, though of a somewhat different form (they are almost
sessile and formed by a glomerule of very inflated and suddenly acuminate radiat-
ing cells). Male flowers considerably smaller than in O. regia and very irregular,
when full grown in bud 3 mm. long, ovoid; sepals deltoid, hyaline; petals five

Figure 115. Oreodoxa princeps. a, fruit, side view; b, longitudinal section of the
same fruit; c, the kernel of the above fruit; d, seed as seen from the raphal side;
e, seed, side view.

times as long as the calyx, membranous, ovate, rather acute, concave. Stamens
six, filaments terete, subulate, slightly longer than the petals during the anthesis ;
anthers broadly ovate, 1.5-2 mm. long, rounded at the apex, having the cells
separated at the base nearly to the middle; the connective is broad and.of a dark
color. Fruiting perianth flattened, 5 mm. broad between the points of the petals;
sepals hyaline, very narrow, form a very narrow ring round the scar at the base
of the fruit; petals deltoid, bluntish. Fruit globose-obovoid and slightly asymmet-
rical or gibbous, 17 mm. long, 13 mm. broad, with the remains of the stigmas

268 Pomona CotieGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany

placed a little above the base, very small and not prominent. Pericarp on the
whole about 3 mm. thick and almost inflate, having the mesocarp almost empty
in the dry state, and apparently very juicy when fresh; epicarp thinly pellicular,
brittle; endocarp very thinly woody, it forms a shell to the seed 13-14 mm. in
length and 8 mm. in breadth, rounded above, narrowing towards the base, which is
rather acute and slightly bent; its outer surface is marked by a rather close net
of fine fibers. Seed 10-11 mm. long, 6 mm. broad, entirely free from the inner
wall of the endocarp, elliptical in outline on the front view, and subreniform when
seen laterally, being slightly excavate on the side of the hilum and convex on the
other side; it is rounded above, and rather acute at the base, has a dull brown
surface, the vascular area of the raphe is suborbicular, and the hilum is in the
middle of it; the intrusion of the raphe is broadly conical; the embryo is at the
base, but a little apart from the point of the seed. (Figure 115).

The specimens upon which I have based the species were sent to me by Prof.
Urban of the Berlin Botanical Museum and were collected by Mr. Wm. Harris
(n. 9843) in Jamaica, in the Morass at Middle Quarters, 23 IX 1907.

Probably the plant has the appearance of O. regia, but it is not known if
the trunk is cylindrical or has a tendency to take a fusiform shape. It differs
from O. regia by its broader leaflets, by the spadices being more loosely branched
and with longer and more slender branchlets, which bear female flowers accom-
panied by two males only in the lower two-thirds of the half part; but it differs
especially by its small male flowers, and by its larger fruit, having a watery
mesocarp (reduced almost to nothing in the dry fruit), and finally by its sub-
reniform seed rounded above and subacute at the base.

PSEUDOPHOENIX H. Wendl.

H. Wendl. in Bot. Gaz. XI (1886) et in Gardn. Chr. IV (Ser. 3) Oct. 1888
p- 408 f. 56. Sargentia Wendl. (nomen) ex Nich. et Mott. Dict. Hort. et ex
Sprenger in Bull. Soc. tose. Ort 1889 p. 341. Chamaephoenia A. H. C. in Florida
Farmer and Fruit Grower, Jacksonville, Febr. 22, 1887 (with a fig.). Cyclospathe
O. F. Cook in Mem. Torrey Bot. Club, XII (1902) p. 25.

Sterile specimens of a Pseudophoeniz distributed from the New York Botan-
ical Garden, under the name of Pseudophoenix sargentii, were collected by Mr.
J. A. Shafer (n. 6801) in March, 1909, at Cayo Guajaba, Camaguey on the
north coast of Cuba. I have seen of these only some fragments of leaves, from
which alone it is difficult to decide if they really belong to Pseudophoeniz sar-
gentii, or to an allied species. I make this observation because a species of
Pseudophoenia different from that of Florida, was really in past times found in
Haiti; this being the Palma dactylifera et vinifera of Plumier, which palm has
not been as yet found again by modern botanists, but which may very possibly
be the same plant as v5 collected by Shafer at Cayo Guajaba.

Pseudophoenix vinifera Becc. Euterpe ? vinifera Mart. Hist. Nat. Palm,
v. III, p. LXXXYV, t. morf. Z, II, fig. XVIII-XIX. Cocos ? vinifera
Mart. |. c. v. III, 324. Gaussia vinifera Wendl. in Kerch. Palm. p. 245.
Palma dactylifera et vinifera Plum. Gen. Amer. 3 Icon. t. 29, 30. ms.

Pomona CoLieGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany 269

I have seen in the Herbarium at Berlin a copy of the unpublished plates of
Plumier’s Palma dactylifera et vinifera, upon which Martius based his Euterpe ?
vinifera, a palm, which up to the present day had remained an enigma. The
accurate study hereafter reproduced, which I have made of Pseudophoenia sar-
gentii has, however, enabled me to recognize in Plumier’s palm a typical species
of Pseudophoeniz, which is quite distinct, however, from P. sargentit.

From the picture, the trunk of Pseudophoenia vinifera appears considerably
more ventricose than that of P. sargentii; the spadix is more diffuse, and its
branchlets more elongate, while the fruits, although distinctly pedicellate, are all
represented as monospermous, but in them the traces of the other two sterile or
empty locules are always well reproduced; in the analyses the perianth with six
stamens is well shown, and in the seed, apparently somewhat enlarged, the few
characteristic branches of the raphe are very apparent. If to these characters we
add those of the spadices interfrondales, of the pinnate leaves with fascicled
leaflets, and the relatively long leaf sheaths, the generic position of this palm
appears to be positively certain.

Evidently this palm was once common in Haiti, where it was known under
the native name of ‘‘Cacheo,”’ but now it must have become very scarce or perhaps
it has been destroyed, in consequence of the custom of the natives of felling the
trees to extract the saccharine juice contained in the inflated part of its trunk,
from which a kind of palm wine was obtained by fermentation.

Pseudophoenix sargentii H. Wendl. II cc.; Rev. Hort. 1887 p. 34, et 1888
p. 482 et 574, f. 140, 141; Bull. Soc. Tosc. Ort. 1887, p. 64; Garden and
Forest, 1888, p. 352; Sargent, Silva N. A. v. X t. DV. Chamaephoenix
sargentii A. H. C.1.c. Sargentia aricocca Wendl. |. c. et in Bull. Soc.
Tosc. Ort. 1889, p. 341. Cyclospathe northropi O. F. Cook, 1. c.

This palm, which was discovered by Prof. Sargent in Florida near the eastern
end of Elliot’s Key, is described as a tree with the general habit and appearance
of Oreodoza, 6-7 m. in height, with a trunk 25-30 em. in diameter. From the
figure in Gardener’s Chronicle reproduced from a photograph taken in its native
district in Florida, the trunk appears only very slightly fusiform. The leaves are
said to be 1.20-1.50 m. long. An entire leaf detached from a plant cultivated at
Miami, forwarded to me by Mr. A. T. Hudson, is 1 m. long in the pinniferous
part; the petiole is very deeply channelled above and rounded beneath; the leaflets
are numerous on each side, very approximate in the lower part of the rachis and
distinctly approximate in groups of 2-3 on each side in the remainder, with vacant
spaces 2-4 cm. long; the leaflets are firm in texture or thinly coriaceous, green
above, glaucous beneath, linear-ensiform, strongly reduplicate at the base, grad-
ually acuminate above; the largest leaflets, those of the middle, are 45 cm. long,
20-25 mm. broad; those near the base shorter; the mid-costa is very slender, not
stronger than the secondary nerves, these are in number of 2-3 on each side of
it; transverse veinlets obsolete.

The spadiz is interfoliaceous, and it is described as about 1 m. in length,
diffuse and much branched; the secondary (or tertiary?) branches are short,

270 Pomona CoL.LEeGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany

and usually triparted; the flowering branchlets are glabrous, short, 2-4 em. in
length, and carry 8-14 flowers alternately and not very regularly inserted round
the axis spreading and borne on a conspicuous pedicel 2.5-3 mm. long; the axes
of the branchlets and the pedicels are terete and glabrous; the bracteoles at
the base of the pedicels are inconspicuous. The male flowers* in bud are
broadly ovoid, with a perfectly round top, and slightly narrow towards the base;
they are 5 mm. long and 4 mm. broad; the calyx is shallowly cupular, deeply
parted into three deltoid acute lobes. Petals several times longer than the calyx,
thickish, fleshy, ovate, concave, valvate. Stamens six; filaments terete, thickish,
filiform, free from the base; anthers relatively very large, as long as the petals
elongate-rectangular; their cells parallel, introrse, deeply separated at the base;
rudimentary ovary conspicuous, elongate-conical, with three subulate stigmas, on
the whole these are a little shorter than the anthers. In each branchlet the male
flowers are far more numerous than the female. I have found only one female
flower on a branchlet, while several other branchlets had only male flowers. The
female flowers differ from the male resting on the same branchlet, in having the
corolla apparently not fully developed, and by being only twice as long as the
calyx, its divisions are deltoid, not connivent, but spreading with the stamens pro-
truding beyond the corolla, and about twice as long as that; otherwise the stamens
are identical with those of the male flowers; apparently they are perfectly devel-
oped, and we may suppose, fertile. The ovary is conical, and has three subulate
stigmas, it is very similar to the ovary of the male flowers, only it is larger with
a broader base, three-locular, and with a very minute ovule in each cell, situated
in the lowest part of the ovary.

Fruit usually 2-3 lobed, bi- or tricoccous, similar to a fruit on an Euphor-
biaccous plant, about 18 mm. broad (when dry), or it is monococcous and globose
(and then 9-10 mm. in diam.) when two of the carpels remain sterile; the fruit
is borne by a pedicel about 3 mm. long, and is suffulted by the deflexed petals,
upon which at the base still remains visible the hardened filaments of the stamens.
In the regularly developed three-lobed fruits, the remains of the stigmas are
apical and central, but when only one or two or the carpels develop, they may be
more or less shifted towards the base. The pericarp in the fresh fruit is fleshy,
bright orange or red; when dry it is wrinkled, the epicarp being thin, pellicular,
and adherent to the mesocarp; this is apparently mucilaginous, and devoid of
fibrous strands; endocarp thinly woody, hard, and brittle, one-fourth of a millim.
thick; it forms a globose kernel, 8.5-11 mm. in diameter with dull blackish even
surface marked only by a slightly raised straight crest on the axial side. Seed
free from the wall of the endocarp, globular, 7-8.5 mm. in diameter, at times
slightly longer than broad, attached laterally on the axial side; it has a dull even
surface, and is marked on each side by only two rather conspicuous arched
branchings of the raphe. Albumen homogeneous. Embryo basilar on the axial
side (Figure 116).

*I have studied the flowers preserved in formol, kindly forwarded to me by
Mr. Ernest A. Bessey from Miami.

Pomona Co.LLEGE JouRNAL oF Economic Botany

271

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Figure 116. Pseudophoenix sargentii. a, branchlet with several male flowers in bud,
and a female flower; b, male flower just before anthesis; c, male flowers from
which a petal has been detached to show the interior; d, longitudinal section

of a female flower; e, dry fruit containing two seeds; f, longitudinal section of
a kernel and of its seed; g, seed seen from the raphal seed.

272 Pomona CoLieGe JourNAL or Economic Botany

GAUSSIA H. Wendl.

H. Wendl., in Gottinger Nachrichten, 1856, p. 327; Benth. et Hook. Gen. pl.
III, p. 912. Aeria O. F. Cook in Bull. Torrey bot. Club, 1901, p. 547.

Gaussia princeps* H. Wendl. 1. c.; Griseb. Cat. pl. Cub. p. 221 (Wr. 3224) ;
Sauvalle, Fl. Cub. n. 2383; G. Maza, Nociones etc. (1893) p. 50; G.
splendens Becc. in Ann. Roy. Bot. Gard. Calcutta, v. XII, I, p. 9.

Gaussia princeps is not apparently a tall plant; the stem is rather stout, more
or less inclining or bent at its base, and then ascendent and columnar; it has a
smooth surface marked by very approximate ring-like scars, almost obsolete in
the basal, but sufficiently distinct in the upper part of the trunk. The base of
the trunk is raised from the ground by a very remarkable dense mass of roots,
thickish, cylindrical, frequently dichotomically divided, covered by very small
prickly warts, and, on the whole, similar to the erial roots of a Pandanus. Here
it is quite plain that the last formed roots are the more external, they are placed
above all the others, and have of course made their way through the outer bark-
like cylinder, appearing higher up on the stem, as this becomes older. This
facility of producing epigeous roots in these palms is no doubt due to the great
amount of aqueous vapour resting on the summit of the highest mountains,
whereon they, too, find their proper home.

The leaves are also very remarkable; they are regularly pinnate, and
have numerous very approximate leaflets, which are spreading almost horizontal ;
and are not arranged exactly on one plane, but point in different directions some-
what, and are furnished at their bases with a very conspicuous cushion-like
swelling or callus. In the dry specimens this callus is much reduced and shriv-
elled, but in the fresh state it is certainly much swollen, and is probably fleshy.
Several palms have leaflets with an axillary callus, but in none have I seen one
so large as in Gaussia.

The leaflets are papery, ensiform, quite straight, open flat (not folded length-
wise), attached to the rachis by a broad base, where they are very suddenly con-
tracted, and have the margins very briefly reduplicate, otherwise they have
parallel margins a long way up, are gradually but excentrically acuminate above
and, at times, are slightly indented a little below the apex; both surfaces are
almost equally green, and very finely and sharply striately veined by secondary
and tertiary nerves; the secondary nerves (5-6 on each side of the mid-costa)
being only slightly stronger than several others; the mid-costa is rather
strong, prominent and quite smooth on the lower surface, but is superficial and
narrow in the upper, and towards the apex broadens and flattens considerably in
a peculiar way; the margins are slightly and narrowly thickened and polished;
there are no transverse veinlets visible; the intermediate leaflets are 50-55 cm.
long and 2.5 cm. broad; the upper leaflets are shorter and narrower, more suddenly
acuminate, briefly and often also obsoletely bidentate. The petiole is elongate

, *While he lived in Cuba, Prof. Baker made an extensive introduction of this
fine palm to horticulture, through Dr. Franceschi and others.

Pomona CoLLEGE JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 273

and gradually broadens at its base into a short, very broad leaf-sheath, which in
the old and functionless leaves splits into two parts at the back. These leaves
do not apparently remain long hanging down below the crown.

The spadix is apparently rather large and diffuse and is twice branched;
glabrous throughout and quite destitute of bracts at every branching. The branch
I have seen is 50 em. long, it is divided into several alternate, spreading, filiform,
gradually subulate, very elongate, flower-bearing branchlets, and has the lower
portion of its axial part strongly flattened and 4-5 mm. broad; the lower branch-
lets are 20-25 mm. long and 1.5-2 mm. thick at their bases, subterete, but con- —
siderably wrinkled in the dry state; the upper gradually becoming shorter. The
spadix has a long peduncular part, about 60 cm. in one specimen, sheathed rather
tightly in a very thin, finely-striate marcescent spathe, which is split open laterally
above and terminates in a hair-like acuminate point.

The flowers are horizontal, quite sessile, clustered in small linear series of
3-5 longitudinally around the branchlets; the flowers in each group are placed
immediately one above the other and in contact; the lowest in each group is
usually female and the others are males; the elongate superficial scrobicules have
no bracts and are edged by a slightly elevated rim.

The male flowers in full grown buds are broadly or very briefly obovoid, 3
mm. long, 2 mm. broad, with a rounded top and flattish base; the calyx is cupular,
truncate at the mouth; the sepals are imbricate, quite free, thick and fleshy
especially at the base, with blackish margins. The corolla is nearly four times
as long as the calyx; petals concave, spreading during the anthesis, ovoid, obtuse,
strongly striately veined, rather thick and fleshy; stamens six, slightly shorter
than the petals; filaments free from the base; the anthers inserted about the
middle of the dorsum, are large, ovoid, and subcordate at the base; rudimentary
ovary conspicuous, elongate-conical, slightly shorter than the stamens, terminated
by three short blunt stigmas.

Female flowers at the time that the buds of the males are fully developed,
are smaller than these, conical and more acute than the males; when fully devel-
oped 3.5 mm. long; sepals small, fleshy, orbicular-reniform; petals much larger
than the sepals, deltoid, bluntish, thickly fleshy; ovary broadly pyramidate-
trigonous; stigmas obtuse; ovules three, very minute, attached to the base at the
inner side of the cells. Staminodes very minute, short and thickish. The fruits
are obovoid, with a rounded top and taper somewhat towards a slightly asymmet-
rical or bent base, where a little above the torus remain the relics of the small
conical stigmas. .They (when dry) are 10-11 mm. long, by 7 mm. broad, and
have the pericarp contracted and wrinkled; in the fresh state they certainly are
somewhat fleshy; the pericarp has a thin resistant epicarp, a slightly pulp~
mesocarp quite devoid of fibers, and a very thin membranous hyalin endo-
carp. The seed is obovoid, rounded above, and narrows to an acute, almost pun-
gent, slightly bent base; its surface is dull and marked by few loosely anasta-
mosing vascular branches of the raphe; the embryo remains on the more convex
side of the seed, a little below the middle; the albumen is homogeneous, and of a
not very hard texture.

274 Pomona CoLLeGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany

The perianth apparently is not accrescent after flowering, is spread under
the fruit, and is about 5 mm. in diameter; the sepals are subreniform; the petals
are considerably larger and longer than the sepals, deltoid, bluntish, thickish, and
obsoletely striately veined externally; the remains of six filaments are still visible
in the shape of six very small conical bodies. (Figures 117, 118).

I have seen of Gaussia princeps Wright’s typical specimens with fruit only
(n. 3224 Herb. Berol.) upon which the species was founded, and I had the op-
portunity of examining very good specimens with flowers, collected by Britton,
Earle and Gager (n. 6792 in Berl. Herb.)-at San Diego de los Bajos, Province
Pinar del Rio; others with fruits were gathered, I think, in the same locality by
van Hermann (n. 3463 in Herb. Becc. and Berol.)

In my monograph of the Genus Daemonorops (Vol. XII of the “Annals of
the Royal Botanic Garden of Calcutta,” p. 9) I have published some observa-
tions on the peculiar cushions or callosities, so frequently found in the axillas of
the leaflets in palm leaves, and have also mentioned those of a Gaussia splendens,
which name, however, is only an oversight for Gaussia princeps.

Figure 117. Gaussia princeps. a, portion of a flowering branchlet; b, male flower
in bud; c, male flower during anthesis; d, longitudinal section of a young female
flower; e, longitudinal section of a young fruit.

Pomona CoLieGE JourRNAL oF Economic Botany 275

Gaussia attenuata Becc. Aeria attenuata O. F. Cook in Torrey bot. Club,
1901, p. 548, t. 47.

Dr. U. Dammer and Prof. I. Urban have already expressed the opinion
(Urban, Symb. Antill. IV, 129) that the Genus Aeria might, possibly, be reduced
to Gaussia. I am now able from inspection of the flowers and fruit of the type
of Aeria (Cook No. 1040) to confirm this opinion, and I have, moreover, found
A. attenuata to be rather closely related to Gaussia princeps, from which it differs
in its more elongate stem, and in the somewhat larger fruit and seed. The flowers
are very similar in arrangement and form in both plants; those of G. attenuata

Figure 118. Gaussia princeps. a, branchlet with a fruiting perianth; c, fruit, side
view; d, fruit, front view; e, seed, side view; f, seed cut longitudinally through
the embryo.

are, however, more globose than those of G. princeps, have the petals less dis-
tinctly striately veined, and are also marked by fewer veins than those of the
latter.

According to Cook, G. attenuata has the leaflets without basal cushions, the
fresh fruit of a deep orange color, 16 mm. long by 12 mm., and the seed flattened-
oval. The only dry fruit I have seen is obovoid, 15 mm. long, 11 mm. broad; the
seed is 11 mm. long, 7.5 mm. broad, regular obovoid, not at all flattened, it has a
round top and narrows at the base to a symmetrical, bluntish (not bent) point;

276 Pomona CoLiecGe JourRNAL oF Economic Borany

the albumen is homogeneous, entirely solid, without central cavity. The embryo
is lateral, a little below the middle.

Other mentioned species of Gaussia are:
G. ghiesbreghtii H. Wendl. in Kerch. Palms 245. Chamaedorea ghiesbreghtii
Hort. and Oreodozxa ventricosa Hort. It is a very problematic palm.

Gaussia portoricensis Wendl. |. c. (nomen): is supposed to correspond to
Gaussia (Aeria O. F. Cook) attenuata Becc.

Gaussia vinifera Wendl. 1. c., is Pseudophoenix vinifera Bece.

‘is

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The Cherimoya in California

With Notes on Some Other
Anonaceous Fruits

F. W. POPENOE
WEST INDIA GARDENS, ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA’

The Cherimoya has not yet assumed an important place among the cultivated
fruits of California. This cannot be attributed to any fault in the fruit itself,
since in its better varieties it is one of the finest known to horticulture. Neither
can it be said that the climate and soil of Southern California are not adapted
to it, as forty years of cultivation have shown the tree to be hardy here, and fruits
of fine quality have been produced.

The real cause of this regrettable state of affairs is not hard to determine.
It does not lie deep below the surface, but is plainly apparent upon investigation.
The fact is, we have been perpetuating only inferior seedlings. Thus the fault
lies with our horticulturists and not with California or the fruit.

Had the precaution been taken to propagate from the best of our local seed-
lings, to say nothing of introducing better varieties, we would have many good
Cherimoya orchards in our state at this time. Had the most desirable varieties
been searched: out from the countries to the south of us, or from other parts of
the world wherein our own climatic conditions are paralleled, it is not assuming
too much to say that the Cherimoya would now be regarded as one of the important
fruits of this region: In other parts: of the world where it has reached a high
state of perfection, as in Madeira:and the Canary Islands, it has become an
important ‘product, and: vineyards are being replaced by Cherimoya orchards.

Where grown to perfection the Cherimoya is classed as one of the three
finest fruits of the world, the other two being the Pineapple and the Mangosteen,
—a royal trio indeed! A fully ripe Cherimoya is so delicious that it is safe to
say not-one-out-of a hundred-on first tasting’ it would be other than delighted; in
fact, this was exactly the case at a recent flower show at Pasadena, where a
numberof «fine Cherimoyas from Mexico were -exhibited and visitors permitted
to sample them. In flavor and character the flesh may be likened to a delicious
sherbert or ice cream. When prepared as it is in the tropics—thoroughly chilled
on ice—there are few desserts that equal it.

On the great central plateau of Mexico, under climatic conditions almost
identical with those:of Southern California, it is not uncommon to find trees
bearing ‘two: or thrée hundred of these delicious fruits. Why, then, should not
the attention of our horticulturists be’ more earnestly addressed to the reproduc-
tion of -sueh conditions here? —

That. so little is known in California of this superb fruit—its culture, its
value; and: its possibilities for this state—has seemed to warrant the preparation
of this preliminary paper on the subject.

278 Pomona CoLLeGe JourRNAL oF Economic Borany

History and Cultivation in California

As far as is definitely known, the Cherimoya was first introduced to Cali-
fornia in 1871, by the late Judge R. B. Ord of Santa Barbara. Dr. Franceschi,
who has investigated the subject thoroughly, is unable to learn of any earlier
introduction than this, and although it would seem natural that the early Mexican
settlers should have brought this fruit with them, such does not seem to have been
the case.

From the trees brought from Mexico by Judge Ord, many seedlings have
been raised and planted in Santa Barbara and vicinity. Further south, some of

Figure 119. A fifteen-year-old seedling Cherimoya in the A. Z. Taft grove at Holly-
wood, California, showing what the tree will do in California under proper
cultivation.

the first trees planted were on the Jacob Miller place in the Cahuenga valley, just
outside of Hollywood, where the Cherimoya grows to perfection and is found
in larger numbers than in any other locality in the state. The early impetus here
given it has resulted in it being quite common in the gardens of Hollywood, and
along the slopes of the valley to the west. Certainly it could not be more at home
anywhere than it is here, the tree reaching a large size, and the fruit ripening
perfectly. While it fruits well at Santa Barbara and in many other localities,
there seems to be something peculiarly suited to it in the conditions of soil and
climate of the foothill regions.

Pomona CoLLEeGE JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 279

The superior hardiness of the Cherimoya has made it one of the most widely
planted of the lesser-known subtropical fruits. The number of mature specimens
is not more than a few hundred, but their wide distribution and success go to prove
the adaptability of the tree to an extensive area in this state. Of these seedlings
scattered throughout the gardens of Southern California, practically all have been
successful so far as growth is concerned, but a large percentage are scantily pro-
ductive. A study of the habits of the tree shows this to be nothing unusual and
not due to anything unfavorable in our climate or soil. The Cherimoya is never
enormously productive. But there are occasional seedlings much more prolific
than the average, and this is the case in California as well as other countries.

Figure 120. A seven-year-old budded tree of the Golden Russet Cherimoya grown
by C. P. Taft at Orange, California.

Cultivation on a commercial scale has been undertaken in but few instances,
and with unsatisfactory results in practically all of them, the trees failing to
produce sufficiently to make their culture profitable. For this difficulty a single,
and exceedingly simple, remedy suggests itself—asexual propagation—making
possible the perpetuation of productive and otherwise desirable seedlings, true
to type. This is already practiced in other countries, and here to a very limited
extent.

The largest grove of Cherimoyas in California is that owned by A. Z. Taft
of Hollywood, consisting of some eighty fifteen-year-old seedlings. No finer
specimens could be desired than some of these, but the majority of them are
deplorably unproductive,—if the five best trees were taken out, a bushel of fruit

280 Pomona CoLLEGE JouRNAL oF Economic BoTany™

could not be gathered from the lot. ‘One tree alone, more prolifie than the others,
produces about one-fourth as many fruits as the remaining trees taken together.
It is easily seen that such a grove does not pay for the care bestowed upon it,
but if worked over to a prolific variety ‘it could be transformed into a very profit-
able holding.

It has been questioned by some whether the climate of California will pro-
duce a Cherimoya of the best quality. This query arises from the fact that many
of the fruits produced here are of poor flavor. The explanation is that seeds from
inferior fruits have been planted, and a lot of degenerate seedlings produced.
Experience leaves no doubt on this point, since some of the fruits grown here -
are all that could be desired in flavor and quality.

Botanical Description

The genus Anona comprises about sixty species, indigenous to tropical
America and Africa. Several members of the genus are cultivated for their fruit,
notably the Sugar Apple (A. squamosa), the Sour Sop (A. muricata), and the
Custard Apple (A. reticulata).

The Cherimoya, Anona Cherimolia Miller, while not so widely cultivated as
the above mentioned species, is nevertheless one of the most noteworthy and
valuable. It is a small tree, fifteen to twenty-five feet in height, much branched
and spreading, with grayish bark, the branches rounded and the young growth
scurfy-pubescent.

Leaves alternate, ovate, acuminate, sometimes obtuse, bright green and
sparsely hairy above, grayish-pubescent beneath; petiole five-eighths inch long.
Flowers solitary, axillary, small and very fragrant, peduncle short. Calyx com-
posed of three small, valyate sepals. Petals six, arranged in two series: the three
exterior valvate, fleshy, greenish outside and whitish within, oblong-linear, keeled
on the inner side; the three interior minute, sometimes wanting. Stamens indef-
inite, inserted on the hemispherical receptacle. Carpels, also indefinite, distinct but
cohering loosely among themselves and containing a single ovule; style oblong.
I'ruit compound, made up of the individual fruits (berries) derived from the
separate carpels, sunk in and united with the fleshy receptacle, sometimes eight
inches in length, conical, ovate, or globose, frequently irregular, greenish, brown-
ish or yellowish in color; the surface sometimes smooth, but frequently covered
or partially covered with more or less prominent protuberances, one arising from
each pentagonal carpellary area. Seeds three-eighths to three-fourths inch in~
length, oblong or oval, more or less compressed, brown, containing the charac- -
teristic ruminated endosperm.

The Natural Order Anonaceae, to which the Cherimoya belongs, includes
46 genera and 620 species, according to Dr. Willis, the majority being found .
within the tropics, both in the old world and the new world. The order includes ~
numerous fruit-producing shrubs and trees, of which may be mentioned in par-
ticular, besides the genus Anona, Rollinia orthopetala and R. emarginata, natives -
of South America and among the finest of the anonaceous fruits; Asimina triloba, —
the “Papaw” of eastern and central United States; and several species of ©

Pomona CoLLeGe JourRNAL oF Economic BoTaNy 281

Uvaria, natives of Mexico and southern Asia. The Ylang-Ylang (Cananga
odorata), a native of southern Asia, from which a perfume is distilled, is also a
member of the order.
Origin

DeCandolle, in his monumental work “Origin of Cultivated Plants,’ discusses
this subject at length, and states in conclusion, “I consider it most probable that
the species is indigenous in Ecuador, and perhaps in the neighboring part of
Peru.” This statement was based mainly upon the opinions of early botanists
who had collected in South America. That he was not certain in his conclusion
is plainly expressed in the conclusion itself, but until recently his verdict has
been generally accepted as correct. Some few, however, have held to the belief
that the species is indigenous in Mexico and Central America as well as Peru and

Figure 121. A prolific Cherimoya tree at the C. W. Mitchell residence in Sierra
Madre, California.

Ecuador, and recent researches by Prof. Gabriel Alcocer of the Mexican National
Museum seem to prove that it is exclusively Central American, having been intro-
duced to South America from Guatemala. In a Spanish work entitled “Historia
del Nuevo Mundo,” it appears that the author, P. Bernabe Cobo, while traveling
from Peru to Mexico in the year 1629, found the Cherimoya in Guatemala City,
and was so pleased with it that he despatched some seeds to his friends in Peru,
where it was unknown at that time. Upon returning there thirteen years later,

282 Pomona Co.tiecGe JourNAL or Economic Borany

he found that a number of trees had been raised and were in bearing, but the fruit
was still scarce and sold in the markets from eight to twelve reales each. It was
more than one hundred years later that the first Cherimoya seeds found their
way to Europe, and having come from Peru it was naturally supposed that the
tree was a native of that country. Later, when European botanists found the tree
in an apparently wild state in the mountains of Peru and Ecuador, this belief was
more firmly established, but it is plainly apparent that the tree might have become
naturalized in the two hundred years that had elapsed since its introduction, even
to such an extent as to lead to the belief that it was native. Prof. Alcocer points
out that the work, “Historia del Nuevo Mundo,” was unknown to DeCandolle,
and he also presents much other evidence in favor of a Central American origin,
with the result that little room is left for doubt.

