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PONTE Di SrA Es oN Agr ON Adcom USE UM

7CONTEIBY TIONS

FROM THE

UNITED STATES NATIONAL HERBARIOM

VotuME VIII, PART 2

Pe@nOVwic PLANTS OF PORTO RICO

EVO ie. OOle anc GAeNi CC @wIE INS

WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE

1903

WOTE.

IsSUED JUNE 27, 1903.

JP Jes, Jy Irs O 1a.

One influence of the extension of American jurisdiction over Porto
Rico and the Philippine Islands, in the year 1898, was fo create a
demand for information about the vegetation of those islands. All
contained a tropical flora, and American botanists had devoted little
attention to the study of tropical plants. The information demanded
regarding the Porto Rican flora was largely of a popular and com-
mercial character and was not at all to be satisfied by the existing
and available technical works on the West Indian flora. In the course
of their investigations on tropical agricultural plants in Porto Rico,
Mr. O. F. Cook, botanist in charge of investigations in tropical agri-
eulture, Department of Agriculture, and his assistant, Mr. G. N.
Collins, have collated a large amount of information on the economic
plants of that island such as is not suitable for incorporation in their
detailed reports on staple and special agricultural plants, which are
published by the United States Department of Agriculture. This
information has been brought together in the present paper on Eco-
nomie Plants of Porto Rico. Fortunately the plant names in use
among the people of Porto Rico are applied with approximate pre-
cision, so that by adding the botanical identification of a plant to its
Porto Rican popular name we have in most instances a direct key to
its botanical name and position. The use of illustrations reproduced
from good photographs conveys in a simple and direct way informa-
tion which no amount of technical description could replace. Avail-
ing themselves of personal observation, the facts published by others,
a study of collections, the use of photographs, and the intimate per-
sonal knowledge the Porto Ricans have of their useful plants, the
_authors have produced a work which will be of great value to botan-
ists and to all other persons seeking information about the common

and useful plants of Porto Rico.
FREDERICK V. COVILLE,

Curator of Botany.

Tit

CONTENTS.

Page.

1 Ere Boy RTO sp Ne TE rh een 57
Heqramicsplanks 1m pertectly: howe se esens ee ee 58
Marenalsinchuded and arrangement of list. --___ = 4212. 22_.---42---_- 58
INBisipllexeec! GOmmcmoray sme bones eee eee ea ee eee 59
MSKerenceEsOsNOtAmICal literature js 9.0 eka) USM en ie oe ee bee 60
TROGIR: Gin, ELON Os TTC a yey Fema TS NN as aye at Sep Ele ae aa 60
Personal field work. acknowledgements, and desideratum -____._ _____ 62
Saptlecswerot economic plants. of Porto Ricdes 2225 52055525 2 oe 63

ILLUSTRATIONS.
PLATES.
PLATE XIII. Porto Rico Royal Palm (Roystonea borinquena) _____- Frontispiece.

XLV.

KY.
RVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
RIX.

E XX.
XX.
XXII.
XXII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXXVI.
XXVII.

XXVIII.
XIX.
XXX.
AX.
KXXIT.
AXXITI.
XXXIV.
XXXV.

Facing page.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) showing healthy and diseased

fruits. From Santurce
Acacia amarilla (Albizzia lebbek). Near Juana Diaz _______-
PAI UNOUOATLULONUSs oN te © AS UIAS ee rene ee ee) sae aia Sh Lae
PACTUAL TULL II xOL COLLEY Cite oh cy hen cor OL ca ce oI aatew pega es ou SpR Palas
DUG OMOMsLEDLOPUS. .COAMO, SPT sas = 92 sie nee easy es
Flamboyant blanco (Bauhinia kappleri). Coamo Springs_--
Ucar tree (Bucida buceras). Coamo Springs_________._____-
Alnacigo (Bursera simaruba). Coamo Springs ____________-
Algodon de seda (Calotropis procera). Road near Guayama_
Palo de burro (Capparis cynophallophora), fruit and leaves__
Ceiba tree (Ceiba pentandra). Near Ponce
Stem and edible fruit of Cereus sp. At Guayama
NCEEO (CFV SOODNICHDUIS. UBC) 2. oe ae a
Péndulo colorado (Citharexylum quadrangulare). Road

between, Poncerand Ady umnitasiesa ae Wane re ie ee eee
Cros, (CHSIO ROSGG))\g INGEN WEHNOOL 2 oy ES ee ee ee
VOWS wens: (Conse UCC MOMOOOU)) . 2.222322) oe
Moral tree (Cordia macrophylla).
(CEI) (COGRCMOS TOUUC ICD eee 5 ed oe hee Fy io Ne ree he a
Calabash tree (Crescentia cujete). Near Rio Piedras________-
Ceraeoraall ire (CUCHHINUS CHOCMUFUC)) 222. oy oboe eb ee
Virgin forest of tabonuco ( Dacryodes hexandra). At Isolina-
Jaguey (Ficus lentiginosa). Road between Ponce and

AN GGIAT TULA VSI cg Cele ae Neate Sess Pao GE NE Glen < Oy Ree as at eR oe ee

63
70
73
82
82
90

VI ILLUSTRATIONS.

Facing page.

PuaTe XXXVI. Guacima (Guazuma guazuma). Coamo Springs--------- 155 7
XXXVII. Heckeria peltata inflorescence and center of leaf________- 158
XXXVIIL. Heckeria wnbellata inflorescence and center of leaf ______ 158
XXXIX. Talantala (Herpetica alata). At Cataiio --__-_- _ 9 ee 159
XL. Lira (Hibiscus schizopetalus). Garden of the Captain-
General, Rio Piedras. 2:.--<2 12 eee 160 —
XLI. Pods of algarrobo (Hymenaea courbaril). Ponce Market. 164
XLII. Physic nut (Jatropha curcas). Catanio- 22525525 =e sliyall
XLIII. Flowers, seeds, and seedlings of mangle blanco (Lagimneu-
laria racemosa). Catafio _______- tee ILS}
MLE. Molmillo (Leonotis nepetaciolia) == ee 174
XLV. China berry (Melia azedarach). Coamo Springs_______-- 190
XLVI. Cundeamor (Momordica charantia) -__.__________- pee eo 193
XLVII. Cork wood (Ochroma lagopus). Near Ponce _._.______._ 200
XLVIII. Spineless Opuntia. Near Guayama____________________ 206
XTX, Paralerass (Panicum molie) 25 ea se «211
L. Emajagua (Paritiwm tiliaceum) -=2 2 ee 212
i Pentaraphia albvflora === = ee 215
Lik, RachuelolCPictetionarustatg on 215
LIII. Tachuelo (Pictetia aristata), showing aristate leaves____- 218
LIV. Flame tree (Poinciana regia). Inthe Plaza, Caguas_._. 223
LY. Berengena cimarrona (Solunum torvum) ___...--.------- 243
LVI. Anacagiiitas (Sterculia carthaginensis). Near Ponce__._ 248
LVil. Almendro (Tferminalia catappa) == ee 250
LVIII. Santa Maria (Thespesia populnea). Near Ponce_-_-__----- 253
LIX. Santa Maria (Thespesia populnea), showing fruit .____._- 253
IX. Vincetoxicum sp 2222-82. 20 2 eee 262
TEXT FIGURES.
. Page.
Fig. 12. Lawn of Meibomia triflora. Coamo Springs _____--- 2 189
13. Almendra, fruit of Terminalia catappa. Catano ____---___--- Bae 2nd

ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO.

By O. F. Cook and G. N. COLLINS.

INTRODUCTION.

_ Very few tropical countries have been provided with satisfactory
manuals of botany by means of which the resident or the traveler
ean identify the plants and secure access to information regarding
their uses and other noteworthy characteristics.

There is, as yet, no manual of the botany of Porto Rico nor any
handbook of tropical cultivated plants which can be recommended to
those who seek an introduction to the indigenous flora of the island
‘and the economie species grown for food, ornament, and other pur-
poses, or escaped and intermingled with the native vegetation. For-
tunately, however, clues to the identity of a large proportion of the
plants of Porto Rico are readily obtainable through the medium of
the common names. The natives of Porto Rico have been noted by
many travelers as having a larger series of popular names and as
using them with more precision than the inhabitants of other parts of
the American tropics. Certain it is that many species have received
separate names in Porto Rico which in Cuba are not distinguished
except by botanists. This fact is to be connected, perhaps, with the
existence of a large rural population, which has preserved many
names obtained from their Indian ancestors and the Spanish settlers
with whom these amalgamated. The names are in many cases entirely
local, not known outside the island, and quite different from those
applied in Mexico and Cuba. It is accordingly believed that a list of
Porto Rican names of economic plants, although necessarily imperfect,
would be of special convenience at the present juncture when the
native population is beginning the study of English and while
numerous Americans are struggling to comprehend the language,
products, and vegetation of a new and interesting country.

Some plants have several common names which may be confined to
different districts, and in some cases the same names are applied to
different plants in different places. Of course this popular knowledge
lacks scientific accuracy and frequently breaks down when similar
Species are in question. The identification of single individuals

2s Mig 5 ill

58 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

should always be verified by cumulative testimony and a consensus
of the most intelligent opinion obtainable. :

ECONOMIC PLANTS IMPERFECTLY KNOWN. es

Owing partly to the fact that some of the botanists who have writ-
ten most extensively on the West Indian flora have earefully avoided
reference to the uses of the plants they studied, our knowledge of the
economic plants of the West Indies is still in a very fragmentary
condition. Moreover, a considerable amount of the existing litera-
ture is now out of date and unreliable on account of the uncertainty
attaching to many of the names used by the earlier semipopular
writers. The British West Indies have received the most attention,
and the French islands are second in the amount of printed informa-
tion. On the Cuban flora, as well, a considerable body of literature
exists, in comparison with the extreme paucity of scientific informa-
tion regarding Porto Rico. The island has not attracted, to any con-
siderable extent, the interest of European or American naturalists, and
the local prosecution of study received only negative encouragement.

Although the area is small, the topography is so compleated and
the climatic and other conditions so varied that anything like an
exhaustive knowledge of the wild plants will be very difficult to obtain.
In the case of the cultivated economic species the same difficulty of
extreme localization isapparent. Plant introduction has been carried
on only in an extremely desultory manner. Transportation is diffi-
eult, and the numerous towns have had connection, for much of the
time, only by sea, so that the dissemination even of successful species
has been slow and difficult.

It is manifestly impossible to enter to best advantage upon the task
of improving agricultural conditions in Porto Rico without more ade-
quate knowledge of the nature and results of past experiments, and
it would be useless and wasteful to reintroduce species already growing
in the island except where superior varieties can be secured.

MATERIALS INCLUDED AND ARRANGEMENT OF LIST.

This paper includes miscellaneous information on the principal
cultivated plants of Porto Rico, brief notes on many of the minor
economic plants, and a list of all the native names of plants which
have thus far been recorded from the island, with references to the
scientific names of the species to which they are applied as far as these
have been determined. As there are no botanical publications in
either English or Spanish which give an even approximately complete
treatment of the flora, it is believed that the present list of names and
the brief notes accompanying will be found of use both to visitors and
to residents of the island.

Owing to the fact that the same name is often applied to similar
though botanically distinct species, and that various hames are used

—S

COOK AND COLLINS——-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. a9

| for the same species in different parts of the island, it has seemed

best in the preparation of this list not to separate the information
from the native name with which it was collected except where the
botanical identity of the plants has been established, even though a
guess might have been made with some probability of correctness.

| By the system of cross references it will, however, be possible for
‘those who make use of the index to find all the available information,
wherever classified.

MISPLACED COMMON NAMES.

Although sufficiently reliable to be of much assistance to strangers
who desire to secure acquaintance with the local flora, the application
of names in Porto Rico is in many cases misleading, well-known
terms being used in the most novel relations. Thus the ‘‘ nispero”
of Porto Rico is not the loquat or Japanese medlar (Hriobotrya
japonica) as in Spain, but the sapodilla (Achras sapota). Quite a list
of such misapplied names might be made, but a few of the more
prominent will suffice to show how unreliable are inferences drawn
from verbal or even from written information which is not based on
actual contact with the objects. Thus in Porto Rico the-—

Almendra (almond) is Terminalia catappa.

Ciruela (plum) is Spondias purpurea.

Castana (chestnut) is Artocarpus communis, the bread fruit.

Nispero (loquat) is Achras sapota, the sapodilla.

Nuez moscado (nutmeg) is Nectandra sp.

Pimienta (pepper or allspice) is Aimomis caryophyllata, the bay-rum tree.
Reseda (mignonette) is Lawsonia alba, the henna.

Almacigo (mastic) is Bursera simaruba, the West Indian birch.

Cereza (cherry) is Cordia collococca and other species.

Many plants also have different local names. Those supplied by
Captain Hansard are mostly from the vicinity of Luquillo in the
northeast corner of the island, and although they are names of trees
several are not known to be used in other parts.

The English names of economic plants have also been included in
this index, as far as practicable, in order to render the more certain
the application of the Porto Rican designations for those who may
have had previous experience in other tropical countries. The list of
‘colonial names” appended to Grisebach’s flora has been drawn upon
for this purpose to a limited extent, but is generally very unsatisfac-
tory for the reason that the locality where a name is used is not given.

The names, English and Spanish, of some of the better known minor
economic plants not yet recorded by botanists as growing in Porto
Rico have been included in instances where these plants are known
to have been introduced, and especially when they have become nat-
uralized, in neighboring islands. It is extremely probable that some
of these are already planted locally in Porto Rico, and as to those

60 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. :
i
a

which are not it is desirable to know the probabilities of their success
and whence they may be most conveniently obtained. |

REFERENCES TO BOTANICAL LITERATURE.

There is as yet nothing like a complete list of the plants of Porto
Rico, and most of the literature is not even indexed. It has there-
fore seemed desirable, as a matter of convenience for those who may
wish to become more familiar with the flora of the island, to add
references to descriptions of many of the species enumerated below,
although in the present paper no attempt has been made to follow the
method or arrangement of formal botanical literature. Nor should it
be inferred that the author cited is in all cases responsible for the
statements accompanying a specific reference, although this is gen-
erally true where very short notes are given. The more recent liter-
ature of Urban has been cited in preference to the older writings in
order to avoid multipleation of references, and because Urban gen-
erally gives complete synonymy from which the opinions of other
writers ean be traced.

BOOKS ON PORTO RICAN PLANTS.

The botany of Porto Rico is far from complete, and very little of it has
been written in the English language. Descriptions of plants found in
Porto Rico are scattered through a vast number of publications which
can not be enumerated here, but brief notices of the more important
papers may not be out of place. But two authors have attempted a
connected sketch of the Porto Rican flora, and the efforts of these not
only remain incomplete in that they do not cover the entire series of
families of flowering plants, but the lists are also pa:tial and loeal, as
the writers themselves realized.

The first of these sketches was that of Don Domingo Bello y Espi-
nosa.“ This consists almost entirely of a list of plants occurring, as
explained by the author, in the triangular area included - between
Aquadilla, Lares, and Guanica. The prefatory note states that the
writer resided in Porto Rico for thirty years, presumably at Maya-
guez, and that his botanical studies were carried on in the intervals
of a busy professional life. Considering this fact and the other diffi-
culties under which he must have labored, the result is certainly
most creditable, and the field observations and notes represent a
distinct contribution to our knowledge cf the flora of the area coy-—
ered, although the adjustment of Bello’s systematic treatment has
given his successors considerable trouble. Many popular names are
given, but no economic notes are included, although the useful species

«Domingo Bello y Espinosa. Apuntes para la flora de Puerto-Rico. Anales de
la Sociedad espanola de historia natural, tomo X, pp. 250-304, 1881; tomo XII, pp.
103-130, 1883.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 6]

are not omitted from their places in the natural sequence. Several
new species are described, and the probable existence of others is
often suggested.

The second of these sketches and the most important contribution
to the botany of Porto Rico is the Flora % projected by Dr. A. Stahl, of
Bayamon, but unfortunately only partially published. Although of
German paternity Dr. Stahl is a native of Porto Rico, and his scien-
tific achievements are the result of tireless energy and perseverance
under the most discouraging circumstances. Not only did he receive
no public or official assistance or encouragement in the self-imposed
task of making known the flora of the island, but his scientific labors
drew upon him instead the suspicions of the government, and resulted
in imprisonment and banishment on three or four oceasions, without
the satisfaction of even an alleged reason for his arbitrary ill treatment.
In spite of publie indifference and official animosity six parts of the
Flora were issued, at the expense of the author, having been prepared
in the intervals of his professional life as a physician. Publication
ceased in 1888, and Dr. Stahl no longer hopes to continue the work.
In addition to his botanical studies Dr. Stahl has written and made
collections bearing upon medieal, archeological, and zoological sub-
jects, and has well earned the distinction of being the first resident
Porto Rican naturalist. The common names of Dr. Stahl’s Flora
appear also in Professor De la Maza’s Diccionario,’ in which other
names not yet reported from Porto Rico have been found and verified.

Further acknowledgement is due to Capt. Arthur C. Hansard, a
retired English officer, for several years resident in the northeastern
part of the island. <A list of native names previously published by
him in the San Juan ‘News was carefully copied and the author then
most obligingly revised and extended it, submitting as well to many
questions which his extended residence and previous travels in other
tropical countries rendered him particularly qualified to answer.

Apparently unknown to subsequent writers, a much more extended
list containing the popular names of nearly 200 Porto Rican woods,
with data regarding density, size, color, texture, and uses had appeared
as a catalogue of a collection exhibited at the Agricultural Exhibition
held in Madrid in 1857. This list has been safely preserved and
securely hidden away in a bulky quarto volume entitled Memoria
sobre los Productos de la Agricultura espanola reunidos en la Expo-
sicion general de 1857, published in Madrid between 1859 and 1861,
and containing over 1,200 pages. The Porto Riean woods occur on
pages 470 to 477 and are interjected among other material with which
there is little apparent connection. Neither is there any statement as
to the authorship or origin of the list, nor is it surprising that Maza,

“Stahl, A. Estudios para la flora de Puerto-Rico. 1884-1888.
Manuel Gomez de la Maza. Diccionario botanico de los nombres vulgares
cubanos y puerto-riquefios.

62 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Hill, and other authors have overlooked it in making their compilations.
The spelling of many names is different from that found elsewhere
and there are some evident typographical errors, such as ‘*‘ diametro
en pies,” which must be intended for inches, as well as impossible spe-
cific gravities probably due to careless proof reading. On the whole,
however, this anonymous contribution is an important one, and cer-
tainly represents a large amount of work. Many of the names are
not yet identifiable botanically and the data are in such cases placed
with the Porto Rican designation. Credit is given to ‘“* Exp. 1857,”
since a personal reference to the author is impossible.

For data respecting the characters and uses of woods we have
drawn very freely upon Grosourdy’s rare and valuable work on West
Indian. botany.

The native names used in the publications of Mr. Robert T. Hill,
as well as those appearing in other recent works upon Porto Rico,
have also received consideration, with the intention of rendering as
definite as possible the information which has been collected.

PERSONAL FIELD WORK, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, AND DESIDER-
ATUM.

The writers made two trips to Porto Rico, one in 1899, the other in
1901, which covered the different types of floral and asticulaem areas
of the island. The specimen numbers cited in the catalogue refer to
the collections made on these visits.

In the labor of compiling data from these and other sources we
have received much friendly assistance from Messrs. Henry E. Baum,
Edgar Brown, and William R. Beattie, of the Office of Botanical
Investigations, Department of Agriculture, to whom our thanks are
tendered herewith.

Not all the native names of woods and other plants have yet been
identified botanically, and authentic flowering or fruiting specimens
of such will be welcomed by the authors. Such specimens for identi-
fication should be of reasonable size—that is, 12 or 15 inehesin length—
and should be pressed and dried before mailing, otherwise they may
arrive in a decayed condition and utterly worthless for study. With
correspondents who will take the trouble to prepare good specimens of
economic plants and information concerning their local names and
uses, arrangements will be made for the transportation of packages
without cost to the sender.

“Grosourdy, René de, M. D. El médico botanico criollo. 1864. 4 vols.

}

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XIV.-

OKRA (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS), SHOWING HEALTHY AND DISEASED FRUITS.

CATALOGUE OF ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO.

Abaca. See Musa textilis.
Abejuelo.

A name given in Grosourdy, evidently the same as Abeyuelo and Abelluelo,
with which the dimensions agree. The above author describes the wood as rose-
colored, strong, and breaking with a vertical fracture. Commonly used for
shelving. (Grosourdy, 2: 356.)

Abelluelo. See Colubrina ferruginosa. °
Abelmoschus abelmoschus. ALGALIA. :

Family Malvaceae; an annual or biennial shrub, 1 to 2 meters high, cultivated,
for the flowers and for the seeds. which have a strong odor of musk. At Catano
this was called ‘‘ caballo asi.”’ (Stahl, 2: 87, as Abelimoschus imoschatus. )
Abelmoschus esculentus. GUINGAMBO. OKRA. Pann ays

A woody annual or biennial, 1 to 3 meters high, cultivated for its large fruit
capsules, knownas *‘okra’’ and *‘ gumbo.”’ Bello notices two varieties, one pyram-
idal, and the other cylindrical, the latter being more delicate. (Stahl, 2: 86.)
Abeyuelo.

A tree from the northern parts of the island;-height, 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15
meters); diameter, 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 centimeters). Wood rose-colored, hard;
specific gravity, 0.903; used in cabinet-making. (Hxp. 1857.) Probably this is
intended for the same name as abelluelo.

Abispillo.

A forest tree reported by Captain Hansard from the vicinity of Luquillo.
Wood not used; specific gravity, 0.75. Perhaps the same as “avipillo’’ of Sin-
tenis. MJayepea caribaea, from Fajardo; avispillo is said to be Turpinia pani-
culata. A tree from all parts of the islands; height, 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters);

diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood chestnut-brown, hard;

specific gravity, 9.601; used for lumber. ( Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy describes it asa tree abundant in all parts of the island, 40 to 50
feet (12 to 15 meters) high, 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) in diameter.
The wood is said to be brittle, breaking with an oblique fracture; the heart brown;
the sapwood white; used for flooring. (Grosourdy, 2: 356.)

Abrojo. See Tribulus cistoides and T. maximus.

Abrus precatorius. PERONIA.

A climbing, leguminous shrub; pubescent, enmaals partial to sandy soil; flowers
insummer and autumn. The small, bright-red beans are extremely hard and are
used as beads for rosaries. A highly toxic albuminoid, derived from this species,
has been described under the name abrine. (Stahl, 3: 51.)

Abutilon leiospermum. PICHANA MOCHA.

Family Malvaceae; a pubescent shrub, common on the south side of the island.

(Stahl, 2: 73.)

64 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NAVIONAL HERBARIUM.

Abutilon pedunculare. PICHANA PEDUNCULAR.
Not found by Stahl on the north side of the island: neported by Bello from the
south side.

Abutilon periplocifolium. See Wissadula rostrata.

Abutilon umbellatum. MatLvavisco CIMARRON.
From the vicinity of Coamo (Sintenis). The common name was heard at Santurce.

Acacia amarilla. See Albizzia lebbek.

Acacia angustiloba.

A leguminous plant, reported from Porto Rico by Bello, with the common
name *‘cojobilla.”’ but Stahl thinks the seu saceer ee erroneous. and would refer
Bello’s plant to Piptadenia peregrina.

Acacia arabica. GUM ARABIC TREE.

A native of the drier districts of Egypt, the Soudan, and East Africa. Culti-
vated in Jamaica and other islands of the West Indies and, according to Grise-
bach, naturalized in Antigua. It might be worth while to plant this species in
the dry southwestern part of Porto Rico.

Acacia berteriana. ACACIA SILVESTRE.

According to Stahl, a small tree of 3 to 5 meters, preferring the summits of
hil’s and shady situations. According to Grisebach, this species is abundant in
some localities in Jamaica. Bello gives the common name ‘*cojoba”’ for this
species. (Stahl, 3: 150.)

Acacia farnesiana. ARoMo.

A small tree introduced from the Old World; cultivated and now growing
spontaneously in many parts of the West Indies. including Porto Rico. In the
Mediterranean region it is extensively grown for the fragrant flowers. which are
used in the manufacture of perfumery.

The wood is very heavy and solid, reddish-brown in color, and very handsomely
grained. It is nearly all heart and has a specific gravity of 1.117. This wood can
be used to good advantage wherever strength and durability are required. It
would appear that it would also be suitable for furniture. (Grosourdy, 2: 362.)
Acacia lebbek. See Albizzia lebbek.

Acacia nudifiora. AcAcrIa NUDOSA

Stahl considers the occurrence of this species in Porto Rico doubtful, but it is
known from St. Thomas and the neighboring Virgin Islands; also from Haiti.
(Stahl, 3: 147.)

Acacia nudosa. See Acacia nudifiora.
Acacia palida. See Leucaena glauca.
Acacia puertoriquena. See Calliandra portoricensis.

Acacia sarmentosa. ACACIA ZARZA.

A climbing. spiny shrub. widely distributed in the West Indies and South
America. By some considered synonymous with A. riparia. (Stahl, 3: 148.)
Acacia sylvestre. See Acacia berteriana.

Acacia zarza. See Acacia sarmentosa.
Acajou. See Guarea swartzii: also Swietenia mahagoni.
Acaju. See Anacardium occidentale.

This and the preceding are different spellings of the same word, evidently of
French origin. in which language it is more properly applied to Swietenia mahog-.
oni, but is also used with Anacardium occidentale and Cedrela glaziovii.
Acalypha bisetosa.

Family Euphorbiaceae; found by Sintenis, growing wild in the mountains near
Yabucoa. Other species are cultivated as ornamentals.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 65

Acana. See Labourdonnaisia albescens.

A tree growing on hills; has great girth and height. The wood has a specific
gravity of 1.09 and makes fair boards, good for boat building. It has a dry, white
fruit. similar in taste. but not in form. to that of the algarrobo. Also called
““jacana.”’ (Hansard.)

Acanthotrichilia triacantha. See Trichilia triacantha.

Acayu. See Anacardium occidentale.

A form of the name “‘ acaju.”’
Aceitillo. See Simaruba tulae.

A wood of this name, the locality not given, is described as strong and durable;
very well suited to all kinds of coarse carpenter work where great strength is
needed. (Grosourdy, 2: 556.)

Aceitillo labrado.