=,

Figure 122. Fruits of Cherimoya on a young tree at Hollywood, California.

Common Names

In Mexico the common name of this fruit is spelled “Chirimoya.” Evidently
a different spelling is used in Peru, giving rise to the specific name Cherimolia
and the English adaptations “Cherimoya” and “Cherimoyer,’ the latter most
commonly used in the British colonies. Though the fruit came to California from
Mexico, the spelling ‘““Cherimoya” has been generally adopted by horticulturists
in this state and will, in all probability, eventually supersede all others.

Some authorities have termed all members of the genus Anona
“Custard Apple” individually and collectively, it is extremely undesirable that
the Cherimoya be known under this name, which properly belongs to the West
Indian Anona reticulata, a fruit similar to the Cherimoya in many characteristics,

Pomona CoLLeGEeE JourRNAL oF Economic Botany 283

but greatly inferior in quality. The listing of the Cherimoya under the name
“Custard Apple” has already led to much confusion among nurserymen and hor-
ticulturists in this state, some, knowing that this name was applied to 4. reticulata
going so far as to list this species and A. Cherimolia as synonymous. Further-
more, the Cherimoya suffers a certain loss of prestige through this confusion—
sufficient in itself to merit careful discrimination on the part of all those describing
or listing it.
Climatic Requirements

That the Cherimoya is not highly successful in strictly tropical countries is

conclusively shown by the fact that even when it has been grown for some time

in such regions and is comparatively well known, it is not held in high esteem.
It is reported that it succeeds in some parts of Ceylon, and is popular with the

Figure 123. A Cherimoya tree in the A. Z. Taft grove at Hollywood, California,
probably one of the finest specimens in the State.

natives. Obviously it is not at its best or it would call for a greater degree of
enthusiasm. In Jamaica it is only a success in the coolest and dryest parts of
the island. Writers in other parts of the West Indies, and in Reunion, have
remarked that it is not as fine a fruit as some other members of the genus.

But a glance at its popularity in the Mexican highlands, Madeira, the Canary
Islands, and Peru shows a contrary state of affairs. It has reached a degree of
perfection never attained in tropical lowlands, and is esteemed as one of the
finest of all fruits.

284 Pomona CoL.LeGe JourRNAL oF Economic Botany

The great central plateau of Mexico may be taken as an example of climatic
conditions best suited to this fruit, since it is there found in perfection, and has
been cultivated from the remotest antiquity. Comparatively high tempera-
tures accompanied by a very low degree of humidity are the rule during the dry
season, the winters being cool and the annual precipitation not great—a climate
very similar on the whole to that of Southern California. And indeed it is not
necessary to search elsewhere to determine the requirements of this fruit, since
forty years’ successful cultivation in this state has proved them to be fulfilled here
to a very satisfactory degree. Two factors which seem to be particularly important
are freedom from excessive humidity or precipitation, and cool (but not frosty)
weather at the time of ripening.

Figure 124. Trunk of Cherimoya tree shown in Figure 123, almost a foot and a
half in diameter.

Prof. Foex, in “Algunas Anonaceas Frutales de Mexico” (Bulletin No. 9 of
the Estacion Agricola Central, Oaxaca), says: “Of the Anonas grown in Mexico
the Cherimoya is the most resistant to cold, and suffers most from excessive heat.
* * * When grown in a region of moderate temperatures it is considered the
best of all the Anonas; grown in a hot climate it is not superior to Anona
squamosa.”

The hardiness of the tree has been so thoroughly tested in this state as to
leave no room for dispute, and it can be relied upon to succeed in locations suited
to citrus fruits, with the same amount of protection. The same provision must
be made as with the citrus fruits, however, that some localities will produce finer

fruit than others. And it must be recognized and remembered that varieties intro-

Pomona CoiieGe JourNAL oF Economic Botany 285

duced from other countries will not necessarily be successful here—if from cli-
mates widely different from our own—without undergoing a process of accli-
matization.
Propagation

Although the majority of Cherimoyas in this state are seedlings, the tree can
be readily budded. It is only through this or some other asexual means of propa-
gation that desirable forms originated as chance seedlings can be perpetuated,
and Cherimoya culture on a commercial scale made profitable.

Figure 125. Parent tree of the Mammillaris Cherimoya, at Altadena, California, on
the property now owned by A. C. Calkins.

Seeds are sometimes obtainable in the fall, but more frequently during early
spring. If a glass-house or hot-bed is available they may be planted at any
time, but if no artificial heat can be supplied it is best to defer planting until the
advent of warm weather, usually in April or early in May. For germinating
the seeds an excellent medium is a mixture of two-thirds silver sand and one-third
old redwood sawdust; lacking this, any light, well-drained soil can be used with

‘jyey & pue punod e 3ury3ram pue y}3ua] Ul SeyoUT e2Ay Buleq sty} ‘eAOuNIaYyD jo sadd} ysaq A19A 9Y} JO DUO BuIMOYg ‘QZT 21NBIy

Pomona CoLtieGe JourNAL oF Economic BotTaNny 287

good results. The seeds should be covered to a depth of half an inch, and if
conditions are favorable they will germinate within four or five weeks. The
young plants should be potted off when they have attained a height of three or
four inches, using pots of a diameter not less than two and a half inches. The
plants are not particular as to soil, it only being necessary that it is light and
porous.

Budding is best done in early spring, shortly after the sap has begun to flow.
In some seasons this will be as early as the first of March, but more frequently
late in March or early in April. The trees should be watched and the work
begun as soon as it is found the bark will slip readily.

Figure 127. A plate of Cherimoyas as grown at an altitude of 7000 feet in the
highlands of Mexico.

The most advantageous method of budding the Cherimoya is that known as
shield budding, the operation being practically the same as with the citrus
fruits. Mr. C. P. Taft of Orange obtained excellent results from his first attempt,
but later found that even though the work was done under favorable conditions
the buds would sometimes fail to grow. The stocks used by Mr. Taft have been
seedling Cherimoyas; in Florida Mr. Wester has budded on Anona glabra, A.
squamosa, and A. reticulata, finding A. glabra the most vigorous and satisfactory.
It is not certain that this species will be equally satisfactory in California,
however.

The stocks should be from three-eighths to one-half inch in diameter—seed-
lings of this size being usually from a year to a year and a half old. Wood from
which the leaves have dropped and of about a year’s growth is the most desirable
for budwood, and Mr. Wester advises cutting the buds not less than an inch and

288 Pomona Co.tteGe JourNAL or Economic BotTaNny

a quarter in length. If cut smaller than this, on account of the rapid callousing
and thick bark of the Anonas, the buds have difficulty in starting and are choked
out. Insert the buds exactly as in budding citrus fruits, and tie with waxed tape.
At the end of three or four weeks they should be unwrapped, and if alive, the
tree should be lopped back and the bud rewrapped loosely, leaving the “eye”
exposed so that it may start into growth. The buds of the Cherimoya are sunk
into the bark tissues, and there is not the danger of their dropping and leaving
a “blind” bud that there is with the avocado.

In Madeira and the Canary Islands grafting is extensively practiced. Dr.
Trabut, in the Bulletin Agricole de ]’Algerie et de la Tunisie, advises grafting
as being much more successful than budding. Two-year-old seedlings are used,
the operation itself being a simple cleft-graft.

; a aS a
f r 9 : ae . \ ‘

he ee Mies Cais

wee ee

Figure 128. Showing a collection of the different types of seedling Cherimoyas
occurring in Southern California—these from one grove at Hollywood.

Culture

Experience in California has shown that the Cherimoya thrives under the
same treatment accorded the Citrus fruits. The seedlings grow to much larger
size than any of the Citrus trees, however, and should be planted at least twenty-
five feet apart. Budded trees will probably require less room, as budding dwarfs
the tree to a certain extent.

The tree has proved to be about as hardy as the orange—though this must
be largely a matter of variety—and is semi-deciduous in nature, the extent being
dependant upon the severity of the climate.

Whether seedling or budded, the tree ordinarily comes into bearing about
the fourth year. The fact that large trees are quite frequently unproductive,
though blooming profusely, has led to a series of investigations by P. J. Wester
of the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, which throw considerable light on the matter,
although there is still much to be learned. Mr. Wester found that the flowers
of the Cherimoya were unable to fertilize themselves because of the pistils
maturing before the stamens, and consequently not receptive to the pollen when

Pomona CoLiecGEe JourRNAL oF Economic Botany 289

it was liberated, thus necessitating the assistance of some outside agency for fer-
tilization. The pollination of the mature pistils with pollen from another flower
was attributed to insects. Mr. Wester believed the sterility of the Cherimoya in
Florida to be due to a scarcity of flowers and an insufficient number of insects to
assist in pollinating them. He further states that “the extraordinary productivity
of a few individual trees suggests a change in regard to the pollination of the
flowers of these trees, possibly due to synacmy and self-pollination.”

In Madeira and the Canary Islands the cultivation of the Cherimoya is
carried on systematically, the trees being pruned and manure regularly supplied.

Figure 129. Showing what the Cherimoya may be in Southern California. A fine
specimen from Hollywood, weighing 18 ounces.

Diseases
In California no diseases affecting the Cherimoya have been observed; if
they are present, they do not seriously interfere with growth, and have not been
of sufficient importance to become evident. In other countries, however, the tree
seems to be subject to certain fungus diseases, probably unknown here.

290 Pomona CoLieGe JourNAL oF Economic Borany

Jumelle (Les Cultures Coloniales, p. 176) remarks: “It is well to replace
the trees when they commence to get old, as they are subject to the attacks of
a blight.”

In a paper read before the Cuban National Horticultural Society, and pub-
lished in the Society’s report for 1910, H. A. Van Hermann says: “The cultiva-
tion of Anonas for commercial purposes will need some careful attention. The
fruit when young is affected by both fungi and insects, which disfigure it. Spray-
ing may be necessary to grow perfect fruits in some localities.”

Mr. R. H. Johnston of the hacienda “La Queseria” in the state of Jalisco,
Mexico, reports that many of the trees, which are given practically no cultivation
in that vicinity, are subject to a serious disease somewhat similar to the pear
canker.

Figure 130. The Mammillaris Cherimoya as grown at Altadena, California.

Insect Pests

Even though in close proximity to infested citrus and other trees, none of
the local Cherimoyas appear to be bothered by any insect pests. But it is evident
that the species is not immune from the attacks of pernicious insects. The Bulle-
tin Agricole de l’Algerie et de la Tunisie for March 15, 1908, contains an account
of the Cherimoya in Algeria by Dr. L. Trabut, in which he states that old trees
are nearly always infested with the “Cochenille blanche” (Mealy Bug) requiring
stringent combative measures. Fumigation is advised, the work to be done
during the winter months. In Southern California, the work of Essig and others
has shown that the Mealy Bug can be most effectively handled by the use of car-
bolic emulsion.

Throughout the warmer parts of America there are small chalcid flies related
to the wheat joint-worm and the grape-seed chalcid which infest the seeds of
anonaceous fruits particularly those of Anona squamosa. These are so widely
distributed that they will be practically certain to appear eventually in Southern

Pomona CoLLeGEe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 291

California. All seed from southern sources should be carefully examined on
being received.

Season

In this state the main season for Cherimoyas is March and April, although
in favorable weather a few fruits may mature in the fall. The entire crop does
not ripen at one time, the fruits maturing individually and extending the season
over six or eight weeks.

The fruit does not ripen on the tree, and must be picked when mature—to
avoid its dropping to the ground and becoming bruised—and laid away for three
or four days before it is in condition for eating. That it is difficult for some to
judge when the fruit should be picked is evidenced by the fact that mature, and
sometimes half-grown, fruits are often found in the markets. These immature
fruits are easily distinguished by their becoming dark brown upon softening,
accompanied by a hardness of the surface that is never present in the ripe fruit.

Figure 131. The Golden Russet Cherimoya as grown at Orange, California.

When fully ripe and ready to pick, the fruit assumes a yellowish tinge, more
pronounced in some varieties than in others, and yields slightly to pressure of
the thumb.

In certain states of Mexico Cherimoyas are obtainable throughout the year.
The season has not been greatly extended by seedling variation in California,
since fruit can not be obtained in quantity for more than three months. Doubtless
by introducing varieties from other countries it would be possible to greatly
prolong the period.

Unfavorable weather at the time of ripening has a pronounced effect on the
flavor and size of the fruit, both suffering considerably in severe seasons.

Shipping
That the Cherimoya could be successfully shipped to any part of the country
without difficulty is shown by the fact that numerous shipments to this state from
southern Mexico have arrived in excellent condition, even though no care was

292 Pomona CoLLeGE JouRNAL oF Economic Borany

used in packing. After picking, the fruits do not soften up sufficiently to be
easily bruised within three or four days, and this time can be greatly extended
by refrigeration. With the selection of the toughest-skinned varieties for this
purpose, there should be no difficulty in placing the Cherimoya on the markets
of any part of the country.

A more complete treatment of this subject will be found in Prof. Foex’
bulletin ‘““Algunas Anonaceas Frutales de Mexico,” already referred to.

Nature and Extent of Seedling Variation

Notwithstanding some statements to the effect that the Cherimoya comes
true from seed, the variation exhibited by the seedlings in Southern California,
many of which have sprung from a common parent, demonstrates conclusively
that asexual propagation must be resorted to in order to perpetuate a variety
absolutely true to type. Although the distinct departures from the parent type
which are frequently shown by seedlings of some other cultivated fruits do not
appear to exist in this species, in variation of seedlings, and particularly in
variation of fruits on the same tree, it is peculiar and extraordinary.

As observed among the local trees, the most important characteristics in
which variation is shown, and the extent of variation in each, are briefly as
follows:

A. Variations AFFECTING THE TREE.

1. Productiveness. A large percentage of seedlings are so unproductive
as to be of no value. Many produce moderately, and an occasional tree is so
exceptionally productive (comparatively speaking) as to make it of great value
‘for propagation, provided it is otherwise desirable. These productive trees are
quite frequently isolated specimens, showing that the difference is not due to
cross fertilization, or an abundance of pollen supplied by other trees. Mr.
Wester suggests that the flowers of these trees "may be self-fertile, as opposed
to the majority of Cherimoyas which are dependent on insects for pollination.
Whether this be the case or not, it is certain that the bearing habits of a tree are
perpetuated by asexual propagation, and thus all danger of trees turning out to
be shy bearers can be eliminated.

It is quite possible that the productiveness of many of the local trees could
be increased through better attention to culture, since many of them have been
subjected to severe neglect.

2. Foliage. On one plantation in the Cahuenga valley there are a few
trees whose leaves are uniformly two or three times the ordinary size, being eight
to ten inches in length and five to six inches in breadth. It is not rare for seed-
lings to show this variation, and the fruits produced by such trees do not appear to
differ from the ordinary in any respect.

B. Variations AFFECTING THE Fruit.
1. Surface. In respect to surface, the local seedlings may be broadly
divided into two classes; those with more or less prominent protuberances over
the greater portion of the surface, and those without protuberances, in which the

Pomona CoLLEecGe JouRNAL oF Economic Borany 293

surface is smooth and the carpellary areas are defined by raised lines, or in chicks
the carpellary areas are individually concave. There are, of course, many forms
intermediate between these two, and extreme forms of each. While both smooth
and rough fruits are sometimes produced by the same tree, and some trees produce
fruits which are covered with protuberances when young but become smooth at
maturity, there are many which uniformly produce fruits of one type. Thus in
the Mammillaris variety the mammiform protuberances are present on all speci-
mens, and in the Golden Russet the protuberances near the base, which disappear
towards the apex and are replaced by concavity of the carpellary areas, are char-
acteristics which are almost always present.

2. Size. In this respect the Cherimoya is extraordinary, it being possible to
find mature fruits all the way from an inch to six inches in diameter on many trees,
whether seedling or budded. Ordinarily, only a small percentage of the fruits

Figure 132. On the left a view in the huerta of Herman Evers, at Mazatlan, Mexico,
showing a young Cherimoya in bearing; on the right, a large tree near Colima,
Mexico, photographed during the winter season and showing the deciduous
nature of the tree in cold climates.

attain large size, although some trees are more uniform in this respect than others.
3. Form. The commonest form is conical or oblong-conical, but some varie-

ties are normally cordate and there are many seedlings among whose fruits it
would be difficult to determine a normal form. Rarely is there a tree whose fruits
are all of uniform shape. Even among perfect specimens there is considerable
variation, and many malformed fruits are produced, due, without doubt, to imper-
fect fertilization of the flowers.

4. Color. Although commonly a dull green, there is considerable variation
in coloring, some varieties being light russet at maturity. Since any other color
than green is only assumed in favorable weather, it is evident that coloring is
largely a matter of weather conditions, becoming most pronounced in the hottest

seasons.

294 Pomona CoLLEGE JouRNAL oF Economic Botany

5. Seeds. Among the seeds of different varieties there are no great differ-
ences. The average number of seeds, while greater in fruits of some varieties
than others, is largely a matter of the individual specimen. Slight differences in
the form of the seeds are frequently noticeable.

6. Quality. It is natural that some seedlings should produce fruits of
inferior quality. Occasionally a very superior one is found.

Varieties

In general characteristics of fruit many of the local seedlings are practically
identical; furthermore, as has already been noted, the variation existing among
fruits on the same tree is great. This makes it impracticable to distinguish be-
tween any large number of varieties, and renders difficult the describing of a
variety in such a way that every fruit produced will answer to the description,
without entering at length into the range of variation exhibited within the variety.

When the most prolific and desirable of the local trees come to be propagated
by budding or grafting, and are offered by the nurserymen, it will be essential
that each one be given a name and that accurate descriptions and illustrations be
placed on record for the guidance of prospective planters. As yet only two
named varieties have been offered. Both these are desirable, but it is highly prob-
able that much finer forms will be introduced within the next few years from
other countries where this fruit has been given more attention that it has here.
In Madeira, seedling selection has resulted in the production of varieties weighing
as much as sixteen pounds, and with very few seeds. Choice forms, adapted to
varied conditions of soil and climate and bearing at different seasons of the year,
have been produced in several countries, and it will be much more expedient to
direct our efforts toward obtaining as many of these as possible, rather than to
the production of superior varieties through seedling selection,—necessarily a
slow and laborious process at best.

Mammillaris

This variety originated as a seedling at Altadena, California, on the property
now owned by A. C. Calkins. In flavor it is greatly superior to the majority of
local seedlings, and its exceptionally tough skin renders it of value for shipping.
Although not a fruit of large size, it must be ranked as one of the best which
have originated locally.

Description—Form distinctly conical, more uniformly so than with most
other varieties; size medium; weight up to one pound; length up to four and a
half inches; width up to four inches; base flattened; cavity shallow, broad, flaring,
regular; apex rather pointed; stem short and very stout; surface covered with
more or less prominent conical protuberances, one arising from each carpellary
area over the entire fruit; color dull green; skin thick and very tough; flesh clear
white, soft, fine grained; seeds rather short and blunt, plump, not very numerous ;
flavor very aromatic and rich, strongly resembling the pineapple; quality excel-
lent; season February-March at Altadena, California.

Pomona CoLLeGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 295

Tree upright; growth close, moderately vigorous; productiveness very good;
seems to be hardier than many other Cherimoyas. This is the first description
of this variety.

Golden Russet

A variety of obscure origin, received in the form of two budded trees from
London, England, by Mr. Burgess of Villa Park, California, some years ago.
It was under this name when received. It has been propagated by C. P. Taft of
Orange, who has a number of budded trees in bearing. A very good variety, but
as produced at Orange it is inferior in flavor to Mammillaris.

Description—Form normally oblong-conical, but extremely variable; size
medium large; weight up to a pound and a half; length up to seven inches; width
up to five inches; base flattened; cavity deep, rather narrow, rounded, regular;
apex rounded, broad; stem short and stout; surface near base giving rise to a
rounded and not very prominent protuberance from each carpellary area, toward
apex the protuberances disappear and the carpellary areas are concave; color
light green, usually shaded with, or varying to, golden russet; skin rather thin,
tender; flesh white, of good texture; seeds oblong, slightly compressed, not very
numerous; flavor resembling the pineapple but not so rich as in Mammillaris;
quality good; season February-April, occasional specimens ripening in the fall,
at Orange, California.

Tree upright, broad topped; growth vigorous, rather open; productiveness
fairly good.

OTHER SPECIES OF ANONA FRUITED IN CALIFORNIA
Anona macrocarpa

Considered by some authorities to be a horticultural form of A. Cherimolia,
but believed by Dr. Franceschi, who introduced it to California, to be distinct.

The most marked characteristic of the species is the large size of the leaves,
which causes Dr. Franceschi to note that it might better be called macrophylla,
the fruits being proportionately not so large, although larger than the ordinary
Cherimoya, and of excellent quality. The seeds are distinct from those of 4.
Cherimolia. It is believed to have originated in Orotava, Teneriffe, and has
proved hardy at Santa Barbara.

. Anona reniformis
Also introduced by Dr. Franceschi, who describes it as of dwarf habit and
more spreading than the Cherimoya, with smaller and more coriaceous leaves.
The flowers are very fragrant, and are produced in great profusion over a longer
period than with other species. A sparse bearer, the fruits reniform, of small
size, and indifferent quality. Not authentic, but for its distinctiveness in foliage,
in fruit, and particularly in seeds, considered by Dr. Franceschi to rank as a
distinct species.
Anona suavissima

Also considered a horticultural form of A. Cherimolia by some authorities.
It was described about 1820 by Prof. Tenore, Director of the Botanic Garden at

296 Pomona CoLieGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany

Naples, Italy, from whence it was introduced to California by Dr. Franceschi.
Similar to A. Cherimolia in most characteristics, but quite distinct in its seeds. The
fruit is of indifferent quality.

ANONACEOUS FRUITS INTRODUCED TO CALIFORNIA

The most important members of the genus Anona, and several members of
other genera of the Anonaceae, have all been introduced to California, but so far
as known, none of them have yet attained sufficient size to produce fruit except
the Cherimoya and the three doubtful species Anona macrocarpa, A. reniformis
and A. suavissima. The following list includes all others known to have been
introduced, some being of such recent introduction that they have not yet been
tried out in the open, others, like the Sour Sop (Anona muricata) and the Sugar
Apple (A. squamosa) have been repeatedly planted in various locations, only to
succumb to the cool winters. It may yet be possible to fruit them by obtaining the
hardiest types and planting them in the most favored locations.

Anona Cherimolia Mill., var. pyriformis
Indigenous to Chile.
Described as being hardier than most other Cherimoyas, and bearing pear-
shaped fruits of large size and excellent quality. Recently introduced by the
Bureau of Plant Industry.

Anona glabra Linn.
(A. laurifolia Dunal)

Southern Florida, Mexico, and the West Indies.

Known as “Anona” in Mexico; “Cachiman Creme” in the French West
Indies; “Pond Apple” in Florida and the British West Indies.

A vigorous tree up to thirty feet in height, the trunk up to two feet in
diameter. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, deep green above, pale green beneath,
glabrous, coriaceous, persistent.

Fruit ovate-conical in shape, flattened at the base and rounded at the apex,
two and a half to five inches long. Skin yellow or brownish yellow, sometimes
reddish. Seeds conical, few. Pulp of a buttery consistency, very sweet, some-
times cloying.

Prof. Foex says this is the commonest anonaceous fruit on the markets of
Mexico City, with the exception of the Cherimoya. It ripens throughout the year
in the Mexican states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan, Oaxaca and Vera
Cruz; from January to June in Puebla and other central states; from July to
December in those states along the Pacific coast.

Although esteemed by the Mexicans, this fruit is not highly valued in Florida,
where it is found in both fresh and salt water swamps. While it is found in
Mexico at considerable altitudes it is not as hardy as the Cherimoya. Introduced
to California by Dr. Franceschi. Only small plants are to be found as yet.

Anona montana MacFayden
Porto Rico, and other islands of the West Indies.

Pomona*CoLvurGe’ JouRNAL‘OF Economic Botany 297 <

A small-tree,-bearinga sub-globose, muricate: fruit, of little valué; Intro-
duced to Florida ‘by Bureau of Plant-Industry~for trial -as a stock -for other
Anonas.

Seeds-sent to California:in 1911 by! Bureauof Plant Industry. ~ Young plants
raised-by Dr. ‘Franceschi were all-killed during the first winter.

Anona muricata.Linn.
(A. asiatica. Linn,}:
Cuba; Santo Domingo; Jamaica’ and~ several- of ‘the’ smaller islands of ‘the:
West Indies, according to DeCandolle.
Known as “Cabeza de Negro,’ “Catucho,” “Guanabano,” and “Anona
Amarilla” in Mexico; “Corossolier,”: “CachimaneE pineuz,” and “Sappadille” in
the French colonies; “Sour Sop”.in Florida and the British colonies.

Figure 133. A grove of Chérimoyas in the hacienda of “La Quéseria,” at the foot of
the volcano of Colima, in Mexico, showing the conditions under which~ the
Cherimoya :frequently: exists. in that country. ,

A tree~ of about the' same™size -as the ‘Chetimoya: The leaves are: ovate-
lanceolate, acuminate, and’ glabrous. The*foliage possesses a peculiar and dis-
tinctive fragrance.

Fruit very large (sometimes: as much~as ten pounds ‘in weight), oblong,
conical, or oval, and-dark-green in color. © Thé'skini is covered with ‘short, pointed,
recurved protuberances or weak spines. ~ Pulp ‘soft and juicy, but frequently
fibrous or wooly 'and“tasting~of turpentine. ~ Seeds ‘slightly ‘larger than those of
the Cherimoya. The juice is acid or subacid, of pineapple flavor, and is widely
used in ‘the West Indies’ and-other parts-of the tropics for the preparation of a
refreshing drink::' The fruit matures throughout ‘the ‘year.

298 Pomona Co.tieGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany

In many parts of the tropics choice varieties have been obtained, prolific and
of fine flavor. It is well known that there is a great difference in quality in the
produce of different trees.

The Sour Sop is one of the tenderest species of Anona, and is not known to
have ever become established in California, although plants have been imported
from Florida at numerous different times. Dr. Franceschi has raised seed from
different sources, but with poor success. An importation from Paraguay in 1911,
however, appears to be more robust and hardier, and may result in plants becom-
ing established here. It is only by obtaining the hardiest varieties and planting
them in the most favored localities that anything can ever be expected of this
species.

Anona palustris Linn.

West Indies and South America, from Cuba to Rio Janeiro.

Known as “Corcho” in Mexico; “Pomme de Serpent” in the French West
Indies; “Alligator Apple” and “Cork Wood” in the British West Indies.

An arborescent shrub, 10 to 15 feet high, the leaves ovate-elliptic or oblong,
with short narrow point or sometimes bluntish, smooth on both sides, rather thick.
The wood is sometimes used in place of cork.

Fruit two inches in diameter, yellow, somewhat roughened and scaly. Said to
be narcotic, and for this reason not much used. Grows in swamps and along the
seashore.

Of not much value as a fruit, but used in Florida as a stock for other Anonas.
The difference in climatic conditions makes it doubtful if it will prove of value
for this purpose here. Introduced from Florida in 1910 by Dr. Franceschi.

Anona reticulata Linn.

West Indies and tropical America.

Known as “Anona,” “Ananhtzapotl,” “Anona Colorada,” and “Llama” in
Mexico; “Cachiman,” “Cachiman Coeur de Boeuf,” “Corossol Reticule,” “Cor-
ossol Sauvage,” and “Mamilier” in the French colonies; “Custard Apple” in
Florida; “Custard Apple” and “Bullock’s Heart” in the British colonies.

One of the largest members of the genus, growing up to twenty-five feet in
height. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, glabrous above, slightly pubescent and red-
dish below.

The fruit is described by Dunal as ovate-globose in form, but is better de-
scribed by Prof. Foex as “the shape of an enormous strawberry.” In color it is
reddish brown or brownish yellow. The skin is not covered with protuberances
or scales, the carpellary areas being defined by more or less distinct reticulations.
The pulp is grayish or pinkish, and adheres to the rather numerous seeds. In
flavor the Custard Apple is similar, but inferior, to the Cherimoya.

Prof. Foex remarks that by selection and crossing it would be possible to
obtain varieties with pulp not adhering to the seeds, and of superior flavor and
texture.

This species is common in the warmer parts of Mexico and in the West Indies.
It is cultivated quite widely and has become naturalized in some places in southern
Asia and western Africa. In Florida it has been grown for many years. -

Pomona CoLtLece JourNAL or Economic Botany 299

This species and A. Cherimolia have been greatly confused by California nur-
serymen and horticulturists in general, probably because of the fact that the
Cherimoya has been commonly called “Custard Apple” in this state, and because
the two species are somewhat similar, although they are entirely distinct in foliage
and readily distinguishable by this means. A. Cherimolia has been listed under
the name A. reticulata by some nurserymen, and others have listed the two as
synonyms; but the plants disseminated have been of the species Cherimolia prob-
ably without exception.

Not as hardy as the Cherimoya, but might succeed in favored locations in
this state. No plants of any size are known.

Anona squamosa Linn.
(A. cinerea Dunal)
According to DeCandolle, this species is indigenous to tropical America, and
the West Indies in particular.

Figure 134. Another small grove cf Cherimoyas in the hacienda “La Queseria.’
Note the similarity of the country to the dry foothill regions of Southern
California.

Known as “Anono,” “Chirimoyo,” “Saramuyo,” “Texaltzapotl,” and “Anona
Blanca” in Mexico; “Pomme Canelle’’ and “Attier”’ in the French colonies;
“Sugar Apple“ and “Sweet Sop” in Florida and the British West Indies; “Custard
Apple” in British India.

An arborescent shrub or a small tree, ten to fifteen feet in height. Trunk
ashen gray, branches light gray. Deciduous in climates having a more or less
marked dry or winter season. The foliage is strongly scented, and is sometimes
used as an insecticide.

The fruit is normally round or conical, about the size of a small orange, and -
greenish in color. The surface is covered with prominent rounded protuberances,
imbricated like the scales of a pine cone. The pulp is creamy, very sweet, and
surrounds the rather numerous, medium sized, seeds.

The Sugar Apple is one of the finest of the Anonas, and is widely grown in
tropical countries, in some of which it has become naturalized. It is ordinarily a
more prolific and regular bearer than other species.