A tree from the northwest part of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (10 to 12
meters): diameter, 35 to 40 inches (87 to 100 centimeters). Wood light yellow,
hard: specific gravity, 0.947; used in cabinetmaking. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy,
2: 356.)

Aceitillo liso.

A tree from the northwestern part of the island; height, 50 to 55 feet (15 to 17
meters); diameter, 35 to 40 inches (87 to 100 centimeters). Wood light yellow,
hard; specific gravity.0.789; used inmaking furniture. (Exp.1857.) Grosourdy,
2: 356.)

Aceituna. See Symplocos martinicensis.

A tree abundant in the eastern part of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (10 to 12
meters); furnishing a soft, light-colored wood, breaking with an oblique fracture;
suitable for framework in houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 357.)

The European olive, Olea europaea, to which this name is properly applied, is
not known to occur in Porto Rico.

Aceituna blanca. See Symplocos martinicensis.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 12 to 15 feet (4 to 5 meters);
diameter. 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 centimeters). Wood white, rather hard: spe-
cific gravity, 0.646; used for weatherboards. (Exp. 1857.)

Aceituna cimarrona. See Symplocos martinicensis.

Aceituna macho.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (10 to 12 meters);
diameter, 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 centimeters). Wood, light-reddish, rather
hard; specific gravity. 0.656: used for weatherboards. (Exp. 1857.)
Aceitunillo.

A tree reported by Captain Hansard from the northeastern part of the island;
specific gravity of wood, 0.84. In Cuba this name is applied to Aextoxicon punc-
tatum, a cultivated euphorbiaceous plant, native of Chile.

Achicoria de cabro. See Erechtites hieracifolia.

Achiote. See Bixa orellana.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters); diam-
eter, 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23'centimeters). Wood, white and very soft; specific
gravity, 0.404; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Achote. See Biva orellana.
A shortening of Achiote, of questionable correctness.

Achras sapota. Sapopitia. NisPero.
A handsome tree belonging to the family Sapotaceae, commonly cultivated in
Porto Rico and supposed to have been introduced from Venezuela. The applica-

66 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

tion of the name ‘** nispero”’ to this species, though erroneous and misleading to
strangers, is universal in Porto Rico, and has led Mr. Hill and possibly other
writers to report the loquat as abundant, the latter fruit bearing the name nispero
in Spain and in Spanish lexicons.

The sapodilla tree grows toa height of 25 or 30 feet (7 to 9 meters) and has
shining dark green leaves. The fruit is somewhat larger than a hen’s egg, with a
rather rough, brownish skin, suggesting an Irish potato with earth adhering. It
has a yellowish pulp and 4 or 5 black seeds. The wood is said to be soft, although
Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity as 1.02. This tree furnishes the mate-
rial imported in recent years in large quantities from Mexico under the name of
‘‘chicle,”” or *‘gum chicle,” and used mostly in the manufacture of chewing
gum. It is obtained by the evaporation of the milky juice secured by tapping the
trees or by pressure from the fruit.

The sapodilla is ene of the tropical fruits which, like the mango and ayocado
pear, may have a future in the American market. Experiments have been made
by the Division of Pomology with sapodillas raised on the Florida Keys and they
were found, contrary to expectations. to stand shipment well. The skin, while
not thick or hard, does not seem particularly susceptible to decay, and it is
believed that with proper care in harvesting and packing sapodillas could be kept
in good condition for ten days or two weeks, to say nothing of the possibilities of
cold storage. The fruit is also believed by some of the fruit experts to be one
which is likely to become popular if it can be furnished in sufficient quantities to
give it a regular place in the market.

The question of yarieties of sapodillas has not received attention as yet, but
should be given careful consideration if planting for export is undertaken. The
testimony of travelers in Mexico and other countries where the fruit abounds,
indicates that the natural differences in quality between the unselected seedlings
are very appreciable so that asearch for superior varieties might be richly repaid.

The fact that in the culture of the sapodilla the production of ‘** chicle’’ could
be made an alternative resource, when the fruit could not be properly marketed,
would give the industry an advantage over many lines of fruit growing.

Grosourdy describes this tree as furnishing a very good wood, of good weight.
more than ordinarily hard, compact in texture, and fine-grained. The color is
light red with darker stripes. It isas strongand as good as ‘* balata”’ or *‘ pargo”
and might replace these if it grew wild and was more abundant. Specific gravity,
1.021. (Grosourdy. 2: 413.)

Bello gives *‘ausubo“’-as the common name of a synonym of this species.

Acisanthera quadrata. CAMACEY DE CHARCOS.

Family Melastomaceae; a slender, somewhat woody herb growing in sandy over-
flowed situations. (Stahl, 4: 119.)

Acnistus arborescens. GALAN ARBOREO.

Family Solanaceae; a shrub or low tree, smooth, and much branched; grows in
waste places and mountainous localities to an altitude of 500 feet (155 meters) or
more; flowersin March. (Stahl, 4: 142.)

Grosourdy gives “palo de gallina’’ as the common name of this tree and describes
it as a wild tree from Porto Rico. Trinidad, and as far as Caracas. 15 to 25 feet
high (5 to 8 meters), with a trunk 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in diameter.
It furnishes a soft wood, dirty white in color, that breaks with a vertical frac-
ture. Its most common uses are as fuel and for the framework of rude houses.
He states that the common name is derived from the fact that the fruit kills
chickens if eaten by them. (Grosourdy, 2: 406.)

Acrista monticola. PALMA DE SIERRA.

Family Arecaceae: among the mountains between Cayey and Guayama many

summits are covered with the palma de sierra, probably in places which hav

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 67

never been cleared. A few of the palms follow down the steeper uncultivated
ravines. From a distance the crowns suggest royal palms, but a closer view ren-
ders the difference apparent. There is also no suggestion of the bulging trunk of
Roystonea. In height the palma de sierra probably does not exceed the royal
palm.

Acrocomia. COROZO PALM.

A genus of palms distributed through tropical America from Mexico and Cuba to
Paraguay. All the species are of stocky, compact growth with a dense crown of
numerous leaves. The trunk as well as the leaf stalks is usually armed with sharp
spines, sometimes several inches long.

The economic value of Acrocomia lies mostly in the nut-like seeds, an inch or
more in diameter, which are constructed on the principle of the cocoanut. The
outer fibrous husk is oily and edible in some species, and there is a nearly solid
kernel, from which oil is extracted for food as well as for soap making and other
purposes for which the cocoanut.and African oil palm are used. In Paraguay the
collection of palm kernels from a species of Acrocomia has become a considerable
industry and large quantities are exported to Europe. In order to free the nuts
from the fibrous husk they are fed to cattle, after which they are cracked. The
Porto Rican species has larger seeds than the Paraguayan and the husks are not
known to be edible. The natives seem also to make little use of the meat except
to eat it occasionally before fully ripe, when it tastes much like cocoanut. While
the kernels, if extracted, could probably be marketed, it is possible that the labor
required could find better remuneration in other work, though the subject might
be worthy of investigation in districts where the palms are abundant.

The outer shell of the trunk of the corozo palm is extremely hard, but seems to
be used in Porto Rico only for the manufacture of walking sticks. When well
made these are bot curious and beautiful. The general color is a deep rich red-
dish brown. irregularly nerved with the lighter color of the compacted fibrous
strands.

From the leaves of Acrocomia a fiber of great strength and fineness has been
obtained in some of the British West Indies, but it seems not to have been applied
to any civilized purpose or to have become a regular article of commerce.

Acrocomia aculeata.
A species from Martinique, referred by Martius to A. sclerocarpa. It has not
been noticed in Porto Rico.

Acrocomia media. _Corozo.

Although totally different on close inspection this palm has a superficial resem-
blance to the royal palm, which often deceives travelers. The similarity lies
mostly in the two facts that both the royal and ‘*‘ corozo’’ palms are more robust
and stiffly erect than the cocoanut, and that the leaf divisions instead of lying
horizontal and in one plane are tilted at different angles to the midrib, thus giving
the foliage seen in the mass a somewhat unkempt appearance in comparison with
the cocoanut.

In distinguishing the corozo palm from the royal palm when seen at a distance
so great that the spines of the one and the columnar green leaf sheaths of the
other can not be seen, recourse may be had to the following facts. The leaf crown
of the corozo palm is much rounder, thicker, and more compact than that of the
royal palm, since it contains many more leaves, and these persist much longer.
The royal palm can also be known by the unopened leaves which project straight
upward like flag poles or lightning rods, while in Acrocomia the leaves open as
they are pushed out and seldom offer a suggestion of the spire-like effect.

23227—VOL VIII, PT 2—05

68 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Adansonia digitata.
Family Bombacaceae; the African baobab tree has been introduced into gardens
in the West Indies, but is not Known to have become naturalized.

Adelfa. See Neriwm oleander.

Adelfa sencilla. See Neriwm oleander.
The name means single oleander.

Adenanthera pavonina. PALO DE PERONIAS.

Also called ‘*coralitos;’’ a leguminous tree, 5 meters high, introduced from
India as an ornamental, and naturalized in some localities. (Stahl, 3: 135.)

Grosourdy gives the common name ‘‘coral,’? and describes it as a wild tree
of the hills, 30 or 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) high, 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 centimeters)
in diameter, furnishing a rather strong reddish wood. Used for beams and boards
of country houses and frequently turned. It also serves as a dyestuff. (Gro-
sourdy, 2: 377.)
Adiantum fragile.

Sold in the market at Ponce for making an infusion used in diseases of women.

Aegiphila martinicensis. CAPaILLo.

Family Verbenaceae; a smooth shrub growing in thickets in the foothills; flow-
ering in summer and autumn. (Stahl, 6: 222.) Reported from Yabucao.
(Sintenis. )

Aeria attenuata. LLUME.

Family Arecaceae; the so-called *‘ lume” paln is a most striking ornament of
the rugged limestone hills from Vega Baja to Manatiand Arecibo. Ata sufficient
distance the slender trunk is no longer visible and the crown of leaves appears as if
suspended in mid-air, while at closer range it does not seem possible that so slender
a shaft can maintain itself. This very slenderness, with the attending flexibility,
is, however, an element of strength, since it permits the trees to bend before the
wind while the leaves diminish the resistance by straightening out as in the cocoa-
nut. The hurricane of August, 1899, seemed to have done little damage to these
tallest of Porto Rico palms, many of which project for more than half their height
above everything standing about them. As the trees of the rather sparse forest
growth of these hills are commonly from 12 to 18 meters tall, the lume palms
must often attain upwards of 30 meters.

Aeschynomene americana. YERBA ROSARIO.

A leguminous shrubby herb affecting roadsides and dry localities, flowering in
autumn. The pod has but 5 to 8 joints, instead of 9 to 15 as in A. sensitiva. Our
specimens were obtained at Carolina and Cayey.

Aeschynomene portoricensis.
A new species, named by Urban, from the shores of Lake Tortugero near Manati.

Aeschynomene sensitiva. YERBA ROSARIO.

An herb or biennial shrub growing in localities subject to inundation; flowers
in August. (Stahl, 3: 37. }
Agati grandifiora. GaALLiro.

A small, ornamental, leguminous tree. or large shrub, 3 to 5 meters high, said
by Stahl to be a biennial. The large pendulous flowers are either white or pink.
At Coamo Springs this was called *‘ baculo.”’ A native of India, cultivated in
gardens. (Stahl, 3: 33.)

Agave. i

Agaves or century plants are not uncommon in Porto Rico, and are plentiful on ~
the dry hillsides near Guayanilla. What appeared to be several distinct species
were observed, but specific determinations are so difficult and uncertain in this
group that no attempt was made to classify them.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. — 69

In the Ponce market pieces of the stems in the form of flat sticks about 10 inches
long were on sale for use as razor strops.

Agave sisalana. SISAL HEMP.

Among the suggestions made for new cultures is that of sisal hemp. This is
the product of an agave or century plant, and is now largely imported from
Mexico. It is, however, improbable that any large area of Porto Rico could be
profitably devoted to growing this plant, the culture of which finds a place in land
which is too dry and rocky for ordinary crops, and is consequently of so little
value that it can be given up to a rather slow-growing plant like the agave.
Three or four years are required before the cutting of the leaves and the extrac-
tion of the fiber may be begun, and the business can be carried on to the best
advantage when estates are large, those of Yucatan being from 500 to 20,000 acres
or more in extent. It would be difficult to secure such tracts of suitable land in
Porto Rico, especially at prices which would justify attempting the establishment
of this industry. In the southwestern part of the island, between Ponce and
Yauco, there is some unused rocky land which might produce sisal hemp. How-
ever, it is doubtful whether any land suitable even for the rough cultivations
sufficing for this plant could not be more profitably employed for other purposes.
Most of the island is certainly too valuable to be planted to agaves, and. on the
other hand, these will not produce fiber in paying quantities in rich or moist soil.
Ageratum conyzoides. MENTRASTO.

An annual composite herb cultivated as a flower. (Stahl, 5: 110.)
Agitacalillo.

A wood known to Captain Hansard; specific gravity 0.79.

Agrio de guinea. See Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Agripalma. See Leonurus sibiricus.

Aguacate. See Persea gratissima.

Aguacatillo. See Meliosma obtusifolia and M. herbertii.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 80 to 90 feet (24 to 27 meters); diam-
eter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood white and soft; specific grav-
ity 0.632; little used. (Exp. 1857.)

Aguardiente.

A general name for spirituous liquors; not so much used in Porto Rico as in
some Spanish countries, ‘‘ron’’ (rum) being much more common.
Aguinaldo.

This name was applied at Catafio to a large lavender-flowered ornamental spe-
cies of Solanum, perhaps S. seaforthianum (no. 972).

Aguinaldo amarillo. See Ipomoca umbellata.

Aguinaldo azul. See Convolvulus pentanthus.

Aguinaldo blanco. See Convolvulus nodiflorus.
Aguinaldo blanco de costa. See Convolvulus jumarcensis.
Aguinaldo peludo. See Jacquemontia tamnifolia.
Ahorea caballo. See Heteropteris bellonis.

Aiphanes.

A genus of palms recently described from South America.and reduced by Mar-
tius to a synonym of Martinezia, one species of which, Martinezia corallina,
comes from Martinique and may prove to be rather closely related to the coyure
palm of Porto Rico. On finding that the genus Martinezia could not include the
Porto Rican species, the use of Aiphanes was considered, with a negative con-
clusion, the reasons for which appear below:

The genus Aiphanes was established by Willdenow on A. aculeata, a spiny

70 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

palm from the mountains about Caracas. The trunk is said to be erect, 30 feet —
(9 meters) high, subcylindrical, and very spiny. The fronds are about 5 feet
long, with. four pairs of remote, broad, cuneate, praemorse pinnae, strongly
whitish-pubescent on the under side. The petiole is also beset with spines.
Spathe acuminate at both ends, aculeate on the outside, smooth within, opening
longitudinally; spadix 14 feet (45 centimeters) long, composed of cylindrical
spikes placed opposite. Flowers hermaphrodite; calyx trifid, its divisions acute;
petals acuminate; filaments 6, subulate; anthers rounded; style as long as the
stamens; stigma trifid. Drupe globose, the fleshy farinaceous pulp rather taste-
less, though edible; nut hard, of the size of a musket ball, unilocular. black, fur-
rowed with a large number of greyish grooves, of which three are always much
larger than the others; the kernel is white, very sweet, and very good to eat.

Aiphanes grows in the ravines and forests of the high mountains of the district
of Caucagua, province of Caracas, Venezuela, and requires a fertile, somewhat
moist soil. It flowers and fruits in July.

From the above it appears that Aiphanes is a genus quite different from that of
the spiny palm collected at Vega Baja, and it seems to approach some of the South
American forms described under Bactris much more closely than it resembles the
Porto Rican tree.

Aipim. See Manihot palmata.
Ajenjo cimarron. See Parthenium hysterophorus.
Aji. See Capsicum.

A general name for red peppers, a favorite condiment and vegetablein Spanish
countries. Numerous varieties are known and distinguished by common names
in Mexico and Cuba, but the subject has not yet received attention in Porto Rico.
The large **‘ sweet’ peppers are called *‘aji dulce’ in Porto Rico, and belong to
the botanical species Capsicum annuum, while the small, more pungent varieties
belong to C. frutescens.

Aji caballero.

Near Toa Alta this name was used for a species of Capsicum supposed to be

C. frutescens. (No. 894.)
Aji dulce. See Capsicum annuum.
The Spanish name for the large ** sweet’ peppers.

Aji picante. See Capsicum.

*“Pungent peppers’? are mostly small varieties of Capsicum -frutescens or C.
baceatum.
Ajo. See Allium sativum.
Ajonjoli. See Sesamum orientale.
Akee. See Blighia sapida.
Alambrillo. See Rajania cordata:

This is the Cuban name of this plant: the Porto Rican designation is unknown.
Albahaca. See Ocimum basilicum.

Also applied at Rio Piedras to a Scutellaria, probably S. pilosa or S. coerulea.
Albahaca cimarrona. See Ocimum micranthum and O. americanum.
Albizzia lebbek. ACACIA AMARILLA. PLATE XV."

A beautiful leguminous shade tree, native in the East Indies, but now aim
sively introduced in tropical and semitropical countries. It endures drought and
thrives in rocky limestone soils, and would thus appear to be well fitted for th
south side of Porto Rico, where it already exists in small numbers, as well as at

Mayaguez and San Juan.
Aleachofa. See Cynara scolymus.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

PLATE XV.

NEAR JUANA DIAZ.

ACACIA AMARILLA (ALBIZZIA LEBBEK).

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. oe

Alchornea latifolia.

Family Euphorbiaceae; known from Lares and Pefnuelas. (Sintenis.)
Alchorneopsis portoricensis. PALO DE GALLINA.

A euphorbiaccous tree of 10 to 15 meters, known only from the Sierra Luquillo.

Alder, West Indian. See Conocarpus erecta.
Alectra brasiliensis. YERBA DE HIERRO.

Family Scrophulariaceae; a herbaceous annual, growing in ditches and inun-
dated places. (Stahl, 6: 228.)

Aleli. See Plumeria rubra.
Aleli amarillo. See Plumeria tenori.
Aleli cimarron. See Plumeria obtusa, P. portoricensis, and P. alba.

Aleluya roja de Guinea. See Hibiscus sabdariffa.
The name signifies red sorrel of Guinea.

Alfalfa. See Medicago sativa.
Algalia. See Abelmoschus abelmoschus.

Algarrobo. See Hymenaea courbaril.

According to Stahl this name is applied only to Hymenaea courbaril, while Hill
states that it is also used for Pithecolobiwm saman. The true ‘‘ algarrobo”’ or
“carob” of southern Europe is Ceratonia siliqua, ‘St. John’s bread,” the pods
of which are valuable as fodder. Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity of
‘‘algarrobo’’ as 1.06, and believes the tree to be indigenous since large trees are
found in the mountains in apparently undisturbed forests. He states that it is
used especially for wagon wheels, and also believes that it is the same as the
“‘carob’”’ or ‘‘ gum animae’’ of the British Islands.

Algarrobo amarillo. See Hymenaea courbaril.

This variety is described as a very beautiful tree, large and robust, reaching 90
feet (27 meters) in height and with a straight trunk 24 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters)
long, with a diameter of 6 feet (1.8 meters). or sometimes much more. Martius
is said to have seen Algarroba trees in Brazil whose circumference was such that
it took 15 Indians with arms extended to encompass one of them. The wood is
very hard, yellowish with green veins, breaking vertically. The grain is fine and
dense. The wood is much appreciated as well for its strength and durability as
for its beauty. Specific gravity, 0.929. Itis utilized for all sorts of fine carpenter
and cabinet work. It constitutes an important branch of the exports to Europe,
where it is much appreciated for fine furniture. In the Antilles it is used com-
monly in the making of sugar mills, whose cylinders and cogs are made of this
material. It is, in fact, one of the best woods of the country and one of the most
used. (Grosourdy, 2: 359.)

Reported from all parts of the island; specific gravity, 0.592. (Exp. 1857.)
Algarrobo colorado. See Hymenaea courbaril.

According to Grosourdy (2: 360), this is a variety differing from Algarrobo
amarillo in having its wood rather light reddish brown, with much darker veins
of varying sizes; susceptible also of a high polish. Used for the same purposes as
the other. -

In the list of woods at the exposition in 1857 this variety is described as a tree
40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) high, from all parts of the island; specific
gravity, 0.784.

Algodon. See Gossypium.

* Algodon ”’ is the Spanish for cotton, and is applied not only to the genuine
cotton but to other related or similar species, as below:
Algodon de seda. See Calotropis procera.

72 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Algodon de yuca. See Gossypium janiphaefolium.

Algodon rojo. See Gossypium barbadense.
Said to be the variety which has been described botanically as Gossypium —
purpurascens.

Algodon yuca. See Gossypium barbadense.
Said by Maza to be the variety described by Bello as Gossypiiwn janiphaefolium.

Algodonecillo. See Anguria plumieriana and Asclepias curassavicd.

Alilaila.

A tree from all parts of the island: height, 35 to 40 feet (11 or 12 meters);
diameter, 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 centimeters). Wood pinkish, rather hard; spe-
cific gravity, 0.803; used’in making agricultural implements. (Exp. 1857.)
This is probably the same as “‘ llaila.’’ a name applied to Melia azedarach.

Aljonjoli. See Sesamum orientale.

Allamanda cathartica. Canario.
Family Apocynaceae; an ornamental shrub or small tree introduced from
South America. (Stahl, 6: 67.)

Alligator apple. See Anona palustris.
Alligator pear. See Persea gratissima.,

Allium cepa. ONION. CEBOLLA. _

Onions are occasionally cultivated in gardens, but the market supply is
imported. An American correspondent states that only the Bermuda variety
does well. The growing of Bermuda onions is one of the openings suggested for
export gardening in Porto Rico and commercial experiments will probably be
tried. The seed from Bermuda onions is all grown in Teneriffe.

Allium sativum. Garuic. <AJOo.

Allophylus occidentalis. QUIEBRA HACHAS.
An indigenous tree of the family Sapindaceae. (Stahl, 2: 159, as Schmidelia
occidentalis. )

Alloplectus ambiguus. :

Family Gesneriaceae; a new species to replace the Alloplectus cristatus, which
does not represent the genuine species of that name. Two varieties, chlorose-
palus and erythrosepalus, are also named and reported from numerous localities.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 408.)

Alloplectus cristatus. TIBEY DE CRESTA.

Family Gesneriaceae; a rather fleshy herb covered with a reddish pubescence;
grows adhering to rocks in the higher mountains, flowering in summer. Urban
includes this under his A. ambiguus. (Stahl. 6: 261.)

Allspice.

The occurrence of the true allspice, Pimenta officinalis, in Porto Rico has not
been established, and the reports of Hill and others are probably to be taken as
applying to Amomis caryophyllata, the tree yielding the oil of bay used in com-
pounding bay rum.

Almacigo. See Bursera simaruba.
In Spain this name is applied to the true mastic tree, Pistacia lentiseus.

Almacigo blanco.
A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15 meters);
diameter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood light-colored, soft; specific
gravity, 0.271; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

PLATE XVI.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

AT CAGUAS.

ALPINIA NUTANS.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 13
Almacigo rojo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 10 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters);
diameter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood pinkish, soft; specific gray-
ity, 0.274; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Almendra.
The fruit of Terminalia catappa.

Almendrillo. See Prunus occidentalis.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 13 meters);
diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood light-colored, rather
hard; specific gravity, 0.742; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Almendro. See Terminalia catappa.

In Cuba this name is applied to several species of Haemocharis, handsome trees
of the tea family, Theaceae. In Porto Rico, however, it seems that ** almendro ”’
and ‘‘almendron”’ both refer to Terminalia catappa, although the account of
the collection of Porto Rican woods of the exposition of 1857 gives different data
under ‘*‘ almendro’’ and ‘*‘ almendron.”’

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters);
diameter, 20 to 22 inches (50 to 55 centimeters). Wood light-colored, rather
hard; specific gravity, 0.644; little used. (Exp. 1857.)

Almendron. See Terminalia catappa.

A tree from the southern part of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15
meters); diameter. 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood cinnamon-
color, hard; specific gravity, 0. Pee used in cabinetmaking. (Exp. 1857.)

According to Bello the name ‘‘almendron”’ is also applied to Prunus occi-
dentalis.

Almidon.

The Spanish word for starch, in the West Indies commonly made from *‘ cas-
sava”’ (Manihot utilissima).
Almond.

The true almond, Amygdalus amygdalus, is closely ineleningel to the onc and
does not grow in Porto Rico, but the name *‘almendron”’ is applied instead to
Terminalia catappa, the fruit of which is called ‘*‘almendra”’ and is commonly
believed to be the genuine article.

Aloe. 2 :

This name is sometimes incorrectly applied to the various species of Agave or
“century plants,’ which are native of Mexico, South America, and the West
Indies. The genus Aloe belongs to the Liliaceae and is of African origin. Some
of the species have been introduced into cultivation, and Aloe vera in particular
is now widely spread throughout the more arid tropical and subtropical regions.
As early as 1596 specimens were taken to England from Barbados and the plant
was long supposed to be native in that island, receiving the name Aloe barba-
densis.* It is also naturalized, according to Grisebach, in Jamaica, Antigua, and
St. Vincent, and very probably in Porto Rico, although not yet reported.
Aloe-wood. See Cordia sebestena.

Alpinia nutans. PLATE XVI.
Family Zingiberaceae; native in East Indies, but now widely cultivated for the

beauty of its flowers; apparently naturalized in Porto Rico. Collected near

Bayamon by Sintenis. Our specimen was obtained near Cayey.

Altea. See Nepsera aquatica.

Alternanthera repens. ARDOSNA JARDIN.

Family Amarantaceae; specimens from Catafio (no. 989). The flowers are
straw-colored.

74 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Alysicarpus vaginalis. YERBA DE CONTRABANDO. ;

A small creeping, shrubby leguminous plant with single leaflets and clusters
of subcylindrical pods breaking up into single sections, of which the outer surface
is irregularly reticulate. Reported from a single station, Boca Vieja, near the
mouth of the Bayamon River. Our specimens were obtained in two localities
near Ponce. (Stahl, 3: 158.)

Amaranthus paniculatus. PIGWEED. BLEDO BLANCO.

Collected by Sintenis at Guanica.

Amaranthus tristis. PIGWEED.

A common pigweed very similar to our well-known garden pest, Amaranthus
retroflexus. ‘
Ambrosia. ARTEMISA.

A specimen of Ambrosia (no. 966) collected at Catano appears to be the same
as Sintenis no. 196b, from Bayamon, but a specific identification has not been
made.

American nutmeg. See Monodora myristica.

Ammannia humilis. YERBA DE CANCER.

Family Lythraceae; this species and A. latifolia share the common name and
are annual herbs growing in ditches and overflowed places. A. coccinea, variety
purpurea, is reported from Guanica. (Stahl, 4: 128.)

Amor sin zelo.

An ornamental apocynaceous plant, evidently closely related to Allamanda, and
having similar large yellow flowers, but not yet identified.
Amphilophium paniculatum. LIANA DE CUELLO.

Family Bignoniaceae; a hexagonal vine, scaly-pubescent and much branched; it
is found both near the sea and in the mountains; flowers in winter. (Stahl, 6:
182.)

Amomis caryophyllata. BAYBERRY TREE. BAY RUM TREE. WILD CINNA-
MON. AUSU.

Variously reported by Bello. Krug, Stahl, and Sintenis as ‘‘ausu,’’ *‘ auzu,”’
** guayavita,’’ ** limoncillo,”’ *‘ malagueta,”’ and *‘ pimienta malagueta.’’ A myr-
taceous tree, from the dried leaves of which is obtained by distillation with water
an essential oil, called ** bay oil”’ or ** oil of bay,’’ the most important ingredient
of bay rum. Only a pint and a half of oil is said to be required for the medica-
tion of 100 gallons of rum. The latter should be of good quality and strength.
If below 18 or 19 proof it will not properly incorporate the oil. Large quantities
of dried leaves of this species are imported from the West Indies, notably from
the island of Dominica. They are generally put up into bales of about 200 pounds
in weight. It is not known that any leaves have been shipped from Porto Rico,
but in 1895, 95 gallons of bay oil, valued at $1,390, and 12,544 gallons of bay rum,
valued at $6,414, were exported. The trees occur in all parts of the island and are
said to be abundant in some districts on the south side. The industry is worthy
of investigation as one probably capable of profitable expansion, although not
likely to become of more than minor and local importance.

In the fresh condition the leaves of this tree have the taste and odor of lemon,

whence fhe propriety of the name ‘‘limoncillo’’ or ‘‘little lemon.*’ Although ~

more common in Porto Rico as a shrub, this species is said to grow to a height of
35 or 40 feet (11 or 12 meters) and to attain a diameter of a foot (30 centimeters) or
more; the wood is light-colored, mottled, very hard and heavy. Captain Hansard
reports that the tree is cultivated at Maunabo and at other points for the sake of
the leaves.

There are probably several other myrtaceous trees which share with this the

‘
é
a
a
5

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 75

name ‘‘ pimiento,”’ but the present is probably that which Hill and others have
supposed to be allspice. (Stahl, 4: 72.)

A tree 45 to 50 feet (14 to 16 meters) high, the straight, rather long trunk 15 to
24 inches (35 to 55 centimeters) in diameter. Furnishes a moderately hard and
heavy wood, fine and compact in texture. The sapwood is very light red with
darker lines, while the heart is brownish red, brown, or on account of the knots,
almost black. It is susceptible of a very high polish. Specific gravity, 0.909. It
is one of the best and most valued woods of these countries, very strong and dur-
able, suitable for carpenters and cabinetwork, and it is exported to some extent.
The bark is rough and ash-colored, and peels after the manner of the sycamore.
(Grosourdy, 2: 398.)

Amyris balsamifera. Rosmwoop.

A rutaceous shrub or small tree of 2 to 8 meters. Extends from Florida to
Cuba. Jamaica, and South America. Known in Porto Rico only from the vicin-
ity of Guanica. (Urban, Add. 3: 292.)

Amyris elemifera. ToRCHWoop. CUABILLA.

A rutaceous shrub or small tree, 2 to 8 meters in height, extending from Florida
tc Trinidad and known in Porto Rico in littoral thickets near Bayamon and Ponce.
Native names are as yet unknown, and the above are from Florida and Cuba.

Amyris maritima. Tha.

A shrub or small tree from 5 to 10 meters in height, growing in thickets near
the sea; Cangrejos. Fajardo, Coamo, Ponce, Guanica, and Salinas de Cabo Rojo.
(Urban, Add. 3: 292.)

Amyris silvatica. Tha.

A wild tree whose height reaches 25 or 30 feet (8 or 9 meters) and the diameter
of its trunk 5 to 8 inches (12 to 20 centimeters). Furnishes an aromatic wood,
strong, solid, whitish in color, breaking with a vertical fracture.

On account of its resinous quality, splinters of this wood are used by the country
people as torches for fishing and to light their huts. It is also suitable for fur-
niture. (Grosourdy, 2: 379.)

Anacagutitas. See Sterculia carthaginensis.

Anacahuita.

Probably the same as “‘ anacagititas.”’

In Cuba a Mexican boraginaceous tree, Cordia boissieri, is known by this name,
and the wood, yielding an oil supposed to be a specific for consumption, was for-
merly exported to Europe from Mexico, but experiments in Germany failed to
show the presence of any medicinal virtues.

Flowers called by this name were sold in the market of Ponce for making a tea
for colds, etc.

Anacardium occidentale. CasHEw. PAJUIL.

There is also a considerable variety of common names, such as ‘‘cajou,”’
“acaju,’’ and ‘‘ maranon.”’

This tropical tree gives its name to the family Anacardiaceae, to which our
poison ivy and sumac also belong. It is a handsome, quick-growing species, and
bears fruit while still very young, sometimes when but two years old. Ultimately
it reaches a height of 30 or 40 feet (9 to 13 meters) and has a close-grained, strong,
and durable wood, useful for boat building and other purposes, and said to weigh 38
lbs. per cubic foot. It has large, entire oval leaves, not at all resembling those of
its relatives mentioned above, but it shares with the poison ivy the possession of an
acrid substance strongly irritant to the human epidermis and the mucous mem-
branes. The poisonous material is not, however, spread through the plant, but is.
mostly concentrated in the rather soft shell of the nut, which is borne upon a
pear-shaped, red or yellow fleshy receptacle 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) long.

76 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

This receptacle is edible and quite harmless when ripe, having a very agreeable,
subacid taste in the raw state, and being also stewed or cooked; a distilled liquor,
said to be of good quality, has also been made from it, and in Porto Ricoit is used
as an ingredient of a peculiar beverage which has been compared to punch. The
nut is comparable in size to a rather thick peanut, is kidney-shaped, or distinctly
curved near the middle, and contains a single large kernel of white, firm flesh of
fine texture and adeticate, very pleasant, nutty flavor. No attempt should, how-
ever, be made to eat it in the raw state, on account of the poisonous juice of the shell,
which must be driven off by the heat, so that roasting is an absolute necessity.
In the fresh state the kernel also contains a slight amount of the irritant oil and
has painful effects upon the lips and tongue.

The process of roasting the nuts is quite simple, but skill and experience are
required to avoid burning on the one hand and insufficient heating on the other.
The fumes driven off during the operation are also poisonous, and where cashew
nuts are roasted in large quantities for export the workers suffer from blistered
faces and hands, accompanied by painful swellings and other toxic effects of
inhaling and coming in contact with the poisonous vapors. These difficulties
might be obviated, it would seem, by a proper arrangement of the roasting ovens
and by providing a system of drafts for carrying up the fumes.

After the roasting is completed the nuts are shelled and sorted and packed in
sealed tin cans for shipment. In this way they keep fresh for a considerable
period without the necessity of any other preliminary treatment or of the addition
of preservatives. The trade in cashew nuts isstill very small, but may be expected
to increase. Mr. David G. Fairchild, agricultural explorer of the United States
Department of Agriculture, became acquainted with the cashew in Jamaica and
took a very enthusiastic view of its value and commercial possibilities, as the fol- —
lowing extract from a letter will show:

‘*T assure you that there is no nut so delicious as the roasted cashew. Burnt
almonds are flat in comparison. Huyler could, I believe, make a fine thing of it,
and a big market could be created. Through William Fawcett, director of the
gardens here, you can secure a large quantity of seeds for planting, I believe.
The sooner groves are started the sooner the nuts can be pushed on the market.
For Porto Rico and Hawaii, I believe, it would be a good thing. This fruit is
bound to go. Porto Rico, Cuba, and Hawaii should be encouraged and steps be
taken to secure a collection of the best varieties. Look out for Jamaica as a com-
petitor. Mr. 8. T. Scharschmidt, of Mandeville, Jamaica, has made an oil from
the fruit. superior to olive oil for table use. There are wonderful prospects for
such a fruit. It can be shipped to Boston from here easily without cold storage.”’

From a sample sent home the roasted nuts were pronounced excellent by all who
tasted them. Probably they are better when fresh, though no tendency to become
rancid was apparent. In British India the cashew has now been introduced
very generally, and has found a much larger variety of uses than in its native
home in the West Indies and South America. East Indian information has been
compiled from numerous sources in Watt’s Economic Products of India, and is,
with the omission of some repetitions, as follows:

‘The bark of thisplant yields a gum which occurs in large stalactitic pieces;
it is yellow or reddish, and only slightly soluble in water. It is obnoxious to
insects. The astringent juice issuing from injections inthe bark isin demand as
an ink, and is used by native workmen as a flux for soldering metals. The bark
may be used for tanning. The pericarp gives an oil called cardol, which is very
astringent, and is used by the Andamanese to tan or color fishing nets, so as to
preserve them. Dr. Dymock informs me that this oil is called dik in Goa, where
it is much used as a tar for boats and nets.

‘‘From this plant two distinct oils are obtained. (1) The kernels when
pressed yield a light-yellow bland oil, very nutritious. the finest quality in every

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 77
respect, equal to almond oil and considered superior to olive oil. The yield is
about 40 per cent. The kernels are so extensively eaten in India, however, that
it is almost impossible that a trade could at present be done in this oil. Sam-
ples of this fixed oil, and information as to methods of preparation and extent of
trade, are much required. The kernels have been once or twice exported to
Europe under the name of ‘cassia nuts.’

*©(2) Cardole or Cashew-apple oil.—This is prepared from the pericarp or shell
of the nut. It is black, acrid, and powerfully vesicating. In the Andamans it is
used to color and preserve fishing lines. It is an effective preventive against
white ants in carved woodwork. books, etc. The yield is 291 per cent.

‘“The medicinal uses of this plant are many. The acrid oil is used as an anaes-
thetic in leprosy, and as a blister in warts, corns, and ulcers. Between the
laminae of the shell of the kernel there is a black caustic fluid, which contains an
acrid oily principle, cardol, and a peculiar acid, anacardic acid. It possesses
powerful rubefacient and vesicant properties. The spirit distilled from the
expressed juices of the fruit may be used as a stimulant. Fruit eaten as a
remedy for scurvy. The juice of the nut is used as a substitute for iodine locally.
The oil I have used with benefit in the anaesthetic variety of leprosy. The oil
obtained from the shell by maceration in spirit is the very best application for
eracks of the feet so common with natives. The oil is efficacious, when faintly
brushed, as a local stimulant in psoriasis.”’

Along the Adjuntas road we noticed trees of Anacardium from which the bark
of the trunk had been largely hacked off. On inquiring it was learned that
a decoction made of it was held in high esteem as an astringent remedy for
diarrhea.

In the bulletins of the botanic gardens of Jamaica and Trinidad this tree has
also received attention, and some additional notes from these sources are appended:

‘“A gum is obtained from the trunk. It is subastringent and highly unpala-
table to insects. It consists principally of arabine and dextrine, both soluble in
water, with a minor insoluble portion, probably bassarine. It forms a strong,
yellowish mucilage with water. In South America it is largely used by book-
binders; it is occasionally imported from that country into England and possesses
the same commercial value as the common and inferior sorts of Arabic and Sene-
gal gums.

“The fruit of Anacardium is well known to West Indians, who, besides eating
it in the fresh state, make conserves of it in various ways. Though sweet, it is
at the same time very astringent and said to be useful in cases of dysentery and
diarrhea. Many and various are the effects with which this tree, its fruit, bark,
leaves, and seeds are credited, and if all were true, it would indeed be one of the
wonders of nature. Itis said to possess aphrodisiacal properties, the leaves to
be capable of producing drunkenness, the nuts or seeds when roasted to excite
the faculties, especially memory, so much so that a confection made therefrom
has been called ‘ confection des sages,’ and the oil from the nut is said to be
equal to that made from the finest olives, while an acrid oil is produced from the
epidermis of the nut, which is said by Barham in Hortus Americanus, 1794, to
‘cure herpes and cancerous and malignant ulcers abounding in rotten flesh; it
aiso kills worms in ulcers and chigoes; it takes away freckles and liver spots, but
it draws blisters and therefore must be cautiously made use of. It has been
observed that poor dropsical slaves that have had the liberty to go into a cashew
walk and eat what cashews they pleased, and of the roasted nuts, have been
recovered.’ ”’

Another writer brings an indictment against the West Indian fair sex for using
it as a cosmetic when they have become tanned by exposure to the sun. He
describes the process as follows:

“They take a nut, scrape off the outside skin, and rub their faces with the

78 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

exposed oily surface. The face swells and blackens, but ultimately the tan skin
peels off; and although the process necessitates rigid retirement for a fortnight,
at the end of that time they emerge with a new skin and complexion as fair as a
babe. It is also to be stated that the oil is found to be useful in leprosy, and that ~
the fruit is a cure for the disorder which causes the patient to become what is
known as a dirt-eater.

‘“The tree produces a beautiful clear gum, which makes a fine varnish, and is
said to possess a special virtue in preserving woods from insects. The sap of the
tree, like its congener, Semecarpus anacardium, produces an indelible stain on
linen. Professor Lindley makes Martius responsible for a statement that the nut ~
has a wonderful effect upon chronic inf ammations of the eyes, especially such as
are of scrofulous nature, when simply borne or carried by the persons affected.
It is also a common belief in Trinidad that a necklace or collar of cashew nuts
has a remarkable curative effect upon some of the diseases of the canine race.
especially for coughs or distemper.”’

The wood is very hard and strong. It is much appreciated for making the
hubs of carriage wheels, yokes. and other farm utensils. Its principal use in
Porto Rico is for charcoal and fuel; specific gravity, 0.488. (Grosourdy, 2:404.)

Aname.

In the market of Ponce large nut-like seeds said to be derived from a tree were
on sale. They are ground up and put into rum for the sake of the rather pleasant
pungent flavor, and are also supposed to have medicinal properties.

Anamu. See Pavonia typhalea.

In the market of Ponce material with this common name was on sale as a medi-
cine. It is boiled in water and the decoction used for the relief of pain in the
stomach.

Ananassa ananas. PINEAPPLE. PINA.

The pineapple is the one fruit in the production of which Porto Rico already
has a good reputation, one of the largest and best varieties being known as the
‘Porto Rican.’? There can be little doubt that natural conditions, entirely
favorable to this culture, exist in many parts of the island, but it is not on this
account to be inferred that our markets will be flooded at once with cheap fruit
from Porto Rico. In order to furnish a regular commercial supply it will first
be necessary to bring into existence an organized productive industry. Thewild
and half-wild pineapples brought in by the rural natives and sold in the town
markets would not go far in supplying an export trade, and while many individ-
ual high-grade fruits are secured the quality is, of course, extremely uneven and
areas of one variety have seldom been planted. An initial difficulty, as in Flor-
ida, will probably arise in the scarcity of cuttings of good varieties. In Florida
this is by far the largest item of expense in new plantings, even in comparison
with the frost sheds which cost between $300 and $500 per acre. But cuttings of
good varieties bring from 10 to 20 cents apiece, and although this means between
$2,000 and $3,000 per acre for plants, the grower has his returns in disposing of
his own suckers at similar prices. Of course it is not to be expected that this
rate can be indefinitely maintained. Such prices are possible only while the
industry is rapidly expanding, and as soon as the normal demands of the market
are once filled there will come an inevitable and probably a very rapid decline in
the valuation of cuttings.

Florida pineapple growers have found, however, that the partial shade of the
frost sheds exerts a most beneficial influence upon the size and quality of the
fruit, and the use of sheds for shade purposes is now being extended far below
the frost line. The inference is natural that the production of high-grade fruits
in Porto Rico will require the introduction of the Florida methods of culture,

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIO PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 79

especially since the small importations which have already been made from Porto
Rico were badly damaged by sun scald.

It is not impossible, however, that situations might be found in Porto Rico
where the injury from this cause would be very slight, and there is a further
probability that if shade proves to be necessary it can be supplied more cheaply
by means of some of the many leguminous shade trees, which will also assist in
maintaining the fertility of the land. We did not notice any plantings which
seemed to have been made with reference to shade, although it is well known in
the Tropics that partial protection from the sun encourages the growth of large
pineapple fruits.

Serious competition on the part of Porto Rico with the well-developed pineapple
industry of Florida is not to be expected for a series of years, though the very
favorable natural conditions render it certain that an increasing quartity of this
fruit will be sent to the American market. The Florida supply does not, how-
ever, meet the popular demand, even at prices far in advance of the actual cost of
raising and marketing the fruit, and at more reasonable rates there is little doubt
that the present consumption would be quickly doubled or trebled. There is,
accordingly, ample room for the expansion of pineapple growing as an agricul-
tural industry both in Florida and in Porto Rico.

Local conditions and varieties.—The pineapple season at Ponce is from April to
July, after which time none are obtainable. Small-sized fruits of fine flavor and
texture are preferred, and command a higher price than the large ones for which
the island is particularly noted. On the north side of the island pineapples are
said to be obtainable from April to September. Those at higher altitudes ripen
first, while lower down the crop is not ready for market until July, though the
fruits are of better quality.

Sandy and gravelly loams are the preferable soils for fruit production in Porto
Rico, although the plants apparently thrive in all situations. Limestone soils not
subject to too great drought are also desirable. To facilitate clean culture the
plants are set 3 feet (90 centimeters) apart in rows 5 feet (150 centimeters) apart.
The same piece of ground remains productive from four to eight years, dependent
upon soil and culture. For shipment the fruits are cut before the commencement
of the ripening process, and it is desirable to make a clean cut and leave an inch
(25 millimeters) or more of the stem to avoid decay and prevent drying out.
With proper packing and ventilation pineapples will not suffer at all from the
brief sea voyage, and the shipping rates will probably be as low as or lower than
from Florida. The transportation difficulties arising on shore will not, however,
be so easy of adjustment in the near future, except in the immediate vicinity of
the ports, and will undoubtedly retard the development of the pineapple business.

The custom so prevalent in Porto Rico of placing the sliced fruit in salt water
before eating is evidently very old, as Acosta says of the inhabitants of the West
Indies, ** They eat it being cut in morsels and steeped a while in water and salt.”

There is also a belief, more or less widespread, in Porto Rico that pineapples
and coffee should not be partaken of at the same meal.

An insect enemy.—On both sides of the island young pineapples were found to
be infested by a mealy-bug, which is said to prevent normal growth and finally
to rot the fruit. The same insects are also to be found in great numbers on the
Bromelia ‘‘ pifiuelas,’’ or wild pines, a related plant found everywhere in Porto
Rico. To be rid of the mealy-bugs it may be found necessary to destroy all the
Bromelias in the neighborhood of pineapple farms. It is not likely that the ants
would carry the mealy-bugs any great distance, though a separation of several rods
would probably be required. An experiment with kerosene emulsion for driving
away the insects which had already settled was reported as quite successful.

80 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Andira inermis. CABBAGE TREE. Moca.

A leguminous tree called *‘ cabbage tree”’ or ‘*‘ cabbage bark tree’ in Jamaica
on account of its disagreeable odor. It is generally distributed in Porto Rico, and
is sometimes used for coffee shade, but is considered inferior to the two species of
Inga on account of its slow growth. The bark, in the form of a powder ora
decoction, is said in Jamaica to have value as a cathartic and vermifuge, but large
doses are dangerous, causing vomiting, delirium, and even death. The wood is
said to be hard and durable, having a specific gravity of 0.88, and is susceptible of a
high polish. The pods are fleshy. about the size of a horse chestnut, and contain
but a single seed. The floors of the caves of Aguas Buenas, Porto Rico, are in
places covered with the seeds of this species, which are carried in by bats for the
sake of the inclosing pulp. These seeds germinate in the caves, sending up slender
white sprouts 2 or 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) high.

Grosourdy (2: 395) reports A. racemosa in Porto Rico with the same common
name. As subsequent writers report only one species, the determination is prob-
ably inerror. Hesays of the wood: ‘‘ It is rather hard, and its color varies greatly,
specimens varying from yellow to reddish flesh-color, brown, or black having been
seen. For this reason two varieties are called ‘moca colorada’ and ‘moca ama-
villa.’ Both are, however, produced in the same tree. The wood is also variously
marked and sometimes produces a very pleasing effect. Specific gravity, 0.748.
It is used to considerable advantage in making the hubs of wheels. Made into
boards it is suitable for flooring and all sorts of carpenter work. It was formerly
used in Brazil in the construction of boats. In Porto Rico its most common use
is for the framework of country houses. It is imported into Europe and used to
make canes and umbrella and parasol handles, and for turned parts of cabinet
work.”’

Anemia.

In the woods through which the road winds to the west of the Guajataca River,
near Quebradillas, we found Anemia adiantifolia and tbe little species usually
called A. aurita. In the latter the fertile frond is fertile throughout, and it
should be associated with Coptophyllum, although that genus was established
by Gardner with the obviously mistaken idea that in the typical Aneimia two
fertile fronds are united with a sterile, a theory of fasciation violently improbable
on morphological grounds. All the requirements of the phenomena are much
better met by observing the simple fact that in Aneimia proper only the lowest
pair of pinnules is fertile, while in Coptophyllum auritum and its congeners we
have the ordinary case of completely dimorphic fronds. That the fertile frond of
Aneimia should have the fibro-vascular system modified in accordance with the
requirements of its double function may be viewed as an adaptation and is not
necessarily an anomaly.

Angela. See Moringa moringa.
Angelica tree. See Sciadophyllum brownei.
Angelon. See Angelonia angustifolia.

Angelonia angustifolia. ANGELON.

Family Scrophulariaceae; an annual herb, cultivated in gardens as an orna-
mental. The same may be said of A. salicarifolia. (Stahl, 6: 234, 235.)
Anguria plumieriana. ALGODONCILLO.

Family Cucurbitaceae; a pubescent vine, rare on the north side of the island
and confined to mountainous districts made inaccessible by rain during the winter
season, the time of flowering. (Stahl, 4: 176.)

Aniba bracteata.

Family Lauraceae; has oblong leaves 12 to 18 inches (50 to 45 centimeters) long; —

known from Yabucoa. (Sintenis.)

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. rom

Anil. See Indigofera anil.

This is the Spanish for indigo and is applied also to other indigo yielding species.
Anil cenizo. See Cracca cinerea.
Anil falso. See Cracca aniloides.
Anil racimillo. See Cracca leptostachya and C. purpurea.
Anistus arborescens. See Acnistus arborescens.
Anoda hastata. VIOLETA.
Family Malvaceae; an annual herb native in Porto Rico, but also introduced
from the continent. (Stahl, 2: 59.)
Anon. See Anona squamosa and A. dolabripetala.
Anona dolabripetala. ANON.

Reported from Porto Rico by Bello, but not known to Stahl, who seems to con-
sider it somewhat doubtful. Bello’s locality was Furnias, according to Stahl,

- but this is not so stated in Bello’s paper. This species is also given as a synonym

of Rollinia longifolia.
Anona montana. GUANABANO CIMARRON.

An indigenous shrub or tree of mountain districts; not coumon. The wood is
fibrous and of poor quality. The fruit is globose with soft spines from the mid-
dle of round or polygonal areas. It is not edible. (Stahl, 2: 24.)

Anona muricata. Soursop. GUANABANO.

Family Anonaceae; a small tree. The fruit called the ‘‘ soursop ’’ is well known
throughout the tropics. It has a rough green skin, inclosing a soft and juicy
white pulp of an agreeable, slightly acid flavor, in which are embedded the large
brown seeds. In the mature condition the weight may reach 2 pounds or more.

Grosourdy (2: 387) says there are several varieties. The wood which is not
used is soft and light-colored, and breaks with a horizontal fracture. Specific
gravity. 0.397.

An infusion of the leaves is said to be a remedy for dysentery.

Anona paiustris. ALLIGATOR APPLE. CAYUR.

An indigenous_shrub of 2 to 5 meters, affecting swampy localities. According
to Dr. Stahl this species has astringent properties. The fruit is not edible. Bello
calls this ** corazon cimarron”’ as well as ‘‘cayurz.’’ (Stahl, 2: 25.)

A small tree 24 to 30 feet (8 to 10 meters) high, the trunk reaching. 10 or 12
inches (25 to 30 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is very light and soft,
fibrous in texture, gray or light brown somewhat tinged with green, lustrous and
sometimes somewhat marbled, but with long exposure to the air it turns a dirty
white. Specific gravity of the roots, 0.175. Used in the country for rafts. The
wood from roots that have grown in bogs is extremely soft and porous, and is
used in Cuba to sharpen razors.

Called also ** guanabano cimarron”’ and ‘‘corcho.’’ (Grosourdy, 2: 364.)
Anona reticulata. BULLOCK’s HEART. CORAZON. CUSTARD APPLE.

A wild tree not very abundant, 25 to 30 feet (8 to 10 meters) high, rather dense.
The trunk is ordinarily straight,and 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 centimeters) in
diameter. Furnishes a light wood, rather soft, but resistant. Fibrous in texture,
moderately close-grained. The wood is handsome in appearance but is not used.
(Grosourdy, 2: 377.) These dimensions are certainly much larger than any
seen in. the island.

The fruit is of a more regular oval shape than that of the soursop. and the
skin is uch more nearly smooth, being marked merely with small slightly
raised areas. The flesh is yellow, and is generally considered inferior to that of
the soursop.

82 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Anona squamosa. SwEETSOP. ANON. CHERIMOLIA.
A low tree or shrub widely cultivated throughout the tropics, though not con-

sidered the equal of the soursop. According to Bello, the name **chirimoya”’ is -

applied to this species in the western part of the island. (Stahl, 2: 26.)
Anthacanthus spinosus. ESpPrINnosa.

Family Acanthaceae; a shrub growing in thickets on the north coast, near Can-
grejos, and also known from Humacao. (Stahl, 6: 246.)

Antherylium rhorii. Rosa DE CIENEGA.