300 Pomona’ CoLurGe’ JouRNAL oF Economic Botany: -

It has been planted in Southern California, but has not become established,
having proved too tender for this climate. By obtaining the hardiest varieties from
the Mexican highlands it may be possible to successfully grow it in favored local-
ities. Dr. Franceschi believes it was first planted in this state about 20 years ago,
having come from Florida.

Asimina triloba Dunal

United States, as far north as New York, and west to Miehigan and Kansas;
Mexico, south to the state of Jalisco.

Known.as “Papa” in the United States; “Anonillo”’ in Mexico.

A tree thirty to forty feet in height. .The leaves obovate or oblong, acute, six
to twelve inches long. Flowers 2 inches broad, purplish red.

Fruit oblong, two to six inches in length. | Skin yellowish green, covered with
a whitish bloom. The fruit greatly resembles the banana in its lack of acid and its
fine grained pulp, but is of a peculiar and distinctive flavor. The ‘pulp -is light
yellow in color, and contains two rows of seeds extending the length of :the fruit.

The Papaw is occasionally found in cultivation, and has proved hardy as far
north as Ontario. It is the hardiest of the anonaceous fruits, and the only one
found in cold climates. Among the wild trees seedlings of superior quality are
occasionally found, and the fruit could doubtless be greatly improved by selection.
It offers a wide field for hybridization with other less hardy anonaceous fruits,
and should also prove of value as a stock upon which to graft the more tender
Anonas and Rollinias.

The Papaw was planted at Goleta, Santa Barbara County, many years ago by
Joseph Sexton, one of California's pioneer nurserymen, but failed to establish
itself. Repeated attempts to grow it were made, but with no success, due, as Mr.
Sexton believes, to the hot and dry summers. Further attempts to grow it should
be made, especially in cool and moist mountain canyons, where it should feel at
home. Its. greatest value probably lies, however, in the possibility of obtaining
hybrids with other anonaceous fruits, or as a stock for them.

Rollinia emarginata Schlecht.

Brazil, Paraguay, and the northern part of Argentina.

“Aratacu-quatu.” This is a small bush growing here in the open campo in
almost any soil. The fruit is large and the best class of all, according to my
thinking.—T. R. Gwynn.

Recently introduced, under S.*P. I. No. 27610.

Rollinia orthopetala A. DC.

Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. “Biriba.”

A tree, thirty to forty feet in height. Leaves oblong, acuminate, acute. at
the base, corolla one inch in diameter, greenish yellow.

Fruit size of an infant’s head, greenish yellow. ‘The flesh white and sweet.

Described by Prof, C. F. Baker as “the finest anonaceous fruit of ‘tropical
America.”

“This is, as Prof. Baker wrote, the ‘finest anonaceous fruit of tropical America.
It is the only one of those which I have tasted that I liked, and on first trial I
immediately pronounced it delicious. The seeds are embedded in a large quantity —
of pulp, which is of a custard-like consistency and of a very agreeable acidulous
taste. I do not know what fruit it resembles most:in taste.”—Fischer~ -

Introduced under S. P..I. Nos. 22512 and 27609... Rather tender, but ‘may _
succeed in favored localities, where it is now being tested.

Wanted: A Genuine Southern California
Park

RALPH D. CORNELL
LANDSCAPE GARDENER
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

What could be more interesting and educational, to the people at large, than
a public park devoted to plants indigenous to our dry and semi-arid lands, and
representative of the many forms of plant life that are found along our eoast
slopes? A dry ground park, planted only to native trees, shrubs and flowers,
would be one of the greatest possible assets to Southern California, and especially
to the community whose park board was sufficiently aggressive and far seeing to
establish such a system of planting. Not in all California can one find a collection
of the native flora of sufficient consequence to warrant its recognition as such.
Europe is far in advance of us in the cultivation of plants that grow wild on our
dry hillsides, and unnoticed by us evolve, at our very doors, their wholesome lives
of purity and beauty. Instances may be commonly cited where, unable to obtain
reliable seeds at home, plant propagators have sent to Europe for seeds of flowers
and shrubs growing wild on our own hills. It is true that many native plants and
seeds are found in our markets, accessible to those who know, but the masses of
people are unaware of the abundant wealth of flower and foliage, lying on all sides
of us, inviting recognition and adoption. i

Wild plants, when brought under cultivation, are prone to change their habits
and appearance to a greater or less degree. The dignity of the move seems to
demand that they put forth stronger efforts toward the perfection of their already
inimitable charms. There are very few plants that do not improve under the more
favorable conditions afforded them by protection and cultivation. The change is
often so great that one familiar with a plant, in its native environment, will not
recognize it in a new home.

Eastern residents, coming to California, find our parks quite similar to those
which they are accustomed to seeing. With the exception of palms and a few
things of more pronounced individuality, our evergreens, in general appearance,
are not greatly unlike eastern plants, during their growing season, especially when
planted in park form. The first mental impression upon visitors is the lasting
impression, and there is little strikingly or distinctively characteristic in the land-
seape effect produced in our average park. A park should present a series of
living pictures, in plant life, executed along the lines of greatest possibility. Not
one person in a hundred distinguishes between a broad and a narrow leaved ever-
green, or is sufficiently impressed by the individual specimen to give the name
of a plant ten minutes later, had he recognized it at the time. It is the general
tone of harmony or discord that leaves its effect upon the visitor, and that he
remembers long after the details have been forgotten.

It seems to be our general tendency to make parks as artificial as possible,
although one or two vefy commendable projects for developing natural parks are

302 Pomona CoLLeGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany

Figure 135. Where in all the artificial surroundings of the conventional park can
so inviting a path be found?

Pomona CoLieGE JourNaL oF Economic Botany 303

in progress locally. A city very often purchases dry hillsides or rugged slopes
for park purposes. No sooner is this done than an elaborate water system is
installed at enormous expense, and plants entirely foreign to such an environment
are grotesquely perched where they must serve a life-long sentence of struggle
for existence under conditions entirely adverse to their best development. Perhaps
such productions are beautiful. They occur frequently enough. But surely they
are far from natural, and do not produce a restful effect upon visitors. They act
as a living advertisement of what man can do if he has time, water and ample
funds, in sharp contrast to nature’s own creations.

Now, why not plant dry hillsides in such a manner that they will produce
maximum results at minimum expenditure? Plant a dry ground park. Use

Figure 136. A driveway through a grove of native oaks.

native plants already accustomed to the semi-arid conditions of our soil and
climate. Such a park would be at once unique and individual; it would be decid-
edly typical and distinctive of California; it would be a garden spot of nature, a
mecca for birds, a plant paradise; it would be a delight alike to the student, the
botanist, the sight-seer and nature lover, each in his own way. If properly
handled, it would become of world renown both among tourists and botanists; it
would be the one place where those interested might go and see a collection of
California plant life in its native environment; might study the habits of the
individual, and see its fullest development under favorable conditions. There is
no limit to the end that might be attained with such a park, if it were properly
conducted. A descriptive booklet, obtainable on the grounds, would reveal to

304 Pomona CoLLEGE JouRNAL oF Economic Botany

Figure 137. Nature’s wild abandon is well worthy, though difficult, of imitation.

Pomona Cotiece JourNAL or Economic Borany 305

all a life history of each plant. And this great possibility lies conveniently near,
waiting only for a guiding hand.

Such selection of varieties could be made as to insure continual masses of
flower or fruit. Spring would undoubtedly be the most gorgeous season, but by
judicious selection and arrangement, a continuous wealth of color might be assured.
By proper grouping, wonderful effects could be produced, while seeds of wild
flowers sown broadcast among the larger plantings, would, each spring, form a
gorgeous carpet of natural weave.

The moving of plants from their native haunts to the garden has not gen-
erally proven satisfactory, due probably to the extreme readjustment that becomes
necessary. The easiest way is to raise the young plants from seed, thus assuring
easy handling of the young stock and giving better opportunity for the proper

Figure 138. This beautiful creation—a credit to its designer—well illustrates the
attractiveness of some of the more natural methods.

establishment of the root system. Little trouble is then experienced and success
is practically assured. It does not stand to reason that these little seedlings
could establish a foothold in dry soil, but if watered when planted, or set out
during the rainy season and given a little attention for the first year, they would
continue to thrive with the minimum of care, always responding, however, to
cultivation of the soil.

Following are enumerated some few of the native trees and shrubs that should
prove suitable for a dry ground park. The writer wishes to acknowledge the use
of Abram’s “Flora of Los Angeles and Vicinity” in his compilation of this list,
and to thank Professor C. F. Baker, of Pomona College, for kind suggestions.

306 Pomona CoLLeGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany

Figure 139. The sycamore is ever a picturesque feature of the Southern Californian
landscape, with its intricate outline in winter and soft foliage in summer. One
would like to tarry here and revel for awhile in the play of lights and shadows.

a i

Pomona Co.tiece JourNAL or Economic Botany 307

Adenostoma fasciculatum—Shrub 1-4 m. high, reddish branches and grayish bark.
Common in the chaparral belt of our mountains. Flowering from April to
June.

Arbutus Menziensii (Madrono)—Commonly 5-10 m. high. Found on Mt. Wilson
and Sturtevant trails to 3000 feet, and in Los Tunas canyon of the Santa Ana
Mountains.

Arctostaphylos (Manzanita)—Evergreen shrubs or small trees, all producing an
abundance of bloom.

Arctostaphylos manzanita—Shrubby or arborescent, 2-8 m. high, bark mahogany
red. Found in upper chaparral belt of our mountains.

Figure 140. A view into the Promised Land, a farm in the bosom of the hills, and
surrounded by the choicest of “God’s Acres.”

Arctostaphylos patula—Diftusely branched shrub 1-1.5 m. high. Occasional on
dry ridges and in open pine woods of San Antonio and San Bernardino
mountains, 5000-8000 feet elevation.

Arctostaphylos tomentosa—Shrubby, erect, 1.5-3 m. high. Common in all our
mountains in the upper chaparral belt.

Arctostaphylos glauca—Shrubby, erect, 3-6 m. high. Occasional in San Gabriel
mountains, but more common in the San Antonio and San Bernardino ranges.

Arctostaphylos pringlei—Erect, branching shrub, 1.5-2 m. high. Occasional in
the pine belt of the San Bernardino, San Jacinto and Cuyamaca mountains.

308 Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany

Figure 141. All the creative genius of man could not improve on some of the scenes
along this delightful driveway.

Pomona CoLtiEeGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 309

Arctostaphylos bicolor—Shrub 1-2 m. high. Frequent in the foothills of western
San Diego County, and also reported from Catalina.

Amorpha californica (Wild Indigo)—Shrub 1-3 m. high. Common in the chap-
arral belt.

Berberis dictyota—Shrub, 4-12 dm. high, with blue-black berries and attractive
flowers. Found on the dry ridges near Glendale, Switzer’s Trail and the
San Gabriel mountains.

Berberis nevinii—Shrub, 2-3 m. high. Racemes are 4-7 flowered.

Ceanothus (California Lilac)—Common desert shrub with small but very showy
flowers, generally fragrant and white, blue or purple.

Ceanothus integerrimus—Tall, loosely branching and sometimes arborescent.
Flowers blue, varying to white. Frequent in the pine belt of all our moun-
tains, and in the uppermost portions of the chaparral belt.

Ceanothus spinosus—Tall shrub or somewhat arborescent. Flowers pale blue.
Found in the Santa Monica and Santa Ana mountains and north to Santa
Barbara, in the canyons.

Ceanothus divaricatus—Shrub 1-2 m. high, flowers pale blue. Very common in
the chaparral belt. -

Ceanothus tomentosus—Shrub 2-4 m. high, flowers deep blue, or rarely white.
Occasional in the chaparral belt of San Gabriel, San Bernardino and Cuya-
maca mountains at an elevation of 3000-5000 feet.

Ceanothus sorediatus—Shrubby or somewhat arborescent, 2-4 m. high, flowers
deep blue.

Ceanothus hirsutus—Shrubby or arborescent, 3-5 m. high, flowers deep blue to
purplish. Frequent in the chaparral belt of the San Gabriel mountains, at
an elevation of 2500-4500 feet.

Ceanothus macrocarpus—Shrubby, 2-3 m. high. Frequent in the Santa Monica
and Santa Ana mountains.

Ceanothus cuneatus—Much resembles the last, but the branches are more rigid.
Occasional along the southern rim of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino
ranges.

Ceanothus crassifolius—Shrub 2-3 m. high. Common in the chaparral belt of
all our mountains.

Cercocarpus betulaefolia (Mountain Mahogany )—Shrub or small tree, 2-5 m. high.
Flowers in March, fruit in July.

Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress)—Tall tree attaining a height of 100
feet.

Diplacus glutinosus (Common Yellow Monkey Flower)—Often called Mimulus
glutinosus, but incorrectly so.

310 Pomona CoLieGe JourNAL oF Economic Borany

Diplacus longiflorus—Low, 5-10 dm. high. Common on all the foothills and in
the chaparral belt.

Diplacus puniceus—Resembles the last in habit, but has scarlet corolla. Common
on dry hillsides about San Diego and ranging northward to the Santa Mar-
garita River.

Figure 142. Hesperoyucca whipplei. This is one of our most gorgeous desert
plants, whose flower clusters would grandly illuminate a native park.

Eriodictyon californicum (Yerba Santa)—Shrub, 10-20 dm. high. Occasional
in the chaparral belt of the San Gabriel mountains. More common on the dry
plains east of our ranges, where it extends up to the pine belt. May-August.

Pomona CoLLEGE JouRNAL oF Economic Botany 311

Eriodictyon tomentosum—Shrub, 25-35 dm. high. Frequent in the chaparral belt
of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains.

Eriodictyon parryi—Stems, 8-18 dm. high. Occasional in the San Gabriel, Santa
Ana and San Bernardino mountains, in the upper chaparral and lower pine
belt. June-August.

Eriogonum fasciculatum (Wild Buckwheat)—Shrubby, 5 dm. or more high.

Fremontodendron californicum (Slippery Elm)—Branching shrub, or arborescent,
2-7 m. high. Frequent in the upper altitudes of the chaparral belt of our
interior regions. June-July.

Garrya veatchii palmeri (Silk Tassel Tree)—Erect, branching shrub, 18-25 dm.
high. Frequent in the upper portions of the chaparral belt of the San An-
tonio and Cuyamaca mountains. January.

Garrya veatchti undulata—Occasional on Mt. Wilson and Mt. Lowe.
Garrya pallida—Santa Ana mountains.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Christmas Berry) —3-6 m. high. May-June.

Hesperoyucca whipplei (Spanish Bayonet)—Common in the chaparral belt of
all our mountains.

Holodiscus discolor—Shrub 1-2 m. high, branches short, rigid, bark grayish brown,
more or less shreddy. Sometimes called Spiraea discolor. Common in thé
chaparral belt.

Isomeris arborea—Widely branching shrub, 1-3 m. high, hard yellow branches
-and puberulent branches, yellow flowers, from February to July. Found
along the bluffs and hills of the coast.

Isomeris arborea globosa—Similar to the above but with globose capsules.

Juniperus california—Shrub, usually much branched. Common on the desert
slopes.

Lepidospartum squamatum—Branching shrub, broomlike, 6-12 dm. high. Fre-
quent in the dry washes of the interior valleys. July-October.

Libocedrus decurrens (Incense cedar)—A rather small tree of shapely habit, and
great drought resistance.

Lotus glaber (Hosackia)—Tree 5-10 m. high, long yellow flowers, turning red-

dish. Common on our dry ranges, flowering the year around.

Lyonothamnus floribundus var. asplenifolius (Iron-wood)—Medium sized tree of
beautiful foliage and great drought resistance. Found on Santa Cruz Island.

Lyonothamnus floribundus (Catalina iron-wood)—Similar to the last, but having
a less serrated leaf. Also drought resistant. Native to Catalina Island.

Malvastrum davidsonii—Tall shrub, or arborescent, 2-4 m. high. Found in the
San Fernando valley, and the La Canada washes.

*‘yusudoyaaap [[N} ur sdueieodde s}yr Surmoys ‘y}eey VAIZeU SHI UO SsoIdA>a Adi9}UOP 94] “Fpl F1NBY

Pomona CoLuLEGE JourRNAL oF Economic Botany 313

Malvastrum fasciculatum—Tall shrub, or somewhat arborescent, 2.4 m. high,
Common in the lower portions of the chaparral belt.

Mimulus brevipes—3-6 dm. high, corolla yellow. Flowering on our dry foothills
from March to June.

Mirabilis californica (Four-o’clock)—3-6 dm. long. March-June.
Penstemon spectabilis—6-12 dm. high. Frequent on the dry hill sides. May-July.

Pinus torreyana (Del Mar or Torrey Pine)—Small tree, 6-10 m. high.
Pinus coulteri (Coulter’s Pine)—Middle sized trees.

Pinus monophylla (Nut Pine)—Small tree, 5-8 m. high, with irregularly spread-
ing branches and pale flaky bark. Frequent on the dry desert slopes of the
San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains.

Pinus attenuata—Small tree less than 10 m. high. Found on the southern slope
of the San Bernardino mountains at 2500-4000 feet elevation.

Prunus demissa—Shrub, 1-4 m. high. Found in the chaparral and pine belt.

Cerasus ilicifolia (Evergreen Cherry)—Sometimes called Prunus ilicifolia.
Shrubby or arborescent, 3-6 m. high. Flowering from May to June.

Prosopis juliflora (Mesquit)—Shrub or small tree, common on the Colorado
Desert and along the river bottoms near San Bernardino.

Prosopis pubescens (Tornilla or Screw Bean)—Shrub or small tree. River bot-
toms about San Bernardino, with the last.

Quercus engelmanni—Middle sized tree. Altadena to Monrovia.

Quercus agrifolia (Common Life Oak)—Medium sized tree of spreading habit.

Quercus dumosa (Scrub Oak)—Shrub or small tree. Common in all the chaparral

belt.

Quercus mislizeni—Spreading shrub or small tree. Common in the chaparral
belt of all our mountains except the Santa Monica range.

Ramona nivea—Shrubby, below 9-12 dm. high. Occasional in the foothills of
the Santa Monica and San Bernardino mountains. April-May.

Ramona stachyoides (Black Sage)—Common on the low hills throughout our
range. April-June.

Ramona polystachya (White Sage)—Shrubby, below 1 m. high. Very common
on the dry plains towards the foothills, and ascending these to about 3000
feet. April-July.

Rhamnus crocea—Low, much branched; flowers reddish. Occasional on the dry
plains and in the chaparral belt of our interior regions.

Rhamnus crocea ilicifolia—Shrub, sometimes arborescent, foliage closely resem-
bling Cerasus ilicifolia. Common throughout the chaparral belt.

314 Pomona CoLLeGe JouRNAL oF Economic Botrany

Rhamnus californica (Wild Coffee)—Shrub, sometimes arborescent, 1-4 m. high.
Common in the chaparral belt of all our mountains.

Rhus laurina—Shrub 2-4 m. high. Very common. June-July.

Rhus integrifolia—Low evergreen shrub, 1-2 m. high, flowers white or rose col-
ored, drupes very viscid and acid. Bluffs along the sea-shore. February-
March.

Rhus ovata—Erect or spreading evergreen shrub, 1.5-3 m. high. Occasional in
the chaparral belt. March and April.

Senecio douglasii—Usually about 1 m. high. Common on the dry plains and foot-
hills, mostly below 3000 feet. July-November.

Sphacele calycina wallacei—Shrubby at base, 6-9 dm. high. Occasional on all
our mountains, especially in the upper portions of the chaparral belt, on
the shady sides. May-June.

Low, much branched, about 3
dm. high. Chaparral belt of all our mountains and foothills.

Symphoricarpos mollis (Snowberry or Wolfberry )

Tetradymia comosa—Branches erect, elongated, 4-8 dm. high. Dry washes of
the interior valleys. July-August.

Xylothermia montana—Shrub 1-2 m. high, branches widely spreading.
Yucca arborescens (Joshua-tree)—Large yucca of the Mohave Desert.

Zauschneria californica microphylla (Wild Fuchsia)—Frequent on dry hillsides,
mostly below 3000 feet.
In addition to the plants listed above might be mentioned many varieties

of the fleshes, such as the Cacti, stone crops, and Mesembrianthemums.

Most of the photographs used in this article were taken near the coast in
middle western California, by J. M. Garrison, Palms, California.

SAO

gi he safest, sanest and most

pittrient practical fuork 9
in any line, ig ever that
a ig built upon the
solid foundation of rare
ful and thorough terhni
ral study and investigation.

Department of Biology
Pomona College
Claremont
Cal.

. ese

A san

raunot most intelligently and efficiently Ddirert others

in any great industrial work, without understanding

to a finish the basic scientific principles underlying
that work, and

inithout being able to do the
things himself

Department of Biology
Pomona College
Claremont
Cal.

POMONA COLLEGE
“Our Tribute to Christian Civilization”

One of the best located, and best housed and outfitted Colleges on the West
Coast, with a very full corps of unusually enthusiastic and energetic professors,
and a large and very vigorous student body. The laboratories in Biology,
Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy are splendidly equipped, and such as any
college might be thoroughly proud of. Offers full Literary, Classical, and
Scientific courses. Possesses well-manned schools of Music and Art, and offers
exceptional facilities in Library and Athletics. The College should be judged
by its output—Pomona has been very proud of hers.

Claremont is admittedly at the center of one of the most salubrious, heauti-
fully located and desirable residence districts in California.

For further information, address

POMONA COLLEGE,
CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA.

a

UV i9] }

IDDSUELEPELESELSUESESSSELS CREERELEL ERE ECLA CARRE.

Pomona College
Journal of Economic
Botany

As Applied to Subtropical Horticulture

Volume Two SEPTEMBER 1912 Number Three

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF Borany oF PoMONA COLLEGE
CLAREMONT, CAL., U. S. A.

PLSD SS SaaS eL Sapp aL SLSS EIS! SERRE REL E REC LLIEEY

Pomona College Journal of
Economic Botany

CONTENTS

1. Wientr, Crayton J.
A Stem Rot Disease of Carnations Due to a Species of

Fusarium.

ww

Conzarri, Pror. C.
The Botanic Garden of Oaxaca, Mexico.
8. Cornett, R. D.

The Culture of Citrus Fruits, Dates, and Other Crops in the
Coachella, Imperial and Yuma Districts.

Subscription price $1.00 to domestic and $1.25 to foreign postal
countries. Reprints of any of the articles can be obtained at a nomi-
nal price.

The pages of this quarterly are at the service of active workers
in Economic Botany, as related to Subtropical Horticulture, from
any part of the World.

Especially is this Journal offered in exchange for all botanical
and horticultural journals, all proceedings, transactions, bulbetins,
and reports of societies, gardens, laboratories and herbaria.

Address all communications to
EUGENE SCHOFIELD HEATH, EpiTor

Pomona Journal of Economic Botany

Pomona College, Claremont
California, U. S. A.

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL

of ECONOMIC BOTANY

Volume II SEPTEMBER 1912 Number 3

A Stem Rot Disease of Carnations Due to
a Species of Fusarium"

CLAYTON J, WIGHT

INTRODUCTION

In August, 1911, Mr. James McDonald of Alameda sent to the University
Laboratory of Plant Pathology a diseased carnation plant (Dianthus caryo-
phyllus L.) and reported that his plants were dying from some unknown cause.
The stem of this diseased plant was placed in a box of moist sand and long
eurved spores of the Fusarium type developed upon it. This experiment
formed the incentive which led to the investigation of the stem rot disease
among the carnation growers in the vicinity of Oakland, Berkeley, and Rich-
mond, and to a review of the literature upon the subject. The studies described
in this paper have been earried on for the purpose of determining the nature
of the disease, its extent, its remedy, and the relation of the disease organism
to Fusarium oxysporum, a fungus which causes the dry rot of potatoes and
is so fully described by Erwin F. Smith and Deane B. Swingle in Bulletin No.
55, of the Bureau of Plant Industry.

HISTORY OF THE ‘‘STEM ROT” DISEASE OF CARNATIONS

The carnation stem rot disease has been known among growers for many
years, but it was not brought to the attention of plant pathologists until the
latter part of the nineties, and comparatively little has been written about it.

In 1897 Wm. C. Sturgis, of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment
Station, observed the disease attacking the variety William Scott, which
appeared to be more susceptible than others, He stated that the disease
appeared first as a yellowing of the lower leaves and spread until it involved
the whole plant. The cause of the disease was determined to be due to a
species of Fusariwm which gains access to the tissues at, or just below, the
surface of the soil. The mycelium accumulated in the water ducts of the stem,
thus preventing the free transfer of water. It was thought probable that the

*Prepared from Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the Degree of Bachelor of Science, University of California, May, 1912. The original
thesis is preserved in the Department of Agriculture, University of California, and
contains two colored plates and other illustrations not included here.

316 Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BoTany.

disease could be communicated by cuttings and that the spores of the fungus
were capable of retaining their vitality for several months. Sterilization of
the soil when convenient, the use of cuttings from sound plants, and the
immediate removal of diseased plants from the beds were recommended to
prevent attacks of the disease. The Fusarium causing the disease was isolated
in pure cultures, but only one form of spore developed, and it was fusiform,
pointed at both ends, hyaline, slightly curved, 3-5 septate and measuring
25 u.*-38 u.x3.5 u.-4 u. These spores were borne singly or in small clusters,
on the tips or sides of short branches of mycelium and, when seen in mass, they
present a pale salmon pink color. A few inoculation experiments were tried.
No infections were obtained by injecting Fusarium spores into incisions made
on the plant. The inoculations made through the soil were indefinite.

In the same year the disease was brought to the attention of F. W. Card
‘and J. E. Adams, of the Rhode Island Station. In 1898 they performed an
experiment with fifteen hundred cuttings of a very susceptible variety (Flora
Hill). Cuttings were grown in clean sand and in sand on which carnations
had been previously grown. Chemical fertilizers and stable manures were
compared, and the effect of dipping cuttings in Bordeaux mixture before
planting was tried. The most marked results were obtained in the use of
fresh, clean sand. Dipping the cuttings in Bordeaux mixture resulted in con-
siderable loss. The general belief that the stable manure in the soil favors the
progress of the disease was not sustained.

A more complete account of the disease and the organism causing it is
given by L. Mangin and M. G. Delacroix of the Paris Academy of Science in
No. 19, Vol. 129, and No. 23, Vol. 131, of Comptes Rendus.

In the fall of 1899, the disease was reported to be causing considerable
damage to the fields of carnations at Nice, Provence, and Antibes. Mr. L.
Mangin describes the disease as starting in the young stem and spreading out
to the leaves, causing a serious decomposition of the stem, and a wilted and
yellowish appearance of the leaves. The roots appear to be healthy. In a
microscopical examination of the diseased stems, a large number of organisms
were found in the decomposed, brown, and rotted areas, but only one was
persistently found in the green tissues. This was a colorless mycelium extremely
well developed in the cambium layer, and best observed in a thin longitudinal
section of the stem. Parts of affected stems placed in a moist chamber became
covered with a white mycelium and formed two varieties of conidia. The
larger conidia were fusiform, curved, and often pointed; they are divided by
transverse septa from 1-5, but ordinarily 3 in number. Their dimensions vary
between 20 u. and 30 u. in length, by 2.5 u.-5 u. in width. The smaller spores
were observed in the crevices of the stems and in the white areas of the rotted
spots. These conidia were almost cylindrical, slightly curved, and rounded
at the ends. They were 5 u.-12 u. in length by 2 u.-3 u. in width, and
without septa. Chlamydospores developed in cultures fifty days old. These

*u used by typist for micromillimeters.

Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 317

were most often formed at the extremity of short, thin, lateral branches of
mycelium, but sometimes they were formed sessile on a filament. The mature
chlamydospore is distinguished by its roughened surface; it is either white or
of a light, yellow, brown color. In cultures exposed to the cold of winter
certain mycelium filaments developed an elongated chlamydospore 30 u.-
35 u. in length by 18 u. in diameter and with three or four cross septa. These
chlamydospores germinated in sixteen hours in distilled water at a temperature
of 22° C. In germinating they produced one or perhaps two filaments which
perforated the exospore and were covered by the endospore. Very rarely a
germinating chlamydospore produced a secondary spore which was round,
yellow, thin walled and 9 u.-10 u. in diameter. No further studies of the
secondary spores were made. The life of a chlamydospore does not appear
to exceed a year. In one culture upon potato eleven months of age, the
minority of the chlamydospores germinated. Mr. L. Mangin and Mr. FE.
Prillieux gave to this imperfect Ascomycete the name Fusarium diantht.
Later Mr. L. Mangin made further studies in which he demonstrated the
parasitism of several species of Fusarium, including F. roseolum, F. commu-
tatum, F. roseum, F. avrantiacum, F. oxysporum and F. pyrochroum. He
concluded that the Fusarium of the carnation so closely resembled these
other species that it should not be given a separate name.

Further observations in the field revealed that the disease was not of an
infectious character, for diseased plants were often found isolated among
healthy ones. The disease appeared to be a constitutional one, and some
horticulturists made the remark that their plants were suffering from tuber-
culosis. The disease appeared to develop most rapidly at the time when the
plant began to flower. In the examination of plants where the disease had
just started, Mr. L. Mangin found mycelium bearing conidia in shoots abso-
lutely healthy in appearance. Carnations grown under glass were more subject
to infection than those grown in the free air, but plants grown under any
condition were more or less subject to the disease.

The ordinary method of propagating the carnation was by means of cut-
tings and these seemed to be a source for the transmission of the disease. To
prevent the spread of the disease in this way only cuttings from healthy
plants should be used. In order to recognize these the prepared cuttings may
be placed in the holes of a perforated board or metal plate and suspended over
a vessel of water in such a way that the base of the cuttings will be two or
three centimeters from the surface of the water. At the end of twenty-four
hours at a temperature of 50° C., the ends of the diseased cuttings will be
covered with a white mycelium, while the healthy ones will not show any
infection. But to prevent the growth of any spores which may have lodged
upon them, they should be washed in a weak solution of copper sulphate ;
one or two grams per liter may be used.

Another source of infection was by means of wounds, in which nema-
todes and spiders had an important part. The discovery of chlamydospores

318 Pomona CoLLeEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BorTany.

in the soil, where diseased plants had grown, gave evidence that the fungus
was also a soil fungus and might easily enter the plant through a wound.
To avoid infection from the soil all diseased plants should be destroyed
before the appearance of the conidia, a three-year rotation practiced, or the
soil disinfected. The latter method was suggested for small farmers who
would not be able to carry out a rotation of crops or for those who grew
carnations under glass. Experiments were conducted with carbon bisul-
phide, sulphate of iron, formaldehyde and naphthol, from which it was
found that all, with the exception of the last, would prevent the germina-
tion of the spores and the spread of the disease. Sulphate of iron cannot
be used in soils containing much calcium carbonate, for it decomposes too
quickly and does not kill the chlamydospores. Carbon bisulphide does not
act very well in clay soils. Formaldehyde may be used under varying
conditions.