Family Lythraceae; a much branched tree, 8 meters high, found on the south
coast; also reported from the island of St. Thomas. (Stahl, 4: 123.)
Anthurium acaule. PLATE XVII.

Family Araceae; a herbaceous plant of no economic value sent in by all col-

~ lectors.

Antigonon leptopus. PLATE XVII.

An ornamental climbing vine belonging to the family Polygonaceae. The
clusters of showy pink flowers sometimes cover large areas and suggest the
appearance of Bougainvillea, for which Antigonon is probably often mistaken.
The beautiful pink color of the latter is, however, very different and much more
beautiful than the rather unpleasantly conspicuous purplish tint of Bougain-
villea. Antigonon is probably also superior as a rapid grower and a more
effective climber. The flower clusters also serve as tendrils and shorten them-
selves or ‘‘take in the slack’’ by bending at the joints in a zigzag form. The
specimen photographed was taken at Coamo Springs, but the plant was seen at
numerous places and has been collected by Sintenis at Fajardo. It is supposed to
be a native of western Mexico.

In Cuba the species is called ** coralillo’’ or * coralillo rosado,’’ but no common
name has been recorded from Porto Rico. Another Mexican species, A. cinera-
scens is reported as introduced into St. Thomas.

Antirrhoea.

A genus of rubiaceous shrubs. Several species have been collected by Sintenis
in different parts of Porto Rico.
Antirrhoea acutata.

From Guanica. <A tree 5 to 8 meters in height from the southwestern part of
the island; Ponce, Guanica, Cabo Rojo. (Urban,Symb. 1: 439.)

Antirrhoea coriacea. QUINA.

Also called ** boje.”*” A rubiaceous tree attaining 20 meters in height; known
in the vicinity of Utuado and from several other localities: It has been placed
by Stahl and other writers under Stenostomum, Exostemma, and other genera.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 436.)

Antirrhoea lucida. Pao LLORON.

Family Rubiaceae; a shrub of 3 meters; locality not known. (Stahl, 5: 59) as
Stenostomum lucidum.

Antirrhoea obtusifolia. TorTUuGUILLO.

A rubiaceous tree 8 to 15 meters in height. recently described as a new species
from the mountains of Luquillo and Yabucoa. (Urban, Symb. 1: 435.)
Antirrhoea resinosa. AQUILON.

A tree 10 meters high; the branches covered with a sticky powder. Found in
mountain districts; wood employed in building. (Stahl, 5: 58, as Stenostomum
restuOsuM. »

Antirrhoea sintenisii.
Another new species from the vicinity of Manati. (Urban, Symb. 1: 438.)

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XVII.

ANTHURIUM ACAULE.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XVIII.

ANTIGONON LEPTOPUS. COAMO SPRINGS.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 30d

Aquilon. See Laugeria resinosa.

According to Captain Hansard the specific gravity of wood of *“‘aquilon ” is 0.88.
Arachis hypogea. Pranut. Mani.

Porto Rican peanuts are of very small size, and not many are grown. They
are hawked upon the streets by boys, much as with us.

Aralia arborea. See Gilibertia arborea.
Araucaria excelsa. NORFOLK ISLAND PINE.

This beautiful coniferous tree is a conspicuous object in gardens and parks in
the Canary Islands, but is either very scarce or entirely absent in Porto Rico.
That it would flourish if introduced is indicated by the fact that it has been found
to succeed well in Trinidad.

Arbol dela cera. See Sapiwm sebiferum.
Arbol del pan. See Artocarpus communis.
Arbol del sebo. See Sapiuim sebiferum.
Ardisia./@ :

A large genus of shrubs, or small trees, of the family Myrsinaceae. Many of
them are fine ornamentals, and a considerable number of species appear in horti-
cultural trade. Several of the Porto Rican species are little known, as yet, and
should be canvassed with reference to their desirability for introduction for the
above purposes.

Ardisia coriacea. MAMEYUELO.

A tree 3 to 4 meters high found in the mountains and in waste places. Also
reported from Panama and the island of St. Thomas. (Stahl, 6: 38.)

Ardisia crenulata. See Parathesis crenulata.
Ardisia glaucifiora. MAMEYUELO.

A tree of 5 to 8 meters, with leaves 8 or 9 inches (20 to 23 centimeters) long,
leathery and finely veined. Like A. sintenisii and A. yunquensis (shrubs of 3 to
4 meters) known only from the Luquillo Mountains. (Urban, Symb. 1: 382.)
Ardisia guadalupensis.

Collected by Sintenis about Coamo and near Rincon.

Ardisia pendula. JacaNILLo.

A tree of 5 to 10 meters from the vicinity of Cayey (Aibonito, Lares, and Manati).
Ardisia purpurascens.

Native names: ‘‘Quebra hacha,”’ ‘*mameyulo,’’ and *‘ hacanilla.’’ A shrub, or
small tree, 10 meters or less in height. A variety corymbifera is known from
Utuado and Yabucoa: a variety genuina from Barranquitas.

Ardisia sintenisii.

Known only from the Sierra de Luquillo.

Ardosna jardin. See Alternanthera repens.

Areca catechu. BETEL PALM.

Family Arecaceae: in the western end of the island the betel palm of the Malay
region has been sparingly introduced. A few were seen in gardens about Maya-
guez and others in and near San Sebastian. So far as we were able to learn, the
people do not know the name or nature of this introduced species, which is appar-
ently planted only as an ornament or a curiosity. The form is not unpleasing.
but the extremely deep, somber green of the foliage seems almost unnatural and
imparts asuggestion of artificiality.

“ The generic name Ardisia (Swartz, 1788) is antedated by Icacorea Aubl. (1775),
but as few of the species have been transferred to this genus, they are here
retained under their commonly accepted designations.

23227—VOL VII, PT 2—03

9
2)

84 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Arenga saccharifera. GOMATU.
An East India palm cultivated in Jamaica, but not known to have been intro-
duced into Porto Rico. Called ‘‘cabo negro”’ in the Philippines.

Argemone mexicana. CARDOSANTO.

Family Papaveraceae; an herb, native of Mexico. The seeds possess acrid,
narcotic, and purgative properties, and are employed as a substitute for ipeca-
cuanha. The yellow juice of the plant is said to be used in ophthalmia. (Stahl.
2: 33.) :

Argithamnia candicans.
Family Euphorbiaceae; from Guanica.

Argithamnia fasciculata.

From Guanica (Sintenis).
Aristolochia oblongata.

Family Aristolochiaceae; this and other species of Aristolochia are twining
vines, with very peculiar pipe-shaped flowers. There are numerous species in the
West Indies and probably several will be found in Porto Rico. ‘*Contrayerva”’
is given as local name for this genus by Grisebach.

Arnotta. See Bixa orellana.

A name used in some of the British Islands. Anatto is the preferable form.
Aroma. See Lasianthus lanceolatus.

Aromo. See Acacia farnesiana.

At Coamo Springs this name was used for Cleome spinosa, but near Ponce the
more correct application was made.
Arrabidaea chica.

A bignoniaceous shrub, with large, flat, leathery pods; the variety thyrsoidea
has been collected on calcareous mountains near Bayamon.
Arracacha. See Arracacia esculenta.

Arracacia esculenta. ARRACACHA.

An umbelliferous garden vegetable presumably introduced from Venezuela by
the Spanish refugees, who also brought the culture of cacao. The *‘ arracacha”’
seems to be grown somewhat extensively in the mountains behind Ponce, where
large quantities appeared in the market. It requires a very equable climate, and
will not endure extremes either of heat or cold. As its botanical affinity might
indicate, the flavor suggests that of the carrot or parsnip, but it is said to be
superior to either, and some Europeans become very fond of it.

In Venezuela and Colombia the culture of ‘‘arracacha”’’ has been long an
industry of considerable importance, and attempts have been made to introduce
it into Europe. but without success. The following account of the Venezuelan
culture is by Mr. David G. Fairchild, agricultural explorer of this Department,
who visited Venezuela in 1898.

‘The culture of the native ‘apio’ in Venezuela is an extensive one. ‘There is
no question that it competes with the potato for a place as the most important
food plant among the peones of the interior elevated regions. It is also highly
esteemed by the Europeans living in Venezuela, and is met with on the hotel tables
as a constituent of certain vegetable soups. resembling somewhat carrots and
passing as such among the less observant. I consider it very much superior to
carrots. In general it is served boiled, precisely as parsnips are treated. So-called
bunuelos or fritters are prepared from the grated roots by frying them in lard.
Cut in thin slices and fried it is delicious, and as a souffle it is said to be unexcelled.

**The culture of this vegetable is confined to the higher altitudes, where the
mean annual temperature is 58 to 60 degrees F., the ‘tierra fria’ of the Vene-
zuelans, and carried on on a small scale by the peones, small cultivators and

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 86
Italians, which latter, by the way gave the name ‘apio’ (celery) to the plant
because of its superficial resemblance to the Italian apio.

“The plant thrives best in good rich soil, though growing successfully in bar-
ren sandy soil. It resembles superficially celery. The plant is propagated from
root cuttings almost exclusively, the enlarged leaf bases forming small * heads,’
which are cut from the edible roots and planted, one in each hill, just as onions
are planted. Inthe course of eleven monthsa mass of edible roots the size of aman’s
head has been formed, and a dozen or more of the ‘ heads,’ which can be used for
planting the following season, after being removed from the roots and allowed
partially to dry. How long these heads can be kept alive without planting is a
question I have not been able to answer. According to Jose A. Diaz, El Agricul-
tor, Venezolano o’ Lecciones de Agricultura Practica Nacionae, J. I. Caracas, 1877,
pages 67-71, Senor Vargas has published @ an article on the culture of arracacha.
In this article, which is quoted at length by Diaz, the statement is made that the
plant originated in the provinces of Santa Fe and Caracas; and that now its cul-
ture in Colombia is as common as that of the potato in England. It matures in
three or four months sufficiently to be of value in the kitchen, although a longer
period allows much larger roots to develop. The best variety comes from Lipa-
con, near Norte de Santa Fe de Bogota, in Colombia. Specimens of the plant
were imported into Europe in 1824, and in Liverpool a specimen flowered. These
plants were, however, imported from Trinidad, and not from Venezuela. It is
probable that those from the high regions of Colombia and Venezuela will suc-
ceed better than those from the warm regions of Trinidad. Humboldt and Bon-
pland mentioned having found in New Granada, near Teindala, province of Pasto,
at 700 meters, a wild plant called ‘sacharacacha’ (a name similar to aracacha).
This is possibly a variety of the Venezuelan plant. For trial in America the
sprouts should be planted as soon as possible in the spring and given a long season
to develop in. They should be tested in all the southern experiment stations, and
may be even worthy of trial in the northern ones. The question of keeping the
sprouts over winter may be a difficult one to answer, as the plant rarely sets
seed.’

Arrayan. See Myrica cerifera, also Myrsine coriacea and M. floribunda.

In the market of Ponce leaves of ‘* arrayan’’ were on sale as a remedy for rheu-

matism. The application is made in the form of a tincture with rum.

Arrowhead. See Sagittaria acutifolia.
Arrowroot. See Maranta arundinacea.
Artemisa. See Ambrosia.

Artocarpus communis. BrEaDFRUIT. ARBOL DE PAN.

Family Moraceae; in Porto Rico the breadfruit is commonly called ‘‘ castafia,’’
the Spanish name for the chestnut. This doubtless results from the fact that the
seeds are the part generally used, and these bear considerable resemblance to large
Spanish chestnuts. They are frequently sold in the market in a germinating con-
dition (see photograph) and are boiled for a few moments before eating. Seedless
varieties of the breadfruit also exist, but it was not ascertained that such have
been introduced into Porto Rico. Insome regions the name breadfruitis restricted
to the large seedless form, while those which produce seed are called ‘* bread nut.”
This name is also applied to other species of Artocarpus. One of these is the
“jack fruit,’ which has been introduced from the East Indies into Jamaica. It
bears an oval fruit, 18 inches (45 centimeters) or more long, weighing 30 or 40
pounds (13 to 18 kilograms). If this is not already known in Porto Rico steps
should be taken to secure it.

4 Annals of Botany (Sims & Kénig), Vol. I, p. 400.

86 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Furnishes a wood yellowish gray in color; rather light and soft, but strong,
resistant, and elastic. It is highly appreciated for furniture and for building
houses. Specific gravity, 0.495. Also called ‘‘ palo de pan.’’ (Grosourdy, 2: 406.) ~

The breadfruit grows about Ponce only in valleys and moist places, and is far
less common than on the north side of the island. Along the Rio Portugas, near
the baths of Quinitana, several trees were noticed which had had their trunks and —
larger branches for 20 feet (6 meters) up and more severely hacked, doubtless to
induce fertility. : 4

A substance somewhat resembling rubber may be made by boiling the milky —
mucilaginous juice of the breadfruit tree with cocoanut oil. The resulting mate-
rial is said to be tough, durable, and waterproof, and is called ‘‘canoe gum,”
because used to close the seams of canoes and wooden utensils. Before hardening,
it also serves as birdlime.

Artocarpus integrifolia. JACK FRUIT.

‘“T am strongly in favor of the jack as the tree best suited for providing shade
for fields of coffee. In the first place, its presence, so far from being prejudicial,
seems to be actually beneficial to the coffee plant; next. it is a subsoil feeder; then
it produces a fruit much valued by the natives; its timber is also valuable, whether
for cabinetmaking or building purposes; and, finally, it flourishes best precisely
in those conditions where its shade is most required. Known to botanists as the
Artocarpus integrifolia, the Jack grows to a large size; 1t resembles and belongs
to the same family as the bread fruit tree. The timber, when newly cut,is of a
light yellow color, possesses a beautiful grain, and is capable of a high polish, not
greatly inferior to that of the mahogany or satinwood, both of which it resembles
to a certain extent in grain and color after having been polished. The fruit is as
large as a pumpkin and weighs from 20 to 30 pounds (9 to 13 kilograms). contain-
.ing from 200 to 300 seeds, which, though somewhat unpleasant in smell when raw.
are converted by being roasted or boiled into a wholesome farinaceous food, always
much appreciated by the coolies.

‘“The jack is said to bear transplanting badly, and it will therefore be necessary
to deposit two or three of the seeds a couple of inches below the surface wherever
a tree is desired to grow. The most healthy of the plants can afterwards be
selected.’’—Hull.

Asclepias curassavica. ALGODONCILLO. BLOODFLOWER.

Also called ‘‘ platanillo.** An indigenous milkweed appearing in Urban’s Sym-
bole as a variety of A. nivea. In some of the West Indies it is used as an emetic
in substitution for the true ipecac, which is derived from a South American plant
of the family Rubiaceae. A new variety (concolor) has recently been described
by Krug and Urban, distinguished by having the corolla yellow. (Urban, Symb.
1: 389.)

Asclepias nivea. PLATANILLO BLANCO.

An indigenous milkweed 14 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meter) in height.
Asimina blainii.

An anonaceous shrub or tree from Utuado.

Assaea fascicularis. See Henriettella fascicularis.
Astromeda. See Lagerstroemia indica.
Atelandra. See Meliosma.

An indigenous genus of two species doubtfully referred by its author, Bello, to
the Myrsinaceae. The name is preoccupied in the Labiatae and would need to be
changed. Urban refers the species to Meliosma. F
Atelandra laurina. See Meliosma herbertii.
Atelandra obtusifolia. See WVeliosma obtusifolia.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 87

Atriplex cristata. ©

Family Chenopodiaceae; a native saltbush; known from the vicinity of Guanica.
Attalea.

Sintenis collected about houses near Victoria, Aguadilla, leaves and young fruit
of a palm determined by Drude as belonging to the subtribe Attaleeae. Attalea
cohune, native in Honduras, is cultivated in Jamaica. The seeds are said to be
extremely hard and are turned into buttons and other small articles like those of
the African wine palm Raphia.

Ausu. See Amom-s caryophyllata.

The name is also applied to Myrcia pagani and probably to other Myrtaceae.

A tree from the northeast part of the island; height, 100 to 110 feet; diameter, 10
to 12 inches. Wood purplish, very hard; specific gravity 1.203; used in cabinet-
making. (Exp. 1857.)

_ Grosourdy (2: 363) describes this as 35 to 40 feet (11 to 13 meters) high with
a trunk 10 to 12 inches in diameter. The wood is very strong, the heart pale, the
exterior portions white. Breaks with a vertical fracture, and is used for shelving.

Ausubo.

Stahl gives this name for Bumelia nigra, which in the Index Kewensis stands as
a synonym of Dipholis salicifolia. According to Hill and others it is used for
Sideroxylon mastichodendron, while Bello says Sapota sideroxylon, a synonym of
Achras sapota.

A tree from all parts of the island: height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 50 to 55 inches (1.2 to 1.8 meters). Wood red, very hard; specific gravity,
1.158; used in housebuilding. (Exp. 1857.)

The tree known to Captain Hansard as ‘‘ausubo’’ has leaves not unlike those
of Ficus elastica, but somewhat smaller and thinner; when mature they turn red.
The fruit somewhat resembles the sapodilla.

*“The wood is clear, dull reddish-brown; moderately conspictious ducts, in short,
detached, long and short chains (single line of cells) evenly diffused; chains
usually between two medullary rays; medullary rays very numerous. minute.
indistinct; wood fibers slightly interlaced and appearing straight-grained; resem-
bles somewhat a fine-grained teak. It is the chief and the most used timber on
theisland, being noted for its great durability. It is used in the making of wagon
wheels, which are turned out by machinery in Ponce, and small stocks of it were
noticed in several towns. It is close-grained and beautiful in color, and should be
utilized for veneering. It would make most excellent furniture.’’ (Hill and
Sudworth.)

Under this name Grosourdy (2: 363) refers to Acana and adds that the mili-
tary authorities of San Juan use this wood for the spokes of wheels, axles of car-
riages, etc. Some of its particular uses are for beams in houses, windows, doors,
etc.

Auzu. See Amomis caryophyllata.
Averrhoa bilimbi. BimBiine. BILIMei.
Avicennia nitida. MANGLE BLANCO. BLACK MANGROVE.

Family Verbenaceae; a shrub or tree growing in tidal swamps: the wood is con-
sidered valuable for its peculiar durability in damp situations. and is accordingly
used for foundations and drains; under ordinary circumstances it decays quickly;
the bark is used for tanning. Bello calls this ‘‘ mangle bobo.”’ (Stahl, 6 : 220.)

This is called both *‘ black’? and ‘‘white’’ mangrove. The former perhaps
because of the dark-colored bark, the latter because of the tomentose leaves. Also
called ‘* olive mangrove.”’

Avicennia officinalis.
Reported by Grosourdy under the name ‘‘ mangle blanco.”’

858 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Avipillo. See Mayepea caribaea.
Avispillo. See Turpinia paniculata.
Avocado pear. See Persea gratissima.
Avocate. See Persea gratissima.
Azafran.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15 meters);
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 63 centimeters); wood, yellowish, hard; specific
gravity, 0.628; used in building houses. Also called *‘ laurel puero.”’ (Exp. 1857.)
Azota-caballo. See Malpighia coccigera and Duranta plumiert.

Azufaifo. See Zizyphus reticulata. ;
Babeiro. See Hchites circinalis and EF. umbellata.

Babsiro amarillo. See Hchites andrewsii.

Bacopa chamaedryoides. YERBA DE CULEBRA AMARILLA.

Family Scrophulariaceae; a decumbent annual, found in ditches and moist
places. (Stahl, 6: 231, as Herpestis chamaedryoides. )
Bacopa monniera. YERBA DE CULEBRA.

Herb found in the same kind of places as the last. B. repens and one other
species receive the same common name.
Bactris pavoniana.

A small palm reported from Porto Rico by Grisebach, but with no more defi-
nite locality. The pinnae are narrow and grass-like a quarter or half an inch
apart, and there are more than 30 pairs, 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters)
long, from 2 to 4 lines (4 to 8 millimeters) broad, but remaining united toward
the end of the leaf, and here 6 to 8 lines (12 to 16 millimeters) broad; prickles
scattered, the longest 2 inches (5 centimeters).

Baculo. See Agati grandiflora.
Badiera de Santo Domingo. See Badiera domingensis.
Badiera domingensis. BabDIERA DE SANTO DOMINGO.

Family Polygalaceae. Bello reports this from Guanajibo; not found by Stahl.

(Stahl, 2: 54.)

Badinjan. See Solanwm melongena.
Bahama grass. See Capriola dactylon.
Ballata tree. See Wimusops.

In Dominica this name is said to be applied to Bumelia retusa.
Balsam apple. See Momordica charantia and M. zeylanica.
Balsam fig, Balsam tree. See Clusia rosea.

Balsamillo. See Coccocypselum repens.

Balsamo. See Psychotria undata.

Balsamo amarillo. See Hamelia lutea and H. patens.
Balsamo colorado. See Hamelia patens.

Bamboo.

In Porto Rico the bamboo is apparently of rather recent introduction, and is
neither so common nor so widely distributed as might be expected. A single spe-
cies is growing at numerous points along the military road, but was nowhere seen.
in large quantities, and seems not to be known about Guayama. Neither is the
bamboo much in use for domestic purposes, although the moist climate is very
suitable for growing it and the difficulty of securing wood in some localities should
make its value very considerable for miscellaneous farm purposes. It seems most
desirable that a selection of the larger and more useful species be introduced from
Japan, China, and the East Indies.

COOK AND COLLINS——-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 89

An important use of this plant from the agricultural standpoint is in making
pots for seedlings. These will last for a year or two. and greatly decrease the
trouble and expense of raising and transplanting seedlings of all kinds. The pots
are made by simply sawing off the ripe stems an inch (25 millimeters) below the
joint and 6 inches (15 centimeters) or more above it. On transplanting, the pot
can be split down the side without injury to the roots of the young plant or
simply buried in the ground, where it will soon decompose.

In using bamboo for fences in the Trinidad gardens, Superintendent Hart states
that it has been found desirable to soak the split stems in water for ten or twelve
days in order to dissolve out the sugar and gummy matters which otherwise cause
them to ferment and invite the attacks of insects. After removal from the water
the stems are to be dried as soon as possible, and will then be as durable as other
kinds of wood.

Several species of the genus Bambusa and allied woody grasses have been intro-
duced into the West Indies and have escaped from cultivation. The name bamboo
is also applied in the British Islands to some of the large native grasses, such as
Arthrostylidium and Chusquea.

Banana. See Musa.

Banara portoricensis. PALO DE RAMON.

A shrub or small tree of 3 to 8 meters; family Flacourtiaceae; an indigenous and
peculiar recently described species from the vicinity of Adjuntas. (Urban,
Symb. 1: 370.)

Baobab. See Adansonia digitata.
Barbasco. See Jacquinia armillaris, J. aristata, and Canella alba.
Barbieria polyphylla. ENREDADERA.

Family Viciaceae. A handsome shrub with long, red flowers. (Stahl, 3: 86,
160.)

Bardana mayor. See Xanthiwn macrocarpum and X. canadense.
Bariaco.

A wild tree reaching a height of 30 feet (9 meters), with a trunk diameter of 18
inches (45 centimeters). It furnishes a wood much appreciated in the country for
carpenter work, used especially in house building; also for furniture and certain
musical instruments. It is strong and very resistant, fibrous in texture, with a
close. fine grain, reddish gray in color, variously marked and marbled. (Gro-
sourdy, 2: 364.) This author refers this to Trichilia moschoxylum. A species
that does not appear in Index Kewensis; perhaps it should be 7. moschata, a
Jamaican species.

Basil. See Ocimum basilicum.
Basora prieta. See Waltheria indica and Cordia ulmifolia.
Basote. See Chenopodium ambrosioides.

Bastardia bivalvis. Escopa BABOSA.
Family Malvaceae. (Stahl, 2: 69, as Sida viscosa.)

Batata. See Ipomoea batatas.

Batata blanca. See Ipomoea batatas.

Batatilla blanca. See Ipomoea pentaphylla and I. quinquefolia.
Batatilla carnosa. See Ipomoea carnea.

Batatilla ventruda. See Ipomoea ventricosa.

Batatilla de zaeta. See Ipomoea sericantha.

Batatillo.
Recorded by Bello for Ipomoea carnosa.

Bauhinia amarilla. See Bauhinia kappleri.

90 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Bauhinia kappleri. FLAMBOYANT BLANCO. BAUHINTA AMARILLA.
PLATE XIX.
Also called ‘** varital.”” A curious and beautiful leguminous tree, 10 to 15 meters
high, cultivated for ornament and shade, and also becoming wild in open places.
Supposed to be native in French Guiana. Bauhinia krugii is now considered by
Urban to be a synonym of this species. (Urban, Symb. 1: 315.)

Bauhinia krugii. See Bauhinia kappleri.
Bauhinia porrecta.

A leguminous tree about 4 meters high, cultivated for its conspicuous flowers.

(Stahl, 3: 127.)

Bayberry. See Myrica cerifera.

Bayberry tree. See Amomis caryophyllata.

Bayleaf. See Amomis caryophyllata.

Bay rum. See Amomis caryophyllata.

Bay rum tree. See Amomis caryophyllata.

Bay tree. See Amomis caryophyllata.

Bejuco blanco. See Bignonia aequinoctialis.

Bejuco colorado. See Rudolphia volubilis.

Bejuco de agua. See Vitis caribaea.

Bejuco de berac. See Chiococca racemosa.

Bejuco de caro. See Vitis sicyoides.

Bejuco de clavo. See Bignonia caryophyllea.

Bejuco de conchitas. See Clitoria ternatea.

Bejuco de corrales. See Serjania lucida.

Bejuco de costilla. See Paullinia pinnata.

Bejuco de garrote. See Rowrea glabra.

Bejuco de gloria. See Jpomoea cathartica.

Bejuco de miel. See Salmea eupatoria.

Bejuco de mato. See Dioclea reflexa.

Bejuco de mona. See Cissampelos pareira and C. microcarpa.

Bejuco de palma. See Marcgravia rectiflora jacquint and M. wmbellata and
M,. sintenis.

Bejuco de paralejo.

A name applied to numerous species of Malpighiaceae, such as Stigmaphyllon
(synonym Stigmatophyllon) floribundum, S. periplocifolium and S. puberum; also
Heteropteris chrysophylla, as well as Triopteris and Tetrapteris.

Bejuco de paralejo rosado. See Heteropteris purpurea.
Bejuco de peo. See Lasianthus lanceolatus.

Bejuco de puerco. See Ipomoea setifera and I. fastigiata.
At Santurce this common name was also applied to Thunbergia alata. Bello
reports it for Ipomoea bona-nox.

Bejuco de puerco blanco. See Ipomoea ciliolata.
Bejuco de puerco de costa. See Ipomoea carnosa.
Bejuco de puerco de playa. See Ipomoea biloba.
Bejuco de rana. See Marcgravia rectiflora jacquini.
Bejuco de San Juan. See Forsteronia corymbosa.
Bejuco de sopla. See Securidaca virgata.

Bejuco de vaca. See Ipomoea bona-nox.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XIX.

Lonesome

(ty
Phony,

Psy
tipap

FLAMBOYANT BLANCO (BAUHINIA KAPPLERI). COAMO SPRINGS.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. ~15))

Bejuco inglés. See Capparis jamaicensis.

Bejuco prieto. See Paullinia pinnata, Hippocratea ovata, and Rudolphia
volubilis.

Bejuquillo de puerco. See Jpomoca triloba,

Bellorita. See Hrigeron bellioides.

Ben. See Moringa moringa.

Ben nut. See Moringa moringa.

Berengena. See Solanwm melongena.

Berengena cimarrona. See Solanum torvum and S. inelusum.

Berengena de marimbo. See Solanwm mammosum.

Berengena de paloma. See Solanum virgatum, S. callicarpifolium and S.
lentum.

Berengena de playa. See Solanum persicaefolium

Berengena jamaiquinia. See Solanum jamaicense.

Bergamota. See Citrus medica.

Berica. :

This name is noted as being used near Toa Alta for a shrub said to produce an
edible fruit (no. 893) probably a species of Eugenia. At Vega Baja ‘* berica’’ or
‘“‘perica cimarron’’ was a species of Acalypha (no, 1035).

Berros. See Rorippa officinalis.
Bertholletia excelsa. BRAZIL NUT.

A large tree belonging to the family Lecythidaceae, and yielding the Brazil

or Para nuts of commerce. A tree 100 to 150 feet high, distributed throughout

northeastern South America to the Island of Trinidad. It has been cultivated in
Jamaica and probably in other islands.

Berugillo.
A wood not much used; specific gravity 0.73; abundant in the hills. (Hansard.)
Betel palm. See Areca catechu.
Bichy. See Cola acuminata.
Bidens bipinnata. MANZANILLA NEGRA.
An annual composite weed. (Stahl, 5: 128.)
Bidens coreopsidis. See Bidens rubifolia.
Bidens pilosa. MANZANILLA DEL PAIS.

An annual weed; found in all parts of the island. It seems to be more often
called ‘‘margarita.”’ (Stahl, 5: 127.)
Bidens rubifolia. MANZANILLA TREPADORA.

Reported as B. coreopsidis. (Stahl, 5: 129.)
Bignonia aequinoctialis. LIaNa DE LA SIERRA.

Family Bignoniaceae; a shrubby climber. According to Bello this is called
*bejuco blanco.”’ (Stahl, 6: 177.)
Bignonia caryophyllea. Brsuco DE CLAVO.

A vine with large aromatic roots which are used to color and impart a pleasant
odor torum. (Stahl, 6: 180.)
Bignonia odorata. LIANA FRAGRANTE.

A woody climber growing in waste places on the coast. (Stahl, 6: 178.)
Bignonia unguis. See Bignonia unguis-cati.
Bignonia unguis-cati. Liana uNaDa.

A shrubby climber with sharp claw-like tendrils. Specimens were collected at
Guayanillo by Sintenis. Bello calls this ‘‘ pegapola.”’ (Stahl, 6: 179.)

92 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Bija. See Bixa orellana.
More often called Achiote.

Bilimbi. See Averrhoa bilimbi.

Bimbling. See Averrhoa bilimbi.

Birch (West Indian). See Bursera simaruba.
Biriji. See Hugenia monticola and EF. poiretii.
Bitter wood. See Picrasma excelsa.

Bixa orellana. AnatTtTo. ACHIOTE.

Family Bixaceae. The achiote or anattoisa small tree of handsome appearance,
with large. clean, cordate leaves and numerous pink flowers, followed by bur-
like pods, at first green, but changing to deep red and becoming an inch in diam-
eter. These contain the seeds, the arillus or fleshy covering of which is bright
orange in color and constitutes the anatto of commerce. On drying. the arillus
becomes dull orange. Quantities of dried seeds are to be found in Porto Rican
markets for domestic use in soup and in coloring rice and other dishes yellow.
In the English colonies the coloring matter is removed while fresh, and then dried
and compacted into cakes, in which form it is exported to the United States
for manufacture into butter-color. Supposedly for this purpose 726,269 pounds
were imported into the United States in 1899, valued at $34.827 but recent analy-
ses of butter colors show that they consist largely of analine dyes.

The wood is nearly white, porous, light, and very soft, with a specific gravity
of 0.399. It has no use whatever. When polished the wood is slightly yellow, or
sometimes with a tendency toward red, and very uniform in color, although it
retains narrow lines of a slightly darker color, which correspond to the concentric
zones to be seen in a cross section. (Grosourdy, 2: 357.)

Black bead. See Pithecolobium unguis-cati.
Black mangrove. See Avicennia nitida.

Blechum brownei. YERBA DE PAPAGAYO.
Family Acanthaceae: an indigenous, annual herb, affecting dry situations and
flowering continuously. (Stahl, 6: 244.)

Bleeding heart. See Colocasia esculenta.
Bledo blanco. See Amaranthus paniculatus.
Blero. See Mesosphaerum capitatum.

Blighia sapida. AKER.
A beautiful tree of the family Sapindaceae, introduced from Africa to the West
Indies by the same Captain Bligh who introduced the breadfruit, above which it
is said to be valued by the people of Jamaica as a richly flavored and wholesome
food. The bright yellow. fleshy arillus is the part eaten. In some islands, how-
ever, the akee is avoided as poisonous, though the existence of any deleterious
principle has yet to be demonstrated, and it is now suggested by Superintendent
Hart, of the Trinidad Gardens, that the cause of injury in the reported cases of
poisoning has been the use of decayed fruits. which seems the more probable in
view of the recent discovery of the extremely poisonous nature of some of the
products of organic decomposition. The following caution should be accordingly
heeded by any who may wish to experiment with this fruit: 2
‘It is prepared in Jamaica in many ways, a favorite method being to stew in
milk and afterwards to brown ina frying pan with butter. Again it may be™
boiled or even baked. It is also commonly eaten boiled and mixed with salt fish,
onions, and tomatoes as a breakfast dish. Although so commonly used it can not
be denied that cases of poisoning have followed the consumption of it as an arti

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 93

of food, but so little cause is there to fear its effects that when in season it is to be
found generally on the tables of both rich and poor throughout Jamaica. The
cases in which the fruit has produced poisonous effects are generally found to be
such as show a careless preparation of the fruit for food. The arillus when in
good condition is of a wholesome, nutty flavor, and should be quite firm and not
easily broken. If, however, it is kept too long it readily becomes soft and decays,
and such decayed parts are doubtless poisonous as any other decayed vegetable or
animal matter and quite as likely to cause irritant poisoning. Care should there-
fore be exercised by the housewife in preparing such a delicacy for table, and if
such is taken it may be eaten without the slightest fear, and with the satisfaction
of haying partaken of one of the finest bonne bouches that come to a West Indian
table. The writer speaks of it from experience of some twenty years, during
which time he has missed no opportunity of securing a share of it when in
season.”

Blood flower. See Asclepias curassavica.

Bocagea laurifolia.
Family Anonaceae; from Guajataca and Sierra de Lares.

Bocconia frutescens. PALO DE PAN CIMARRON,

Family Papaveraceae; an herb with a disagreeable odor. (Stahl, 2: 34.)
Boehmeria cylindrica.

An urticaceous plant of interest chiefly because related to the next species;
known from Aybonito.

Boehmeria nivea. RaMIE.

Family Urticaceae; the now celebrated ramie plant or Chinese hemp, the culti-
vation of which has been so widely advocated. Notwithstanding the numerous
attempts at commercial utilization of the fine fiber produced by this species, prac-
tical success has not yet been attained, the satisfactory processes and machinery
for degumming the fiber being too complicated and expensive to permit ramie to
compete in the manufacture of cheap fabrics. The Porto Rican specimens were
found by Sintenis in cultivation, near Cabo Rojo. It is not known whether any
local use has been made of the fiber.

Boerhayvia paniculata. Toston.

Family Nyctaginaceae; this species and B. hirsuta are common tropical weeds
known from Porto Rico, but without recorded local names, ‘‘ toston’’ being given
as Cuban only. (Urban, 3: 307, 308.)

Boerhavia scandens. PEGA POLLO.

A shrubby herb of about 4 feet (1.2 meters), widely distributed throughout the
American tropics. (Urban, Add. 3: 309.)

Boje. See Antirrhoea coriacea.

A wild tree not infrequently met with in the northeast part of the island. Not
more than 45 or 50 feet (14 or 15 meters) in height, with a straight trunk 18 to 24
inches (45 to 60 centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a heavy durable wood,
very strong and much appreciated for carpenter work, furniture, framework of
houses. etc., yellow in color, brittle, breaking horizontally. Also called ‘‘ quina”’
and referred to Coutarea coccinea, a species that does not appear in Index Kewen-
sis. (Grosourdy, 2: 367.)
Bombija. See Cardiospermum halicacabum.

Boniato.

A tree from all parts of the island; height 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.7 meters);
diameter 12 to 15 inches. Wood, dark, streaked with yellow; hard; specific
gravity, 0.049 (1.0497); used in cabinetmaking. (Exp. 1857.)

Borreria parviflora. See Spermacoce ocymoides.

94 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. oe

Borreria podocephala. See Spermacoce verticillata.
Borrichia arborescens. CLAVELON DE PLAYA.
A biennial composite shrub. (Stahl, 5: 134.)
Boton blaneo. See Spermacoce verticillata.
Boton blanco de arenales. See Spermacoce verticillata.
Botoncillo. See Spermacoce ocymoides.
Boton de cadete. See Leonotis nepetaefolia.
Boton de oro. See Clerodendron aculeatum.
Bottle gourd. See Lagenaria vulgaris.

Bougainvillea spectabilis. TRINITARIA.

A showy climbing shrub, belonging to the family Nyctaginaceae. Its striking
appearance is due to the large purplish pink bracts, the true flowers being yellow-
ish and quite small. The color is extremely conspicuous, and to some it appears
painfully ‘‘loud.’? In Porto Rico a quite different plant, Antigonum leptopus,
producing similar large masses of brilliant color, though of a more pleasing shade
of pink, has been mistaken for Bougainvillea by travelers and popular writers.
Bourreria domingensis. ROBLE GUAYO. BURERIA.

Family Boraginaceae; a shrub or small tree reported by Stahl from the vicinity
of Quebradillas. (Stahl, 6:99.) _

Bourreria succulenta. RoBLE GUAYO. - BURERIA.

A small indigenous tree growing in the forests near the coast. It is said to
strikingly resemble Cordia elliptica in both habit and inflorescence. (Stahl, 6:
97.)

Boussingaultia baselloides. MADEIRA VINE. SUELDA CON SUELDA.

Family Chenopodiaceae; a slender vine commonly cultivated and trained over
arbors. Supposed at Catano to have medicinal value in rheumatism.
Brachyramphus caribaeus. See Lactuca intybacea.

Bradburya laurifolia. CoNCHITA LAURIFOLIA.

A leguminous plant reported by De Candolle as occurring in pastures in Porto

Rico; not known by Stahl. (Stahl, 3: 64.)
Bradburya plumieri. CONCHITA DE PLUMIER.

A wild vine. (Stahl, 3: 60.)

Bradburya pubescens. CONCHITA PELUDA. ;

A wild annual vine growing in waste places. (Stahl, 3: 61.)
Bradburya virginiana. CONCHITA VIRGINIA.

A slender, wild, annual vine growing in all parts of the island. (Stahl, 3: 62.)
Brasil.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (8 to 10 meters); diame-
ter, 5 to6 inches (12to 15 centimeters). Wood. dark, hard; specific gravity, 1.099; —
used in making a dye. (Exp. 1857.) ;
Brasil de costa. ‘

A tree from the south part of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (8 to 10 meters); _
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood, yellow, hard; ~——

gravity, 0.671: used in making planks and joists. (Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy refers this to Caesalpinia cristata, a species that does not appear in-
Index Kewensis. He may possibly refer to C. crista, a West Indian species.

A tree 30 feet (10 meters) high, witha naked, crooked trunk, 25 inches (62 centi-
meters) in diameter. The wood is rather compact, heavy, hard. and strong. In
color much darker than C. bijuga, and used for the same purposes. Used also im
Porto Rico for boards and beams in country houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 367.)

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 95

Brasilete.

Enumerated by Hill among trees used for dyeing and tanning. In Cuba the
name is applied to Caesalpina pectinata and other related species. In Stahl’s
Flora ‘‘ palo de brasilete’’ is Hcastophyllum monetaria, a leguminous shrub, 6 to
12 feet (2 to 4 meters) high. Grosourdy refers it to Caesalpinia bijuga.
Brassica juncea. Mostaza.

An annual cruciferous weed, sometimes cultivated and used in medicine as a
substitute for mustard. Bello reports this common name for Sinapis brassicata.
(Stahl, 2: 184.)

Brassica napa. TURNIP.
The turnip is very little cultivated in Porto Rico. In the market at San Juan
very small ones were selling at four for 1 cent.

Brassica oleracea. CABBAGE. COL.

The cabbage is a temperate vegetable very popular in tropical conntries, and
generally cultivated on a small scale in private gardens, in spite of the fact that
only indifferent success is attained. The plants mostly fail to form heads or pro-
duce only a small and loose cluster of leaves. Under very favorable circumstances
and by using good seed of early varieties it is occasionally possible to attain some-
what better results, but at the time of our visit cabbages from the United States
were selling at half a peso (30 cents) apiece, no competition being afforded by the
insignificant home-grown vegetable. With better care and better seed the latter
can undoubtedly be improved, but the importation of American cabbages at lower
prices may be expected to greatly increase.

For cultivation in the tropical garden the variety of cabbage called collards is
generally more satisfactory than the sorts usually grown in the North. This
variety does not head, but the leaves are more delicate than the outer leaves of
cabbage and make very acceptable and wholesome ‘‘ greens.”’ It will flourish
where cabbages can be produced only with difficulty or not at all, with the addi-
tional advantage of growing as a perennial and thus remaining available for food
during most of the year.

Brazil nut. See Bertholletia excelsa.

Bread fruit. See Artocarpus communis.

Bretonica. See Chaptalia integrifolia and Valerianodes.
Bretonica afelpada. See Melochia tomentosa.
Bretonica aserrada. See Melochia serrata.

Bretonica peluda. See Melochia hirsuta.

Bretonica piramidal. See Melochia pyramidata and M. nodiflora.
Bretonica prieta. See Melochia nodiflora.

Brigueta. See Ilex dioica.

Brigueta naranjo. See Ilex macoucoua.

Bromelia pinguin. Pincurin. PINUELA.

A wild relative of the pineapple. found everywhere at lower elevations in Porto
Rico, and often planted for hedges. The margins of the leaves have sharp, cutting
spines, mostly curved upward, but often reversed so that even the most casual
contact is likely to result in a wound. It was Bromelia which added so much to
the difficulty of operations about Santiago, and a hedgerow of it is indeed a
formidable obstacle for men or horses.

The pulp inclosing the seeds has a pleasant, slightly acid taste somewhat sug-
gesting the pineapple; it is also used as an anthelmintic. Like those of the true

pineapple and most other members of the present family, the leaves contain a fine
fiber which might be utilized if obtainable in good condition and in sufficient

96 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

quantity. In the present species, however, the fibers have been found to have .
a gummy coating which increases the difficulty of preparation, so that experi-
ments in commercial production have not been successful. Other South American
Bromeliaceae have cleaner fibers which have been shipped to Europe in consider-
able quantities, but the industry has remained on a rather precarious basis.

In the discussion of the pineapple, attention has been called to the fact that in
Porto Rico Bromelia is the host plant of a mealy bug which also infests the pine-
apple, to which it is probably carried by the ants. If the pest should prove
serious it may be found necessary to exterminate Bromelia in regions devoted to
pineapple culture.

Pee ee eee

Bruja. See Bryophyllum calycinum.

Brunfelsia densifolia.

Family Solanaceae; an indigenous tree, 8 to 10 meters in height, from the
vicinity of Maricao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 402.)

Secured by Sintenis near Maricao.

Brunfelsia lactea. VEGA BLANCA.

A shrub, sometimes reaching 6 meters; reported from Luquillo, Naguabo, and
Cayey. (Urban, Symb. 1: 401.)

Brunfelsia portoricensis.

A shrub of 3 meters; known only from the Sierra de Luquillo. (Urban, Symb.
1: 400.)

Bryophyllum ecalycinum. BruJa.

Family Crassulaceae. In Cuba this plant has several names—*‘ hoja bruja,”’
‘“‘inmortal,’’ *‘ polipo herbacea,”’ ** silempreviva,”’ and ** vivora,’’—all referring to
its great tenacity of life, small pieces and even single leaves sending out new growth
when suspended in a moist atmosphere. Buds arise from the notches of the
leaves. It is this plant, a common tropical weed, which recently received the
distinction of a letter from a consular officer which was published by the State
Department and resulted in numerous inquiries from all parts of the country. It
has long been known in cultivation, on account of its extreme hardiness, but sel-
dom flowers outside the Tropics, where it seems to thrive best when growing in
crevices of bare or slightly shaded rocks; in such situations it flowers abundantly
in the dry season. (Stahl, 4: 191.)

Bucago. See Hrythrina glauca.
Bueare. See Erythrina micropteryx and EF. wnbrosa.

According to Captain Hansard the ‘* bucare’’ of Porto Rico is the same as the
tree called *‘madre de cacao’? used for shade in the cacao growing districts of
Venezuela and Trinidad, because of its extremely rapid growth, as much as 10
feet (8 meters) per year. It is also said to be called *‘immortelle’’ in the French
islands. The South American species is supposed to be #. wmnbrosa, but accord-
ing to Urban this is not known from the islands north of Trinidad, its place being ;
taken by FE. micropteryx, which is also found in Porto Rico. Hucar, jucar, ucar,
and ucare are supposed to be variations of bucare, but another quite different tree
(Bucida buceras) was pointed out to us under those names.

Buchnera elongata. ESpPiGA DE SAN ANTONIO.
Family Scrophulariaceae; a stiff, scarcely branched herb, growing on inundated

sandy soil. (Stahl, 6: 229.)

Bucida buceras. Ucar. PLATE XX.@
Family Combretaceae; a large tree noted at several points on the south side of

the island; specimens from Coamo Springs (No. 714). (Stahl. 4: 140.)
A wild tree abundant in all parts of this and other islands of the West Indies;

24 to 80 feet high, with a straight trunk 4 to 5 inches in diameter. It furnishes a

PLATE XX.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

COAMO SPRINGS.

UcAR TREE (BUCIDA BUCERAS).

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. ; PLATE XXI.

ALMACIGO (BURSERA SIMARUBA). COAMO SPRINGS.

COOK AND COLLINS-——ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 97

yellowish white wood, very strong and flexible, cominonly used for shelves in
houses and for mallets and woeden cogs; also used for knees in boat building.
Native name “ hucar blanco.’’? (Grosourdy, 2:390.)

Under the native name ‘‘ucar,’”’ on page 362, the same author describes the
wood of this species as olive-colored, more or less dark, with stripes and undula-
tions, and adds that from its compact and fine-grained texture it would appear
suitable for polishing. It has, however, the defect of cracking easily. Specific
gravity, 1.009.

Buenoceo.
Spelling doubtful; applied at Caguitas to Thunbergia erecta.

Buenos dias. See Hibiscus bifurcatus.
Bullock’s heart. See Anona reticulata.
Bully tree.

A name used in the British West Indies, according to Grisebach, for Savota
sideroxylon, Myrsine laeta, and several species of Dipholis.
Bumelia krugii.

Family Sapotaceae; a recently described species from the vicinity of Guanica.
Bunchosia glandulifera.

Family Malpighiaceae; from Sierra de Jabucoa and Anasco, in cultivation.
Bunchosia glandulosa.

From Guanica, Penion, and near Ponce. <A variety (latifolia) is known from
Fajardo and Pefiuelas. Bunchosia nitida is reported from Guanica.
Bureria. See Bourreria.
Burro. See Capparis portoricensis.
Burro blanco. See Capparis portoricensis.
Bursera gummifera. See Bursera simaruba.

Bursera simaruba. ALMACIGO. PuaTE XXI.

This species, better known as Bursera gummifera, is one of the commonest and
most characteristic trees of Porto Rico. It is native in the forests of the lime-
stone foothills, where it grows to considerable size, but is more conspicuous as a
shade tree extensively planted along the improved roads. especially on the south
side of the island. It may be recognized at once by the thin reddish bark, which
loosens in shreds and sheets like that of some species of cherry and birch, and is
on this account called ‘‘ West Indian birch’’ in some of the British islands. As
in case of the jobo tree (Spondias lutea) cuttings root readily, even when large
stakes are used, rendering these species very easy of propagation, and accordingly
popular for fence posts and similar uses requiring permanence. As a shade tree
Bursera is seldom a success, the top being too small and irregular. Even when
still young it fruits abundantly. The wood is soft and of little value.

Bursera simaruba is the largest tree of the thin forest growth which covers the
dry limestone hills of the south side of the island. This is composed mostly of
slender Leguminosae—Pictetia, Pithecolobium unguis-cati, and several others.

In some islands a somewhat aromatic sweetish balsam, supposed to have medici-
nal properties, is obtained from this species. According to Engler this is dried
down to a sort of resin and goes into export trade as chibou, cahibou, or gomart.
but it is not stated where these names are used. The leaves, bark, buds, and
roots are also believed to have medicinal properties.

Button tree. See Conocarpus erecta.
Buxus vahlii.

Family Buxaceae; from Rincon, in thickets near the shore.
Byrsonima crassifolia.

Family Malpighiaceae; a tree collected near Mayaguez by Mr. Heller.

98 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Byrsonima lucida. PaLo DE DONCELLA.

Also called ** sangra de doncella,’’ according to Stahl, who considers the Porto
Rican form a distinct variety or species, which he names B. portoricensis, but
this suggestion seems not to have been noticed by other botanists. The plant is
an indigenous shrub, or small tree, belonging to the Malpighiaceae, and haying
the branches and inflorescence covered with a yellow powder. It grows close to
the shore to the east of San Juan, and blossoms in the winter. The timber is
durable, but not of sufficient diameter to render it important.

Byrsonima portoricensis. See Byrsonima lucida.
Byrsonima spicata. MArRIcao.

A. tree 30 to 40 feet (9 to 18 meters) high. The bark is used tor tanning. The
yellow, acid berries are said to be eaten, although rather astringent. (Stahl, 2:
140.) It furnishes a wood of good weight and ordinary durability. This is com-_
pact, uniform, fine-grained, and somewhat fibrous in texture, and cinnamon-
brown in color, with narrow parallel light stripes. The wood is strong and much
appreciated; used in the country for boards and framework of houses, etc. Spe-
cific gravity, 0.812. Native name, ‘‘doncella.’’ (Grosourdy, 2: 372.)

Caballo asi. See Abelmoschus abelmoschus.
Cabalonga. See Thevetia neriifolia.
Cabbage. See Brassica oleracea.
Cabbage-bark. See Andira inermis.
Cabbage palm.

The *‘ palm cabbage”’ is obtainable from many different palm trees, and consists
of the delicate tissues of the newly-formed, unexpanded leaves. In the West
Indies the name is more properly applied to Oreodoxa oleracea, a native of Barba-
dos and other southern islands, though apparently extending to Porto Rico if
specimens collected by Sintenis in the Luquillo Mountains were from native trees
and are properly determined.

Cabbage tree. See Andira inermis.
Cabellos de Angel. See Clematis dioica.
Cabambrena.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diame-
ter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity,
0.799; not used. (Exp. 1857.) Perhaps this is an error for ‘* calambrena.”’
Cabo de hacha. See Trichilia hirta and T. simplicifolia.

Cabo negro. See Arenga saccharifera.
Cabra.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 35 feet (8 to 11 meters); diame-
ter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood light red, soft; specific gravity,
0.597; used for weather boards. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 368.)
Cacaillo. See Sloanea berteriana and Meliosma obtusifolia.

Cacao. See Theobroma cacao.
Cacao bobo. See Meliosma obtusifolia and M. herbertii.

Cacao cimarron.
According to Captain Hansard a tree of great height, not resembling the t
cacao. It has large, coarse, brittle leaves. The wood has a specific gravity
1.08, and is used for firewood and walking sticks.
Cacao de monte.
A tree from the interior of the island; height, 40 to 44 feet (12 to 14 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood light-colored, rather hart
specific gravity, 0.964: not used. Also called **cacao macho.”’ (Exp. 1857.) ”

:
i

ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 99

COOK AND COLLINS

Cacao hembra.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (8 to 10 meters);
diameter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood light-colored, rather hard;
specific gravity, 0.817; little used. (Exp. 1857.)

Cacao macho. See Cacao de monte.
Cacao motillo. See Sloanea berteriana.
Cacao rojo. See Sarcomphalus reticulatus.
Cacao roseta. See Sloanea berteriana.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 35 feet (11 meters); diameter,
30 to 40 inches (75 to 100 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity, 0.488;
not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Cachimbo. See Palicourea crocea.

Cachimbo verde. See Palicowrea unbellata.

Cadillo. See Corchorus hirsutus and Urena lobata; also see under ‘*‘ caillo.’
Cadillo altea. See Triumfetta althceoides and T. semitriloba.

Cadillo anaranjado. See Pavonia coccinea.

Cadillo de ciénega. See Pavonia racemosa.
Cadillo espinoso. See Pavonia spinifex.
Cadillo pata de perro. See Urena sinuata.
Cadillo pequeque. See Pavonia typhalea.
Cadungo amargo. See Lagenaria vulgaris.
Caesalpinia bijuga. BRASILETE.

A small tree found on the coast, 9 to 15 feet (8 to 5 meters) high, with a trunk
18 inches (45 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is very compact, very hard,
dark reddish orange in color, and breaks vertically with difficulty. The bark is
rather thick, Itis utilized in Europe asa dye. It serves also for turning and
to make violin cases. (Grosourdy, 2: 367.)