FIELD OBSERVATIONS

In making the field observations thirteen nurseries were visited where
carnations are being grown on a commercial scale. These nurseries are situ-
ated in Elmhurst, Melrose, Berkeley, and Richmond, and are owned by
Americans, Germans, Japanese, and Italians. The data obtained largely
corroborate that given by Mr. L. Mangin in the foregoing pages. The
activity of the disease appears to be directly dependent upon cultural
conditions, and it is necessary to have a complete knowledge of the propaga-
tion of the carnation in order to understand the relation of the disease to
the plant.

The carnation is commonly propagated by means of cuttings. The
cuttings are obtained by removing suckers or shoots, three or four inches
in length, from mature plants: the base or heel of a cutting is cut off
squarely beneath a node, the lower leaves are entirely removed, and the
ends of the longer ones are usually clipped. In this locality cuttings
are started between the first of January and the first of March; they are
rooted by being placed about one inch apart in boxes of sand, and kept in
the propagating house until a root system has developed, which is about
one month. The cuttings are then transplanted to other boxes or pots
containing ordinary soil, where they are set four to six inches apart each
way. They are kept under glass until April or May, then they are moved
outside, either in boxes or transplanted to the ground, where they remain
until moved into the houses used for the production of cut flowers. The
final transplanting is done in July or August, and the plants are placed
from ten to fourteen inches apart each way. During the eclder months
the houses are heated by steam; a temperature of 65 degrees to 70 degrees
F. is maintained during the day and 45 degrees F, to 55 degrees F. during
the night. On very warm days the temperature may rise above 70 degrees
F., but the grower makes every effort to keep it below 80 degrees F., by the
use of ventilators and overhead irrigation. Carnations will not thrive well

Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BorTany. 319

in a hot, humid atmosphere. Each year the growers change the soil in
their green-houses so as to secure soil rich in plant food and freer of
disease organisms.

The stem-rot disease, which is due to a species of Fusarium, may make
an attack at any time during the life of the plant, but it is more serious
at certain stages in its propagation, that is, at such times when the plant
has to submit to rather sharp changes in conditions of moisture or temper-
ature, thus weakening its natural vitality. There are three such periods in
the life of the plant which are well marked. The first and probably the
most critical one comes when the plant is ‘‘benched,’’ that is, when it is
transplanted from the outdoor heds into the green-house. A few warm,
cloudy days, on over-moist soil, or too deep setting of the plants are condi-
tions which favor the development of stem:rot. The second critical period
comes when the steam heat is turned on in the autumn; again the plants
may be subjected to a rather sharp change in temperature. The third and
last critical period comes in the spring, when the temperature gets abnor-
mally high and the plant is low in vitality from having been foreed during
the year in the production of flowers.

As Mr. L. Manein has observed, the diseased plants are recognized
by the wilted. yellowish, dryine-up condition of the foliage and a softened
condition of the stem at the surface of the ground. In the early stages of
the disease the roots and unner portions of the branches are sound, while
the intervenine portion will show brown and blackened areas. Fre-
quently one or two branches hecome affected and wilt before the remainder
of the plant shows any sions of the disease (Plate 1). However, it even-
tually spreads unward and downward until the whole plant is in a more
or less advanced stage of decay. The roots become thoroughly decom-
posed and rot off: the stem and its hranches become dry and brittle, charac-
teristic of dry rot. Upon a vlant where the disease is fairly well advanced,
small flesh- or salmon-colored clusters of spores are often found. <A micro-
scopical examination of them reveals the presence of the characteristic
curved Fusarium maereconidia. <A similar examination of the tissue of the
affected stems shows the nresence of abundant mycelium in the parenchyma
cells, although the unner branches and the roots of the plants are apparentlv
in a perfectly healthy condition. The progress of the disease is normally
slow, but in an exceptionally warm and moist atmosphere, the disease
organism may destroy tissue very rapidly. as pointed out bv the descrin-
tiens ef ineenlatea plants in another part of this paper. It is probable
that seme diseased plants continue to produce flowers for months after they
are infected. Growers report that some varieties are more susceptible than
others, and the followine kinds have heen mentioned by several as being
amone the most susceptible :—Enchantress, Prosperity, Winsor, Perfection,
and Nelson Fisher.

320 Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BoTANy.

~

Pps
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A's
f

i S
Tay,

Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 321

The method by which the fungus obtains entrance into the plant stem
has not been entirely determined, but it doubtless gains entrance through a
wound or by first establishing itself upon dead or inactive tissue and then
penetrating the living tissue. At every stage in the growth of the carna-
tion there is more or less idle tissue upon it. The cutting in starting its
growth develops new leaves from the center, the outer ones remain green
for a time and finally die. These outer leaves, if at all moist, afford an
excellent means for the entrance of the fungus into the inner tender tissues
of the plant. The carnation stem frequently checks, thus forming easy pas-
sageways to its interior and deadened areas formed on the margins of the
checks may give the fungus a foothold. When the flowers are cut they
are not necessarily cut at a node, and if they are not the portion of the
stem extending beyond the node dies; in fact, such a stem often dies back
to a main branch. All of these dead parts and bruises afford an opportu-
nity for the disease organism to enter the plant. The fungus is undoubt-
edly parasitic under favorable conditions.

Stems of diseased carnation plants placed in moist chambers rapidly
develop tufts of mycelium on their surfaces which originate from filaments
which have broken through the epidermis of the stem or from clusters of
spores formed on the outside of the stem. These tufts of mycelium are
5-10 mm. high, usually white, but sometimes they are pink or yellow in
eolor. Macroconidia develop in them, and a pure culture could be easily
obtained by simply touching one of these tufts with a sterile platinum
needle and transferring the spores to a poured _ plate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNGUS

The mycelium found in diseased plants is colorless, slightly more slen-
der than that grown in cultures, much branched in-the parenchyma and
with frequent septa. The septa are 5 u. to 10 u. apart and the mycelium
varies in width from 3.5 u. to 6-u. No microconidia have ever been found,
either borne within the host, or developed in cultures. The fungus was
obtained in pure cultures from three different sources: Alameda, Rich-
mond, and Elmhurst. One strain was established from a single spore, this
spore was taken from the Elmhurst culture. A careful study of each
strain was made in drop cultures of beef extract bouillon (M1). The Van
Tieghem cell was used for these studies. The macroconidia germinated in
less than twenty-four hours; some germinated from the end cells and some
from the central cells of the spore (Plate V, Figures 6 and 7). In forty-
eight hours quite a profuse mycelium had formed, and it had grown across
drops two and three millimeters in diameter. At the end of seven days
the formation of macroconidia began; these were the only variety of spores
‘developed in drop cultures. They were formed most rapidly in places
where the mycelium came in contact with the glass outside of the drop;
such contact seemed to stimulate the formation of spores. The macroconidia

322 Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL oF Economic Botany.

are formed by being cut off from the ends of hyphal branches. Sometimes
a spore is cut off from the end of a terminal branch, but more commonly
from the ends of short lateral branches by a constriction furrow. As soon
as one macroconidium is cut off, the hypha begins to elongate, pushing
past it and soon forming a second constriction furrow, which cuts off a
second macroconidium. This process continues until sometimes eight or ten
macroconidia are formed from a single branch and lie side by side in a
little group. Sometimes the septa are formed in the macroconidia before
they are cut off but more frequently afterwards (Plate V. Figures 1,
2, and 3).

The exact time required for the formation of the macroconidia has
not been determined, but the process must be very rapid, for hundreds
will develop in a single spore drop within two or three days after they
have started to form. The macroconidia vary in length from 25 u.-60 u.
and in width from 4 u.-5 u. When these conidia are first formed they
are cylindrical in shape, rounded at the ends and nearly straight. With
age they become much more pointed at the ends and more curved. They
are from one to six septate, usually three or four; they are seldom con-
stricted at the septa. Macroconidia formed upon the plant in the open are

y PLATE V

Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 323

much more slender than those developed in cultures (Plate V. Figure 4).

The chlamydospores are produced as swellings of the mycelium, usually
interealary, and there are often several on the same hypha close together
like a string of beads. They are circular or ovate cylindrical and appear
to have two walls; those which are ovate cylindrical in shape are sometimes
divided by transverse walls. They have a slightly uneven surface and are
yellowish brown in color. The size of the spherical ones varies from 10 u.
-20 u. in diameter, and the oblong ones from 8 u.-10 u. in diameter by
20 u.-25 u. in length. They were filled with very large granules of
protoplasm. (Plate V. Figure 5.) Strain (E) formed an abundance of
them in nutrient agar in thirty days.

GROWTH ON DIFFERENT MEDIA

In making a study of the cultural characters the three strains of car-
nation Fusarium previously mentioned were used, and in addition two
strains of potato Fusarium have been studied in parallel cultures, for the
purpose of making comparisons between the carnation and potato strains.
One of the potato strains was received from Dr. M. T. Cook of the Dela-
ware Experiment Station, and considered by him to be Fusarium oxysporum ;
morphologically it corresponds to the description of F’. oxysporum given by
Erwin F. Smith and Deane B. Swingle in Bulletin No. 55 of the Bureau
of Plant Industry, but in cultural habits it differs from the descriptions
given, for it has a depressed growth on most media and the F. oxysporum
described in the bulletin has an aerial growth on most media. The other
potato strain was isolated from the stems of diseased potato plants growing
in the horticultural garden of the University. All of the cultures of it
have originated from a single spore, and in cultural and morphological
characters this Fusarium corresponds very closely to F. oxysporum, as
described in the bulletin mentioned above. Its parasitism has not, however,
been satisfactorily confirmed, either by observation in the field or by inocula-
tion experiments. For convenience in describing the cultural characters
and the accounts of inoculation experiments with the different strains, sym-
bols will be used. The symbols (R), (E), and (IV) refer to carnation
strains obtained from Richmond, Elmhurst, and Alameda, respectively ;
(H) refers to the potato strain received from Delaware, and (VII) to the
potato strain isolated from potato plants in the University garden.

A detailed description of the various culture media used appears in
another part of this paper. P. 330. Three kinds of glass vessels were used:
200 ¢. ec. Erlenmeyer flasks, 70 mm. in diameter through their widest part,
test tubes 20 mm. in diameter, and petri dishes 90 mm. in diameter. All
transfers were made with a sterile platinum needle and the plantings were
made as nearly as possible in the center of each container. The cultures
were always made in duplicate and often in series of four or six. In almost
every instance growth was apparent to the naked eye in forty-eight hours.

324

PoMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BOTANY.

Figures 1 and 2.

PLATE II.

Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Borany. 325

Figures 1 and 2.

PLATE III.

326

PoMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BoTany.

PLATE IV

..

Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 327

Unless otherwise stated the cultures were kept in a glass case in the interior
of the laboratory. The descriptions are given for reflected light and a
white ground. —

Nutrient agar (M4). The descriptions are given for plate cultures.
Carnation strains of Fusarium grew vigorously, developing a light cottony
growth. <A culture normally increased its diameter 10 mm. each 24 hours.
Growth was always accompanied by the development of color of varying
density. Strain (EF) developed color more profusely than the other strains;
first a wine red color developed which appeared most intense in the two
eéneentric zones corresponding to the zones of greatest mycelium growth.
(Plate II. Figure 2 and Plate IV, e.) Older cultures developed a sulphur
yellow’ color irregularly over the plate. Strain (R) developed the same
colors in a less degree, and strain (IV) sometimes produced the red or
pink tinges, but usually only a slight yellow coloration was observed.
(Plate III. Figures 1 and 2, and Plate IV, b.)

The potato strains gréw less rapidly; a culture increased its diameter
about 7 mm. per day. A slight yellowish color appeared about the twelfth
or fifteenth day. Strain (H) always formed a depressed growth and con-
centric and radial lines were often prominent. (Plate II, Figure 1.) Strain
(VII) always formed a cottony growth about 4 mm. high and sometimes
sufficiently uneven to give the effect of concentric rings.

’ Nutrient agar (M3). Growth of the various strains on this medium
closely resembled the growth on (M4), except in color which developed less
readily. ey art ;

Beet agar (M2). The descriptions are given for slant tube cultures.
The carnation strains closely resembled each other in growth; each produced
a vigorous cottony mycelium, accompanied from the beginning by the devel-
opment of a wine red color, and in three to five days by the development
of a sulphur ‘yellow color. Cultures thirty days old developed a copper
green amidst the yellow. A dense pellicle formed on the surface of the
slant. This was deep blood red below and shaded into lighter tints of
wine red above. The center of the culture was yellow and green, and the
aerial growth extending above the tip of the slant remained white. (Plate
IV. Figures a, d and e.)

The potato strains differed in their growth. Strain (H) formed a
depressed growth, very pale salmon in color, except for a slight cottony
growth extending above the upper tip of the slant. (Plate IV. Figure f.)
Strain (VII) formed a cottony mycelium about 4 mm. high, slightly rose
pink, and a thin pellicle shading from rose pink below to creamy yellow
above. oft

Prune juice and bread (M5). The descriptions are given for flask
cultures. Carnation strains were very similar in growth, each producing
an even cottony mycelium about 10 mm. high and spreading over the surface
of the medium in ten or twelve days. Color developed about the tenth day.

328 Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BOTANY.

In most cultures the lemon yellow color appeared first, although in some,
yellow and red colors developed almost simultaneously. In cultures thirty
to forty days old the red tones became more pronounced than the yellow.
A thick pellicle formed over the surface of the medium, and wherever it
touched the glass its color was very striking, being a deep crimson below
and shading into the lighter tints of wine red above.

The potato strains grew only one-half as rapidly as the carnation
strains on this medium, and it required about twenty days for a culture
to spread over its surface. Strain (VII) developed a dense cottony growth
4-6 mm. high. In a direct north light a rose red color began to appear in
ten days; in an interior glass case, the rose red color did not appear until
the cultures were thirty days old. No distinctive color developed in eul-
tures kept in darkness. Strain (H) grew depressed or with a cottony growth
of a ropy nature. Cultures kept in north light developed a rose red color,
but those kept in darkness did not develop any color.

Steamed white corn meal (M6). The descriptions are given for flask
cultures. The carnation strains resemble each other in cultural characters
on this medium also. In ten days the surface of the medium became covered
with a cottony growth 10 mm. in height. The usual wine red color began
developing in three or four days, which was followed by the appearance
of the lemon yellow tints. The two colors became mingled throughout the
culture, and they gradually increased in intensity with age, until reaching —
a maximum intensity in cultures thirty days:old. Numerous rich salmon-
colored bodies developed in cultures of that age. A thick wine red pellicle
formed over the surface of the medium. In places the mycelium penetrated
beneath the pellicle between the glass and the medium, and it is probable
that the mycelium is capable of penetrating all through the substratum.

The potato strains grew less rapidly, requiring twice as much time for
a culture to spread over the medium. The growth of strain (VII) was
dense, cottony, and 5-7 mm. high; no coloration could be detected until
the cultures were twenty-five days old, then a faint rose pink color appeared
which developed slowly. A thin pellicle formed at the surface of the
medium, and no mycelium had penetrated any part of the substratum in
cultures sixty days old. The growth of strain (H) was mostly depressed,
the little cottony growth that appeared was of a ropy character. A deep
lilae color developed from the beginning which later became overspread
with a yellowish brown, but if any secondary growth developed the lilac
color again appeared. In cultures thirty to forty days old the surface
stratum became wrinkled and the mycelium did not penetrate the substratum.

Steamed rice (M7). The descriptions are given for 200 ec. ¢. flasks.
The carnation strains all grew vigorously on this medium, developing a
cottony growth 10 mm. high, and particularly delicate colors. Strains (E)
atid (R) began developing a lemon yellow color and strain (IV) a wine
red color in three days. A few days later all strains developed both colors;

Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Borany. 329

strains (IV) and (R) developed them in equal intensity, but in strain (E)
the pink was scarcely noticeable. This difference in the formation of color
gave the (E) strain a distinctly different appearance from the other two.

The potato strains grew more slowly than the carnation strains. Strain
(VII) produced a dense cottony growth about 4 mm. high and began
forming a rose pink color in twenty-five days, but this color did not become
very intense even in cultures sixty days old. The growth of strain (H) was
mostly depressed, the ropy ecottony character appeared only in the secondary
growth. The first growth was accompanied by the development of an intense
lilac color, which later faded to a pale salmon. A pellicle formed over the
‘surface stratum and folded itself about the rice kernels in such a way as
to give the culture a very wrinkled appearance. The mycelium filaments
of both potato and carnation strains penetrated the substratum and devel-
oped their characteristic colors.

Steamed potato plugs (M8). The carnation strains developed a vigor-
ous cottony growth covering the entire plug of each culture in seven days.
The usual wine red color appeared the fourth or fifth day, being densest
in the pellicle covering the plug and shading to lighter tones in the aerial
growth. A sulphur yellow color began developing in twelve to fifteen days
and various shades of green appeared in cultures about fifty days old. The
colors developed in darkness as readily as in light. The mycelial filaments
often extended 20-25 mm. above the tip of the plug, but were without color.

The potato strains grew more slowly, and the cottony growth did not
attain such a height as in the carnation cultures. Both strains formed a
dense even growth 4-6 mm. high. A rose pink color appeared in eight to
ten days in cultures kept in a north window; this color increased in density
until it became a rich salmon. Small green sclerotia were observed in a
culture of strain (VII) fifty days old. No appreciable color developed in
darkness. Both the potato and carnation strains were capable of penetrating
through the plugs.

Steamed beet plugs (M9). The growth of the different strains on
this medium was very similar to the growth of the respective strains on
steamed potato plugs. The carnation strains developed color a little more
rapidly and with a little greater intensity. The potato strains did not grow
so well; strain (VII) was less dense and only 2-3 mm. high, and strain
(H) was always depressed or in ropy masses.

Raw potato plugs (M10). Only one carnation strain and one potato
strain were grown upon this medium. The growth of each was very similar
to the growth of the respective strains on steamed plugs. The same colors
developed in both light and darkness. Strain (H) grew less rapidly than
on steamed plugs, but developed color equally well. It should be noted
that the method used in preparing these plugs probably killed many of the
surface cells of the potato, thus facilitating the growth of the fungi.

330 Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BorTany.

General culture ¢haracters. No disagreeable odor developed in any of
the cultures; whenever any odor could be detected, it was of a pleasant
rather than of a disagreeable nature. Some coloration appeared in all ecul-
tures kept in the light. All cultures formed spores; they were most abun-
dant in old cultures or in cultures with little available food. Very few
chlamydospores formed in the flask cultures.

COMPARISON OF THE CARNATION AND POTATO STRAINS

The description of the cultural characters for the different media have
shown that the carnation Fusarium is a much more vigorous grower than
the potato Fusarium, producing a stronger stroma, a higher aerial mycelium
and also in producing a distinctive yellow color differing from any which
appeared in the potato Fusarium cultures. A morphological difference
occurs in the spores. The carnation strains develop very few conidia which
could be classified as microconidia. The four- to six-celled curved macro-
conidia is the type universally found. On the other hand the potato strains
develop oblong to cylindrical microconidia in great abundance, and compara-
tively few of the true Fusarium macroconidia. The potato and carnation
strains form chlamydospores differing greatly in appearance. The carna-
tion strains form large yellowish brown chlamydospores 10 u.-20 u. in
diameter; some are spherical, others are oblong and divided by transverse
walls. All contain very large granules of protoplasm. The potato strains
form light brown chlamydospores, most of which are spherical and only
6 u.-12 u. in diameter. They are filled with much smaller granules of
protoplasm and all are one-celled. (Plate V. Figures 5 and 11, a, b, e.)

CULTURE MEDIA USED

The composition of the different cultural media used in the studies of
the various species of Fusarium fungi are given in the following descriptions,

Beef extract bouillon (M1). This medium consisted of the following
materials :

Peptone 2.5: eee eee 1%— 5 grams
Beef extragt: (3 See 0.5%—2.5 grams
Common: (alt. 23 eee 0.5% —2.5 grams
Distilled water” 36S 500 ¢. ¢.

These ingredients were dissolved in nearly the full amount of water,
boiled a few minutes, enough distilled water added to make the total 500
ec. e., and filtered twice through absorbent cotton.

Sugar bect agar (M2). A large, sound sugar beet was thoroughly
scrubbed, washed in distilled water, pared, and cut up in fine pieces. To
400 grams of beet was added 1000 c. c. of distilled water, and the whole was
heated until the pieces of beet could be easily crushed into a pulp, then
filtered through a clean towel. Four grams of thread agar were dissolved
and added to the beet liquid with enough distilled water to bring the total
up to 800 ce. c. The medium was then filtered through absorbent cotton,

Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Borany. 331

heated in the steam sterilizer for one hour, and sterilized for thirty min-
utes on three successive days.
Nutrient agar (M3.) This medium consisted of ‘the following materials:

A Saran. eas eal. oy Ae 0 oh TS 12%—3 grams
EPI GIRO it cod Soe ne ee 1.0%—2.5 grams
on Cae eee ae eee ee Rete 0.5% —1.25 grams
BROR CHAN a ea 0.5%—1.25 grams
Ls a rr 250 ¢. ¢.

Thread agar was soaked in tap water for thirty minutes, washed in dis-
tilled water and boiled in nearly the full amount of water until thoroughly
dissolved. The other ingredients were then added, the whole made up to
250 ¢. ¢. with distilled water, filtered through absorbent cotton, and steri-
lized for twenty minutes on three successive days.

Nutrient agar (M4). This medium consisted of the same materials
as (M3), prepared in the same manner except 1.25 grams of dextrose was
used in place of 1.25 grams of beef extract.

Prune juice and bread (M5). Seventy grams of dried prunes were
washed carefully in tap water, rinsed in distilled water and cooked slowly
in distilled water until the prunes were thoroughly softened. The fleshy
part of the prunes was mashed into a pulp, enough distilled water added
to bring the total up to 500 e. ¢., strained through a clean towel and the
liquid filtered through absorbent cotton. About 25 ¢. c. of this liquid was
put into each 200 ec. ec. flask and sufficient bread crumbs added to soak up
the liquid. The flasks were sterilized for twenty minutes on three succes-
sive days.

Steamed white corn meal (M6). Ten grams of meal and 35 e¢. e. of
distilled water were used for each 200 ec. ec. flask. This medium was steri-
lized for thirty minutes on three successive days.

Steamed rice (M7). Ten grams of rice and 40 e. ec. of distilled water
were used for each 200 e. ¢. flask. This medium was sterilized for thirty
minutes on three successive days.

Steamed potato plugs (M8). Large, sound potatoes were thoroughly
scrubbed, washed and cut into cylinders about 114 inches long and one-half
inch in diameter with a large cork borer. These cylinders were cut length-
wise diagonally, thus each cylinder made two plugs with slant surfaces.
These plugs were washed: in running water twelve hours, rinsed twice in
distilled water and sterilized for twenty minutes on three successive days.

Raw potato plugs (M9). These plugs were prepared in the same man-
ner as the steamed plugs, except they were washed in 4% formalin solution,
rinsed several times in distilled water and not sterilized. |

Steamed beet plugs (M10). A large, sound beet was thoroughly
scrubbed, washed and prepared in the same manner as the steamed potato
plugs, but not washed in running water.

332 PoMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany.

INOCULATION EXPERIMENTS

These experiments were carried on in order to determine the parasitic
nature of the different strains of Fusarium studied; and to determine if
strains isolated from the carnation were capable of producing disease in the
potato, and vice versa to determine if potato strains were capable of pro-
ducing disease in the carnation. The plants used in the experiments were
kept in one of the University of California greenhouses, and unless other-
wise stated, they were given ordinary treatment. Two methods of inocula-
tion have been tried. The first consisted in simply burying pure cultures
of the strain under investigation in the soil,-and in contact with the stem
of the plant. The second consisted in making a narrow slit, with a sterile
knife, in the stem of the plant, even with the surface of the ground, plac-
ing the spores and mycelium of a pure culture in it, and sealing the wound
with paraffin. The details of each experiment follow :—

February 5th—Two Prosperity carnation plants, about six weeks old,
were inoculated by the first method. One plant was inoculated with a pure
culture of strain (IV) and the other with a pure culture of strain (VII).
Neither plant became infected with the disease. Two other plants of the
same variety were kept under similar conditions for control.

February 21lst—Two Enchantress carnation plants, twelve weeks old,
were inoculated with strains (IV) and (VII), respectively, by means of the
‘*slit’’? method. In eleven days the plant inoculated with strain (IV) wilted,
its foliage had a yellowish cast, and its stem was affected with the disease.
An examination of the stem beneath the paraffin revealed the presence of
freshly developed spores and mycelium. The plant inoculated with strain
(VII) remained normal. Two plants of the same variety were used for
control and given the same treatment, except that their stems were not
cut and sealed with paraffin.

February 21st—Three carnation plants of the Estelle variety, about
one year of age, were inoculated with pure cultures of strains (IV), (VII),
and (H), respectively, by the ‘‘slit’’ method. These inoculations were not
successful.

March 7th—An Enchantress carnation, about one year of age, was inocu-
lated with a pure culture of strain (R) by the ‘‘slit’’? method. The prog-
ress of the disease in this plant was slow, and no signs of injury were
noticed until April 5th, then the lower branches became yellowish and one
side of the stem was affected with a dry rot. On April 15th the plant,
although it was not dead, was removed from its pot and a microscopical
examination made of the diseased tissues of the stem. One-half of the
stem was decayed at the point of infection, and, with the exception of a
slender brown streak, consisting of broken-down parenchyma tissue, the
decay extended only about one and one-fourth inches above and below
this point. An abundance of mycelium could be observed in cross sections
of the decayed and partially-decayed areas. Segments of the affected stem

Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 303

placed in a moist chamber developed from their ends a profuse white
mycelium bearing Fusarium macroconidia. Another plant of the same
variety was used for control; it was given the same treatment except for
the slit and paraffin seal. It did not become diseased.

March 7th—Two Enchantress carnation plants, fourteen weeks of age,
were inoculated with pure cultures of strain (R) by the ‘‘slit’’ method.
The pots containing these plants were placed in larger pots and covered
with window glass, thus providing a more humid atmosphere for the devel-
opment of the fungus. Within four weeks one of the plants became seri-
ously diseased, an abundance of flesh-colored clusters of spores developed
on the outside of the stem and mycelium was found in the tissues. The
other plant became infested with various organisms, and no definite result
was obtained. Control plants kept under the same conditions did not
become diseased.

March 3rd—A one-year-old Enchantress carnation plant was inoculated
with a pure culture of the (R) strain by the ‘‘slit’’ method and kept under
a bell jar. On April 2nd the lower branches of the plant became wilted
and pale yellow in appearance. On April 5th the entire foliage of the
plant presented a wilted yellowish appearance, very characteristic of the
stem-rot or wilt disease. Its stem, for a distance of one inch above and
below the point of infection, was thoroughly decomposed. An examination
of a cross-section of the diseased portion showed the presence of abundant
mycelium and for the first time Fusarium maecroconidia were found borne
in the living cells. This stem also contained a small brown streak of broken-
down parenchyma cells, extending above the zone containing mycelium. The
continued presence of such brown areas without mycelium in both arti-
ficially and naturally diseased plants seems to indicate that the plant tissue
is destroyed in some way in advance of the mycelium. Segments of the
diseased stem of this plant, placed in a moist chamber, developed a profuse
white mycelium at their ends also. A plant of the same variety and receiv-
ing exactly the same treatment, except for the inoculation, did not become
diseased.

April 3rd—Two Prosperity carnation plants, about twelve weeks old,
were inoculated with strains (IV) and (VII), respectively, by putting an
abundance of the pure culture material into the soil and in contact with
the stems of the plants. These plants were kept under bell jars and control
plants were kept under similar conditions. These plants gave no indications
of disease on May Ist.

April 3rd—Three potato plants, which were just beginning to form
potatoes, were inoculated with strains (IV), (VII) and (H), respectively,
by the ‘‘slit and paraffin’? method. Each pot contained two plants, one
being used for a control. These plants were kept under bell jars. These
inoculations were not successful.

334 Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Borany.

March 4th—Inoculation of mature, sound potatoes. These potatoes
were prepared by being thoroughly scrubbed in tap water, washed in a four
per cent solution of formalin, rinsed several times in distilled water, placed
in sterile glass chambers and kept one week before being inoculated. Three
chambers were prepared in this way and inoculated with strains (R), (VII),
and (H) respectively, by means of an incision in the potato. The pota-
toes were examined April 20th. The fungus grew in each instance, but none
of the strains were able to penetrate the potato any appreciable distance.

REMEDIAL MEASURES

The field observations have shown that the carnation stem-rot disease
is not serious, probably not more than one-half of one per cent, or one
per cent loss occurs from it; yet almost every grower who has been grow-
ing carnations for ten or fifteen years remembers a time when the disease
was of a serious nature. A reason for the lesser activity of the disease
has not been determined, but it is probable that more resistant varieties
are now grown and that the methods of culture have been improved. At
present the control of the disease can almost entirely be obtained by observ-
ing the most improved cultural methods. Many of the suggestions given
here are those practiced by the most intelligent growers in this vicinity.
They are simple and do not involve any extra expense in their application.
Always select vigorous cuttings from thrifty, healthy plants. Use a sharp
knife in preparing the cutting, in order to secure clean cuts; carefully
remove all leaves from that portion of the cutting, which, when planted,
comes in contact with the soil. Do not use the same soil more than one
season. A change of soil is not only a preventive measure against disease,
but favors the growth of a more vigorous and productive plant. Avoid, as
far as possible, sudden changes in temperatures and moisture, particularly
high temperatures and extreme dampness. Provide for a free circulation
of air about the plants. When transplanting, be careful not to injure the
plants and do not set them too deep, i. e., do not allow any part of the
stem to come in contact with the soil which was not formerly in contact
with it. Irrigate the beds in the morning, in order that the leaves of the
plants and the surface soil may become dry before night. When infected
plants are observed, remove them from the beds and destroy them. Grow
the varieties which experience in a given locality or soil has shown to
be the most resistant, provided such varieties meet the demands of the
market. The disease is not serious enough to warrant the selection of a
variety which is not of the best market type. The grower who observes
these simple but essential rules in culture need not fear any serious trouble
with the stem-rot disease.

PoMoNA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Borany. 335"

SUMMARY

1. The carnation Fusarium differs in cultural and morphological char-
acters from Fusarium orysporum.

a. It does not form microconidia, its chlamydospores are more
deeply colored, and twice as large as those of F'. oxysporum.

b. It is a more vigorous grower than F. oxysporum and in cul-
tures a distinct yellow color appeared which did not appear in cultures
of F. oxysporum.

2. This fungus is capable of invading a carnation plant through a
wound and causing disease.

-3. This fungus is not likely to cause injury to a sound plant through
soil infection.
_ 4. It is evident that the infected plant dies as a result of the invasion
of the fungus, but not from having its water ducts clogged by the mycelium.

5. The disease of carnation stem-rot or wilt is widely distributed in
this vicinity but not serious.

6. The disease may be adequately controlled by the application of
the proper cultural methods.

a. Use only cuttings from healthy plants.

b. Change the soil in which the plants are grown each year.

e. Guard against extreme heat and moisture conditions.

d. Be careful not to injure the plant when transplanting it.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Britton, W. E.: American Florist, Vol. 14 (1898); No. 545, pp. 431-432.
Britton, W. E.: Gardening, Vol. 7 (1899), No. 153, p. 138.
Card, F. W. and Adams, G. E., Rhode Island Report:
1899, p. 131-185—Extract E. S. R., Vol. 12, p. 763;
1900, p. 249-251—Extract E. 8. R., Vol. 12. p. 966;
1901, p. 233-234—Extract E. S. R., Vol. 13, p. 763.
Seribners, Vol. 19, p. 313.
Current Literature, Vol. 29, p. 214.
Current Literature, Vol. 37, p. 478.
Stone, G..E., and Smith, R. E.: Mass. Reports for 1901, pp. 66-69.
Extract E. 8. R., Vol. 14, p. 157.
Sturgis, W. C.: Conn. State Station Report (1897), pp. 175-181.
Extract E. S. R., Vol. X, p. 262.
Stewart, F. C.: Botanical Gazette. No. 27 (1899), No. 2, pp. 129-130.
Same E. S. R., Vol. X, pp. 1054-1055.
Duggar, B. M., Text: Fungous Diseases of Plants, p. 321.
Atkinson, Geo. F.: American Florist, 8; pp. 720-728 (1893).
Mangin, L.: Comptes Rendus, Academy Science, Paris, Vol. 121 (1900),
pp. 1244-1246. ;
Extract E. 8. R., Vol. 13, p. 154.

336 Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BoTany,

Description of Plates

PLATE I. Carnation plant in which the shoots on the right appear healthy,
and those on the left are affected by the Fusarium disease, showing difference in the
condition of the affected part, particularly in the appearance of the leaves.

PLATE II. Photographs of poured plate cultures twelve days old growing on
nutrient agar (M4). Natural size. Fig 1, Culture of Fusafium oxysporum strain
(H). The mycelium is depressed and slightly yellow in appearance. Fig 2, Culture
of Fusarium (E) isolated from a diseased carnation. The concentric zone effect is
due to the different degrees of density and height of the aerial growth. The my-
celium corresponding to the inner light zone is purple (Saccardo Chromotoxia),

PLATE III. Photographs of poured plate cultures twelve days old growing on
nutrient agar (M4). Natural size. Fig 1, Culture of Fusarium (R) isolated from a
diseased carnation. The growth is cottony and has a very slight pink coloration in
the central part of the plate. Fig 2, Culture of Fusarium (IV) isolated from a
diseased carnation. The growth is cottony and has a slight yellowish tinge.

PLATE IV. Photographs of tube cultures twenty-three days of age. Tubes
a, d, e, and f are growing on beet agar (M2). Tubes b and ¢ are growing on nutrient
agar (M4). Natural size. The tubes labeled (IV), (R3), (E3), and (E2) represent
different strains of carnation Fusarium. The tube labeled (H) is a culture of F. oxy-
sporum. All the strains from the carnation show a vigorous aerial growth and an
abundance of color. The clearly defined pellicle at the surface of the slant is due to
a deep wine-red coloration of the medium. This color shades into a lighter pink im-
mediately above, but the central parts of the cultures have a sulphur yellow colora-
tion and the upper portions remain white. The tube containing the F. oxysporum
culture shows a depressed growth and a very pale salmon coloration in all parts
except in the slight growth extending above the upper point of the slant; this is
cottony and white.

PLATE V. Drawings to show various stages in the development of the
Fusarium fungus.

Figures 1-8 represent various stages in the development of the carnation
Fusarium. Figure 1, Macroconidia being cut off from a short lateral hypha, X1000.
Figure 2, Macroconidia being cut off from a terminal hypha. X1000, Figure 3,
Typical macroconidia developed in cultures on rice. Length 40 u., diameter 5 u.-7 u.
X500. Figure 4, Typical macroconidia taken from a cluster of spores that developed
on the stem of a diseased carnation in the field. Length 25 u.-60 u., diameter 4 u.-5 u.
Their most common length is 35 u.-50 u. X500. Figure 5, A typical chlamydospore
formed by the terminal swelling of a hypha. X1000. Figure 6, A germinating macro-
conidium forty-eight hours old. X500. Figure 7, A germinating macroconidium
twenty-four hours old. X1000. Figure 8, A simple sporodochium showing the forma-
tion of spores. X500. Figures 9-11, Drawings to represent various stages in the devel-
opment of the potato Fusarium. Figure 9, Microconidia being formed on a short
lateral hypha. They vary in size from 5 u.-10 u. in length by 2.4 u.-3.4 u. in diameter.
X1000. Figure 10, Typical macroconidia formed in a culture on potato; they vary
from 15 u.-35 u. in length by 3.2 u.-5 u. in diameter. They are commonly 20 u.-30 u.
in length. X1000. The constrictions at the septa are often conspicuous. Figure 11,
a, Chlamydospore produced by a terminal swelling of a hypha. b, Chlamydospores
produced by intercalary swellings of the hypha. c, A mature chlamydospore. X1000,
The chlamydospores are usually 10 u.-12 u. in diameter.

ee be |

The Botanic Garden of Oaxaca, Mexico*

By Prof. C. Conzatti, Director Oaxaca de Juarez, Mexico

Located on the grounds of the Agricultural Experiment Station, which
was recently established in the State of Oaxaca, the Botanic Garden was
started at the beginning of the year 1910. It did not, however, obtain
official recognition until somewhat later, when the very moderate appropria-
tion of $3,328.00 (Mexican) was granted by the government to defray the
expenses of preparing the grounds, ete.

When I was appointed to organize and to manage the new Botanic
Garden, my first step was to select, in perfect harmony with the direction
of the Agricultural Experiment Station, the ground which seemed most
appropriate. I chose the depression along the eastern side of the railway
line, which runs through the station lands from north to south. This plot

-is of very good quality and is easy of access.

I must confess that the preliminary work of grading and putting the
ground into proper condition was a remarkably difficult undertaking, the
more so that during the first nine or ten months the only help I could have
was seven or eight ordinary laborers (peones). For this reason, as well
as for other troublesome circumstances, the garden is not yet in a position
to furnish: scientific material to the various educational institutions, or live
plants to the public gardens of the near-by capital of the state, but I am
sure that it will scon become able to do so.

The ground selected is in the shape of an almost perfect quadrangle,
and covers an area of about 10 hectares (25 acres), there being the pos-

_ sibility of increasing this area, when needed, both on the eastern and on

the southern side, but not on the two other sides, one of which is limited
by the right-of-way of the Oaxaca-Ejutla Railway, and the other by the main
avenue, which leads to the central building of the Agricultural Station.

This appears to be the second attempt in Mexico to launch an institution
of this kind, which meets much favor in other countries, though it does not
obtain much consideration in ours. The very first attempt was the estab-
lishment of a botanie garden at Guadalajara, which, since 1889, has had
the good fortune of being promoted and protected by the illustrious Mexican
scientist, Ign. D. Mariano Barcena, who was at that time the governor
of the State of Jalisco.

It is certain, beyond all doubt, that the permanent establishment of
a botanic garden in Mexico will be susceptible of a supremely ideal devel-
opment, in view of the inexhaustible wealth of our national flora, the vast
area of the republic, and the wide differentiation of climates characterizing

it. That our central government must take positive and effectual interest

* Translation by Dr. F. Franceschi, Santa Barbara, Cal.

PomMoNA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Borany.,

338

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Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 339

in the institution of botanic gardens is now made imperative by the incon-
testable progress of civilization in Mexico. In fact, all countries most
advanced in civilization number their botanic gardens by the dozens. How
does this happen? It must be acknowledged that the botanic garden is an
institution of highly progressive and civilizing influence. If it were not
so, the oldest leading civilized nations—Italy, France, England and Ger-
many—would not devote so much care to them. Furthermore, not very deep
thought is required to perceive that the botanic garden is the most efficient
auxiliary of general agriculture on account of its great variety of cultures,
and on account of the multiplicity of experiments which it makes possible.
In the same way, no one will deny that the botanic garden will furnish the
best means for the practical study of the biology of plants, with the price-
less material for demonstration that it supplies. At the same time, without
doubt, our botanic garden will become more and more a powerful incentive
to the public to visit and take interest in the Agricultural Station. This
will make more urgent the contemplated construction of about three kilc-
meters of road between the capital of the state and the Agricultural Station.

The appropriation for the new institution being very limited, it was
necessary for me to put aside all ideas of greatness, and of ‘‘showing off,’’
to stick to the vital points, and to supplement, as far as possible, the
insufficiency of labor with my personal and continuous superintendence, for
the best advancement of the work.

I am proud to say that, from my point of view, nothing has been over-
looked. The main object is to display, in a methodical manner, the great-
est possible number of botanical species, preference being given to the
native Mexican. The preparation of material for our educational institu-
tions, and the laying of the foundation for a resort of instruction and
recreation for the general public have also been taken into account.

With these objects in view it became necessary to divide the garden
into different sections. as they are outlined in the sketch published herewith.
The most prominent section is, of course, that of the systematic department,
occupying the central part of the garden, and having the shape of a gigan-
tie cup or bowl. This is subdivided into forty-five large squares of almost
uniform area, on which the 277 families or orders of phanerogamous
plants are distributed, according to the ‘‘Syllabus’’ of Engler, which, as I
consider it the most perfect and modern classification of plants, I have
adopted for the arrangement of the entire garden.

In each square, by setting plants two meters and a half apart, the
number averages 48, thus making a total of 2,160 specimens for the whole
section. It must be remarked, however, that from this section all annual
and all arborescent species are intentionally excluded, and that it contains
only perennial plants of small or of medium size. The reason of such
exclusion is obvious. If regular trees were mixed together, their shade and
their powerful system of roots would impair and even destroy the growth

340 Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Borany.

of smaller plants. Annuals, on the other hand, after a short cycle of life,
would disappear, and leave unpleasant vacancies in the beds.

In this systematic department, all plants are arranged strictly in accord-
ance with their affinities, the three lower squares being occupied by vas-
cular ecryptogams, Cyperaceae, Graminaceae, Palmaceae and Cycadaceae. The
six squares that follow comprise the balance of the monocotyledonous plants
up to family 49. Dicotyledonous plants start with the fiftieth family, their
subdivision Polypetalae taking 24 squares, up to family 226. The remain-
ing 50 squares (family 227 to 277) are occupied by the subdivision Gamope-
talae, which, according to the latest scientific views, are endowed with most
perfect organization.

Including roads and paths between the beds, this department covers
an area slightly inferior to two hectares (about five acres). Two wells have
been dug along the central road, which runs from east to west, and supply
all needs of irrigation. On the upper end of the systematic department,
there is a miserable shanty which affords some protection to the laborers
during stormy weather. All around this were sown seeds of various climb-
ing plants, belonging mostly to the genera Maurandia, Tecoma, Bignonia,
Distictis, Pithecoctenium, Gouania, and Passiflora.

Parallel to the main avenue of the station, on the northern side of the
grounds, lies the fruticetum, the section which must receive the subarbores-
cent flora of all countries, preference always being given to the native
Mexican. Here the plan is to arrange, in a methodical order, species of
shrubs or small trees, at a distance of five meters from each other. There
are about 100 species planted already, the names of which I shall omit for
the sake of brevity; and also because I hope to be able to issue, within a
short time, a complete catalogue of all plants already in cultivation in this
new botanic garden.

This fruticetum has an area of about one hectare and a half (3%4 acres),
and will contain some 535 specimens, making a most interesting collection.
At the northwestern corner, on rising ground, it is planned to build a smal)
propagating house, as well as rooms for the herbarium and for a small ref-
erence library; also a place for tools and storage. Adjoining the above,
a small conservatory will also be built for such plants as are essentially
tropical, and for those which require a good deal of shade and moisture.
The watering of this department will be easily provided by a pump, run
by a small aermotor.

The arboretum occupies all the southern part of the garden, being par-
ticularly sheltered by a series of low hills which run from east to west.
It covers an area of 314 hectares (814 acres), upon which trees will be
planted 714 feet apart. Trees of all countries will be set here, preference
being given to those of the American continent, and more especially to those
which are natives of Mexico. The black dots on the adjoined plan mark
the species already set out, which are distributed according to methodical

Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 341

order of affinities, that is, from palms, conifers, etc., at the base up to Sapo-
taceae, Bignoniaceae, etc., at the top. About 700 species will find place
here.

In a small enclosure of about 100 square meters, and well sheltered by
groves of native shrubbery, the apiary of the Experiment, Station was
recently installed, quite appropriately, in view of the mutual interdependence
of bees and flowers.

It remains for me to illustrate the geographical department, which
reproduces in its main lines the political map of the State of Oaxaca. It
is my most intense desire to make known as well and as completely as
possible the vegetal wealth which is typical of our state. As far as botanic
science is concerned, it is safe to say that the State of Oaxaca has been
but scantily explored. When, to this circumstance, is added the wide
expanse of its area, and the great variability of its climate, owing to its
very high ranges of mountains, and deeply sunken valleys, with corres-
ponding, widely diverging extremes of atmospheric pressure, this country
eannot help being a particularly interesting botanical region. In this
geographical department there are represented already the most prominent
features of our native flora.

The extreme eastern side corresponds to the district of Juchitan, and
offers a collection of 108 species of Cactacee, mostly of the genus Opuntia,
with representatives also of Cereus, Echinocactus, and Mammillaria, which
are so plentiful in that region of the isthmus.

The extreme northwestern side, corresponding to the district of Huajua-
pan de Leon and of Silacayoapan, displays already a small collection of
Agave, Beaucarnea, Hechtia and Yucca. This is sure to be much increased.

_ From the central districts the most characteristic conifers of our state,
Abies religiosa, Pinus montezume, Juniperus flaccida, ete., will be repre-
sented, the nucleus consisting of a fine specimen of Taxodium mucronatum,
‘planted on July 1st, 1910, and raised from seed which I gathered myself on
the colossal and historic ‘‘sabino’’ of Santa Maria del Tule.

From the southern coast districts of Tehuantepec, San Carlos, Pochutla,
Juquila, and Jamiltepec, the most conspicuous palms and cycads of our
state will be represented, nearly all belonging to the genera Acrocomia,
Chamaedorea, Zamia, Dioon and Ceratozamia.

In this same department, room will be reserved for special groups of
economic and of morphological interest, to be set out in due time.

I must not fail to mention the lake for the proper cultivation of
aquatic plants, which will be supplied with running water from the Rio de
San Antonio, by means of an electric pump.

The Culture of Citrus Fruits, Dates, and

Other Crops in the Coachella,
Imperial and Yuma

Districts”

R. D. CORNELL

But few of the farms and orchards of the Coachella, Imperial, and
Yuma districts have really been cared for in a scientific manner, have been
made to produce all that could be expected of them under the most favor-
able management. Cultivation seems generally to have been neglected. The
ecnditions of temperature and soil are such that by merely planting and
watering the crop or orchard, it produces far in excess of most localities
where much more careful attention is given to tillage and fertilization.

In the Coachella Valley, the soil is generally light, and care must be
taken in the selection of land, that it is not too sandy and light for the
best growing of crops. Alkali is general throughout the valley, and should
always be avoided.

In the Imperial Valley the soils are divided into three types; soft,
medium, and heavy. The soft soil is undoubtedly the best for orchard and
farm work, as it consists of a light sandy loam, easily worked and handled.
The heavy soil is of a stiff, clayey nature and will grow only a fraction of
the crop that can be raised on the soft soil. It is very difficult to till, and
causes constant trouble in cultivating after irrigation. The medium soil is
a compromise between the other two in quality, ease of tillage, and pro-
ductivity. Alkali and salt are found throughout the valley in varying
quantities and should be avoided.

At Yuma are the mesa lands and the bottom lands. Here, both soils
vary somewhat, the light soil being generally the best. On the river bot-
toms is to be found a silt loam, rich and medium soft. Salts and alkali
vary from nothing up to one per cent.

CITRUS FRUITS

In no place visited in the three valleys was there any indication of
scale or pest on the citrus trees. Gum disease, due to improper handling,
was the only apparent ailment, and this had been overcome in most in-
stances. The trees were all hardy and thrifty in appearance, and generally
of good color. In no instance had the trees received proper care as to

*This article was written by Mr. Ralph D. Cornell, landscape gardener, as the
report of an expedition to the vicinities mentioned. The expedition was made during
the summer of 1912, under the direction of the Chuckawalla and Palo Verde Irrigation -
Association of Los Angeles, and the report is published here by the permission of
Dr. George Wharton James.

Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BoTany. 343

irrigation, fertilization, tillage, and pruning, such as is given our orchards
along the ccast. It is thought by many that the absence of scale and spider
is due to the extreme heat, and that citrus trees will ever be free from these
pests in these localities. The same was said of the Riverside and Redlands
districts, in their early history, when they were isolated from the scale-
infested coast orchards, and grew clean without fumigation. Time has
changed the view. Scale will live wherever orange trees live. The only
thing that will keep it from our hot interior valleys is careful guarding
and inspection by the Horticultural Commission, and co-operation on the
part of those bringing trees into the country.

At Palm Springs are some 200 odd trees, varying in age up to eighteen
years. It is said that trees, here, were twice cut back to the bare stump
in order to save them at all, when the supply of irrigation water gave out.
Today these trees are thrifty in appearance and produce three to four
boxes of fruit from eighteen-year seedlings and Washington Navels, ripe and
sweet for the Thanksgiving market, at a price of $3.50, f. 0. b. Orange
trees are here conceded to be shy bearers.

The grape fruit produced on the desert side of the mountains has a fine
sweet flavor and a medicinal quality that is unequaled elsewhere in Califor-
nia. The grape fruits of this section vie with those of Florida. One five-
year-old tree, at Palm Springs, growing in a yard with no cultivation, no
pruning, and scant fertilization, produced three and one-half boxes of fruit
for the Thanksgiving market, when prices were about $7 a box. No frost
protection has been exercised in this locality, and there has been very slight
frost damage.

At Indio, the advice is not to plant oranges, as the heat and winds
cause the crop to fall. Also, the fruit produced is said to be dry and open-
celled. All growers questioned, however, stated that oranges bade fair to
become a profitable crop, but so much more profit is possible from date and
fig culture that there is no object in bothering with citrus fruits. One
rancher has 2,000 thrifty orange trees, that were grown and budded by him
in the nursery rows, now ready to plant in orchard form.

Near Mecca are two orchards of note. One is a three-year-old, ten-
acre grove that is too young to serve as a test, but has made a remarkable
growth for three-year trees. The other comprises some sixty to seventy acres
south of Mecca, that have been planted for six years. The story of these
trees is as follows: The trees were planted when two years from the bud,
and set with the bud two to four inches below the surface of the ground.
This caused gum disease that was later cured by uncovering the crown,
and by proper care in watering. After having been tended for a year, one
orchard was practically abandoned for fear of inundation from the Salton
Sea. Only one Indian was left to care for the whole place. At the end of
the second year it changed hands, and was given water and cultivation for
two years. Then the surface roots were all uncovered and chopped off,

344 Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BoTany.

through some mistaken idea that this operation would help the trees by
causing them to take deeper root. Thus, the feeders were largely
destroyed. The following year, when the trees were five years old, the
orchard produced its first carload of fruit, which topped the New York
market by 85¢e per box above any other California fruit, and 75¢ above
any Arizona fruit. When six years old, the trees produced five carloads of
fruit that sold for $2.66 a box on the trees. This orchard is about 185
feet below the sea level. planted on a loose, sandy loam, with apparent
traces of salt and alkali. It now receives fortnightly irrigation in the
summer, with double cultivation after each irrigation. It has had some
fertilizer and pruning. The trees are thrifty in appearance, of good size,
and have set a fair crop of fruit this season. Pomeloes in the same orchard
are producing good crops of excellent fruits.

In the Imperial Valley are oranges, lemons, tangerines, and pomeloes,
though very little has been done in the way of orchard planting. The Wash-
ington Navels, Valencias, Mediterranean Sweets, and tangerines have gener-
ally proved to be shy bearers, though the early season, high coloring, and
superior quality rather offset this character. One horticulturist at Braw-
ley thinks that the Navalencia is the coming orange for that locality, as it
produces three times the crop that the navel does, and is of excellent flavor.
Lemons thrive, if in a frostless locality, but produce only one crop a year.
Near El Centro one Villa Franca lemon tree, five years old, produced, in
one crop, over’ seven boxes of fruit that sold for over $30. The grape fruit
seems to be more productive than other citrus fruits. There are several
young orchards started in the valley, and high hopes for the future of the
industry are entertained by many of the ranchers.

At Yuma are fifty-five acres of eighteen-year-old citrus trees. Here
Washington Navels, Mediterranean Sweets, Valencias, and pomeloes have
been planted. The trees were set too deeply when planted, the buds being put
some 2-3 feet below the surface, and they have since had irregular and
unskilled care. They have had some fertilizer and water, but poor cultivation
and pruning. At present a cover crop of weeds and grass is thriving, as
it is thought that this keeps the ground cool, and protects the roots from
the hot summer sun. In the winter cultivation is practiced. Here, as else-
where, salt and alkali can be traced in the soil. Of these trees the Mediter-
ranean Sweets, Valencias, and pomeloes are fairly prolific, but the navels are
shy bearers. Accurate reports on the number of boxes produced were unob-
tainable. The fruits all ripen for the Thanksgiving market, and have never
been injured by frost, with the exception of leaf damage to some lemons
in the winter of 1911-1912. The trees are thrifty, clean, and of good color.

In general, citrus trees show remarkable possibilities and seem well
adapted to these localities, provided that proper selection of soil is made
where there is no frost damage, and that wisdom is shown in the planting
and subsequent care. Little scientific work. has been done as yet; no frost

Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL. OF Economic Borany. 345

protection has been given; the matter of soil humus has been absolutely
ignored. By proper experimentation, varieties might be found that would
bear prolifically. The industry is in an embryonic stage, but has devel-
oped to that point where fairly accurate conclusions may be drawn as to
its future. Modern methods of culture, with the choice of the interior
situations, should make a combination hard to beat.

DATES*

About 7,000 date off-shoots have been imported into the United States
since the beginning of. the date industry. Dr. Coit says that all of the
requisite conditions for the successful growing of dates may be found in
many places throughout the Imperial, Coachella, and Colorado Valleys, and
the country around Palo Verde and Blythe, Riverside County. The Imperial,
Coachella, and Colorado Valleys, are the regions in which date culture has
proved its worth, and where are now to be found bearing orchards and
thousands of newly-planted off-shoots. Dates are so far subject to pests, only
as imported on the young plants and subsequently scattered. This infesta-
tion is in the form of scale of two distinct varieties—the Marlatt and Par-
latoria. A spray has been found that will kill these scales, thus eliminating
all future danger from outside infection and making possible its eradication.
Spraying and burning with a gasoline torch have proved to be effective
means of destroying scale on old and established palms.

The date is not particular as to the soil in which it grows, and will
thrive in considerable alkali. Light and heavy soil alike seem to produce
dates. While the date is a desert palm and requires a long period of intense
heat for proper development and ripening, the roots require an abundance
of water. Dr. Coit says that one miner’s inch of continual flow is sufficient
to maintain a five-acre orchard of bearing dates.

The off-shoots are set 25 feet by 30 feet apart, or about 60 trees to
the acre, and begin to bear at the ages of from three to five years. Seedlings
_ are somewhat uncertain, but off-shoots always come true to the parent. A
conservative estimate of the bearing capacity of a ten-year-old tree would
be 100 pounds. Some will bear as high as 400 pounds to the tree. A
leading Los Angeles grocer has placed the retail price for fresh California
dates at from 50c to 75¢e a pound. They bring from 15e¢ to as much as $1
a pound to the grower. Fruit matures here from September through
December, some varieties ripening on the trees, others requiring artificial
heat. The Deglet Noor is very popular among growers at present, as it will
ripen on the tree before the cold weather comes, and is of unusual delicacy
of flavor.

A palm reaches its maximum bearing capacity at ten years and will
continue to produce for one hundred. One palm sometimes bears as high as

*The portion of this article which treats of the date has already been published

with other articles on the same subject and with many illustrations, by Out West,
of Los Angeles, and may be purchased at half price by subscribers to this Journal.

346 PomMoNA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Borany.

twenty bunches in a season. Off-shoots are produced between the ages of
three and fifteen years, after which no more appear. During this period,
one palm will produce ten or twelve off-shoots, sometimes more. The im-
porter’s price for off-shoots is $8 apiece; those grown locally cannot be
had for that.

Palm Springs can boast of a few young date palms that have come
into bearing, but has nothing on a commercial scale, nor any palms of
great age.

At Indio is located one of the government experimental stations, where
date culture is being forwarded. On an adjacent ranch are four Deglet
Noor trees that produced 300 pounds last year that sold for $1 per pound
on the average. Twelve imported trees on the same ranch will produce
this season, at the age of seven years, about 750 pounds of fruit, as they
are now laden with 75 bunches of dates. An offer of $25 apiece for off-
shoots from these Deglet Noor trees was refused, as the owner wished to set
more plants, and considered them worth that much to himself.

At Mecea is the largest experimental date garden in the valley. These
trees are growing on soil containing three-tenths of one per cent alkali and
have been fertilized regularly each year, with one yard of manure to a
tree; and have received frequent and abundant irrigation, with prompt
cultivation after each watering. The trees have been sprayed for scale.
All of the old palms are heavily laden with fruit and are in splendid condi-
tion.

Situated a few miles southwest of Mecea is an orchard containing 5,000
date palms. Of these between 300 and 400 are of bearing age, running
from three to five years. The crop on them is estimated at 2,000 pounds,
and should average 75¢ a pound. From one three-year-old Deglet Noor
tree the owner took 90 pounds of fruit. When four years old, this tree
produced no fruit. This season, at the age of five, the crop is estimated
at 250 pounds, of which 150 pounds are engaged at $1.50 a pound. In
addition, the palm has already produced three off-shoots. This grower
expects to net from $300 to $600 an acre from his dates when they have
become ten years of age. These trees are growing in soil that contains from
one to six-tenths per cent of alkali, and some salt. They are fertilized with
manure once a year, and trees producing fruit are fertilized with potash, phos-
phates, and cotton seed.. Several other ranches in this vicinity have trees
producing excellent fruit.

The Imperial Valley is sprinkled with date plantings and has sev-
eral experimental farms where dates are grown. The trees thrive and fruit
here very readily, as the date is well adapted to such climatie conditions
as exist here.

One of the Arizona experimental farms is situated at Yuma, where
seven-year-old dates may be seen in full bearing. These trees have never
been fertilized. Cultivated crops have been grown between the rows, through

Pomona CoLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 347

which the dates have received their only tillage. In the spring of 1912,
the palms were pruned severely and burned with a gasoline torch, to kill
the scale. After this harsh treatment, one seven-year-old palm, that already
had eight cff-shocts, produced ten bunches of fruit. Some palms did nct
bear at all.

Thrifty fruiting palms are also to be found on the mesa near Yuma.
These have had little care but the water necessary to keep them growing.
One nine-year palm produced, in 1911, 210 pounds of fruit that sold for
10e per pound, f. o. b. Yuma.

The date industry seems to be a coming thing for these valleys, and
while the results so far obtained are largely problematic, there seems to
be no reason why the future shall not witness great commercial success of
date culture. The seedlings are uncertain as to sex, quality of fruit and age
of bearing, but by proper selection and propagation from off-shoots, stand-
ard varieties can soon be produced in abundance. Scale is under control,
and the climatic conditions are proved. Time will do the rest.

FIGS

One grower has had black figs on the market by the first week in May,
and was the only shipper on the market in America, for three weeks. He
has also shipped figs for the month preceding Christmas. He sold his first
bex, in May, for $2.00 a pound. The next went at $7 a box. Then prices grad-
ually dropped to $5, $4, and $3, one box going for $2.50. The second crop
ranged from $2 to 50¢ a box. The last crop is profitable at 50c¢ a box, but
cannot be made to pay at less. The express and commission charges on a
50e box are 12c, after the fruit has been grown, picked, packed, and deliv-
ered to the station. In this especial locality, cuttings planted in the open
grcund, have been known to produce figs within eighteen months from the
time of planting.

Figs do equally as well lower in the Coachella Valley, although especially
favored localities, such as the above-mentioned, produce fruit slightly earlier
than others. Around Mecea are to be found many figs, bearing abundantly
and growing on soils of varying composition.

In the Imperial the crop is generally two to four weeks later, although
the quality is equally as good. One grower shipped black figs during the
first week in June. Another claims to have produced Smyrnas in May, by
the aid of the wasp from the new capri, and says that three crops a year will
thus be possible.

The Yuma figs ripen about the same time as those in the Coachella, and
are equally as productive and sweet.

The fig seems second only to the date as a commercial fruit for these
warm valleys, and produces fruit of such quality and at such an early sea-
son that it has no outside competition. Refrigeration of fresh figs, for

348 PomMoNA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany.

eastern markets, is as feasible here as at Fresno, and could be carried on
much earlier in the season.

GRAPES

Grape culture is one of the first experiments in the reclamation of hot
and arid lands. Here it has been exploited to quite an extent and has
netted big returns in many instances, although as yet there seems to be con-
siderable difference of opinion as to the best varieties. The Malaga has
been planted more than any other grape and is being shipped in refrigerated
ears to the eastern markets, both from the Coachella and Imperial Valleys.

At Palm Springs, Malagas have been injured by rain coming at the time
of ripening, but growers in the valley stated that they had not been troubled
in this way.