Caesalpinia bonduc. Marto azuL.
Bello reports the common name, ‘‘matos de playa,’’ for this species. (Stahl, 3:
120). ee

Caesalpinia bonducella. Mato AMARIL’ oO.

A much-branched leguminous shrub, 3 to 4 1icters high, frequenting the coast.
(Stahl,3: 121.) The seeds of this species were on sale in the market of Ponce as
a remedy for piles. See notes under ‘‘ mato colorado ”’ and ‘‘ tortera.”’

Caesalpinia coriaria. DIVI-DIvI.

A leguminous tree, the pods of which are very rich in tanning and dying mate-
rial, and constitute a considerable article of export from the West Indies and
South America. The species is not included in Stahl’s Flora, but is mentioned
by Hill, though without anything to show that he established its existence in
Porto Rico. Whether already introduced or not, it is probable that the planting
of it on a somewhat extensive scale is worthy of serious consideration
Caesalpinia gilliesii.

Reported from Guanica.

Caesalpinia sepiaria. ZARZA DE CERCAS.
Of shrubby growth; used for fences in Cuba. (Stahl, 3: 122.)

Café. See Coffea arabica.
Café delaiIndia. See Murraya exotica.

Zoi -=VOw Ville Py 203 4

100 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Caffeillo. See Drypetes alba and D. glauca.
Evidently another spelling of ‘‘cafetillo.”’ According to Captain Hansard

caffeillo is a wood haying a specific gravity of 0.85 and is not much used. The

flowers are fragrant. :

Cafetillo. See Casearia nitida and Faramea odoratissima.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 15 inches (37 centimeters). Wood yellowish, hard; specific gravity
0.840: used for lumber. (Grosourdy, 2: 368.) (Exp. 1857.)

Caillo.

Probably intended for ‘‘cadillo.”” At Santurce Corchorus hirsutus and
Xanthium canadense, and at Quebrada Arenas Triumfetta semitriloba were
called ‘* caillo.”’

Caimitillo. See Chrysophyllum monopyrenum and C. glabriwn.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diame-
ter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood, white, hard; specific gravity,
0.012 (1.01272); used in making laths. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard says that the wood is used for shingles and barrel staves. The —

tree is similar to the star-apple or caimito, but the fruit is only half the size.
Grosourdy gives this as the common name in Porto Rico and Cuba of Chryso-
phyllum microphyllum and C. oliviforme. Both of these names are treated as
synonyms of C. monopyrenum and C. cainito. He describes it as a tree growing
wild and reaching 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters) in height, with a trunk 18 to 20
inches (45 to 50 centimeters) in diameter. Furnishes a wood of good weight and

more than ordinary durability, rather compact and fibrous in texture and rather *

fine-grained. Dirty white in color or sometimes somewhat chocolate. The wood
is used ordinarily for shingles and bowls. It might also be used for carpenter
work. (Grosourdy, 2: 368.)
Caimito. See Chrysophyllum cainito.

A tree from all parts of the island; height 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diame-

ter 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood, violet; hard; specific gravity, —

0.194; little used. (Exp. 1857.)
Cainito. See Chrysophyllum cainito.

According to Captain Hansard the specific gravity is 0.85.

Cajanus bicolor. See Cajanus cajan.
Cajanus cajan. GANDUL.

Family Leguminosae; perennial shrub growing from 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters)
high, but treated as an annual in cultivation. Bello calls Cajanus bicolor “ gan-
dures.”’ (Stahl, 3: 55.)

Cajou. See Anacardiwm occidentale.
Cakile aequalis. See Cakile maritima.
Cakile maritima. MosTaAciILLA DEL MAR.

A seaside herbaceous plant related to mustard; the common name means “‘ sea-_

mustard.’’? (Stahl, 2: 37.)

Calabash nutmeg. See Monodora myristica.
Calabash tree. See Crescentia cujete.
Calabaza. See Cucurbita pepo.

Caladium. CARA DE CABALLO.

An ornamental Caladium was called by this common name, meaning ‘‘ horse
face,’ at Catafio.
Caladium esculentum. See Colocasia esculenta,
Calambrena. See Coccolobis nivea.

DP aA One = ein

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. Vill.

ALGODON DE SEDA (CALOTROPIS PROCERA).

PLATE XXII.

ROAD NEAR GUAYAMA.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO Rico. 101

Caldo santo. See Argemone mexicana.

The local mispronunciation of cardosanto.
Cal'iandra portoricensis. ACACIA PUERTORIQUENA.

A wh? e-flowered leguminous shrub, rare on the north side of the island. Our
specimen (no. 481) was collected along the road between Cayey and Guayama.
(Stahl, 3: 156.)

Calliandra saman. See Pithecolobiuwm saman.
Callicarpa ampla. CAPA ROSA.

A verbenaceous shrub or small tree; specimens were collected by Sintenis at
Utuado. Grisebach used the name Petitia domingensis. (Stahl, 6: 221.)
Calocarpum mammosum.

Family Sapotaceae, the variety occidewm is identified by Pierre from Utuado
(Sintenis). In Engler this genus is treated under Lucuma.

Calonyction megalocarpon. See Jpomea bona-now.

Calophyllum calaba. Pato bE Marta.

. Family Clusiaceae; a tree 60 feet (18 meters) high. The oil pressed from the
seeds is said to be used in lamps. Specimens are known from Manatiand Ringon.
Bello calls this species ‘‘marias.”’ (Stahl, 3: 125). Grosourdy (2: 403) varies
the native name to ‘‘maria’’ and describes the plant as a handsome wild tree
with a dense top, 55 to 60 feet (17 to 18 meters) high, and a long straight trunk
3 feet (1 meter) or more in diameter. The wood is lasting, rather light, soft,
fibrous in texture, reddish in color, rather lighter than mahogany. Specific
gravity, 0.655. This wood is highly appreciated for carpenter work and the
trunks, when large, serve to make canoes. Planted in rows this tree is sometimes
used inparks. If the lower limbs are cut off the tree will make a straight growth,
This operation should be repeated every seven years, and each time a good top
should be left.

Calopogonium caeruleum. Jicama.
A leguminous vine known from Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. (Stahl, 3: 69, as
Stenolobium caerulewm.)

Calopogonium orthocarpium.
A small vine with hairy pods; cabo rojo.

Calotropis procera. ALGODON DE SEDA. PLATE XXII.

Also called **mata de seda.’? Family Asclepiadaceae; a shrub or small tree
said to attain a height of 5 meters in favorable situations. The fibers of the seeds
are twisted into thread by some of the African tribes; the bark is also used as a
medicine, and from the milk an inferior rubber or rubber adulterant has been
obtained. This species is native in the tropics of Africa and Asia, but has been
introduced and widely disseminated in America. According to Stahl (6: 86) the
height is but 6 feet. Specimens planted along the lower part of the Guayama
road are 12 to 15 feet (4 to 5 meters) high, but are bushy rather than tree-like.
The leaves are white or grayish with a heavy bloom, and its whole appearance is
that of a large milkweed. From the Cape Verde Islands the silk of this milkweed
is exported in small quantities as ‘‘ kapok,’’ the more common source of which is
the ceiba or ‘‘ tree cotton.”’
Calyptranthes chytraculia. See Calyptranthes sintenisii.
Calyptranthes krugii.

Family Myrtaceae; specimens were collected by Sintenis in the vicinity of
Luquillo.
Calyptranthes sintenisii. Hosa MENUDA.

Native names: ‘‘ Limoncillo”’ and ‘‘limoncillo de monte.’? A myrtaceous shrub.
or small tree indigenous in Porto Rico, Santo Domingo, and Martinique. Reported
from Lrquillo and Anasco. (Urban, Add. 2: 116.)

102 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

This is probably the ‘limoncillo’’ which Grosourdy identifies as Calyp-
tranthes paniculata, a Peruvian species not likely to occur in Porto Rico. A
wild tree 50 or 60 feet (15 or 18 meters) high, with a trunk 18 inches (45 centi-
meters) in diameter. The crushed leaves have the odor of lemons. The wood is
very hard, flexible, and violet-colored. It breaks with difficulty with a vertical
fracture. Its common useis for shelving, door cases, etc. Specific gravity, 1.112.
(Grosourdy, 2: 394.)

Calyptropsidium sintenisil.

A small tree. 15 to 25 feet (5 to 8 meters) high, related to the guava; known

only from the forests along the crest of El Yunque.

Camacey. See Tamonea prasina.

Camacey-almendro. See Tamonea integrifolia.

Camacey blanco. See Tamonea fothergilla.

Camacey colorado. See Tamonea impetiolaris.

Camacey de charcos. See Acisanthera quadrata.

Camacey de ciénega. See Nepsera aquatica. -
Camacey de paloma. See Tamonea laevigata and Sagraea fascicularis.
Camacey-Mariana. See Rhexia mariana.

Camacey negligente. See Clidemia neglecta.

Camacey peludo. See Clidemia hirta.

Camacey racemoso. See Tamonea racemosa.

Camacey simple. See Henriettella fascicularis.

Camacey-Tomaso. See Tamonea thomasiana.

Camandula. See Coix lachryma.

Camasey.

Presumably an erroneous spelling of camacey.
Cambron. See Casearia ramiflora and Randia aculeata.
Cambures.

A variety of banana mentioned by Hill.

Cambustera. See Quamoclit quamoclit.

Cambutera. See Quamoclit quamoclit and Q. coccinea.
Cambutera de costa. See /pomea filiformis.
Camocuy blanco.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). Wood, white, rather hard; specific
gravity, 0.807; used in building houses. Also known as *‘camocuy puz.”’ (Exp.
1857.)

Camocuy colorado.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diam-
eter, 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). Wood, pinkish, very soft; specific”
gravity, 0.80: used in making houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Camocuy prieto. .

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diam
eter, 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). Wood, white, rather hard; specifill
gravity, 0.804; used in making houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Camocuy puz. See Camocuy blanco.

Campana de Paris. See Datura suaveolens.
Campanilla. See Sphenoclea zeylanica.

Campeachy wood. See Haematoxrylon campechianum.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 103

Cana de azucar. See Saccharum officinarum.
Cana de Castilla.

In Cuba applied to the grass Gyneriwm saccharoides.
Cana de la India.

Also called wild cane, ‘‘ cafia cimarron.’?’ The juice is squeezed out and used
asan emetic. In the market of Ponce the roots of ‘* cana india’’ were on sale for
use in the preparation of a refreshing drink.

Cafiafistolo. See Cassia fistula (another spelling of Canafistulo. )

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 60 to 70 feet; diameter, 3 to 9
inches. Wood red, hard: specific gravity, 1,193; little used. (Exp. 1857.)
Canafistula.

The fruit of Cassia jistila.

Canafistula cimarrona. See Cassia grandis.
Canafistulo. See Cassia fistula.

Canario. See Allamanda cathartica.
Canavalia ensiformis. Sworp BEAN.

A leguminous woody vine, bearing long pods and white beans. In Africa the
young pods and beans are eaten.

Canavalia obtusifolia. Mato DE LA PLAYA.

A woody vine. (Stahl, 3: 81.)

Canavalia rusiosperma. Mato coLORADO.

A large leguminous climbing vine, attaining a thickness of 10 cm. and ascending
the highest forest trees; from Maricao and Quebradillas. (Urban, Symb. 1:
474.) The seeds of this species are red, and are probably the ones used with those
of Caesalpinia bonducella as a magical remedy for piles. See note under that
species, also that under ‘‘ tortera.”’

Candle wood. See Oreopanax capitatum.,

Canela.

Supposed by Captain Hansard to be cinnamon, but neither Cinnamomum zey-
lanicum, the true cinnamon, nor C. cassia, the Chinese cinnamon, are known
from the island. The specific gravity, as given by Captain Hansard, is 0.87.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diam-
eter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters); wood dark, hard; specific gravity, 0.956;
used in making country houses. (Exp. 1857.)

A wild tree, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters) high, with a trunk 12 inches (30
centimeters) in diameter. The wood is dark-colored, rather hard, and used in
country houses. Specific gravity, 0.515. (Grosourdy, 3: 369.)

Canelilla.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (10 to 12 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters); wood greenish, rather hard;
specific gravity, 0.897; used in making country houses. (Exp. 1857.) .A wood of
this name is noted by Captain Hansard with a specific gravity of 0.60.

Canella alba. Barpasco. WILD CINNAMON,

Family Canellaceae; a tree 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) high. The pale, orange-
colored bark has an aromatic odor and is used as a tonic. Specimens were col-
lected by Sintenis at Rincon. (Stahl, 2: 127.)

Canelo.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 15 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters); wood dark, rather hard; specific
gravity, 0.874; used in making country houses. (Exp. 1857.)

104 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Canna.

Several species of Canna grow wild in Porto Rico; whether they are indigenous
or have escaped from cultivation is not evident. At Catafio the name ‘‘maraga”’
was applied to C. edulis or C. indica.

Capa blanca. See Petitia domingensis and Cordia alba.

Color, clear light brown. Very numerous ducts, occurring singly, and evenly
diffused between the medullary rays. The latter numerous, in distinct parallel
lines. Structurally similar on the radial section to American beech, the medul-
lary rays giving a beautiful, fine-mottled, satiny appearance. Tangential section
unattractive. Straight-grained and suitable for interior finish. Used for rollers
in coffee-hulling mills. (Hill and Sudworth. )

According to Hill ‘‘capa blanca’”’ is Cordia alba, but this identification is
not seconded, and Stahl gives Petitia domingensis as above. Possibly the
Cordia identification was inferred from the fact that ‘‘capa prieta”’ is Cordia
gerascanthus.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 65 to 70 feet (19 to 21 meters);
diameter, 30 to 35 inches (75 to 87 centimeters). Wood white, very hard; specific
gravity, 0.955; used in boat building. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity as 0.89.

Capa prieta. See Cordia gerascanthus and C. gerascanthoides.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood light-colored, very hard;
specific gravity, 0.899; used in boat building. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity as 0.75.

Color, rich light brown, with darker streaks and mottlings. Very numerous
ducts, occurring singly or irregularly, aggregated in twos and threes between the
medullary rays. Medullary rays numerous, indistinct, straight, parallel lines.
Wood fibers interlaced, but wood appearing to be straight-grained. Radial sec-
tion structurally similar to capa blanca. Tangential section somewhat similar to
dark heartwood of American elm. Handsome wood for interior finish. Used for
flooring. (Hill and Sudworth.)

Capa rosa. See Callicarpa ampla.
Capa sabanera.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 55 to 60 feet (16 to 18 meters);
diameter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 40 centimeters). Wood dark, very hard; specific
gravity, 0.978; used in boat building. (Exp. 1857.)

Described by Grosourdy as a wild tree, reaching 30 feet (9 meters) in height,
with a trunk 12 inches (40 centimeters) in diameter and furnishing a wood of
good weight, hard and strong, dark in color and used in the construction of
country houses and for fences. (Grosourdy, 2: 370.)
Capacillo.

According to Captain Hansard this tree grows with ‘‘ yaiti’’ on the calcareous
foot hills and does not become large. The wood is very hard and has a specifi¢
gravity of 0.82, but is used for little except fire-wood. Perhaps the same as
‘“‘capaillo.”’

Capaillo. See Aegiphila martinicensis.

Capitana. See Dendropremon caribaeus.

Capitaneja. See Verbesina alata.

Capparis cynophallophora. PALo DE BURRO. PLATE XXL.
Family Capparidaceae; a shrub or tree 8 to 25 feet (1.5 to 8 meters) high, found

along the coast. Collected by Sintenis in the vicinity of Guanica; said to bea

specific for dropsy. (Stahl, 2: 44.) -
¢

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XXIII.

PALO DE BURRO (CAPPARIS CYNOPHALLOPHORA) ; FRUIT AND LEAVES.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIU PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 105

Bello reports seven varieties of this species from the southwestern part of the
island. (Bello, p. 236.)

Capparis frondosa. PALO DE BURRO.

A shrub 3 or 4 meters high, reported from Sabana Grande and Manati. (Stahl,

2: 47.)
Capparis jamaicensis. BEJUCO INGLES.

A shrub 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) high. (Stahl, 2: 185.)
Capparis latifolia. PALO DE BURRO.

Very similar to C. cynophallophora, but with the flowers in racemes. (Stahl,
2: 186.)

Capparis portoricensis. BURRO BLANCO.

A tree of 15 to 20 meters, known from Coamo, Penuelas, San German, and
Guanica. (Urban, Symb. 1: 309.)

Capparis verrucosa. PALO DE BURRO.

A tree 5 to 6 meters high, the largest of the Port Rican species. (Stahl, 2: 45.)
Capraria biflora. Goat WEED. Té.

Family Scrophulariaceae. A small shrub, less than 4 feet (1.3 meters) high.
Bello calls this ‘‘ té del pais.”’ (Stahl, 6: 227.)

Capriola dactylon. BERMUDA GRASS. :

Also called Bahama grass in the West Indies. Now widely distributed in trop-
ical and subtropical regions. A useful grass for sandy soils, but sometimes becom-
ing a very bad weed in cultivated land.

Capsicum annuum. PIMIENTO.

Family Solanaceae; native of South America. The fruit furnishes the chilies
of commerce. (Stahl, 6: 123.)

Capsicum baccatum. AJi PICANTE.

Reported by Bello.

Capsicum frutescens. AJi.

Fruits used in the preparation of Cayenne pepper. (Stahl, 6: 124.)

A specimen apparently belonging to this species was called ‘‘aji caballero’
near Toa Alta. .

Cara de caballo.
This name is applied to a variegated ornamental Caladium, probably C. bicolor.

Caracho. See Lagenaria vulgaris.
One of the names applied to the grooved gourd used as a musical instrument.

Caracolillo. See Sabinea punicea.
A wood stated by Captain Hansard to be common on hills. Not much used,
but furnishes good firewood. Specific gravity, 1.20.

Caracolillo labrado.

Described by Grosourdy as a wild tree, 60 feet (18 meters) in height, with a
trunk 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. It furnishes a striped. yellow wood. In the
form usually met with, the markings are in arches or spirals, from which fact the
name is said to have arisen. The wood is very good for building purposes and is
used quite extensively for shelves, etc.; its principal use, however. is in the man-
ufacture of furniture. (Grosourdy, 2: 371.)

Caracolillo liso.

A tree from the western part of the island; height 50 to 65 feet (15 to 20 meters);
diameter 30 to 35 inches (75 to 90 centimeters). Wood yellow, hard; specific
gravity, 0.943; used in making furniture. (Exp. 1857.)

Thought by Grosourdy to be a variety of caracolillo labrado, which it closely
resembles in height and aspect, as well as in the color and uses of its wood.
(Grosourdy, 2: 371.)

—_—

106 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Caracolillo listado.

A tree from the western part of the island; height, 15 to 20 feet (5 or 6 meters);
diameter, 30 to 35 inches (75 to 90 centimeters). Wood yellow, streaked; specific
gravity, 0.952; used in making furniture. (Exp. 1857.)

Cardenala azul. See Lobelia cliffortiana.

Cardiospermum halicacabum. FARo.iros.

Family Sapindaceae; an annual, climbing herb, known as heart seed, winter
cherry, and heart pea. At Rio Piedras a specimen (no. 1004) was obtained, under
the name ‘‘ bombija.’’ (Stahl, 2: 153.)

Cardo. See Carduwus mexicanus.

”
ee ee ee ee ee

Cardosanto. See Argemone mexicana.

Carduus mexicanus. Carbo. g
A native thistle, notabundant. (Urban, Symb. 1: 470,as Cirsiwm mexicanum.)

Cariaquillo. See Lantana camara and L. crocea.
Cariaquillo de Santa Maria. See Lantana involucrata.
Cariaquito blanco. See Melanthera deltoidea.

Carica papaya. See Papaw. PAYAYA.

Family in Porto Rico commonly called ‘‘ lechosa,’? meaning ‘‘milky,’’ or
‘“papaya lechosa.’’ This useful species is everywhere cultivated at low eleva-
tions; it has also escaped from cultivation and now grows spontaneously in waste —
places.

Caro. See Vitis sicyoides.

According to the list of the Exposition of 1857, there are two trees of this name, ~
both occurring in all parts of the island. One has a height of 30 to 35 feet (9 to
11 meters); diameter 19 to 20 inches (48 to 50 centimeters). Wood light-colored,
hard; specific gravity, 0.980; used in building houses. Also called ‘‘ chupagallo.”
The other has a height of 35 to 40 feet (10 to 12 meters); diameter, 6 to 8 inches
(15 to 20 centimeters). Wood yellow, hard; specific gravity, 0.873; used in mak-
ing furniture. Also called ‘‘ chino.”

Caro agrio. See Vitis acida.

Caro de tres hojas. See Vitis trifoliata.
Carrasco. See Comocladia.

Carubio. See Magara monophylla.

Caryocar nuciferum. SOUARI NUT.
A tree belonging to the family Caryocaraceae. It is a native of Guiana,
but has been cultivated in several of the West Indies. Three other species of
Caryocar—C. glabrum, C. barbinerve, and C. intermedium—have been ~onerieg as
growing in Martinique, but all are probably introduced. 5
Both the flowers and the fruit are very large. the latter several inches in diam- |
eter and inclosing from 2to4 hard-shelled nuts, the size of a hen’s egg, but some-
what kidney-shaped, and with rounded warts onthe outside. These are described
as having a very pleasant flavor and also as yielding an oil to pressure. The i

attains a height of 100 feet (30 meters) or more, and the timber is of good quality,
and very durable. Its chief use has been in the line of shipbuilding.

In his ‘** Tropische Agrikultur’’ Semler expresses a very high opinion of thi
valuable qualities of the souari nut, considering it in fact the finest of all nuts
and the one most likely to prove successful and remunerative in culture. The
taste is said to be similar to the almond, but sweeter, and the small quantitie
sent to the European markets have found ready sale at good prices. Successf

COOK AND COLLINS——ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 107

attempts at culture have already been made on the island of St, Vincent, whence
seed could probably be obtained.
Caryophyllus aromaticus. CLOVE.

The true clove, a native of the Malay region, has been introduced into several
of the West India islands and in some cases has escaped from cultivation, but
this is not known to have happened in Porto Rico. In the British island of
Grenada quite extensive experiments have been made with the cultivation of the
cloves, but the results have not been as favorable as with nutmegs, not because
the trees do not thrive, but because the market is overstocked with the product
of Zanzibar and the East Indies. Whenever the practice of intelligent mixed
farming shall have been introduced into Porto Rico, the clove may serve as a
minor resource. For culture on a large scale it does not appear for the present
to be especially promising, in view of the results of the Grenada experiment.
Carusillo.

A native grass valued for pasturage in the region-of Yauco, and considered
sweeter and more nutritious than either Guinea or Para grass.

Cascabelillo alado. See Crotalaria stipularis.
Cascabelillo axilar. See Crotalaria lotifolia.
Cascabelillo grande. See Crotalaria retusa.
Cascabelillo vacio. See Crotalaria incana.
Casearia bicolor. TALANTRON.
Also called ‘‘cotorrerillo.” A tree of 15 meters, belonging to the family
Flacourtiaceae. Known only from the vicinity of Utuado.
Casearia hirta.
A shrub or tree, from river banks near Sabana Grande.
Casearia nitida. CAFETILLO.
A shrub 6 to 15 feet (2 to 5 meters) high. (Stahl, 4: 33.)
Casearia parvifolia. GIA MANSA.
A shrub about 15 feet high. From Penuelas and Utuado in mountains and
waste places. (Stahl, 4: 31.)
Casearia ramifiora. CAMBRON.
A shrub or tree 6 to 20 feet high. From Utuadoand Manati,in thickets. Bello
reports the common name for C. spinosa. (Stahl, 4: 30.)
Casearia samyda. CoTORERRILLO.
Reported by Bello from Utuado.
Casearia spinosa. See Casearia ramiflora.
Casearia stipularis. GIA VERDE.
A shrub or small treee of from 3 to 4 meters; also called ‘‘ rabojunco.’’? (Stahl,
4: 27.)
Casearia sylvestris. SARNA DE PERRO.
A shrub or tree attaining 35 feet (11 meters), common in mountain woods and
waste places. (Stahl, 4: 26.)
Cashaw. See Anacardium occidentale.
The more usual and preferable form iscashew. In Jamaica the name ‘‘cashaw”’
is said to be applied to Prosopis juliflora.
Cashew. See Anacardium occidentale.
Cassada. See Manihot.
Cassareep. See Manihot utilissima.
Cassava. See Manihot.
Cassia alata. See Herpetica alata

108 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Cassia bacillaris. SEN DE PALILLOS.
A trailine herb growing in waste places both in the lowlands and in the moun-
tains. (Stahl, 3: 110.)

Cassia bicapsularis. SEN DEL PAIS. . > ;

Probably an introduced species; known in Porto Rico only from the vicinity of
Fajardo, but distributed elsewhere in tropical America and in Madeira. (Stahl,
3: 109.)

Cassia biflora. RETAMA.
A fine-leaved species with numerous yellow flowers; reported by Bello from the
vicinity of Cabo Rojo. (Stahl, 3: 114.)

Cassia diphylla. See Chamaecrista diphylla.
Cassia eglandulosa. See Cassia emarginata.

Cassia emarginata.
With rather long, straight, somewhat turgid pods. (Stahl, 3: 114.)

Cassia fistula. CaNAFISTULO.

A tree sparingly introduced in Porto Rico. Itis said to be a native of upper
Egypt and is valued for the sake of the purgative pulp in which the seeds are
embedded. The cylindrical pods are 15 to 20 inches long. (Stahl, 3: 105.)

In some countries the bark is said to be used for tanning.

This tree must have been very early introduced into the West Indies, as Acosta
states that the fleet in which he returned to Spain in 1587 carried 45 hundred-
weight of the fruit for medicinal purposes.

A low tree common in all the Antilles and on the American continent; about 20
feet high with a trunk 9 or 10 inches in diameter. Furnishes a strong wood, red-
dish in color, of ordinary weight and hardness, but without use. (Grosourdy, 2:
369.)

Cassia grandis. CANAFISTULA CIMARRONA,

A tree attaining the height of 10 meters, said by Stahl to be found in Porto Rico in
the wildstate, though rarely; itisalso native on the Isthmus of Panama and other
parts of tropical America. The pulp of the pods is said to be used as a substitute
for that of Cassia fistula. The flowers are rose-colored and appear in April in large
lateral racemes. (Stahl, 3: 106.)