An Indio grower who raises fancy table grapes says that only early
grapes are suited to that locality, as fruit that is not ripened by the time
the thermometer reaches 115 degrees is scalded by the sun. Here Blue
Portuguese ripen the first week in June, and Thompson Seedless on the first
week of July. In 1911, three-quarters of an acre produced $375 worth of
fruit that averaged $1.60 a crate. Another shipper sold his first grapes for
$3.25 a box, in 1911, with a high market throughout the season. In 1912
the first fruit brought $4, but the price slumped and dwindled immediately
to $1.25.

A rancher near Thermal netted $200 an acre on Malagas, at an average
price of $2.50 a crate gross, some going as high as $5.15. He marketed
his crop the first week of July, at a cost of $30 an acre, delivered to the
packers. The third year. from planting, the crop more than paid for all
upkeep. In 1906 another planter set 8 acres of heavy land and 16 acres of
sandy land to Malagas. The heavy land has never produced a grape of
quality. When 314 years old, the 16 acres on sandy soil produced $1600
worth of fruit; when 414 years old, they brought $3165; when 514 years
old, $5720. Another 30 acres of Malagas 51% years old netted above every
expense, including salary of caretaker, $9600. A vineyard, 214 years old,
brought, including picking and hauling, $700 from 214 acres. When 3% years
old, it brought $1100.

In the Imperial Valley, Malagas are a paying crop, at present, but the
prospects for the future are that Persian grapes will be the more profitable,
as they ripen a week to two weeks earlier.

MISCELLANEOUS FRUIT TREES

Apricots are profitable, generally, though not so commonly planted as
the fruits previously mentioned. Near Indio, the Neweastle ripens during
the first week in May, the Royal on the last week. From two Neweastles
and one Royal, 7 years old, were picked, in the spring of 1912, 660 pounds ~
of fruit. The Neweastles brought $3 a crate of 20 pounds; the Royals,

Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic Botany. 349

$1.50. From one 6-year-old tree, in 1911, was sold $23 worth of fruit. In
the Imperial, ‘‘cots’’ ripen during the month of May, and bring very good
prices. One orchard of Blenheim ‘‘cots,’’ near El Centro, which has had
excellent care, bore 100 pounds to each 5-year-old tree. These ‘‘cots’’ rip-
ened on the first of June, and sold for from 38¢ to 10c a pound to the can-
ners, as they are too late a variety to command a good price on the fresh
markets. They bore some fruit at three years, but were not self-supporting
until the fifth year, although crops of milo maize and cotton, raised between
the rows, paid an income. It cost 35¢ a crate of 20 pounds to prepare the
fruit for the market, besides growing and hauling.

Plums, peaches, nectarines, cherries, apples, almonds, and pears have
all been tried with varying success. The almond does splendidly in loca-
tions that are frostless. Otherwise it is unsuccessful. One 7-year tree
of the paper shell variety, near Indio, produced 65 pounds of shelled nuts
that brought from 15¢ to 25e a pound. The Wickson plum and some varie-
ties of peaches seem to thrive, but it remains for the horticulturist to solve
the problem of varieties. The Winter Bartlett pear has proved itself well
adapted to the arid climatic conditions. It begins to bear at the age of
three years, and is self-sustaining at five. The fruits ripen in the latter half
of December and will average 20 pounds to a 5-year-old tree. The market
price averages 10c a pound. The pomegranate is very prolific, producing a
large fruit of excellent quality. Wherever tried, the olive has borne prolific
erops of large-sized fruit such as highly recommend its culture as one of the
future industries. The trees are of rapid growth and absolutely clean. The
pistachio nut and jujube have borne fruit on specimen plants, and may some
day be developed into something of worth.

TRUCK GARDENS

Probably in no place in California are vegetable garden crops pro-
duced earlier than in the Coachella Valley. The light soil, mild winters,
abundance of heat, and plentiful irrigation seem to be the reasons for their
almost phenomenal growth. Truck gardening has proved profitable where
the owner was willing to get into the field and do the work himself, and
was content to plant only what he himself could care for. On a large scale
there is a much greater risk, as such crops require prompt attention and
thorough care. One grower cleared $1200 on an acre of tomatoes, and was so
encouraged that he attempted a much bigger planting the following year, with
the result that he could not handle so much, and lost the whole. Beans,
squashes, cucumbers, onions, asparagus, melons, cantaloupes, peppers, peanuts
and sweet potatoes have all proved themselves profitable crops in these valleys,
when rightly handled.

' One property owner near Thermal cleared, above every expense, includ-
ing 7 per cent on $250 per acre, $3000 on 91% acres of onions. On this
land he raised a second crop of nine bales of cotton. On 10 acres of 2-year-

350 Pomona COLLEGE JOURNAL OF Economic BoTany.

old asparagus he netted $600. In all, he made 40 acres of productive land
carry 15 acres of unproductive grapes and net $4600, after hiring all labor,
including a manager.

Four and forty-three hundredths acres of Yellow Bermudas produced
1500 crates of No. 1 onions that netted 63¢ a crate of 50 pounds. They
brought from 90e to $2 gross, averaging $1.13 per crate.

Cantaloupes will produce 350 crates to the acre. Fifteen tons of water-
melons are considered a good crop.

An acre of asparagus in Imperial Valley netted $150 on the January
and February markets. Eighty-six hundredths of an acre, at Yuma, three-
fourths of which were yearling plants, the rest being 2-year-olds, produced
for the May market $200 worth of shoots at an average price of 10¢ a
pound,

In the Imperial are 10,000 acres of cotton this summer. The crop
brings from 8e to 15¢ a pound. At Coachella, cotton was not picked be-
cause the market price was only 8c. Short staple cotton is grown mostly
now, but the opinion is that the long staple is the coming crop for the
valley.

FUNDAMENTAL AGRICULTURE

After all is said and done, it remains a fact that here, feed is the basis of
agriculture. One resident has truly said, ‘‘ Alfalfa will make the homes.’’
Without it all else would be impossible. Alfalfa is cut from five to eight times
a year, and produces from five to twelve tons per acre, per annum. By
proper management, it should be made to produce, regularly, ten tons to
the acre. This is the most staple crop of the valley.

Kaffir corn and milo maize are both grown for their seed, the latter pro-
ducing somewhat the greater tonnage. Milo maize will sometimes make
two crops to the season, producing from one to two tons of seed to the
acre, each crop. This seed sells at about $20 a ton and is used for poultry
and stock food. Indian corn is grown some, but does not produce as well as
the Egyptian corn.

The fattening of cattle and hogs, in alfalfa pastures, and the dairy and
poultry industries, are all profitable, and are sure to grow with the country
and become basic factors in the wealth of the community.

Alfalfa and stock fattening are the foundation upon which the homes
are to be built. Next in importance comes the culture of dates, perhaps the
best of the horticultural possibilities. After dates, figs will be given recog-
nition, then citrus culture, and so on down the list of fruits, vegetables, and
grains, The horticultural possibilities of these desert lands have been, as yet,
only partially explored. What may lie beyond is at present merely a
dream of the idealist, but a dream which modern scientific methods will
cause to come true.

cation committee of cat College regrets
eae of the faculty have
of this Journal.

One of the best located, and best h
Coast, with a full corps of enthusiastic aa er
and vigorous student body. The laboratories in
and Astronomy are well equipped. — icp lege
and Scientific courses; it possesses well-m
offers exceptional facilities in Libra

Claremont is admittedly at the e«
tifully located and desirable

For further information,

ne ed

SESDSE DISS SSATTF OSSD ~ GEER RRR EL

Pomona College
Journal of Economic
Botany

As Applied to Subtropical Horticulture

Volume Two DECEMBER 1912 Number Four

SESE GEER RRR RRR AE RRR RRA

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF Borany oF POMONA COLLEGE
CLAREMONT, CAL., U. S. A.

i PS =m =m =m ume a mea me me me mea mea mea ma wa) we) a) oo oe) a oo RGR EE BE CARRERA CIRC RARE.

DD BEEEREEE EERE EERE
as second-class matter.

Pomona College Journal of
Economic Botany

CONTENTS

1 Beccari, Opoarpo
The Palms Indigenous to Cuba IT

2 Heatu, Euvcene ScHorietp

Roselle ( Hibiscus Sabdariffa L)

3 CorneELL, Racpu D.
The Small City Park as a Great Asset

Subscription price $1.00 to domestic and $1.25 to foreign postal
countries. Reprints of any of the articles can be obtained at a nomi-
nal price.

The pages of this quarterly are at the service of active workers
in Economic Botany, as related to Subtropical Horticulture, from
any part of the World.

Especially is this Journal offered in exchange for all botanical
and horticultural journals, all proceedings, transactions, bulletins,
and reports of societies, gardens, laboratories and herbaria.

Address all communications to
EUGENE SCHOFIELD HEATH, EpiToR
Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany

Pomona College, Claremont
California, U. S. A.

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL

of ECONOMIC BOTANY

Volume II DECEMBER 1912 Number 4

The Palms Indigenous to Cuba II*

ODOARDO BECCARI
FLORENCE, ITALY

EUTERPE Gaertn.

Gaertn. Fruct. et Sem: I, p. 24 (excl. cit Rumphii) t. IX f. 3 (E.
globosa) Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. II, p. 28. Catis Cook in Bull. Torrey Bot.
Club, 1901, p. 556. Acrista Cook 1. c. 1901, p. 555, and 1904, p. 353. Prestoea
Hook f. in Benth. et Hook. Gen. pl. III, p. 899 (partim?).

The generic name Huterpe was first proposed by Gaertner (De fructibus
et seminum, Vol. I 1878, p. 24) for two palms, E. globosa and E. pisifera,
evidently not congeneric, according to our modern views. Of these the fruits
were figured in Plate IX. Later, in Vol. II (1791), Plate CXX XIX, was
figured the fruit of the EZ. pisifera, which is in fact a palm quite different from

the other two; nevertheless HE. globosa must be considered as the type of the
Genus Euterpe as being the first so named.

Martius (Hist. nat. Palm. II, p. 28) made use of the generic name Euterpe
for another palm (£. oleracea) which had a fruit so similar to that figured
by Gaertner for E. globosa that he, evidently suspecting the identity of his

plant with that of Gaertner, added, doubtfully, however, to his own diagnosis,
' the synonym of E. globosa.

Bentham and Hooker (Genera plantarum, III, p. 896) have apparently
considered as the type of the Genus Euterpe the second species figured by
Gaertner, the FE. pisifera; but in this I recognize now, with scarcely a shade
of doubt, the Heterospatha elata Scheff., a palm common in the Moluccas and
the Philippines, and in the Z. pisifera B. the Dictyosperma rubra, of which
Gaertner received the fruits from Hermann, who also sent him those of
Hyophorbe indica, another palm inhabiting the same region with Dictyosperma
rubra.

Blume, Miquel, and Martius, in considering EZ. globosa Gaertner as corre-
sponding to Calyptrocalyzx spicata, had regard only to the quotation of Rumph:
Pinanga silvestris globosa (Herb. amb. I, p. 38, t. 5 f. 1 A), not to the figure
of the fruit given in Gaertner’s Plate [X.t{ Mr. Cook, however, holds this
identification to be certain and says that ‘‘The name Huterpe has no true place
in American botany, having been proposed originally for an unrelated East
Indian palm.’’ Accordingly, he calls the American Kuterpes, Catis, and con-

*The first part of this monograph appeared in this Journal in May, 1912.
+Martius 1. c. on this regard writes: Huterpe globosa Gaertn. Fruct. I p. 24, quoad
Rumphii citatum, nec vero quoad fructum descriptum et t. g. illustratum.

352 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

siders the Euterpe oleracea as the type of the Genus, and makes of it a Catis
martiana.

For my part I maintain that Martius has correctly referred his EZ. oleracea
to the Genus Euterpe of Gaertner, but I consider that species to be specifically
distinct from EF. globosa Gaertner. Moreover, I think it quite certain that
Gaertner’s Euterpe globosa corresponds to the species of this genus very
widely distributed in the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and known under several
other more recent names. The only character in Gaertner’s description appar-
ently not corresponding to this identification is the ‘‘bacea cum brevi acumine’’,
but it is precisely this circumstance that supports me in the belief that the said
Plate IX, f. 3, represents the Euterpe so common in the Antilles and not
another of the more diffuse Brazilian species, because these have the remains
of the stigmas very plainly apparent on one side of the fruit; whereas in the
Antillean Euterpe, when the fruit is deprived of the perianth (as in the fruit
represented by Gaertner) these remains may appear just like a small apical
acumen.

To Euterpe globosa, I think, also, referable the Acrista monticola O. F.
Cook, as I have not been able to discover any diagnostic character by which it
may be distinguished from the common Euterpe, so largely diffused in all the
Antilles. In conclusion, according to my views, the genus Euterpe remains
as understood by Martius, Scheffer, Bentham et Hooker, Drude, Barbosa-Rod-
rigues, ete., Catis and Acrista being synonyms.

I have, however, to observe that the genus Euterpe is not perfectly
homogeneous, as some of the species described under this name have fruits with
ruminate albumen, while the fruits of others have homogeneous albumen. The
true Euterpes must be considered those which, like the type (2. globosa), have
a seed with a ruminate albumen. £. oleracea Mart. (H. n. Pal. t. 29, 30) and
E. acuminata ( Willd.) Wendl. belong, also, to this group. Among those known
to me, EF. edulis Mart. (1. ¢. t. 32), E. praecatoria Mart. and E. catinga Wall.
have a non-ruminate seed, and for these I propose the name Euterpopsis as
a subgenus. I have not, however, discovered in the flowers of the species of
the two groups any correlative characters by the help of which, when the fruits
are not available, it may be decided to which of the two groups a given species
belongs. Barbosa-Rodrigues (Contr. Jard. Bot. Rio de Jan. 1 (1901), p. 11, and
Sertum Palm. p. 37) has divided the genus Euterpe into two sections: those
with simply bilobed primordial leaves, and those having these leaves radiately
divided. This certainly is not a very practical division for herbarium work,
but I would observe that EZ. oleracea and E. globosa, which have a ruminate
seed (true Euterpe) certainly produce a bilobed primordial leaf; while Z.
praecatoria and E. catinga (Euterpopsis), which have homogeneously album-
inate seed, have, according to Barbosa-Rodrigues, radiately-sect primordial
leaves.* There is, therefore, apparently a correlation between the nature of

*I must warn the reader that in the “Sertum Palmarum” by Barbosa-Rodrigues and in
his Contr. 1. c. I, Z. edulis corresponds to E. oleracea Mart., and vice versa E. oleracea to E.
edulis Mart. as the author himself acknowledges in Contr. IV, 115.

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 353

the seeds and the form of the primordial leaves. But there are yet several
species of which the fruit is unknown, and probably it will be a long time
before the nature of the primordial leaves of all of these is ascertained.

Euterpe globosa Gaertn. Fruct. et Sem. t. 24 (excl. syn. Rumphii) t. IX.

E. brevivaginata Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. III, p. 309. E. montana

' Graham in Bot. Mag. t. 3874.1 E. manaele Gris. et Wendl. ex Gris. PI.

Wright. 530 n. 1468, et Cat. pl. p. 222. E. oleracea (non Mart.) Gris.

Fl. Brit. W. Ind. 517. Acrista monticola O. F. Cook in Bull. Torrey

Bot. Club, XXVIII (1901), p. 557, t. 46; Urban, Symb. ant. IV, p. 129.

Prestoea montana Nichol. Dict. III (1886), p. 216 (ex Ind. Kew) ; Nich.

et Mottet, Dict. d’Hort. (1895-96), IV, p. 319. Oreodoxa manaele Mart.
Hist. nat. Palm, III, p. 310.

I consider as belonging to the typical EL. globosa of Gaertner the speci-
mens collected by Wright in the East of Cuba (n. 1468) and distributed under
the name of EZ. manaele Gris. et H. Wendl. I have seen a specimen of these
in the Herbarium de Candolle, consisting of only two leaflets and of one
branchlet of the spadix with quite ripe fruits. The leaflets are apparently
taken from about the middle of an adult leaf (which was certainly a large one),
are broadly ensiform or very elongate-lanceolate, of a firm papery or thinly
coriaceous texture, 90 em. long, 6-6.5 em. wide, obliquely inserted on the rachis
by a rather narrow base, the margins there being strongly reduplicate; they
narrow gradually upwards from about the middle, then taper rather suddenly
to a slight asymmetrical apex, are green on upper surface and slightly paler
underneath ; the mid-costa is robust, considerably prominent and acute on both
surfaces and is interruptedly covered on the lower by appressed brown scales;
on each side of the mid-costa are 4-5 unequal and more or less distinct sec-
ondary nerves; of these one or two, also on each side, are often stronger than
the others, so as to render the leaflets sub-3-5-costulate, especially in. their
terminal portions; the tertiary nerves are not very numerous and not very
sharp; the margins are considerably thickened; the transverse veinlets are
barely visible or quite obsolete.

The branchlet of the spadix is 45 em. long, and apparently furnished with
a basal axillary callus; it has the glomeruli of flowers disposed all round in
4-5 longitudinal series; it is 6 mm. in diameter in its lower part, and gradually
narrows above; is rigid, terete, glabrous, reddish brown, finely wrinkled, very
slightly sinuous between the glomerules, and bears the flowers superficially,
and not inserted in pits or scrobiculi.

The flowers appear, from the scars left after their fall, to be three-nate
(the central flowers being female and the side ones males) in the lower part;
they are geminate above but only male. The pulvinuli or sers left by the
fallen female flowers (or fruits) are quite superficial and flat, oblong and
surrounded by the usual bracteoles, which are small and form a very narrow
membranous ring around the scars; the lower general bract is small, also
membranous, rounded and very similar to the floral bracteoles; the sears of

{Plate 7797 of the “Botanical Magazine” is possibly a representation of this species; in
this it bears the name of Hworrhiza Wendlandiana Bece.

354 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

the two male flowers are situated at the sides above those of the female, and are
not prominent.

The ripe fruit is exactly spherical, 12-13 mm. in diameter when dry, and
has the remains of the stigmas placed, in the form of a small three-lobed
tubercle, in about the middle of one of the sides, and may be easily overlooked.
The pericarp is on the whole, very little over a millimeter thick; the epicarp
is pellicular and in the dry condition is rendered minutely and rather obso-
letely granulose by small punctiform, or very shortly linear sclerosomes ; under
the epicarp is found a very thin layer of fleshy tissue, then another layer
grumose or granulose, and within this lie several flattened fibres, which form a
kind of sac, covering the entire seed; they are coarse and interlacing, or net-
like anastomising, on the upper part of the seed, and remain independent,
parallel and disposed in 2-3 layers in the remainder; in time, when the pericarp
falls into decay the fine and very acuminate ends of these fibres form a kind
of brush at the base of the fruit. Some of the innermost fibres of the mesocarp
are very thin, flattened, almost hyaline, and remain adherent to the surface
of the seed, or more correctly to the endocarp, which is extremely thin and
connected with the testa of the seed all over the surface of this, except at the
base, in proximity to the hilum, where it forms a kind of papyraceous, straw-
colored, non-adherent, suborbicular, thin shield, 5-6 mm. in diameter.

The seed is globular, 11 mm. in diameter, has a dull hazel brown surface,
upon which there usually remain adherent and slightly impressed some of the
inner, soft, whitish, very thin fibres of the mesocarp; the vascular branching
of the raphe forms a complete network all around, but this is very superficial
and not very apparent; the hilum is linear and extends over to about the fifth
part of the circumference of seed; the albumen is deeply irregularly radiately _
ruminate, and has an irregular fissure in its center; the embryo is exactly
basilar, and penetrates the third part of the mass of the seed; its position is
recognizable externally by a small depression, which is covered by the shield-
like portion of the endocarp. The fruiting perianth is rather shallowly
cupular, 7 mm. in diameter; the sepals and petals are rigid, dry in texture,
reddish brown; the sepals are reniform, callous and gibbous at their bases;
the petals are twice as long as the sepals, broader than high, very obtusely
apiculate, nitent inside, finely striately veined externally. (Figure 144.)

E. globosa is a fine tree with a smooth cylindrical trunk, attaining the
height of 10-15 m., perhaps more, from 12-15 em. in diameter, and distinctly
ringed by the leaf-scars. The leaves are large and very regularly pinnate.
It seems a rather variable plant with regard to some of its vegetative features,
having the leaves of a more or less rigid texture, and varying, also, exceedingly
as to the development of the branches of the spadix, these being sometimes
short and rigid, at other times elongate, flaccid and sinuous. I have, however,
found the most perfect identity of the flowers and fruits in all the numerous
specimens I have examined, which come from almost every island of the
Antilles, from Cuba to Grenada, the most southern of the Lesser Antilles. It
is true that the specimens coming from this last island, to which properly the

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 355

name of E. montana is due, have stout spadices with short thickish rigid
branchlets; but this same aspect of spadices is shown in specimens from
Martinique (Hahn n. 805) ; while other specimens from this same island (Hahn
n. 580) have spadices in no way distinguishable from those of the plants from
Porto Rico, Cuba, ete. The more or less stoutness and rigidity of the spadix
and of the leaves is no doubt a phenomenon depending upon the different con-
ditions of ambient, in which the plants lived, from which the specimens were
gathered.

( Figure 144. Euterpe globosa. a, portion of a branchlet with two fruiting perianths;
b, fruit, front view; c, seed covered by the sac formed by the inner layer of
fibres of the mesocarp; d, seed covered by the partial shield-like endocarp; e,
same seed after it had had its surface polished to show the branching of the
raphe, as seen from the side of the hilum; f, the same seed cut longitudinally
through the embryo; g, longitudinal section of an entire fruit after it had
recovered its fresh appearance by boiling; this last figure from fruits collected
in Porto Rico; all the other figures from Wright No. 1468.

356 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

Of E. oleracea I have seen specimens from the following localities: Cuba—
Wright n. 1468 (Herb. de Cand.). S. Domingo—Pater Miguel Fuertes n. 562;
Eggers n. 1601, 1848 ‘‘Sierra de Palo Quemada’’; H. Von Tuerckheim, prope
Barahona (Herb. Berol.). Porto Rico—Sintenis n. 483, 2118, 1525, 1468
(Herb. Berol.) ; Bertero (Herb. de Cand. et Berol.) ; Eggers n. 1165, 1170. .
Saba (Dan. Ant.)—Suringar, 23, ITV, 1885 (Herb. Berol.). Tobago: (Dan.
Ant.)—Eggers n. 5740. Martinique—Hahn n. 580 and n. 805 (Herb. de
Cand.) ; Pere Duss (Herb. Berol.). Guadeloupe—Duchassaing (Herb. Berol.) ;
Pere Duss n. 3800. St. Vincent—Eggers n. 6756 (Herb. Berol.). St. Kitts
(St. Christopher)—Britton and Cowell n. 306 (Herb. Berol.). Grenada—
Eggers nu. 6173 (Herb. Berol.) ; R. V. Herring, 15, V, 1891 (Herb. Berol.) ;
W. E. Broadway n. 1460 (Herb. Berol.).

I have seen no specimens from Jamaica.

Gardiner in Proceed. Ac. Phil. (1890) p. 359 (non vidi) mentions a
Euterpe oleracea from the Bahamas, which also should probably be reduced
to E. globosa.

CALYPTROGYNE H. Wendl.

H. Wendl. in Bot. Zeit. 1859, 72; ere et Hook. Gen. plant III, 914;

Calyptronoma Griseb. Fil. E 1. Brit. W Ind. 5 91 Lane Auct. lur.. 9.9. Qoré-

Cup

Calyptrogyne swartall Baax® C. dulcis G. Maza in Dicc. Bosse (1889),
72, and Nociones de Bot. (1893), 50. CC. occidentalis G. Maza, Noc.
l.c. C. intermedia G. Maza, Noc. |. c. Calyptronoma swartzii Griseb.
Fl. Brit. W. Ind., 518. Geonoma (Calyptronoma) swartzii Gris.,
Wright n. 1466; Gris. Cat. pl. Cub., 222. Geonoma (Calyptronoma)
dulcis Wr., in Gris. Cat. pl. Cub., 220. Geonoma swartzii Gris. et
Wendl. (Wr. 1466); Sauvalle, Fl. Cub., 153. G. intermedia Gris. et
Wendl. (Wr. 3972) ; Sauv. 1.c. G. dulcis Wr., Sauy 1. c. G. plumeriana
Mart. Palm. Orb. 34, et Hist. nat. Palm. III, 316. Elaeis? occidentalis
Sw. FI. Ind. occ. I, 619.

In the photograph reproduced in Fig. 145, Calyptrogyne swartzii appears
as a palm of medium size, but with relatively stout stem, 20-25 cm. in diameter,
somewhat crooked, and rendered rough by very prominent ring-like leaf-scars.
According to Grisebach the trunk is 5-8 m. high, and is only slightly enlarged
at its base (trunco 15’-25’ alto basi subsequali—Grris. )

Leaves 5-6 m. long (Gris.), very regularly pinnate; leaf-sheaths short,
with a thick broad base, which gradually narrows into a short robust petiole;
rachis glabrous, or minutely dotted with inconspicuous scales. The leaflets
are numerous, closely and very regularly set in one plane, narrow and long,
or ensiform, very gradually acuminate from below the middle to a long,
slightly falcate, and slender point; are strongly reduplicate at the base, and
with the margins almost involute, firmly papyraceous or thinly coriaceous and
distinctly 5-8-costulate; the side coste appearing considerably prominent
underneath, and slightly above; the lower surface moreover has the mid-costa
furnished with linear, brown, chaffy scales, and has the tertiary nerves covered
with extremely minute punctiform scales; otherwise it is of about the same

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 357

J Figure 145. Calyptrogyne swartzii.

858 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

color as the upper; margins sharp; transverse veinlets quite obliterate. The
middle leaflets of larger leaves are 60-80 em. long ‘and 3-4.5 em. broad, but at
times they are considerably smaller, shorter and narrower; the upper and
lower leaflets are always shorter and narrower than those of the middle.

The spadices are glabrous in every part, interfrondal, and several, of
different degrees of development, are present at the same time on the same
tree; they are strongly recurved and make their way from among the bases
of the leaves; they form a dense, oblong, pendulous, twice-branched panicle,
40-50 em. long, borne on a rather robust peduncular part, about as long. The
spathes are double, the outer sheathes the peduncular part of the spadix and the
base of the inner spathe; this is about 50 em. long, 8-9 em. broad, thinly
but firmly coriaceous, concave-cymbiform, lanceolate in outline, tapering above
to a dorsally keeled acuminate apex; it is mahogany red, striate and almost
glossy inside, dull, reddish brown, when dry, and very thinly and sparingly
furfuraceous externally; the main branches are thick and short, spirally
arranged all around the axis and approximate one to the other; each primary
branch is suffulted by a broadly triangular acuminate bract, and very soon
divided into 2-4 flower-bearing branchlets; these are 15-25 em. long, subterete,
thick, of the uniform diameter of 5-8 mm. and only taper a little above to an
acute tip; they are deeply, very regularly and closely scrobiculate or alveolate
along 5-7 longitudinal series; the alveoles are polished inside and have the
form of an ogival niche, 8-12 mm. apart in each series, and have, at the base,
a very conspicuously rounded lip suffulting the glomerules of the flowers; the
branchlets in the herbarium specimen with their seriate alveoles and lower
projecting lip resemble a coarse rasp.

The flowers are ternate in the alveoles from the base to the apex of the
branchlets; but the two males of each glomerule open a long time before the
female; only one of the males is furnished with a triangular, erect, acute,
dorsally keeled, bract; the female flower (of each glomerule) has two bracts,
larger than that of the male, and all, like the flowers, are tinged with mahogany
red.

The male flowers of each group are collateral and open in succession; the
fully developed buds have their bases inserted in their respective alveoles, are 6
mm. long, 2 mm. broad, narrowly oblong, bluntish, and tapering towards the
base. They are somewhat angular and irregular from mutual pressure; sepals
entirely free, slightly imbricate at the base, linear-spathulate membranous-
scarious with hyaline margins, cucullate, and rounded at the apex, very
acutely keeled on the back. Corolla, somewhat less than twice as long as the
calyx, divided from about the middle upwards into three narrowly spathulate
segments, which are concave, slightly thickened, valvate, bluntish or roundish
at the apex and of the same texture as the sepals; the corolla in its lower,
undivided half is tubular-cyathiform and tapers to a narrow base. The stamens
form a rather long column, divided above into six short and relatively thick
filaments, radiating at about a level with, or a little above, the corolla at the
time of the anthesis. Anthers basifixed and erect in the bud, introrse, con-

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 359

spicuously biauricled, or cordate-sagittate, acute with the cells slightly divar-
icate, united by a broad black connective; the rudiment of the ovary is repre-
sented by a small trilobed tubercle, placed on the summit of the staminal
column, in the center, between the radiating filaments.

The female flowers, when the males open, are very little evolute and are
pressed between and behind these; I have not seen them at the time of flower-
ing, but judging from the perianths at the base of the fruits they appear to
be 4 mm. long and with the sepals scarious, imbricate, lanceolate and very

=
=

/ Figure 146. Calyptrogyne swartzii, a, portion of flowering branchlet, one male
flower is open, the others are still closed; b, entire male flower during the’
anthesis; c, male ower from which a portion of the corolla has been removed;
d, very young female flower; e, urceolum enveloping the ovary, formed by the
staminodes from the above female flower; f, fruit with its perianth; g, fruit
with its perianth removed to show the remains of the abortive carpels at itg
base; h, the putamen. The flowers from Wright No. 1466; the fruit from Van
Hermann No. 875.

sharply keeled; the petals are also scarious, somewhat longer than the petals,
imbrieate at the base and with valvate apices. From what can be judged by
the very young female flowers, the staminodes form a thin, membranous,
conical tube, entirely enveloping the ovary and crowned by six narrow teeth.
The ovary is trigonous and narrows abruptly into the style, which is divided
into three linear stigmas.

Fruit (when dry) broadly ovoid, about 1 em. long, 8 mm. broad, with a
smooth surface and rounded at both ends; it bears the remains of the sterile
loges, and of the style, at its base in the form of an inconspicuous tubercle

360 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

hidden by the perianth; the pericarp is somewhat wrinkled in the mature dry
fruit; epicarp thin, membranous; mesocarp apparently somewhat fleshy with
an internal fibrous layer; this last, combined with the endocarp, forms a shell
or putamen to the seed, easily detachable from the pulpy tissue; the putamen
is obovate, rounded above, acute at base, slightly flattened, keeled at each side,
9 mm. long, 6 mm. broad, 5 mm. thick; the outer covering of the putamen is
rendered coarsely reticulate by a few relatively large, looping, fibrous strands
adhering to the very thin cartilaginous endocarp. The seed is suborbicular,
broader at the base than above, slightly flattened or sublenticular, 6 mm. long,
5 mm. broad, 4.5 mm. thick; it has a smooth blackish surface; the hilum is
linear and is continued all round the edge of the seed in a narrow whitish line
(the raphe?) ; albumen homogeneous, finely radiate and also faintly ringed
by numerous minute concentric layers; embryo exactly basilar. (Fig. 146.)

I have reduced to only one species the Calyptrogynes growing in Cuba,
Jamaica and S. Domingo, which have been considered as belonging to two
or three distinct species. The oldest name for this palm is Elaeis? occidentalis
Swartz, of which Grisebach made his Geonoma or Calyptronoma swartzii; it
is this specific name which I propose to adopt, and which I consider as em-
bracing all the other (supposed) species.

Of Geonoma plumeriana Mart. I have seen in the Berlin Herbarium a
copy of Plumier’s plate, upon which the species was founded, and in which it
is easy to recognize Calyptrogyne swartzii by its characteristic cylindrical,
elongate, flowering branchlets. The fruits are represented as globular, 14-15
mm. in diameter and, possibly, when the fruits are thoroughly mature they
do assume this form. In one of the plates the general appearance of the plant
is shown, from which it appears no larger than the plant of Cuba, but with
gregarious stems.

Specimens from 8. Domingo collected at 8. Lorenzo, Samana Bay (Taylor
n. 97, Herb. Berol.) exactly agree with the Cuban specimens with large leaflets.

From Jamaica I have examined Harris n. 9842 (Herb. Berol.), Farm
Morass near Black River. In these specimens some of the flowering branchlets
are larger than usual, as much as 30 em. in length, and 1 em. in diam.; but
other branchlets are of the usual size. In the flowers I have not discovered
the slightest difference from those of the Cuban specimens. The very immature

‘fruits are obovate-oblong, 12-14 mm. in length.

On number 3972 of Wright has been established G@. intermedia, and under
this same name have been distributed Curtiss n. 485 from the Isla de Pinos.
Of number 3972 I have seen no specimens, and those of Curtiss are in no way
distinguishable from those of Wright’s n. 1466; the leaflets are 70 em. long,
3.7 em. broad, and have 7-8 nerves, only the branchlets are somewhat shorter
than usual (12-15 em. long). Furthermore I have not been able to discover
diagnostic characters of any value to render a specific differentiation possible
amongst the numerous specimens of Calyptrogyne gathered in different parts
of Cuba. I have found that the size of the leaflets and the number of their
nerves is very variable in specimens collected in the same region. I may

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 361

mention those gathered by Baker and Dinmock (n. 4882) between Paso Real
y Herradura, from the same place where was taken the photograph repro-
duced in Fig. 145, which have the intermediate leaflets with 7-8 nerves, or as
many as in Wright’s n. 1466, considered as C. swartzii by Grisebach himself ;
whereas another specimen gathered in about the same region with the pre-
ceding, at Herradura, by van Hermann (n. 875), but probably obtained from
a plant growing in less favorable conditions of ambient, has the intermediate
leaflets 35-40 em. long, 15-17 mm. broad and with 4-5 nerves only; these
specimens, therefore, would be considered as of C. dulcis. In the spadices I
have found only slight differences in the dimensions, and these chiefly in the
length of the branchlets, between the specimens of the two localities.

The Cuban specimens of Calyptrogyne I have examined are: Herb.
Baker n. 4882 as quoted above (Herb. Berol. et Becc.); the, also, already
mentioned van Hermann n. 875, Herradura (Herb. Bece. and Berol.) ; from
these last specimens I have described and figured the fruit; Baker n. 3050 (in
Herb. Bece.) at Baracoa, Prov. Santiago de Cuba; Wright n. 1466 (in Herb.
de Cand.) from the east of the island, distributed under the name of Geonoma
(Calyptronoma) swartzi Gr. et Wendl; this I used for the description of
the flowers and their analyses; van Hermann n. 745 (Herb. Berol.), Provincia
Pinar del Rio; Curtiss n. 485 (in Herb. de Cand. and. Berlin), Isla de Pinos.
Of Wright’s n. 3972, referred by Sauvalle, Fl. Cub. n. 2387, to Geonoma
intermedia Gris. et Wendl., I have seen no specimens.

ACROCOMIA Mart.

st Hist. nat. Palm. II, 66, and III, 285; Drude in Mart. FI. Bras.,
III, II, 388; Benth. et Hook: Gen. plant, III, 043. Gastrococos Morales
in Repert. fisico-natural de la Isla de Cuba, I (1865), p. 57-64 (ex sched.
Urbanianis).

A very rigorous examination of the numerous specimens of Acrocomia,
derived from almost every island of the Greater and Lesser Antilles has led
me to the conclusion that in these islands only two distinct species of Acrocomia
grow wild. One of these, A. crispa, is apparently endemic in Cuba; the other
is widely dispersed in the islands to the east, and espeially in the Lesser
Antilles. I believe, therefore, that all the specific names attributed to the
Acrocomia existing in the Antilles (except in Cuba) are to be reduced to only
one, i. e. to the oldest, which is, I think, Cocos aculeata (trunco foltisque
aculeatis) Jacq. Amer. (1763), p. 278, t. 169 (non vidi) ; edit. pict., p. 135, t.
254 (ex Mart.) ; Willd. sp. pl. IV, p. 401. I consider the Cocos fusiformis
Swartz, Fl. Ind. oce. I, p. 616 (1797), as exactly the same plant as that of
Jacquin (mentioned above) against the opinion of Swartz himself, who, at
first, (novas Gen. et sp. plant. seu Prodr., 1788, p. 151) had reduced to C.
aculeata the plant which, afterwards, he named C. fusiformis, as he could not
believe it possible that Jacquin had overlooked the character of the fusiform
trunk, possessed by the Acrocomia of Jamaica and Hispaniola, to which Swartz,
just for that reason, had applied the name of C. fusiformis. But the trunk of
Acrocomia (Cocos) aculeata is very variable as to its forms, and in the same

362 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

Island of Porto Rico, while it is frequently, more or less, fusiform, it is also
at times, quite cylindrical. An unpublished picture by Krug in the Her-
barium at Berlin shows it thus.

I do not think the name of A. fusiformis at all applicable to the plant of
Cuba, which has the trunk almost smooth, the spines being detachable and
deciduous; while the spinescence described by Swartz for his C. fusiformis is
exactly the same as that which covers the trunk of C. aculeata.

The fruit described by Swartz as that of his A. fusiformis (drupa... .
oblonga) is certainly that of a quite different plant, and is, very probably, as
supposed by Martius, the fruit of Syagrus (Rhyticocos) amara.

To be enabled to decide on the right names to be assigned to each of
the two species of Acrocomia of the Antilles I have passed in review all the
known species referable to that genus, and I have been able to recognize that,
although all the Acrocomia are very similar in general aspect, they nevertheless
offer good diagnostic characters in their flowers, both male and female, by
which the species may be easily distinguished.

Conspectus of the Species of Acrocomia
1. Acrocomia aculeata Lodd. ex Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. 286.

(A. fustformis Sweet) 222. eee The Antilles except Cuba
2. Acrocomia crispa (H. B. et K.) C. F. Baker in exice.
(A. cubensis Lodd.—nomen; A. lasiospatha Auct. plur.) .............. Cuba

3. Acrocomia glaucophylla Drude in Mart. Fl. Bras. v. III, II, 392........
anno beclscswesiassistcasjelte sheet eee Ma Brazil (tropical and subsquat.)

5. Acrocomia lasiospatha Mart. in Palm. Orbign. 81................02....... Cayenne
6. Acrocomia mexicana Karw. ex Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. IIT, 285, t. 138

(A. zapotects Karw.) --.:-ccii-—-i:tese-cant-veny-bhereceigeenenae a Mexico
7. Acrocomia sclerocarpa Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. II, 66, t. 56, 57, 100 f. 5.

(A, sphaerocarpa Desf. ex Ind. Kew.)............. Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)

8. Acrocomia wallaceana Bece.
(A. sclerocarpa var. wallaceana Drude; A. lasiospatha (non

Mart.) Wallace Palm trees t. XX XVIII) ............... Brazil (Para)
9. Acrocomia totai Mart. in Palm. Orbign., 78, t. 9 f. 1.2 Bolivia
10. Acrocomia vinifera Oerst. in Kjoeb. Vidensk. Meddel. (1858) 47........
seaueenianaeasentaqerderdécste danke eeesedhaaieaesteans tt pain mana Nicaragua
11. Acrocomia mokayayba Barb.-Rodr. in Pl. nov. Rio, v. TT...
nnuacnciviudaidonpchtiedy lense aaa ee Ce aan Brazil (Prov. Matto grosso)
12. Acrocomia odorata Barb.-Rodr. Palme Mattogr, 48.............---.----.-----

See ee ae neat. Brazil (Prov. Matto grosso)

14. Acrocomia erioacantha Barb.-Rodr. Contr. Jard. bot. Rio, I, 85............
eee ee eee A IBN Brazil (Amazonas)

15. Acrocomia antioquiensis Posada-Arango in Bull. Soc. bot. de France,
v, 26 (1878), 1830.28. eee Antioquia in Colombia

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 363

~ Figure 147, Acrocomia crispa.

364 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

Acrocomia gujanensis Lodd. (nomen)........ Guiana—A. lasiospatha Mart. ?
Acrocomia minor Lodd. ex Don in Lond. Hort. Brit, 382... Quid?
Acrocomia horrida Lodd. (nomen)................ Trinidad—A. aculeata Lodd. ?
Acrocomia globosa Lodd. (nomen)............ St. Vincent—A. aculeata Lodd.?

Acrocomia tenuifrons Lodd. (nomen)....St. Domingo=A. aculeata Lodd. ?

Acrocomia crispa C. F. Baker exicc., n. 4566. Cocos? crispa Humb. Bonpl.
et Kunth, nova Gen., I, (1815), 302; Mart. Hist. nat. Palm, III, 324;
Kunth, Enum. pl. III, 287. A. cubensis Lodd. ex H. Wendl. Ind. Palm.
I, (nomen). A. lasiospatha (non-Mart.) Gris. Cat. pl. cub. 222 (Wr. n.
3223—non quoad FI. Br. W. Ind. 521); Sauvalle, Fl. cub. p. 153, n.
2389. Astrocaryon sp. n. sec. Wendl. et Cocos armentalis Morales ex
Sauvalle Fl. Cub., p. 153, n. 2393. Astrocaryon crispum G. Maza in
nociones de Bot. (1893), 50. Gastrococos armentalis Morales |. c.

The Cuban Acrocomia is a most remarkable palm, being one of those in
which the bulging of the trunk in its upper aerial part is pre-eminently great
(Fig. 147). As far as I can judge from the picture, the trunk is about 10
metres in height, and 25-30 em. in diameter at its base; thence it gradually
swells to nearly three times the thickness of its basal diameter; the greatest
diameter (about 70 em.) being attained at 6-7 m. above the ground, thence the
trunk tapers again gradually, but in a much lesser degree than below; its
general aspect therefore cannot truly be termed fusiform, but is rather that
of an enormous club; in its lower and older part the surface looks rough and
corky ; above it is obscurely and closely ringed by the leaf-scars, otherwise it is
smooth; it must, however, have been more or less permanently covered by
spines, but these seem easily detachable, and only a few remain visible in the
photograph. The crown of leaves is dense, but in proportion to the volume
of the stem it is relatively small. The lowest leaves drop off at every emission
of new spadices, and leave the trunk clean, with the spadices hanging below
the crown, when loaded with fruit.

The leaves on the whole seem to be about 3 m. long, have their bases much
and suddenly enlarged, very thick, short and broad, and widening in their
lower parts so as to embrace the trunk; petiole very short or almost obsolete ;
rachis glabrous, apparently not much armed, being quite spineless in the small
portions seen by me. Leaflets very numerous, arranged, more or less distinctly,
into approximate pairs on each side of the rachis; each pair is obliquely insert-
ed in contrary ways on the rachis, and the blades extend in two different planes.
The leaflets are firmly papyraceous, ensiform, and quite straight, and gradually
narrow from a rather considerable distance below the middle, to a very long-
acuminate, very briefly bifid apex; they taper also, but slightly, towards the
base, are green, and almost glossy in the upper surface; the lower surface is
paler or slightly glaucescent, and especially in the newly expanded leaves,
which, when seen under a strong lens, show themselves covered on all the
numerous tertiary nerves with extremely minute hair-like corpuscles, not
always easily discernible; the mid-costa is strong, prominent above and fre-
quently furnished with a bristle-like spinule at its base, superficial and smooth

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 365

below; on each side of the mid-costa are 3-4 slender secondary nerves; the
tertiary nerves are numerous, especially distinct underneath; the middle
leaflets are 70-75 cm. long and 25-30 mm. broad; the margins are not, or
only very slightly thickened ; the transverse veinlets are very much interrupted,
and usually too much immersed in the parenchyma to be visible.

I have not seen the spathes. The spadices on the whole are about 1 m.
long, of which about 30 em. are occupied by a robust peduncular part, and
when in fruit form enormous, elongate, pendulous, grape-like bunches, about
70 em. in length, and about 25 em. in diameter at their bases, being somewhat
less in their apical parts. The flowering branchlets are 20-30 em. long, very
densely and spirally arranged round the main axis, have a distinct callus at
their axilla, and are suffulted by a very small bract; they are sinuous, glabrous,
subterete, 3-5 mm. in diameter in their basal part, where they carry 4-5 female
flowers only; are angular but about of the same diameter in their upper two-
thirds, where they are deeply scrobiculate and densely covered with the male
flowers. The scrobiculi are arranged in six longitudinal series, and are not
contiguous, those of each series being 2-3 mm. apart from one another, they
have their lower margin bracteiform, concave like a swallow’s nest, rounded,
and projecting horizontally about 1 mm.

The male flowers appear to be geminate in each scrobicule, from the scars
left by their fall, but none remained on the specimen seen by me.

The female flowers in bud are broadly conical, 8 mm. high (judging from
the perianth of the growing ovaries) ; the calyx is almost flat, suborbicular,
slightly three-lobed, about 7 mm. in diameter; the corolla is parted nearly
down to its base into three very broadly subcordate lobes, which are slightly
imbricate at the base, have the margins entire, and triangular, rather acute
apexes. The staminodes form a complete cup about as long as the corolla,
irregularly and not very deeply three-lobed, the lobes are broadly triangular
and occasionally terminated by a rudimentary anther; three of the lobes are
very conspicuous between the divisions of the corolla. The pulvinuli of the
female flowers are flat, orbicular, 3-5 mm. in diameter and surrounded by the
bracts which form a narrow ring, and bear above them the very short pedicels
which suffult the two male side fiowers. The ovary is covered by silvery
appressed hairs, is broadly ovoid with a conical apex terminated by three
circinate stigmas. ;

The frwit is spherical, 3 em. in diameter, very slightly depressed on the
apex, where it bears the remains of the stigmas, a very small three-lobed
papilla. The outer coating or epicarp of the ripe fruit is thinly crustaceous,
brittle, of a yellowish ochraceous color (when dry), almost polished and only
rendered very obscurely uneven by minute granules resting under its tissue;
the mesocarp is slightly parenchymatous with its inner layer traversed by
very minute slenderly filiform, sinuous, much branched fibres, especially
numerous near the base. The putamen is somewhat irregularly globose, or
else obsoletely trilobed and slightly depressed, 20-22 mm. broad, 18 mm. high;
its surface is of a plumbeous color, uneven, coarsely and slightly pitted; the

366 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

foramina are at regular distances in the middle of the periphery; the cavity
is irregularly three-lobed, 16 mm. in width in its broadest part; the wall of the
shell is 3-4 mm. thick; the cavity of the only fruit I had at my disposal had
a general subcordate outline, but was empty.

The fruiting perianth is not acerescent, and is quite explanate under the
fruit. (Fig. 148.)

A. crispa grows wild in Cuba as isolated individuals. The photograph
reproduced in Fig. 147 was taken at Santiago de las Vegas near Havana,
whence Prof. Baker’s sterile specimens bearing n. 4566 are derived. My
description, however, is based on Wright’s specimens of the ‘‘ Plantw cubenses’’
bearing the n. 3223 (in Herb. de Candolle) distributed under the name of A.
lasiospatha Mart. ex Gris. Cat. cub. 222. The native name of this palm in
Cuba is ‘‘ Palma Corojo’’ (Baker).

Figure 148. Acrocomia crispa. a, portion of an empty male flower-bearing
branchlet; b, a growing ovary; c, fruit as seen from its base; d, transverse
section of a seed. From Wright No. 3223. Fig. a, b, enlarged; c, d, natural size.

The Acrocomia endemic in Cuba is rendered very distinct from all the
other species belonging to this genus, at least from those known to me, by its
male flowers being in pairs in each alveole, and by the alveoles not being in
contact with one another; in all the other species the alveoles form by their
ensemble a kind of honey-comb, with a single male flower in each cell and
with the margins of the cells more or less produced into bracteiform wings.

From the other Acrocomia growing in the Antilles, A. aculeata (Jacq.),
A. crispa differs not only in the characters just now mentioned, but also in its
very conspicuously inflated stem and in the fact that the stem is only tem-
porarily covered with spines; also by the leaves being far less spinous in every
part; by the female flowers having their petals cordate-triangular and entire;
by the staminal urceolum with six broad triangular lobes which, on the whole,
look like a second corolla; and finally by the ovary being covered by a silvery
indument which is formed by very appressed scale-like branched trichomes.

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 367

Furthermore the fruit of the Cuban Acrocomia is smaller than that of A.
aculeata, and the fruiting perianth has the pieces of the corolla triangular,
rather acute, and entire, not lobed and crenulate as are those of A. aculeata.

Generally the Acrocomia of Cuba has been known under the name of A.
lasiospatha, a name which was originally applied by Martius to a species grow-
ing at Cayenne; but to it he also appended the synonym of Palma cocifera
caudice tumido et aculeato of Plumier, reproducing also the description left
by that author; in this description, however, it is easy to recognize the
Acrocomia growing in the island to the east of Cuba, provided we take into
account his description of the fruits, of which it is said that they are ‘‘pila
lusoria paullo minores’’, that is to say, of about the size of a small billiard
ball; these dimensions are never attained by the fruit of A. crispa, while they
really are approached by those of A. aculeata. The localities given by Plumier
for his Palma cocifera (Martinique, San Domingo and 8S. Vincent) are also
an argument in favor of its identification with A. aculeata.

As I consider that not the slightest doubt can now remain as to the identity
of Cocos? crispa H. B. et K. with the Cuban Acrocomia, I think that the name
of A. crispa may be considered as the most appropriate one.

Acrocomia aculeata Lodd. ex. Mart. Hist. nat. Palm. III, 286 (excl. syn.
A. sclerocarpae). A. fusiformis Sweet. Hort. Brit. ed. I, 432 (ex. Ind.
Kew.) A. fusiformis Maycock, Fl. Barb. (1830), 355’ (excl. descript.
fol.). A. funiformis Baill. Hist. des plant, 304, e Jamaica (psalmate pro
A. fusiformis?). A. lasiospatha Mart. Palm. Orb., 81, et Hist. nat. Palm.
III, 286 (tantum quoad citatum Plumierii: Palma cocifera caudice
tumido et aculeato); Griseb. Fl. Brit. W. Ind., 521 (partim?). A.
sclerocarpa (non Mart.) Griseb. |. c.; Bello, Apunt., II (1833), 114, n.
771 (ex Urban, Symb. Ant.) A. media O. F. Cook in Bull. Torrey Bot.
Club, XXVIII (1901), 566; Urban, Symbolae Ant., IV, 130; Cook et
Coll. Econ. pl. Port, 67. Cocos aculeata Jacq. Select. Amer. (1763),
278 (non vidi), et in Willd. sp. pl. [TV (1805), 401; Swartz Nova Gen.
seu Prodr. (1788), 151 (una cum syn.) C. fusiformis Swartz FI. Ind.
occid. I (1797), 616, (una cum syn. sed excluso fructu).

Stem 10 to 15 m. high, and 20-30 em. in diameter, more or less fusiform
in its middle part, but at times almost cylindrical throughout, armed with close
rings of robust, black, very sharp spines.

The leaves have the leaflets polished above, dull and more or less whitish
beneath, rather brittle, and easily splitting longitudinally; those of the inter-
mediate part of the rachis 70-75 em. long, 3 em. broad; the rachis is very
powerfully armed with black, very unequal spines, some of them being as
much as 10 em. in length, flattened, covered with a rusty woolliness in their
basal part, otherwise polished.

The inner spathe is densely covered with very fine, soft, brown hairs,
mixed occasionally with a few spines.

The spadiz, on the whole, is 1 to 1.5 m. long; the peduncular part is armed
with spines 5-12 mm. long which are covered with rusty woolliness in their
lower part, their points being of a shiny black. The branches of the spadix are

368 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

very numerous, 25-30 em. long, somewhat swollen at the base, otherwise sub-
terete, or slightly flattened, 4-6 mm. thick, and slightly sinuous in their lower
third, or fourth, part, where they carry 2-5 female flowers; the part bearing
the male flowers is 16-20 em. long, and about 15 mm. in diameter, when bearing
the flowers; its axial part alone is 7 mm. broad, very closely, regularly, and
deeply hollowed by rhomboidal alveoli; each contains one flower only, has
narrowly winged margins, and the lower lip protrudes 1-1.5 mm.

The male flowers are each furnished with a very small triangular bracteole ;
their fully developed buds are 7 mm. in length, are oblong, rounded above,
and slightly narrowing towards the base; the calyx is small, the sepals are
slightly imbricate at the base, 1.5 mm. long, are membranous with hyaline
margins, deltoid, acute, entire or faintly ciliate-denticulate. The corolla is
divided down to a little past the middle into three ovate, concave, more or less
acute, rather thickly coriaceous segments, each having a callous thickening at
its base internally. Stamens six, inserted just at the mouth of the corolla
where the segments separate one from the other; the rudimentary ovary is
formed by three small elongate bodies placed between the bases of the stamens;
below the insertions of the stamens the body of the corolla is solid and fleshy;
the filaments are terete, subulate, about as long as the segments of the corolla,
and with the apex briefly inflected when in the bud; anthers elongate-rectan-
gular, equally rounded at both ends; during the anthesis the loges remain open
and applied one against the other by their backs. (The loges must open when
the flowers are still very young, as I have found them in that condition even
when the corolla was not yet open.)

The female flowers have very broad bases and are almost globular, being
about 1 cm. high and about as broad; the calyx, on the whole, forms a very
narrow ring, and is formed by three sepals, very narrow, semi-circular, with
hyaline margins. Petals large, imbricate, suborbicular, three-toothed at the
apex, the middle point being rigid, very acute, and almost pungent, the side
points are, like the margins, hyaline and irregularly ciliate-toothed; the
staminal urceolum is very short and truncate; ovary globose-ovoid, narrowing
above, densely hairy-hispid from the base to the stigmas; these are circinate.

Fruit globose, slightly depressed, about 4 em. in diameter, but apparently,
judging from some of the kernels, at times larger; it is 3 em. high and has a
small papilliform apical mucro; it has a polished surface, and when dry is
of a dirty-yellow color. The epicarp is brittle, two-thirds of a millimeter thick;
the mesocarp in the dry condition is rather soft, adherent to the putamen,
almost corky in texture, and without rigid fibres. The putamen is depressedly
globose, 25-28 mm. broad, 20-21 mm. high; the pores are about in the middle
of the periphery; the surface is uneven, venose-impressed, marked below
by three very faint and shallow grooves which radiate from three very
small holes placed in the center of the base; of the upper surface the center is
slightly raised and obsoletely apiculate. The wall of the shell is 3-4 mm.
thick. Seed usually solitary, but at times two collateral seeds are to be found
within the same shell, separated by a woody dissepiment. When the seed is

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 369

solitary, the cavity is very obsoletely three-lobed in transverse section, and 18
mm. in breadth. The seed (when solitary) is obsoletely subcordate-three-lobed,
slightly flattened, with a brown venose-impressed surface. Albumen oily,
equable, with a small central cavity, perfectly white; it is rather hard, but it
may be cut with a knife.

Fruiting perianth explanate, with the petals crenate-lobed on the thinned
margins, slightly callous and gibbous at the base. (Fig. 149.)

Figure 149. Acrocomia aculeata, a, portion of an empty male flower-bearing’
branchlet; b, male flower; c, male flower from which a portion has been removed
to show the insertion of the stamens and of the sterile ovary; d, female flower;
e, section of the corolla to show its inner side, and the cup formed by the
staminodes; f, detached ovary during the anthesis. From a specimen collected
by Sintenis in Porto Rico.

Acrocomia aculeata has been often considered as not differentiating from
A, sclerocarpa Mart., and on this subject Martius (Palm. Orbign. 81) writes
that a branchlet with male flowers coming from Porto Rico and named Cocos
aculeata, hardly presents any character by which it may be distinguished from
A, sclerocarpa. But A. aculeata differs from A. sclerocarpa by the fruit of the
first being larger, and having the perianth almost explanate, the bases of the

370 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

petals being only slightly swollen. In A. sclerocarpa the petals of the fruiting
perianth are strongly swollen, or conspicuously callous. In A. aculeata the
lower lip of the serobicules is not much produced, while in A. sclerocarpa it
is bracteiform or liguliform, and 4-5 mm. in length. The ovary in A. aculeata
is hairy from its base to the origin of the stigmas; in A. sclerocarpa it is densely
hairy in its lower part only and glabrous above. The ring formed by the
staminodes in A. aculeata is perfectly truncate, while it is distinctly six-toothed
in A. sclerocarpa.

I have especially described the palm growing in Porto Rico known by the
vernacular name ‘‘ Palma de Corozo’’, and of which Mr. O. F. Cook has made
his A. media. I have, however, examined also numerous other specimens col-
lected in various of the Greater and Lesser Antilles, which all seem to me
referable to A. aculeata,

From Porto Rico I have seen: Sintenis n. 3972, 4935, 6483 (Herb. Berol.)
Bertero also collected this palm in Porto Rico and fragmentary specimens of
it are preserved in the Herbaria de Candolle and of Berlin. In the latter, one
specimen bears the n. 286, and comes from the Herbarium Sprengel; another
comes from the Herbarium Kunth; all are labelled Cocos aculeata.

Jamaica: Harris n. 9943 (Herb. Berol.) near Malvern, 730 m. alt.; the
flowering branchlets are exactly as in the plant of Porto Rico.

Haiti: In the plain near St. Michel leg. W. Buch 1907 (n. 3 in Herb Krug
et Urban). Habitus Orcodore regie Fructus fiavi, edules. The fruits are 37-40
mm. in diameter. The seed is 26 mm. broad, 23 mm. high. The fruiting
perianth is exactly as in the plant of Porto Rico.

Tobago: Eggers n. 5739 (Herb. Berol.) ‘‘Grougrou’’ incol. Common on
the River Bacolet. The fruit is said to be 38 mm. in diameter, and to be edible;
the specimen has only a portion of a leaf, corresponding to those of the plant
of Porto Rico.

Guadeloupe: Pere Duss n. 3805 (Herb. Berol.) Plains and marshes of
the Lamentin, Vulgo ‘‘Dinde’’. The flowers and fruits, 4 em. in diameter, are
exactly like those of the plant of Porto Rico. Ina note Pere Duss describes the
leaves as 3-4.5 m. long with segments on two series; the entire plant 10-17 m.
high with a straight trunk; this is swollen at the base in young individuals,
but in the middle in those older, and in the very old ones near the summit;
the trunk is marked by annular rings, and furnished with spines. The spadices
are at first erect, then recurved, 1 to 1.30 m. in length, and bear 80-100
flowering branchlets. The flowers are yellow and exhale a bad smell. An
entire spathe is 1.20 m. long, very densely velutine, quite devoid of any kind
of spines,

Dominica: Eggers, March 1882, ‘‘Grou-Grou’’ ine. (H. Berol.), only
leaves of young plants which do not show differences from analogous leaves
of the same age from Porto Rico. Also Eggers, Goodwill Valley, 23, 2, 1880,
as above.

Martinique: Pere Duss, Riviere Salée, Ducos, Lamentin, vulgo ‘‘Glou-
glou’’ (Herb. Berol.) Leaves as in the plant of Porto Rico. The spathe

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 371

is velutinous, but is sprinkled with a few elongate black spines. The male
and female flowers exactly as in the plant from Guadeloupe. Ovary hispid in
the usual way. Fruits 40-42 mm. in diameter. Fruiting perianth with erenu-
late petals.

Grenada: Eggers nu. 6302 in Herb. Berol. From near sea level to about
180 m. elevation between Goyave and Grand Pauvre. ‘‘Grou-Grou’’ ine. The
specimens consist of flowering branchlets, portion of the leaves and detached
spines of the trunk; everything as in the plants of Porto Rico.

BACTRIS Mart.
Bactris plumeriana Mart. Palm. Orbign. 64, and Hist. nat. Palm. III, 280;

Griseb. Pl. Wright, 531, and Cat. plant Cub., 222; Sauv. Fl. Cub., 153,

n. 2390.

A small tree apparently forming small thickets, with stem 8-10 em. in
diameter and 4-6 m. high, densely covered with very rigid, slender, unequal
spines, 10-15 em. long or less.

Leaves conspicuously interruptedly pinnate. Petiole rather elongate,
armed densely with very irregular needle-like black spicule ; leaflets numerous,
approximate in groups of three to nine, about 1 em. apart in each group, with
rather long vacant spaces between the groups; they are firmly papyraceous of
about the same color on both surfaces, inserted at an angle of about 45°, and
all in one plane; the intermediate leaflets are 55-60 em. long, 20-23 mm. broad,
linear-ensiform, quite straight, somewhat narrowing to a rather acute base;
here their margins are strongly reduplicate, but otherwise they have the blade
flat, very gradually acuminate above to an unsymmetrical apex, the upper
margin being prolonged 2-5 em. beyond the lower one; the apex appears
therefore two-toothed, but with one of the teeth linear, 2-3 em. long, and the
other very short and obtuse; on the upper surface the mid-costa is prominent,
acute, and irregularly armed with a few distant black, stiff, subspiny bristles
(5-8 mm. long) ; on the under surface the mid-costa is slender, and minutely
hairy throughout, sometimes, however, inconspicuously ; the secondary nerves
are in number 3-4 on each side of the mid-costa; the tertiary nerves are
numerous and sharp and render both surfaces, but especially the lower one,
conspicuously longitudinally striate; in addition on these under surface nerves
are aligned innumerable, extremely minute, hair-like squamules, frequently of
a rusty color; the margins are acute, rendered irregularly and remotely ciliate
by subspiny bristles, similar to those of the mid-costa. The rachis is rusty-
furfuraceous, and rather densely armed all round with unequal, black, and
very slender, spicule of which the largest are 3-4 em. long.