A fine tree 45 to 54 feet (14 to 17 meters) high with a dense top and trunk 12 to
18 feet (4 to6 meters) long and 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters) in diameter.
Furnishes a very handsome wood, very strong and very resistant, of ordinary
weight and hardness, fibrous in texture and fine-grained; specific gravity 0.816.
Although not at present utilized, Grosourdy considers this wood very suitable
for carpenter work and perhaps for cabinetwork. (Grosourdy, 2: 370.)

Cassia glandulosa. See Chamaecrista glandulosa.

Cassia laevigata. SEN DEL PAIS.

Shrubby; leaves very similar to those of C. occidentalis. Reported from Adjun-
tas. (Stahl, 3: 108.)
Cassia obtusifolia. See Cassia tora.

Cassia occidentalis. HEpDIONDA.
This is the common tropical weed which has been variously reported from the ~
West Indies and from Florida as a coffee substitute. Even in Porto Rico this ;
idea has long been prevalent, and the seeds are regularly on sale in the markets,
and small quantities have been exported. The usual price is 12 centeros (7.2 cents)
per pound, Analysis has failed to find caffein or any similar alkaloid, and the™
‘* coffee ** must be ranked with that made from burnt peas and the like. Tonic”
and febrifugal properties have been ascribed to this drink, and it has also been

COOK AND COLLINS——-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 109

used as a coffee adulterant. An attempt was made to introduce it into Europe
from Africa as ‘‘ fedegosa,”’ ‘‘ negro coffee,”’ or ‘‘ cafe de Soudan.”’ (Stahl, 3: 111.)

Cassia polyphylla.

Known from Salinas de Cabo Rojo and Coamo.
Cassia tora.

A weedy rank herb with long falcate linear pods. (Stahl, 3: 115.)
Cassipourea elliptica. PALO DE OREJA.

Family Rhizophoraceae. A tree or shrub 3 to 9 meters high. (Stahl, 4: 142.)
Castalia. WATER LILY. FLOR DE AGUA.

Stahl describes under the synonym Nymphaea three indigenous species, JN.
ampla, N.minor,and N. rudgeana. Bello gives the name ‘* yerba de hicotea”’ for
N. ampla, with the explanation that tortoises (tortugas) are in Porto Pico called
‘*hicotea.”’

Castano.

In Spain the name of the chestnut, Castanea sativa, but in Porto Rico and Cuba
applied to the breadfuit tree, doubtless on account of the fact that the seeds some-
what resemble chestnuts in size, shape, and color.

Castor bean. See Ricinus.
Casuarina.

The Casuarinas about San Juan are few and spindling, and do not make the
vigorous growth apparent in the streets of Key West, but on the drier south side
of the island they seem to flourish much better, and some are supposed to have
been introduced from that island, although in reality natives of Australia.
Catalpa longisiliqua. Ros Ls.

A wild tree rather abundant in the Antilles and on the Continent, 40 to 50 feet
(12 to 15 meters) high, with a trunk 15 to 30 inches (87 to 75 centimeters) in
diameter. It furnishes a wood very hard, very strong, and very good for rough
_ carpenter work, carts, etc. (Grosourdy, 2: 382; also 411.)

Catesbaea melanocarpa. :

Family Rubiaceae; a species recently described from Porto Rico, St. Croix, and
Antigua, formerly confused with C. parviflora. A shrub from the south side of
the island. (Urban, Symb. 1: 427.)

Catesbaea parviflora.

A spiny shrub 6 feet. (2 meters) high, known from Guanica (summit of moun-
tain called *‘ El Maniel’’), and from near Guayanilla. (Urban, Symb. 1: 428.)
Catire.

A vine sold in the market of Ponce as an ingredient of a refreshing drink.
Cat-tail. See Typha domingensis.

Cautiva.

A bignoniaceous tree was called by this name at Santurce, but our specimen
(no. 81) has not yet been identified.

Cayaponia americana.

Family Cucurbitaceae. <A variety subintegrifolia has been described from near
Maunabo. (Stahl, 4: 172.)

Cayaponia racemosa. CoLOQUINTILLA.
An annual vine growing in waste places. Cogniaux has named a variety
plumeri. (Stahl, 4: 170, as Cionandra racemosa. )
Cayenne pepper. See Capsicum.
Cayur. See Anona palustris.
Ceanothus reclinatus. See Colubrina reclinata.

110 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Cebada. See Hordeum.
Cebolla. See Alliwm cepa.
Ceboruquillo. See Thouinia tomentosa.

A tree from the western part of the island; height 70 to 80 feet (21 to 24 meters) ;
diameter 10 to 12 inches (25 to 28 centimeters). Wood, light-colored, hard; specific
gravity, 0.857; used for packing boxes. (Exp. 1857.)

Cecropia obtusa.
Collected by Sintenis near Bayamon.

Cecropia peltata. TRUMPET TREE. YAGRUMO HEMBRA.

The name ‘‘ yagrumo hembra” has reference to the fact that this tree is popu-
larly supposed to be the female of Didymopanax morototoni, called ‘* yagrumo
macho.’’ The stems of the present species are hollow; it grows very rapidly and
although attaining a height of 50 feet (15 meters) with a diameter of a foot (25
millimeters) or more, it seems rather like an overgrown herb than a real tree.
The trunk and branches are partitioned at the nodes or former points of attach-
ment of the very large peltately divided leaves.

The juice of Cecropia contains india rubber, but the quantity obtainable by the

usual process of tapping is smalland the product has not become of commercial —

importance.
Cedar. See Cedrela odorata.

Cedrela odorata. West INDIAN CEDAR. CEDRO.

Family Meliaceae. A large tree; wood of a brown color and fragrant odor,
known variously as West Indian, Spanish, Jamaica, or Honduras cedar; used for
furniture, moth-proof chests, shingles, canoes, and other articles that have to
withstand the weather; also for cigar boxes. (Stahl, 2: 168.)

Color, pale reddish brown. Large ducts few, occurring singly, irregularly
grouped, and scattered. Medullary rays few and indistinct. Wood fibers inter-
laced, the wood splitting irregularly. Very similar to the mahogany of com-
merce. Probably Cedrela odorata, the well-known cigar-box wood of commerce.
It is no longer abundant in Porto Rico, and is now largely imported from Santo
Domingo, costing $150 per 1,000 feet. It still grows in Aguadilla and near Aibo-
nito, Juana Diaz, Cayey, and Luquillo. (Hill and Sudworth. )

Grosourdy distinguishes three varieties of the wood—cedro blanco, cedro hem-
bra colorado, and cedro macho—but states that the trees are identical.

The tree is 60, 90, or 100 feet (18, 27, or 30 meters) high, with a long straight
trunk 44 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) or more in diameter. Planted this tree would
be a source of wealth, and already plantations exist in Cuba, an example that
should be followed in the other Antilles, for it not only grows with greater
rapidity than mahogany, but is also much less delicate and will prosper in all
localities. The tree, however, prefers a clean light soil on the tops of hills or on
plains. It is not injured by moisture, except when the soil is sabmerged. It is
propagated by seeds or cuttings, and reaches its growth in forty years.

This precious wood of agreeable odor is very lasting. It is heavier, more com-
pact, and darker colored than mahogany, which the variety called ‘* cedro macho”
much resembles: the variety known as ‘‘cedro hembra’’ is much lighter, less”

compact, softer, and much lighter in color. The first-named variety is used for
z

furniture, carpenter work, and the interior of houses, and for the latter is pre-

ferred to mahogany, being softer and more easy to work, also having the advan-

tage of never being attacked by insects. It is also used for windows, balconies, |
etc. The military authorities use it for boxes, powder vessels, etc. :

The second variety is fit for the same purposes, and is furthermore used exten-
sively in making cigar boxes. The specific gravity is 0.474 and 0.461. (Gro-
sourdy, 2: 374.)

ver t

PLATE XXIV.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V III.

‘JONOd YVAN ‘“(VHGNVLNA3d VaISO) 3SYL VaISO : a

‘ONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. ILIil

Cedro blanco. See Cedrela odorata.
Cedro hembra. See Cedrela odorata.
Cedro hembra colorado. See Cedrela odorata.

Cedro macho.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 50 feet (15 meters); diameter, 55 to 60
inches (133 to 150 centimeters). Wood, blackish, hard; specific gravity, 0.878;
used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Ceiba pentandra. SILK COTTON. CEIBA. PLATE XXIV.

Family, Bombacaceae; a high tree, 20 to 30 meters, with spreading, horizontal
branches. The cotton covering the seeds is used in making beds and pillows.
The wood is white and soft, but in Porto Rico is considered desirable for minor
building purposes, such as inside partitions. The leaves are palmately divided,
like those of the horse-chestnut, and the tree is sometimes called the ‘‘ five-leaved
silk cotton,’ to distinguish it from Ochroma and others which produce a silky
fiber. The name ‘‘Bombay ceiba”’ is also used, perhaps as a corruption of
Bombax, formerly the generic name.

The ceiba tree is much more common on the south side of the island, but nearly
all have had the larger branches twisted off by the hurricane, the wood being
soft and brittle. The trunks of young trees of this species are beset with large,
conical spines, but in age these fall away and are to be found only on the branches.
The trunk is further transformed by the growth of prominent wings or buttresses,
sometimes 2 feet (0.6 meter) wide, while but a few inches thick. In west Africa,
where this tree is larger and more luxuriant, pieces of these suppor ting wings are
sawed out and used as doors of native houses.

A specimen near Ponce measured 36 meters in circumference at 4 feet from the
ground, by following the sinuosities of the trunk.

Grosourdy (2:375) says of the wood:

- * Itis white, soft, very light, but rather strong and resists water moderately well,

for which reason it is used to make canoes, although for this purpose it is not as
durable as is generally supposed. 'The bottoms of such boats are sometimes coated
with the fat from turtles to render them more durable, but when so treated the
bottom is likely to crumble suddenly. The wood is also used to make tubs and
basins. Specific gravity, 0.520.”

The fiber surrounding the seeds of this and related species is the ‘‘ kapok’’ of
commerce, and is exported in considerable quantities from the west coast of
Africa.

Ceibilla.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (13 to 14 meters);
diameter, 40 to 45 inches (100 to 115 centimeters). Wood, white, soft; specific
gravity, 0.642; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Cenizo. See Chenopodium album, Fagara martinicensis, and Tetrazygia elaeag-
noides.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 90 to 100 feet (27 to 30 meters);
diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood, yellowish, soft; specific
gravity, 0.741; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

According to Captain Hansard the specific gravity is 0.74 and the wood was for-
merly used for hogsheads.

Under this name Grosourdy refers to a number of species of Zanthoxylum and
describes it as alarge, dense tree, one kind, ‘‘ massa de hercules,’’ reaching 15 to
20 meters in height, with a straight, rather long, spiny trunk from 24 to 30 inches
(60 to 75 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is light-colored and very hand-
some. It is fibrous in texture, rather hard, light, and strong. Used in the con-

TY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

struction of country houses. Specific gravity, 0.380. The bark in some species is
spineless. (Grosourdy, 2: 363.)
Centella asiatica. YERBA DE CLAVO.
An herbaceous annual, growing in moist places. (Stahl, 4: 194.)
Cephaelis triplocephala. TRESCAPEZAS.
Family Rubiaceae; an herb. (Stahl, 5: 80.)
Cera. See Sapiwm sebiferum.
Cerasus occidentalis. See Prunus occidentalis.
Cereipa. :

Under this name flat, oily seeds with a reticulated shell, said to be useful in
the form of a liniment made with rum, and a bark used as an ingredient of a
refreshing drink, were sold in the market of Ponce.

Cerero. See Myrica cerifera.
Cereus. PLATE XXV.

A large genus belonging to the family Cactaceae.

Numerous species occur in Porto Rico, particularly about Coamo and in the
vicinity of Guayanilla. One species collected near Guayama bore large edible
fruits with a delicate and very refreshing flavor. This species might well deserve
cultivation.

Cereus grandifiorus. REINA DE LAS FLORES.

Family Cactaceae; a fleshy plant, with large, fragrant, white flowers, found in
all the Antilles. (Stahl, 4: 188.)

Cereus quadricostatus.

From vicinity of Guayanilla.
Cereus swartzil. SEBUCAN.

A fleshy plant, 3 meters high, found on the southern coast of the island. (Stahl,
4: 187.)

Cereus triangularis. PITaJAyaA.

A fleshy plant, 1 to 3 meters high, found on rocks and decayed trees. (Stahl, 4:
187.)

Cerezas. See Cordiu collococca, C. nitida,and Malpighia coccigera.
Cerezas blancas. See Cordia alba.

Cerezas cimarronas. See Cordia elliptica.

Cerezo.

‘*Cherry tree;’’ according to Captain Hansard the specific gravity is 0.61.
Cerezo commun, cerezo de la tierra. See Ciccu disticha.

Cerillo.

A specimen (no. 22) not yet identified was obtained at Lecheria under this
name, not previously recorded fora Porto Rican plant. In Cuba the name is
said to be used for Exwostemma caribaewm, a rubiaceous tree, also called ** managua
de costa,’ for which *‘ cuero de sapo”’ is given by Stahl. ‘* Cerillo de costa’’ and
‘**cerillo de loma’’ are also in use in Cuba for other plants.

Cestrum laurifolium. GALAN DEL MONTE.

Family Solanaceae; a shrub 3 to 4 meters high, found in waste places. (Stahl, —
4: 141.) q
Cestrum nocturnum. DAMA DE NOCHE. 5

Family Solanaceae; an ornamental shrub cultivated in gardens. It has white —
flowers, very fragrant at night. (Stahl, 4: 140.) 4
Chamaecrista diphylla. SEN DE DOS HOJAS. ,

A low shrubby herb differing from the other species this genus and Cassia ©
in having two obovate leaflets and very large stipules. tahl, 3: 116, as Cassia ‘
diphylla. )

PLATE XXV.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

AT GUAYAMA.

STEM Awd EDIBLE FRUIT OF CEREUS SP.

t
Ae

by takin

a al

Lr o
ee aa
wi :

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 113

Chamaecrista glandulosa. TAMARINDILLO.

A rather small species, with large flowers similar to C. fasciculata, of the
eastern United States. The leaves are much like those of the tamarind, whence
the common name. (Stahl, 3: 117, as Cassia glandulosa.)

Chamaecrista portoricensis. RETAMA.

The variety callosa is said to be called ‘‘retama,’’ and the variety granulata
*‘escobilla,’’ but it is not probable that any such precision actually exists. The
plant is a small shrub from the limestone hills about Guayanilla, Guanica, and
Cabo Rojo. (Urban, Symb. 1: 317, under Cassia.)

Chamico blanco. See Datura metel.
Chamico morado. See Datura stramonium.
Chamisco. See Datura stramonium.
~Chamiso. See Dodonaea viscosa.
~Chaptalia nutans. BRETONICA.
An annual composite pubescent herb growing in ravines and steep places,
preferably moist and sandy. (Stahl, 5: 152, as Leria nutans.)
~Chayote. See Sechium edule.
Chenopodium album. PIGWEED. CENIZO.
Family Chenopodiaceae; the familiar pigweed of our gardens.
Chenopodium ambrosioides. Basore.
_ Collected at Catano. (No. 991.)
Cherimolia. See Anona squamosa.
Cherimoyer. See Anona squamosa.
Cherry.
_ The genwine cherry does not thrive in the Tropics, but in Porto Rico the Span-
ish name for cherries, ‘‘ cerezas,’’ is applied to the fruits of species of Cordia and
_ Maipighia.
Cherry, Jamaica. See Ficus pedunculata.
_Chiagari. See Cuphea micrantha.
_Chicarron. See Comocladia.
_ Chicharo.
_ A name applied to a considerable variety of smaller leguminous vines.
Chicharron. See Reynosia uncinata.
Chicoria. See Sonchus arvensis and S. oleraceus.
_Chicoria azul. See Lactuca intybacea.
_Chicoria cimarrona. See Lobelia assurgens.
|China. See Citrus aurantium.
| China dulce. See Citrus aurantium.
| Chino.
| A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters); diam-
| eter, 6 to 8 inches (15 +o 20 centimeters). Wood yellow, hard; specific gravity,
0.873; used in making furniture. Also called ‘‘caro,’’ and presumably not the
orange tree. (Exp. 1857.)
| Chiococca racemosa. BrJUCO DE BERAC.

Family Rubiaceae; a shrub 2 to 3 meters high, biennial; found in waste places

and at bases of mountains. (Stahl, 5: 62.)
_Chione glabra. MarrTIn avina.

/ Family Rubiaceae; a tree 10 meters high; used for lumber. (Stahl, 5: 57.)
Chirimoya. See Anona squamosa,

114 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Chirivita. See EHrigeron spathulatus.

Chlorophora tinctoria. Fustic.

Family Moraceae; atree reported from Guanica. <A variety xanthoxylon is also
known from Bayamon. The yellow wood farnishes a yellow dye; also used for
brown and green shades. Fustic to the value of $121,665 ~was imported in 1899,
according to the Treasury reports.

A tree of slow growth that reaches a height of 50 feet (15 meters), and with a
trunk 14 to 2 feet (0.5 to 0.6 meter) in diameter. Furnishes an elegant wood of a
handsome yellow or orange color, with time and exposure to the air turning
slowly lighter until it becomes a dirty yellow, which is improved by varnishing
when used for furniture. Specific gravity, 0.711. In the countries where it grows
the wood is used for shelving in the country houses, for the spokes of carriage
and wagon wheels, and wherever strength and resistance are necessary. (Gro-
sourdy, 2 : 383.)

The native name ‘‘mora”’ is given by this author.

Chocho. See Sechiwm edule.
Chocolate. See Theobron.a cacao.

Chrysobalanus icaco. Icaco. PLATE XXVE-
Family Rosaceae; shrub 2 meters high, found on dry beaches; known as ‘* cocoa-

plum.” Fruits about the size of a plum, used for preserves. The variety pello-

carpus is reported from Manati. Bello spells the common name “ hicaco.”’

(Stahl, 4: 64.)

Chrysophyllum cainito. STAR APPLE. CAINITO.

Family Sapotaceae; a tree 10 to 15 meters high, with fruit about the size of an
apple; edible, and said to be very PQ OSON ED ERS when eaten with orange; Bello and
others sometimes write the common name ‘*‘caimito.”’ (Stahl, 6: 45.)

Very similar to the species referred to under *‘ caimitillo,’’ which should prob-
ably be referred to this species. The wood is darker, violet-colored, and rather
coarse. Not used, but thought by Grosourdy to be suitable to the same purposes
as caimitillo. Specific gravity, 0.889. (Grosourdy, 2: 369.)

Chrysophyllum glabrum. L&ECHECILLO.
A tree or shrub 4 to 5 meters high. (Stahl, 6: 48.)

Chrysophyllum krugii.
A recently described species collected by Sintenis between Coamo and Aibonito.

Chrysophyllum monopyrenum. CaIMITILLO.

A tree 3 to 5 meters high, bearing an edible fruit called in Jamaica ‘* damson
plum.” Bello reports the common name “‘ teta de burro” for C. olivaeforme.
(Stahl, 6: 46.)

Furnishes a very strong and solid flesh-colored wood that is not used except to
make charcoal for forges, for which it is highly valued. (Grosourdy, 2: 415.)
Chrysophyllum oliviforme. See Chrysophyllum monopyrenum.

Chupa gallo. See Cinnamodendron macranthum.

Chupagallo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 19 to 20 inches (47 to 50 centimeters). Wood light-colored, hard; specifie
gravity, 0.980; used in building houses. Also known as ‘‘caro.”’ (Exp. 1857.) (

Cicca disticha. CEREZO COMUN.

A tree 21 to 24 feet in height, with a trunk 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 contimetaal
in diameter. Furnishes, after polishing, a very pretty wood, having as yet no
application. The wood isof ordinary weight, fibrous in texture, rather hard, fine-

PLATE XXVI.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

IcACO (CHRYSOBALANUS ICACO).

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 115

grained, but not very lasting. Specific gravity, 0.577. Also called ‘‘ cerezo de la
tierra.’’ (Grosourdy, 2: 376.)

Cicca disticha is given asasynonym of Phyllanthus distichus, an Indian species.
Cicer arietinum. GARBANZO.

The extensive use of garbanzos or chick-peas by the Porto Ricans, and doubt-
less also by other Spanish-Americans, suggests the desirability of cultivating them
in the United States for export to these tropical countries. Moreover, they are
undoubtedly a palatable and nutritious dish which, if properly introduced, should
find a place on the American table.

Wecould not learn that any ‘‘ garbanzos’’ were grown in the island or that any
experiments in this direction were ever tried.

Cidron. See Lippia nodiflora.

Cieneguillo. See Daphnopsis philippiana, Eugenia confusa, Comidesia lin-
deniana and Myrcia deflexa.

Cienigilla.

A tree with very hard white wood; grows to no great size; similar to ash; not
uncommon in the mountains. (Hansard.)
Cieniguillo. See Myrcia ferruginea and M. deflexa

Doubtless the same name as cieneguillo.

Cinchona. QUININE.

Experiments have been tried with cinchona in Jamaica, but the market is now
well supplied by Java and the British West Indies, so that planting in Porto Rico
does not seem advisable from the commercial standpoint.

Cinnamodendron macranthum. CHUPAGALLO.
A tree belonging to the family Canellaceae; 10 meters high, with greenish
white, orange-perfumed flowers. From Sierra de Luquillo. (Urban, Add. 1: 9.)

Cinnamomum camphora. CAMPHOR TREE.

The true camphor tree of Japan and China has been successfully planted in
California and in the warmer parts of our Gulf States, since it is able to withstand
light frosts. It makes a beautiful and in every way desirable shade tree in adai-
tion to its value for the extraction\of camphor, for which some have calculated
that its culture would be a paying business. It seems entirely probable that the
camphor tree would grow well in Porto Rico,and the conditions are probably
favorable for the production of the gum, in which respect the culture of camphor
in North Africa has failed, perhaps owing to the too great heat and dryness of the
climate.

The present species is not the only one yielding camphor; Blwmea balsamifera,
a composite herb native in China, and Dryobalanops aromatica, a large tree of
the family Dipterocarpaceae, native in Borneo and neighboring islands, also yield
substances closely similar to camphor, and even more highly valued.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum. CINNAMON.

The cinnamon tree is native in Ceylon and other parts of the East Indies, and
has been introduced into the American tropics, though not known to have reached
Porto Rico. It might thrive in a few situations on the south side of the island,
but a dry, sandy soil is considered necessary for the production of bark of good
quality,and Porto Rico has little land of that kind. Cinnamomum cassia and
other species of the genus are more hardy and produce commercial barks used as
substitutes and adulterants of the true cinnamon, to which they are inferior.
Cinnamon. See Cinnamomum.

Cinnamon, wild. See Canella alba and Amomis caryophyllata.

Cionandra racemosa. See Cayaponia racemosa.

25227—VOL VII, PT 2—03———5

116 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Cipil.

A tree from the interior of the island; height 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters),
diameter 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood white, very hard; specific
gravity, 0.960; used in boat building. Also called ** pino.”? (Exp. 1857.)

Ciralillo. See Meliosma obtusifolia.
Cirila. See Cyrilla antillana.
Ciruela del pais. See Spondias purpurea.

Cissampelos microcarpa. BEJUCO DE MONA.
Reported by Bello from the western part of the island.

Cissampelos pareira. BEJUCO DE MONA. :

Family Menispermaceae; an annual herb. The ‘‘ pareira brava’’ of the phar-
macopoeia is a product of this plant; said to be an antidote for poison, and valua-
ble in medicine. (Stahl, 2: 31.)

-Cissusacida. See Vitis acida.
Cissus sicyoides. See Vitis sicyoides.
Cissus trifoliata. See Vitis trifoliata.

Citharexylum quadrangulare. PENDULO COLORADO. PuatTe XXVIL.

Family Verbenaceae; a tree 20 to 60 feet (6 to 18 meters) high, with red wood;
useful for furniture and building. Found in mountain districts. Sintenis’ speci-
men from Cayey (no. 2321) has the leaves broader and more nearly elliptical and
may be distinct from his 3723. Bello gives the common names ‘*‘ pendola’’ and
“‘palo de guitarra.’’ (Stahl, 6: 211.)

Grosourdy (2: 409), under the native name ‘‘ péndula,’’ describes this species
as a wild tree reaching 50 feet (15 meters) in height, with a moderately straight
trunk 18 inches (45 centimeters) in diameter. Furnishes a rather strong, straw-
colored wood that breaks with an oblique fracture. Itis used for beams, windows,
doors, etc. The natives make their guitars of this wood. Specific gravity, 0.753
and 0.722.

Citron. See Citrus medica.
Citrullus vulgaris. WATERMELON. SANDfiA. PATILLA.

Watermelons seldom reach marketable quality in humid tropical countries.
A few were seen in the market of San Juan, but none of them would have been
considered fit to eat in the United States. Watermelon growing is scarcely to
be recommended as a profitable business in Porto Rico, though with properly
selected conditions and careful cultivation fairly good fruit can probably be
raised, asreported by one of the Department's correspondents. Muskmelons will
probably succeed somewhat better.

Citrus.

Grosourdy (2: 394) says of the lemon and orange that they furnish a wood
very strong, flexible, compact, and of good durability and resistance. It is, how-~
ever, more an object of curiosity than utility, although it is used for moldings and _
inlaid work of fine furniture. The military authorities of San Juan use it for the
handles of tools. He gives the specific gravity of lemon as 0.833 and that of the
orange as 0.815. ; ¥
Citrus aurantium. SWEET ORANGE. CHINA. .

** China’ is the name under which the common sweet orange is known in Porto”
Rico, the Spanish name for the orange, ‘‘naranja,’’ being applied to the ——
orange. ’

This fruit may be distinguished from the sour orange not only by the taste but
by the smoother and more even surface, the thinner and more closely fitting rind,
and the solid center. ;

Until recently the orange in Porto Rico has been propagated only by seeds, an

wie

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XXVII.

PENDULO COLORADO (CITHAREXYLUM QUADRANGULARE). ROAD BETWEEN PONCE AND
ADJUNTAS.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 117

as might be expected under such circumstances the fruit is anything but uniform
in character. The majority of those offered in the markets are of such low grade
that they would hardly have been placed before a public accustomed to a fruit of
good quality. As arule, the fruits are very juicy but lack texture and flavor.
Specimens of a high-grade orange were, however, secured at San Juan, and fruit
specialists at Washington were of the opinion that this variety might even profit-
ably be used for propagation by budding.