The spadices are 25-40 em. long, arched, and have two persistent coriaceous
spathes, of which the outer is short, 8-12 em. long, oblong, strongly flattened,
hairy-hispid externally, broadly and acutely two-edged, or with a wing-like
expansion at each side; the inner spathe is 3-5 times as long as the outer, and
it broadens from a narrow sheathing base into a spathulate-cymbiform limb,
4-5 em. broad, and ending in an acuminate tip; this spathe is thinly coriaceous
but of a rather brittle texture, glossy and cinnamon-brown inside, externally it

372 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

is thinly tomentose, and densely covered with stiff, very fine, black spicule,
mostly deflexed. The panicle is 10-15 em. long, formed by several simple flower-
ing branchlets, and borne on a curved peduncular part, as long or longer; this
is 8-10 mm. thick, densely hispid, or covered by spiculiform bristles; is furnished
above, immediately below the panicle, with a loosely sheathing cyathiform bract,
of which the irregularly truncate mouth is produced into 2-3 irregular, broad-
based, subulate teeth. The flowering branchlets are all almost of the same
length, 8-12 mm. long; at first fastigiate; later, when they are loaded with
fruits, spreading; they are filiform, 1.5-2 mm. in diameter at the base, thick-
ening to 3 mm. when bearing fruit, subulate at the apex, slightly sinuous,
terete, covered at first by a dense, rusty-furfuraceous, pulverulent indumen-
tum, formed by small papillae which become partially deciduous by age.
During the flowering time the axial part of the branchlets is entirely hidden
by the flowers, which are very closely packed together.

The male flowers are more numerous than the female, have very incon-
spicuously hyaline bracts at their bases, are superficially inserted on the
branchlets, and solitary on each pulvinule; they are rendered very unsym-
metrically three-gonous by mutual pressure, 4 mm. long and about as large;
the calyx is small, membranous, and has three narrow acute teeth; the corolla
is much longer than the calyx, fleshy, divided almost to the base into three
valvate, deltoid, acute, flat segments; stamens six, filaments short, anthers
linear, obtuse at both ends; rudiment of an ovary inconspicuous, punctiform.

Female flowers scattered among the male flowers; apparently each female
flower is accompanied by two male flowers, but the glomerules are not regular;
at the time that the male flowers are about to open, the female flowers are 2.5-3
mm. long, and apparently are ready to be fertilized; they are cylindraceous,
probably thinly fleshy when fresh, membranous and of a lighter color than the
males in the dry herbarium specimens; the corolla is about three times as long
as the calyx, and thicker than this, tubular, slightly campanulate, obsoletely
striately-veined (when dry), three-toothed, the teeth broadly triangular,
acute, and connivent; ovary clavate-oblong, rounded above, and surmounted
by a conspicuous, quite sessile, convex suborbicular papillose stigma; the corolla
is accrescent after the fertilization of the ovary, and becomes broadly cam-
panulate, 3 mm. high, 5 mm. broad, truncate and very obsoletely three-den-
ticulate at the mouth, but in time becomes explanate under the mature fruit;
it is then 7 mm. in diameter, more or less split into three strongly striately-
veined lobes.

Fruit, globose, slightly depressed, 11-12 mm. in diameter, and about 2 mm.
less in height, with the papilliform remains of the stigma in the center of the
slightly depressed apex; in the dry condition it is yellowish and more or less
sharply, longitudinally striate; the pericarp on the whole is very thin; the
epicarp very thinly pellicular and adherent to the mesocarp; the mesocarp is
very scanty, possibly slightly fleshy when fresh, it has only a layer of unequal
fine fibres, which give a finely striate appearance to the dry fruit. The
putamen has a smooth black surface and three pores placed a little above the

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 373

middle; its wall is very thin, 0.5-1 mm. thick; it contains only one seed, which
is globular, slightly flattened, very superficially lobed, 10 mm. in diameter,
7.5 mm. thick. Albumen not very hard, white, slightly oily ; embryo basal.

I have based my description chiefly on the specimens of the ‘‘ Plante
Cubenses Wrightianz’’, n. 1465 in Herb. de Candolle. In the Berlin Herba-
rium I have also seen a fruiting specimen collected by Gundlach in Oriental
Cuba, one from the New York botanical Garden collected by Shafer (n. 3555)
on Sierra Nipe near Woodfred, Oriente, Pinelands, 500-650 metres altitude,
and another (Shafer n. 1750) from the Pinales, S. E. of Paso Estancia, Oriente.
Very slightly differing from the above is one I have received from Prof. Baker
(n. 3051) collected by W. T. Horne at Baracoa, Prov. Santiago de Cuba. In
this specimen the fruiting perianth is slightly smaller than in Wright’s type
specimens (6 mm. in diameter) and is not split into three parts, or is at most,
only superficially three-lobed; the leafiets bear only a few bristles here and
there near the upper end, and on the mid-costa the spicule are present only
near the base, and a few scattered near the apex; the upper leafiets shorten
gradually and have the apex briefly and almost equally obtusely two-toothed.
A very young plant collected by Eggers in Cuba (n. 5239) at La Prenda (800
m.) has primordial leaves which are deeply bilobed, acutely cuneate at the
base, with the lobes acuminate, and 6-7-costulate; the petiole and the rachis
are powerfully armed with unequal needle-like, black, nitent spicule, of which
the largest are 2-3 em. long; all the other nerves are smooth; the margins are
irregularly spinulous. This palm is known in Cuba under the name of ‘‘Coco-
Macaco’’.

I have not seen specimens of this palm from any other of the Antilles. I
think that Grisebach had correctly identified the Bactris growing in Cuba
with the B. plumeriana of Martius, who applied this name to the Palma
dactylifera aculeata minima represented in Plumier’s unpublished plates
XLIII, XLIV, XLV. Of these plates I have seen a copy in the Berlin Her-
barium and about them I have to observe that the spadix represented in plate
XLIV bears fruits 10-11 mm. in diameter, or slightly smaller than those of
the plant from Cuba.

Other species of Bactris are mentioned as proper to the Antilles, but I
have not as yet made a special study of them.

SABAL Adans.

Adans. Fam. nat., II, 495; Becec. in Webbia di U. Martelli, II (1907),
10. Sabal and Inodes O. F. Cook in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club, 1901, 529.

A. All the primary divisions or segments of the leaves unicostulate and
deeply bifid.

- Divisions of the segments having a very acuminate, but rigid apex.
Flowers oblong-ovoid, very small, 3 mm. long, 1.8 mm. thick. Fruit
spherical, rounded at its base, 1 em. in diameter. S. parviflora

Divisions of the segments having a very elongate filiform flaccid
apex. Full-grown flower-buds narrow and elongate, 5 mm. long, 2 mm.
aie BU. ee S. florida

374 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

+ Figure 150. Sabal parviflora.

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 375

B. Leaves with the blade unequally divided, with several of the pri-
mary divisions three-costulate, and divided again into unicos-
tulate bifid segments.

Full-grown flower-buds relatively large, obovoid with a
rounded top, 4 mm. long, 2 mm. broad. Fruit globular, 9-10 mm.
in diameter, narrowing a little towards a slightly bent base. S. Yapa

Sabal parviflora Becc. in Webbia di U. Martelli, II, 43. S. mexicana (non
Mart.) Sauvalle, Fl. Cub. 152.

From the Fig. 150 the adult plant appears to be a fine palm with a rather
robust, high and almost regularly cylindrical columnar trunk surmounted by
a fine and dense crown of large leaves. The trunk is evidently thicker than

Ns : :
He. 3
Suga gna

i
ae ae

J Figure 151. Sabal parviflora. a, full-grown unopened flower; b, c, flowers during the
anthesis; d, longitudinal section of a flower; e, fruit; f, fruit as seen from the
hilum side; g, h, seeds, median section through the embryo. Fig. a, b, c, d, e, g,
from Curtiss No. 484; fig. f, h, from Wright No. 3970.

that of Sabal palmetto. From what I can judge by the photograph, the old
leaves do not remain long hanging down from the lower part of the crown,
but drop off, as soon as their physiological function is fulfilled, leaving the
naked stem slightly but closely ringed by the leaf-scars. (Fig. 151.)

_One photograph which I have seen shows the crown invaded by an epi-
phytic Cereus which having first rooted itself in the rubbish accumulated at
the base of the leaves which also readily catch and retain the rain water in
their axils, has grown into a large and very dense mass of long dependent
tail-like stems. I have observed a very similar occurrence in a photograph of
‘a Sabal, communicated to me by Prof. Trelease, which I have doubtfully re-
ferred to C. rosei (see Webbia |. ¢., p. 85) ; in the mass among other epiphytes
there appear to be also a cactaceous plant. In the back-ground of the same
picture may be seen several individuals of apparently the same Sabal, having
their long trunks terminated by only a tuft of the central and youngest leaves,

376 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

the others having evidently been cut away, to be employed in thatching houses,
etc., or perhaps in the manufacture of hats.

Prof. Baker’s photographs were taken in the savannahs of the western
part of the island, where this Sabal seems to be a common plant (n. 857 of the
dry specimens). Baker’s n. 2308 from Batabano, Prov. of the Habana, and
Wright’s n. 3970 belong to this species.

S. parviflora grows also at Nueva Gerona in the Isla de Pinos, near the
southwest coast of Cuba, according to Curtiss n. 484.

N Figure 152. Sabal florida. a, portion of a flowering branchlet; b, flower during the
anthesis; c, longitudinal section of a flower. From Combs No. 292.

Sabal florida Becc. in Webbia di U. Martelli, II, 46; S. umbraculiferum
(non Mart.) Combs in Trans. Ac. Sc. St. Louis, VII (1897), 471.

It has been said by Mr. N. L. Britton in the review of my paper on the
‘‘Palme Americane’’ (Torreya, VIII (1908), 238) that S. florida differs but
slightly from S. palmetto; but from this latter it is at once distinguishable
by its terete (not angular) flower-bearing branchlets, and longer and nar-
rower flowers. The specimens upon which the species was established were
collected by Rob. Combs (n. 292) at Cieneguita, Prov. of Santa Clara, district
of Cienfuegos, were common in poor soil, have a portion of the spadix in flower,
the fruit is wanting, and nothing is known of the aspect and general dimen-
sions of the plant. (Fig. 152.)

Sabal yapa Wright, Pl. Cubenses n. 3971 (nomen nudum); Sauvalle FI.
Cubana 152; G. Maza, Nociones, etc. (1903), 51; Becc. in Webbia di U.
Mart., II, 64. S. mexicana (non Mart.) Gaum. PI. Yucat. exic., n. 317.
Corypha maritima Humb. et Bonpl. Nov. Gen. et Spec. pl. I, 298?

It is easily distinguishable from the other two Cuban species by its leaves,
which are unequally and twice divided, several primary divisions being three-
costulate and divided again into two unicostulate acuminate segments having

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 377

deeply bifid apices. It is also characterized by the relatively large, obovoid
flowers, having a round top when in bud, and by the fruit being somewhat
bent or slightly resupinate at its base.

J Figure 153. Sabal yapa. a, summit of a flowering branchlet; b, c, full grown

unopened flowers; d, flower during the anthesis; e, young fruits; f, mature fruit;
g, seed as seen from the raphal side; h, seed longitudinally cut through the
embryo. Fig. e from a specimen collected in Cuba by Ramon de la Sagra; ail
the other figures from Wright No. 3971.

It was collected in Cuba by Ramon de la Sagra in 1829 (n. 222), and
it has been found again there more recently by Wright (n. 3971, precise
locality not stated) and by Jose Torralbas at Batabano (n. 179) near the
sea, in the southwest part of the island. It grows also in Yucatan, as I have
identified it with S. yapa Gaumer’s n. 317 of the ‘‘Plante Yucatane’’,

Torralbas gives it the vernacular names of ‘‘Palma de Guano,’’ ‘‘Cana’’
and also ‘‘Miraguano’’, Sauvalle those of ‘“‘Guano cana de monte’’, and
*‘Chagareta’’.

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L)

EUGENE SCHOFIELD HEATH
POMONA COLLEGE

Many plants were brought to the warmer parts of the United States more
than a hundred years ago by the Catholic padres, and the colonists who fol-
lowed in the wake of the cross have, in most cases, been slow to continue the
spread of the cultivation of those plants. Some which were perennial, have
withstood the changes of the years and are now horticultural landmarks, and
it has remained for the present generation to realize the economic value of
those plants and to extend their culture. Within very recent years has the
olive been put on a paying basis in California; it is within the last four years
that the avocado or ahuacate has been planted as an orchard fruit; the white
sapote has not even yet been put out in acreage. Plants introduced even more
recently are still in many cases, specimen plants; for example, the mango,
which, to be sure, is out in acreage in southern Florida, the cherimoya, the
Queensland nut, the Feijoa, the black sapote, and others still less common.
These are all trees or somewhat tree-like.

Several years ago there was introduced into the United States the roselle,
known botanically as Hibiscus sabdariffa L., of the family Malvacer, and a
close relative of Hibiscus esculentus L. (okra), Hibiscus sinensis Hort. (the
Chinese Hibiscus), Gossypium L. (cotton), Althea L., Abutilon Tourn. (the
flowering maple), Malva L., and others. The plant was probably first intro-
duced into the United States from Mexico or the West Indies although it is
probably a native of the eastern continent where its cultivation is of long
standing. It was probably first introduced into California from Australia.
It does well in warm, rather dry climates. It is an annual and on account
of its fruiting in a single season, it is a valuable plant in newly settled coun-
tries. The seed is usually planted in February and March, and in a single
season the bushy plant may attain a height about equaling that of aman. The
leaves vary from entire leaves on young plants to five-parted leaves on older
and larger plants and to three-parted leaves, in the axils of which the flowers
are borne. The flowers are large and yellow with red centers. They last for
only one day. Within three weeks after flowering the calyxes usually enlarge
to a length of from one and a fourth inches to two inches and a width of three-
fourths of an inch to one and a fourth inches. By this time the calyx is a
bright, clear, red, pointed structure enveloping a round, hard, green seed pod
and subtended by bright, clear, red bracts. This usually occurs in October
and November.

While roselle has long been cultivated in parts of the far east as a fiber
crop, the young stems, also, are used in making jelly, but the most common
use of the plant is made of the reddened calyxes and bracts, from which a tart
sauce is manufactured. By cutting off the basal end of the bracteate calyx
far enough up to cut into the cavity of the calyx, one may very readily squeeze

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 379

out the green pod or fruit which is not edible, and may then have left only the
edible calyx and its bracts. A very delicious jelly is frequently made from the
calyxes and bracts and in so using them, it is not necessary to remove the green
fruits from the calyxes prior to cooking, as they may be eliminated at the time
the boiled material is strained to separate the juice from the pulp. The juice

*Figure 154. Plant of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) much reduced.

is often combined with other juices in the manufacture of jelly. Quince juice
is frequently combined with it.
Roselle sauce and roselle jelly have been likened to similar cranberry
products and are sometimes substituted for them, but an admirer of the
*The two illustrations published herewith are reproduced through the permission and

kindness of Mr. Jos. A. Arnold, Chief of the Division of Publications, U. S. Department
of Agriculture.

380 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

Figure 155. Calyxes of roselle—the Victor variety—natural size, showing, also, the red
bracts.

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 381

cranberry sees little like it in roselle. True, both are tart and both are bright,
clear, red, but both, also, have distinctive flavors.

The National Standard Dispensatory (Hare, Caspari, and Rusby, 1905)
says that roselle ‘‘is sour from the presence of tartaric and malic (or oxalic?)
acids’’ on which account it is used in hospitals in Mexico as a refrigerant as
well as for its mucilage. The root is said to contain saponin.

The commercial use of roselle in southern California is still very limited,
most of the product being raised in private gardens for private use. It is
usually to be found in a few of the fruit stores in small quantities in its season.
One firm in Los Angeles used a small quantity of it a few years ago in certain
bakery products, as a jelly filling, but has been unable to buy it in sufficient
quantities since. The Luzon Pineapple Plantation Company of Cabanatuan,
Nueva Ecija, P. I., is planning to plant about twenty acres to roselle next year
and expects to market it as sauce.

Roselle is of the easiest culture. It likes a hot, dry climate best but needs
oceasional irrigating. A long growing season is essential in order to bring
the calyxes to proper size. Irrigation, if too frequent, delays maturity, but
an abundance of water is said to heighten the red color of the calyxes. A loose
deep soil is probably best for it. P. J. Wester, of the U. S. Department of
Agriculture, in Farmers’ Bulletin 307, advocates the use of commercial fer-
tilizers rather than stable manures for roselle.

The plant has not received the popularity it deserves and when the people
once become acquainted with it, surely it will increase in favor and possibly
supplant some of the cheap imitation jelly products now on the markets.

The Small City Park as a Great Asset

RALPH D, CORNELL
POMONA COLLEGE

In the growth of cities, the past tendency has generally been to develop
the commercial, the industrial and the residential districts. During this
growth no effort has been made in behalf of the common people to beautify
the streets uniformly, to provide for parks or to acquire and hold municipal
squares or tracts of land for landscape improvement at such a time as the
growth and wealth of the city would warrant the initial expenditure and
subsequent upkeep. Blind practicality is apt to come first in the mind of the
American of today, and the future welfare of the community and the better-
ment of humanity are overlooked in the attempt to excel commercially, indus-
trially, or in population.

The task of properly providing breathing space and places of retreat from
the noise and dirt and confusion of a large city is a vital problem. The
provision of public parks for public use becomes a live question. Green grass
and trees, flowers, fresh air, and sunshine are all absolutely essential for the
health and happiness of the human race. It has truthfully been said that
wretchedness and squalor breed crime; that beauty and cleanliness of sur-
roundings inspire worthy thoughts and deeds and tend toward the elimination
of things evil. The matter of city parks thus becomes an all important city
problem and should be carefully weighed and considered in all city planning.
Too much attention cannot be given this subject, and its importance is so often
borne in upon the city relatively late in its growth, when it becomes necessary
to condemn, or acquire by private purchase at high figure, lands for such
public use. California has ever been inclined to profit from the experience
of others, but she is still embryonie in her development and can realize with
difficulty, if at all, the enormity of her future growth and progress.

This one small phase of city growth and welfare applies less to the smaller
towns and its importance is proportional to the size of the village; but it is
to the suburban towns, to the valley and foothill municipalities that the writer
wishes to call especial attention. Here, the mere smallness of the incorporate
limits tends to discourage even the thought of such municipal thrift, and to
conceal its true significance. The lack of funds prevents investment in an
enterprise of unquestionable but often underestimated value for the future
good of the community. The small number of residents argues that there is
enough of the country with its health-giving freshness and purity and that it
is wasted effort to attempt civic park improvement.

But it is their decided lack of size that argues most strongly, from the
standpoint of future welfare, in favor of present consideration of, and action
upon the question at hand. In this early stage of development, land can be
acquired readily and cheaply, in the most desired locations, relative to the
future growth of the city, and reserved for park development till such a time

V Plate 156. Here, the appearance of spaciousness and distance is given by mass plantings
with well proportioned vistas of open lawn. This view was taken in one
small corner of a park comprising in all a single city block,

v Plate 157. It is here difficult to imagine the truth, that this vista shows but one corner of
a single city square. The effect is accomplished by proper balance in planting
and grouping.

a

384 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

as conditions may warrant. Planting need not be done immediately, although
such action would be ideal; but there should be an aim in all city planning to
provide ample and sufficient park lands in all sections of growth, to serve for
future beautification and uplift of those districts.

For many of the smaller towns a single city block affords ample provision
for the immediate and near future needs of the people. This, if planted and
eared for, will be a source of investment to the city to be considered as capital
stock of interest bearing value, because of its influence in attracting outsiders
to the community and because of the civic pride and enthusiasm which it
instills into the hearts of those who have ereated and are supporting it. It
will pay its own way from the start, if only as an advertisement.

Central Park, in Los Angeles, is an example of such a city block given
over to park purposes in the infantile stage of growth of the city, when there
seemed no great, pressing need of such a step. Because of the city’s magnitude,
the value of Central Park to the civic health and welfare cannot now be
estimated. Were the park many times its present size and still of such easy
access from the business district, it would have many times its present value.
It probably has more pedestrian visitors per square foot of its area than any
other two or three of the city’s abundant park reservations, excepting the
Plaza. Its greatest good comes from the fact that it is restful to the tired eye
of the passing worker, from the fact that it is of easy access to those who need
its cheering influence, and from the mere fact that it affords a change from
the glare and noise of the bustling city.

The larger parks, located in the outskirts of the city, are inaccessible and
therefore of least value to those who would derive the greatest benefit from
their use, as it is the person who lives on the pavement and has nothing to draw
him out, or who has not the means to take an occasional outside holiday, who
is in the greatest need of that influence created only by nature’s green out-
of-doors. The above cites one instance in which a relatively small town
reserved a city block near the center of its business district, for park purposes
and the future welfare of the community.

The Plaza in Los Angeles is another instance of a small city square doing
a great good, and is situated in a district where it can be most enjoyed by
those in the greatest need. The fact that Central Park and the Plaza are the
most populous parks in Los Angeles, speaks well for their location and for
the publie service which they render.

Again citing the instance of the small town—we have proceeded to so
advanced a stage that it is a small town indeed, that does not have ordinances
controlling the play of children in the streets. Even though there be no such
ordinances, streets are manifestly unfit for playgrounds. Every child should
have access to spacious grounds for play, and every ideal city should provide
such privileges. Where a municipality has only one or two small parks, they
should not be given over entirely to this one phase of recreation, but they
might have sections where young America could run and play, could enjoy the
shade of real trees and become acquainted with flowers. Play under such
conditiéns is natural, as nature intended, and is to be highly encouraged.

V Plate 158. So restful and refreshing a retreat as this might readily be made a feature in
the smallest of city parks.

J Plate 159. An artistic and harmonious grouping of palms which affords a tropical effect
for one corner of the public square.

386 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

In most instances where playgrounds have been established in California,
and these instances are many, the grounds and apparatus are situated in the
glaring sunlight with never’a tree nor a leaf to freshen the view and break
the monotony. It would be decidedly practical and very desirable to locate
these playgrounds among trees and surround them by plantings of shrubbery
and flowers; making of them not only a group of mechanical devices for the
physical growth of the child, but also a garden for aid in its mental growth.
The twofold utility of play and beauty might be furnished the child, as the
plantings would afford secluded place for play and would have a pleasing
influence both upon the children within and the passersby without.

A city square may be handled in either of two ways, as regards its plant-
ing plan. It may be treated in a decidedly formal manner, or it may be
planted as simply and naturally as possible. Such a public square is the
inevitable spot for the location of statues and fountains, and quite properly
so, but it may also be planted with masses of shrubbery and trees arranged
in rather an informal style. Wherever possible, the more natural methods of
grouping and planting are to be preferred to the strictly formal style.

On the other hand, the public square may be laid out with a view to the
pleasure which it will give to those passing by, without; or it may be arranged
with the idea of affording pleasure to him who may pass through on his way
to or from work, or who may tarry for a moment of relaxation. A combination
of the two above schemes is undoubtedly that which should be most sought for
in planning the park.

When designed as a park to be viewed from without, the planting is
massed and executed with the sole idea of producing a pleasing picture when
seen as a whole, with little attention given to the impression of pleasure or
comfort from within the square. On the other hand, when the block is to be
given over to public use, the methods of procedure, with reference to planting,
are much modified. The designer then attempts to combine utility as a park,
with attractiveness as a picture. Trees are planted in groups, to form dense
shade under which seats and benches may be placed, or they are planted in
rows along the walks and paths, for a similar reason. Shrubs and low grow-
ing plants are used to soften outlines, to blend and harmonize larger group
plantings, and to create a more easy and natural effect in arrangement.

The paths and walks should be given easy and graceful curves but should
form quite direct means of crossing the square. Aimless, winding walks lose
their charm because of the attending bewilderment to one traversing them,
and are a source of disgust to him who wishes to cress the grounds on his
way to or from work. :

Simplicity in landscaping should always be observed. It is doubtless
unneedful to speak of the beauty of lawns and of the added attraction that
well kept stretches of lawn always afford. Equally needless should it be to
discourage the use of the already fast disappearing flower bed as an ornament
in the center of a lawn, where it is highly out of place and detracts rather
than adds to the pleasurable effect.

y Plate 160. The shaded walk here invites rest and repose and is a welcome relief from the
glare of the city streets.

/ Plate 161. The sunlit open, with the cool shade beyond, beckons, and invites the weary
to restful relaxation.

388 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

The whole purpose of the designer should be to afford the greatest pleasure
and benefit to the public, by giving ample shade, copious seating facilities,
direct paths, and at the same time to afford pleasing vistas in miniature, with
harmonious grouping and blending of shrubs as a means to the end of effective
planting. The matter of creating a sky line and of exclusion, from the outside,
of the city sights and noises, is not to be considered greatly because of the
small area of parking space and the close proximity of outside influences.

oi p Pete ee eg
ALAS A a Ag aw he oh dn Ka

\ Plate No. 162

PLANTING LIST FOR PLATE No. 162. (The Plan showing the Lake)

A, Drinking fountain; B, foot bridge; 1, Arundinaria falcata; 2, Andropogon citratus ;
3, Betula alba; 4, Gynerium jubatum; 5, Maytenus boaria; 6, Colocasia antiquorum; 7,
Bambusa aurea; 8, Dendrocalamus latiflorus; 9, Cyperus papyrus ; 10, Nymphaea odorata;
11, Nelumbo nucifera; 12, Salix. babylonica; 13, Phoenix canariensis; 14, Phoenix reclinata;
15, Erythea edulis; 16, Erythea armata; 17, Cocos plumosa; 18, Cocos eriospatha; 19, Cacti
(in variety) ; 20, Cycads (in variety) ; a1, Aloes (in variety) ; 22, Agaves (in variety) ; 23,
Cupressus macrocarpa; 24, Pinus canariensis; 25, Libocedrus decurrens; 26, Araucaria bi
willi ; 27, Cedrus deodara; 28, Hakea suaveolens; 29, Olea europea; 30, Feijoa sello-
wiana; 31, Choisya ternata; 32, Acacia baileyana; 33, Acnela pendula; 34, Acacia verticillata ;
35, Eucalyptus amygdalina; 36, Eucalyptus viminalis; 37, Heliotropium ila so 38,
Grevillea thelemanniana; 39, Melaleuca hypericifolia; 40, Hakea laurina.

POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY 389

In the accompanying line cuts, Plate 162 is an original sketch showing one
possible treatment for a city park of one block. The upper side of the plan
represents the west exposure of the park; the Monterey Cypress thus is used
to form a break from the prevailing winds while the grouping of palms on
the right will give protection from the occasional north winds of our winter
seasons. The treatment here is that which will give a pleasing effect from
without, while still maintaining something of the spaciousness and seclusion
that gives to a park its greatest charm. With the exception of the two sides
above mentioned, no attempt has been made to shut the park away from outside
sights and influences. Water, whether natural or artificial, is always an added

Fo
=
saad >

Ve

l
x
u

~ =—s— Plate No. 163

PLANTING LIST FOR PLATE No. 163. (Plan with Playground)

1, Eucalyptus viminalis; 2, Acacia latifolia; 3, Spartiwm junceum; 4, Tecoma stans; 5,
Hypericum floribunda; 6, Genista florida; 7, Ceratonia siliqua; 8, Pittosporum eugenioides ;
9, Euonymous japonica; 10, Coprosma baueri; 11, Raphiolepis ovata; 12, Carissa grandi-
flora; 13, Carissa arduina; 14, Sterculia acerifolia; 15, Eucalyptus ficifolia; 16, Melaleuca
hypericifolia; 17, Ficus macrophylla; 18, Grevillea thelemanniana; 19, Eugenia myrtifolia;
20, Erica carnea; 21, Prunus integrifolia; 22, Cinnamomum camphora; 23, Romneya coulteri;
24, Eleagnus reflexa; 25, Choisya ternata; 26, Hakea elliptica; 27, Diosma ericoides.

390 POMONA COLLEGE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BOTANY

attraction to a planting, and can be very readily and tastefully worked into
the smallest of parks with slight expenditure.

Plate 163 represents a type of treatment in which the dominant idea is that
of affording shade and greenery for the playground, with shaded and attractive
approaches leading to it; and at the same time of affording a pleasing view
from the streets without. This treatment is rather more formal than that of
the preceding plan, but is unavoidably so because of the necessary shape and
size of the playground and because of its location in the center of the park.
Were this reservation made in one corner of the block, it would allow greater,
unbroken park space and make possible a less formal scheme of planting.
Sufficient shade is here available for copious seating arrangements so that the
park as a whole might be made into a decidedly utilitarian project.

Each of the accompanying line cuts represents a type of treatment that
might well be carried out in the park of minimum dimensions. Specific cases,
where distinctive problems arise and where special difficulties need to be over-
come, require individual treatment that will meet the requirements of the
locality and should be handled in a way to acquire the best results from the
material at hand and to take best advantage of any natural assets such as
contour, water facilities, and established trees.

Every small town should be able to boast of its publie square, tastefully
planted to trees and shrubs. Every undeveloped city should establish and
maintain park spaces for the future, and thus avoid crime and squalor and
sometimes, possibly even death that comes as a result of overcrowding in which
insufficient opportunity is afforded to the laboring classes for indulgence in
and enjoyment of fresh air, verdure and sunshine. If we make of our towns
models, while young, they will continue to be models, when old, and will be
free from much of the wretchedness and disease and crime of the overgrown
metropolis. Let small city parks do their part in accomplishing this end.

=

Pomona College

Located in one of the most healthful and beautiful parts of
the west coast. The mountains reach an elevation of ten thou-
sand feet within a few miles of the college and these with the
nearby ocean afford many special advantages .for the study of
things not in books. The college is a small one of the New
England type with high standards of scholarship. A large
proportion of the graduates go on with advanced work in the
large universities. There are four-year courses leading to the
B. A. and B.S. degrees. In addition, well-manned departments
of musie and art afford exceptional advantages.

For further information, address

SECRETARY OF Pomona COLLEGE
Claremont, California

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pent.

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