According to Captain Hansard, a weed called ‘‘cojitre’’ placed around the orange
tree sweetens the fruit. This is believed to be a leguminous plant and suggests
the possibility of its use as a substitute for the nitrogenous manure which is said
to be necessary for the best results with this fruit.

Ten years are thought to be necessary for a tree to reach full bearing. It is
claimed that a single tree will sometimes produce several thousand oranges.

**Naranja china’’ and ‘‘ china dulce’’ arenames sometimes applied to the sweet
orange.

Citrus bigaradia. SoUR ORANGE. NARANJA.

The most common of the citrous fruits is perhaps the sour orange, or *‘ naranja,”’
as it is universally called in Porto Rico. The ordinary Porto Rican sour orange
is believed to belong to this species, and is not the Seville orange, as has been
reported.

In Florida the sour orange is used for stocks in all plantings on moist land, for
the reason that it resists the foot rot, or mal di goma, and other diseases which
affect other varieties when planted on heavy soils.

Citrus decumana. PoOMELO. TORONJA.

Pomelo seems now to be the name preferred for the fruit otherwise known as
grape fruit. The shaddock is thought to bea slightly different horticultural
variety.

Pomeloes were seen growing near Bayamon, but as the fruit was immature
the quality could not be judged. Although not so sensitive to frosts as the lime
or lemon, the pomelo requires tropical conditions for properly maturing the fruit,
and the increasing popularity of this fruit will warrant careful experiments in
Porto Rico.

Citrus hystrix acida. Lime. Lima.

The lime is referred by different authors to both C. medica em C. limetta, as
well as to the present species.

The limes of Porto Rico seem to be quite normal and of good quality.

The lime endures shipment well if properly packed, and as the quality of the
Porto Rican fruit is good it is perhaps the most eligible fruit with which to open
a trade.

In the British island of Montserrat the production of limes for the extraction of
lime juice has been made quite an industry. About 1,400 acres are planted to
limes, over 1,200 belonging to a single estate. The annual total of income from
the industry averages over $30,000, and other islands contribute large quantities.
Citrus limonum. Leremon. Limon.

The Porto Rican lemon seems to be somewhat intermediate between the genu-
ine lemon and the rough lemon of Florida and Jamaica.

Commercially it can not be expected to compete in the market with the ordinary
lemon, but for eating and possibly for the preparation of unsweetened lemonade,
it might become popular with those who are partial to acid fruits.

Citrus medica. CiTRON. TORONJA.
To this species are referred by some authors not only the citron, but the lemon,

| lime, bergamot orange, and the sweet lemon, or ‘‘ lemon dulce.”’

118 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

A specimen of citron was secured from a street vender in San Juan. He stated
that considerable quantities are grown in the vicinity of Trujillo Alto, but there
was no opportunity of investigating that locality. Large amounts of citron peel
are imported into the United States from Mediterranean countries, notably from
Corsica, and experiments in the culture of the trees are being made in Florida and
California. The possibility of success in Porto Rico is worthy of investigation.
Although none of the citrons now in commerce are grown in tropical countries,
there are said to be varieties of excellent quality in Hindostan and the Malay
Peninsula. The Porto Rican specimen observed was of medium size, but the skin
was too thin and too loose in texture and apparently deficient in flavor. Some or
all of these defects may, of course, be due to the absence of proper culture.

Citrus vulgaris. See Citrus aurantium.
Clavel. See Cosmos caudatus.
Clavelillo. See Stemmodontia carnosa.

At Toa Alto and Catano this name was also used for a species of Spermacoce not
yet identified.

Clavellina. See Poinciana pulcherrima.
Clavelon de playa. See Borrichia arborescens.
Clematis dioica. CABELLOS DE ANGEL.

Family Ranunculaceae; a shrubby climber, found in mountains, flowering in
December. Called ‘‘ virgin’s bower,” ‘‘rudding withe,” and ‘“‘ traveler’s joy ”’ ir
Jamaica. From vicinity of Lares. (Stahl, 2: 19.)

Cleome pentaphylla. See Gynandropsis pentaphylla.
Cleome pungens. See Cleome spinosa.

Cleome speciosa. See Gynandropsis speciosa.
Cleome spinosa. VOLATINES PUNZANTES. SAMBO.

Family Capparidaceae; an annual thorny herb, 1 meter high; thrives in a dry soil.
Specimens were obtained at Coamo Springs (no. 720), where the name * aromo”
is used. Bello reports the name ‘‘ jasmin del rio”’ for Cleome pungens. (Stahl,
2: 41.)

Clerodendron aculeatum. BOoTON DE ORO.

Family Verbenaceae; a shrub, 5 to 12 feet (1.5 to 3.5 meters) high. From
Fajardo. (Stahl, 6: 218.) Reported by Bello.

Clerodendron fragrans. FLOR DE MUERTO.

A biennial shrub, 1 meter high. Bello reports the common name “ jasmin
hediondo.’’ (Stahl, 6: 219.)

Cleyera albopunctata.

Family Theaceae; from vicinity of Maricas.
Clidemia hirta. CAMACEY PELUDO.

Family Melastomaceae; a common shrub, 8 to 8 feet (1 to 2.5 meters) high.
(Stahl, 4: 95.)

Clidemia neglecta. CAMACEY NEGLIGENTE.

A shrub, 3 to 8 feet (1 to 2.5 meters) high. (Stahl, 4: 97.)
Clitoria arborescens. CONCHITA ESBELTA.

Family Leguminosae; a high climber, growing in dry places. (Stahl, 3: 59.)
Clitoria glycinoides. CONCHITA BLANCA.

An annual wild vine, growing in all parts of the island. According to Stahl the
flowers are white,and according to Grisebach purple-variegated. Our specimens
(nos. 299 and 373) were noted in life to be creamy white, with purplish lines on
the banner; on drying they became distinctly yellow. (Stahl, 3: 58.)

PLATE XXVIII. _

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

EA). NEAR YAUCO.

CuPey (CLUSIA RO

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 119

Clitoria ternatea. BEJUCO DE CONCHITAS.

A woody annual vine, with handsome blue and white flowers; a native of the
East Indies, cultivated in gardens as an ornamental, and frequently escaped in
waste places, including dry rocky hillsides. Our specimens were collected near
Jobo. (Stahl, 3: 56.)

Clove. See Eugenia aromatica.
Clusia acuminata. CUPEILLO.
Family Guttiferae. (Stahl, 2: 124.)
Clusia cartilaginosa.
From Cayey; Adjuntas.
Clusia gundlachi. CUPEY DE ALTURA.
A shrub, 3 to 5 meters high; grows above 1,000 feet (300 meters) altitude. The

resin is used for rheumatism. From Mariacao and Luquillo. (Stahl, 2: 122.)

Clusia krigiana. CUPEI.
A shrub or small tree of 3 to 15 meters, reported from Sierra de Luquillo (El
Yunque) and from the vicinity of Utuado.

Clusia rosea. CUPEY. PuaTE XXVIII.

A wild tree or shrub 3 to 10 meters high. The resin is useful in rheumatism.
(Stahl, 2: 121.)

A wild tree that grows usually as a parasite on other trees, which are often killed
by it. The roots spread downward over the trunk until the ground is reached,
when other roots are formed, and the tree finally comes to be supported by its own
trunk. When grown entirely in the ground, the trunk will not be so tall but
thicker and denser. The diameter is from 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters),
and it sometimes reaches a height of 30 or 40 feet (9 to 12 meters), The wood is
reddish and is used only as fuel. Specific gravity, 0.876—(Grosourdy, 2: 378).
Sometimes called ‘‘ balsam fig ”’ or ‘‘ balsam tree.”’

Cnicus portoricensis. See Caurduus mexicanus.
Cobano. See Stahlia maritima.
Cobana negra.

Makes pretty walking sticks, perfectly black, very similar to ebony, a smoky
but not a jet black; takes a high polish.
Cobano.

A tree from the eastern parts of the island; height 50 to 60 feet (15 to 18 meters),
diameter 25 to 30 inches (60 to 75 centimeters). Wood very dark and very hard;
specific gravity, 1.227; used in boat building. (Exp. 1857.) Said by Stahl to be
the same as ** cojobana,’’ a name which he applies to Pithecolobiwm filicifolium
and to Piptadenia peregrina.

Coca. See Lrythroxylon coca.

‘Cocaine. See EHrythroxylon coca.

Coccocypselum repens. BALSAMILLO.

Family Rubiaceae; a creeping tufted annual; stems 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50
centimeters) long, growing in mountains. Bello records the common name
“yerba de guava.”’ (Stahl, 5: 45.)

Coccolobis.

A large West Indian genus of polygonaceous shrubs and trees, many of which
bear edible fruits known as ‘‘ sea grapes”’ or ‘‘uvas del mar,’’ although other
more specialized names are used in Porto Rico where the genus is represented by
numerous species.

Coccolobis diversifolia. Pawo Bopo.
A shrub of 15 feet (5 meters) or less, known throughout the West Indies.

120 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Coccolobis excoriata.
This tree attains a considerable size and is looked upon as a fine timber wood;
grows in mountains. (Sunan.)

Coccolobis grandifolia. Mora.on.
A large tree of the mountain forests.

Coecolobis kunthiana.
From Utuado.

Coccolobis laurifolia.

Native names: ‘‘ Uvillo,”’ ‘‘ glateado,”’ and ‘‘ uverillo.’’ See note under Cocco-
lobis. From Cabo Rojo.
Coccolobis nivea. CALAMBRENAS.

A branching tree 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) in height, with papery leaves, yel-
lowish flowers, and small white edible berries. Specimens were obtained at CORES
Springs (no. 737) and near Ponce (no. 805), the latter with red berries.
Coccolobis obtusifolia. UviL1o.

A shrub of 10 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters), known from the Bahamas, Santo
Domingo, Porto Rico, and the Danish Islands.

Coccolobis pirifolia.

From Bayamon.

Coccolobis rugosa. ORTEGON.

A species with deeply wrinkled leaves 18 inches (45 centimeters) across; col-
lected by Sintenis at Cayey. Also reported by Eggers from the region of El
Yunque as C. macrophylla. Said to be the most conspicuous tree in some regions,
up to an altitude of 2,000 feet, especially when the purple flowering spikes, a yard
long, are displayed. <A large tree, said to be abundant in Porto Rico, and furnish-
ing an economic wood.

Coccolobis uvifera. SEA GRAPE. UVERO..

Also called ‘‘ uva del mar,’’ and in Jamaica ‘*‘ pigeon wood.’’ <A treeof medium
or large size growing near the sea. The berries are described by Grisebach as
dark blue and 4 to} of an inch (12 to 16 millimeters) in length. The wood is
esteemed in Jamaica for cabinet work. The plants are propagated by cuttings
and the trees grow to a large size.

. Coco. See Cocos mucifera.

Cocoa plum. See Chrysobalanus icaco,
Cocoe. See Colocasia esculenta.
Cocorron. See Elaeodendron xylocarpum.

A tree reported by Grosourdy as occurring in the eastern part of the island,
30 or 35 feet (9 to 11 meters) high, with a trunk i foot or more (30 centimeters)
in diameter. It furnishes a yellow wood of medium durability, having a vertical
fracture, used in the construction of country houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 376
Cocorroncito. Elaeodendron attenuatum.

Cocos aculeata. See Acrocomia aculeata.
Cocos mauritia. :

A name given by Hill for the ‘‘ palma moriche.’’ There is no such name or
synonym in the Index Kewensis, and the reference is doubtless to Mauritia
flecuosa, which is also given by Hill as the botanical name of ‘! moriche.”’ ;
Cocos nucifera.

The rather extensive use of green cocoanuts for drinking purposes in Porto
Rico suggests the question whether the extraction of fiber from the husks might _
not be undertaken to advantage. This fiber is a regular and important article of —
export from the East Indies to Europe, under the name of coir, and is used in

se ade

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 121

the manufacture of cordage, bags, brooms, brushes, nets, matting, and other
coarse fabrics, and for numerous minor purposes. In some parts of India unripe
cocoanuts are used for this purpose, the fiber being finer and more flexible than
that of the mature nuts. For the extraction of the fiber the husks are split open
upon a sharp stake or crowbar and then soaked in tanks or pits dug in the banks
of tidal rivers. The labor of beating out the fibers from the rotted husks is
considerable, and the people of Porto Rico could hardly have competed in this
with the Hindoos, particularly since the latter have all the experience, but suc-
cessful machinery has been invented and is now coming into general use, so that
when power plants have been established in Porto Rico the possibilities of the
extraction of coir will be worthy of further investigation. Very little coir is
imported into the United States in the unmanufactured condition, so that plans
for any extensive trade must have reference to the European market.

The other important cocoanut export of India and the South Sea Islands is
copra, the dried meat of the nut. It is imported into Europe and America for
the sake of the cocoanut oil, which is extracted from it to the amount of 30 to 60
per cent of its weight, depending upon quality and the degree of dryness. The
Treasury reports for 1899 show importations of:

SOOM ss Ea cs aa ak ea LO 2,071,037 pounds, valued at $109,421
MSO OTUs OU to es Eh eRe a ee 21,794,633 pounds, valued at $1,034,710

Something over another million dollars was paid for cocoanuts in the shell and
in other forms.

Cocoanut oil is used extensively for food, in the Far East as a substitute for
butter, lard, or olive oil, and is also burned for illumination. In Europe and the
United States it is employed mostly in the manufacture of candles and soaps,
but in the latter form it has the disadvantage of having a disagreeable smell. At
cool temperatures, 40° to 60°, it becomes solid, but in the Tropics it remains fluid.
The *‘ cake,’ left after the oil has been extracted, is used quite after the manner
of cottonseed. Copra is used much more extensively in Europe than in this
country, but recent statistics are not available. The trade is, however, known to
have suffered in recent years from the competition of the African palm oil—secured
from Elaeis gquineensis, which is superior to cocoanut oil for the purpose of soap
making—and has probably been further affected by our cottonseed oil.

As a minor local use of the cocoanut, may be mentioned the employment of the
roots as one of the ingredients of the numerous refreshing drinks so popular in
Porto Rico.

Grosourdy (2: 495) states that the wood is used in the same manner as that of
the royal palm, and some parts are more highly prized, being harder, handsomer,
and more suitable for fine work; specific gravity 0.501 and 0.865.

Cocotero. See Cocos nucifera.
This is the name for the cocoanut tree, but it is little used, both the tree and the
nut being commonly called coco.

Coco wood. See Inga vera.

Coffea arabica. CorrFEE. Cars, ‘

Coffee is the most important product of Porto Rico, and its culture is too exten-
sive a subject to be more than touched on here. The question of shade has been
made the subject of a special publication. (See Bulletin No. 25, Division of
Botany, United States Department of Agriculture. ) g

The most careless and wasteful methods are practiced in the culture of this
important crop. No attention is paid to the selection of seedlings, most of the
new plants being secured from seeds that have germinated under the trees in the
old plantations. It is estimated that by proper methods of cultivation the yield
from the land now devoted to coffee could be doubled or tripled.

122 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Coffee is a very popular beverage on the island. As usually prepared it is very
black, due, in part, to the custom of roasting the beans with sugar. This is some-
times added when the roasting is nearly completed and is supposed to coat the
beans with a thin layer of burnt sugar, which helps to retain the aroma.

Coffee. See Coffea arabica.
Cohune nut. See Attalea cohune.
Coitre. See Commelina.

Coix lachryma-jobi. JoB’s TEARS. CAMANDULA. j PLATE XXIX.

A grass with large oval, very hard seeds, smooth and polished, and of a light
pearly-gray color; they are sometimes strung for beads or rosaries. This species
is not uncommon in waste places in Porto Rico.

Cojoba. See Copaifera hymenaeifolia and Acacia berteriana.

According to Captain Hansard cojoba wood is used for posts and fencing; spe-
cific gravity, 0.60.

A wild tree found sparingly in the eastern part of the island, 40 to 50 feet (12
to 15 meters) high, 2 feet (60 centimeters) in diameter; furnishes a wood that is
flesh-colored, very hard, breaking vertically with great difficulty; used in boat
building and for fences, in which case it strikes root; also called ‘‘ palo de hierro,”’
and ‘‘ quiebra hacha.’’ (Grosourdy, 2: 376.)

Cojoba blanca.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 50 to 60 feet (15 to 18 meters) ;
diameter, 12 to 15 inches. Wood white, very hard; specific gravity, 0.928; used in
boat building. (Exp. 1857.)

Cojoba negra.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters);
diameter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood dark, very hard; specific
gravity, 0.994; used in boat building. (Exp. 1857.)

Cojobana. See Piptadenia peregrina and Pithecolobium jfilicifolium.

Grosourdy (2: 376) refers this name and ‘‘ cobana”’ to Swietenia mahagoni.
Cojobilla. See Piptadenia peregrina.

Bello reports this name under Acacia angustiloba.

Cola. See Cola acuminata.

Cola acuminata. COoLa.

The cola tree was introduced into the West Indies from West Africa during
slave trading times for the benefit of the slaves. It has become naturalized in
Trinidad and probably in other islands.

Coladilla. See Polypodium polypodioides.
Coleus amboinicus. See Coleus aromaticus.

Coleus aromaticus.
Family Labiatae. Bello reports the name ‘‘ oregano de Espana” for Coleus ~
amboinicus. (Stahl, 6: 170.)

Collards. See Brassica oleracea.

Colocasia esculenta. Taro. YAUTIA MALANGA. BLEEDING HEART.
Family Araceae; the ‘*‘ taro’’ of Polynesia.
Elsewhere about the Caribbean Sea the same plant has a most confusing variety

of native names, ‘‘coco’’ in Jamaica, ‘*‘eddo’’ in Barbados, ‘* tannia’’ in Trini-

dad, ‘‘taya’’ in the French islands, ‘‘oto’’ on the Isthmus of Panama, and

‘““tiquisquis ** in Nicaragua. European travelers and residents are commonly not

aware of the differences between these closely similar plants, and generally apply

these names indiscriminately to both Colocasia and Xanthosma; and some botanists

have even failed to appreciate the differences. .

reas

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII, PLATE XXIX

JosB’s TEARS (COIX LACHRYMA-JOBI).

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 123

The species of Colocasia can be distinguished from those of Xanthosma by the
peltate leaves.

Mr. W. M. Armstrong, of Honolulu, states that he found the Porto Rican taro,
or yautia, invariably inferior to the Hawaiian, the introduction of which he con-
siders would be an important service for the agricultural population of Porto Rico.
Stock should be secured from Hilo through the experiment station authorities.

Mr. Armstrong also states that the Hawaiian taro has been found superior to
that of Fiji and Samoa by Mr. Alexander, who has investigated the subject. Its
wholesome and delicate quality recommend it to resident Americans, and many
who have returned to California now import taro for household use.

Recently the Chinese have taken to raising another variety of taro, or taro-like
plant, in California, particularly at Bakersfield. This is said to be propagated
from tuberous lateral shoots, not like the taro in which the leafy cut-off ends are
planted. Chinese taro is also imported to California from Canton and Hongkong.
This is by some thought to be somewhat inferior to the Hawaiian, but the
difference is not great.

Coloquintilla. See Cayaponia racemosa.

Colubrina ferruginosa. SNAKE woop. ABELLUELLO.
Family Rhamnaceae; a tree 15 to 20 meters high, found in mountains. Stahl
states that this species is also called ‘* quitaran.’’ (Stahl, 4: 45.)

Colubrina reclinata. Mast.

A shrub or low tree found in the mountains; 15 to 20 meters high. From near
Guanica. (Stahl, 4: 46.)

Called ‘‘ palo mabi’’ by Grosourdy (2: 366), who says the wood is strong and
durable and is used in Cuba for building. Specific gravity, 0.947.

Both this and the following species are said to be used to make the drink called
““mabi.” (Ceanothus reclinatus.)

Columnea hispida. “See Colummnea tulae.

_Columneatulae. TIBEY PARASITO.

Family Gesneriaceae; an annual 50 centimeters high, found in high mountains.
Stahl’s C. hispida is found by Urban not to be Swartz’s species of that name and
is redescribed as variety flava of C. tulae, the flowers being yellow instead of red.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 410.)

Commelina. CoITRE.

Several species of Commelina are common in Porto Rico and all seem to be
called ‘* coitre.”’
Comocladia.

A West Indian genus belonging to the family Anacardiaceae and having a
poisonous juice similar to that of poison ivy and other species of Rhus. All the
species are shrubs or trees with compound leaves and nearly all have the margins
of the leaflets armed with pointed teeth into which the veins are produced.

This peculiarity, while not unique, will assist in the recognition of the species
with which those who have occasion to visit West Indian forests will do well to
become acquainted. In Cuba species of Comocladia-are called ‘‘ guao,’’ in Porto
Rico * carrasco,’’ and in Santo Domingo ‘“‘chicarron.’’ In his last revision of the
genus Professor Engler, of Berlin, recognized nine species. While several of these
are represented in the National Herbarium, there are also several new forms,
including three from Porto Rico, making ten species available for study.
Comocladia acuminata. CaARRASco.

A shrub 2 to 3 meters high; found at the base of the mountains; said to be
poisonous.

124 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Comocladia ilicifolia. CARRASsco.
A shrub 2 or 3 meters high found on the south coast of the island. (Stahl,

4: 59.)

Conchita blanea. See Clitoria glycinoides.

Conchita de Plumier. See Centrosema plumieri.

Conchita esbelta. See Clitoria arborescens.

Conchita laurifolia. See Centrosema laurifolia.

Conchita peluda. See Centrosema pubescens.

Conchita Virginia. See Centrosema virginianum. |

Concombre. See Cucumis anguria.
This common name is applied at San Juan; at Ponce Cucumis anguria is called

pepino or pepinito.

Condalia ferrea. See Scuta ferrea

Congo pea. See Cajanus cajan.

Congo.
A variety of banana. See Musa.

Conocarpus erectus. MANGLE BOTON.

Family Combretaceae; a shrub 5 meters high, growing in mangrove swamps.
In Jamaica called ‘*‘ alder’’ or ‘*‘ button tree,’ and esteemed as fire wood. (Stahl,
A: 137.)

A wild tree abundant on the coasts, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters) high, 9 to 10
inches (22 to 35 centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a wood very hard and
heavy, fibrous in texture, fine-grained, and compact. When freshly worked it is
gray tinted with light chocolate with narrow undulous light lines; after it has
been worked for some time it becomes darker. For a long time the wood keeps
the marshy odor of the swamps. Specific gravity,1.009. _Used in building boats
and barges, also for shelving, being very durable when grown on dry ground. It
is used also to make charcoal for forges. (Grosourdy, 2: 399.)

Conradia. See Pentarhaphia reticulata.

Conradia reticulata. See Pentarhaphia reticulata.
Contrayerva. See Aristolochia.

Convolvulus jamaicensis. AGUINALDO BLANCA DE COSTA.

Family Convolvulaceae; a wild yine growing in sayannas and along the coast.
(Stahl, 6: 169.)

Convolvulus nodifiorus, AGUINALDO BLANCO.

A creeping plant, found in waste places on the south coast of the island.
(Stahl, 6: 170.)

Convolvulus pentanthus. AGUINALDO AZUL.

Wild in waste places and arid regions. (Stahl, 6: 168.)
Copaifera hymenaeifolia. CoJosa.

Baron Eggers expresses in the Kew Bulletin for 1890 the opinion that this spe-
cies is confined to Cuba. It is enumerated by Hill among Porto Rican forest
trees.

Copaifera officinalis. PaLo DE ACEITE.

A wild tree, rather large and dense, which at first sight slightly resembles the
walnut of Europe. It is 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) high with a rather straight
trunk 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a good
wood, rather hard, very handsome, of good weight, fibrous in texture, but rather
compact and fine-grained. The general color is brownish or sometimes about the
color of dead leayes beautified with black markings and resembling walnut. The

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 125

shavings have the odor of copaiba balsam. The wood is used for building and
general carpenter work, for making wheels of carts and carriages, for turning
and for adorning the interior of houses, also for furniture. Specific gravity
0.777. (Grosourdy, 2: 378.)

Copaiva, See Copaifera.

Copillo. See Cordia globosa.

Coral.

A tree from the western parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters) ;
diameter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood pinkish, hard; specific
gravity 1.247; used in house building. (Exp. 1857.)

Coral bean. See Hrythrina corallodendron.
Coralillo. See Antigonon leptopus.
Coralillo rosado. See Antigonon leptopus.
Coralitos. See Adenanthera pavonina.
Corazon. See Anona reticulata.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 12 inches (30 centimeters). Wood yellow, soft; specific gravity, 0.650; little
used. (Exp. 1857.)

According to Captain Hansard this is the ‘‘ bull’s heart”’ or ‘‘ sweet sop”’ of the
British Islands. The specific gravity of the wood is 0.65. According to Grisebach
the name ‘‘ sweet sop’’ is applied both to Anona squamosa and A. sericea, while
in the Treasury of Botany the ‘‘ bullock’s heart ”’ of the West Indies is said to be
A. reticulata.

Corazon cimarron. See Anona palustris and Rollinia multiflora.

Corcho. See Anona palustris.
A cork tree, with very soft wood and umbreila-like leaves; very rare.

Corcho blanco.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood white, very soft; specific _
gravity, 0.555; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Corcho prieto.

A tree from all parts of the islands; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood light, soft; specific gravity,
0.558; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Corchorus hirsutus. Matva Th DE LA PLAYA.

Family Tiliaceae; a shrub 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 2 meters) high, found along the sea-
coast. A specimen collected at Santurce (no. 293), and there called ‘‘ cadillo,’’
agrees fairly well with a sheet from St. Croix in the National Herbarium, but is
much less hirsute than material from other parts of the West Indies and South
America. A variety, tortipes, was obtained by Sintenis at Aguadilla, who also
secured the typical form at Guanica. (Stahl, 2: 117.)

Corchorus hirtus. MAtva TR.

A woody herb. (Stahl, 2: 115.)

Corchorus siliquosus. Matva Tk. BROOMWEED.

A woody shrub, 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 1 meter) high, frequenting stony and sandy
places; used by the natives of the West Indies for making brooms; the leaves
used for tea. (Stahl, 2: 116.)

Cordia.

A large genus of boraginaceous trees yielding medicinal drugs, edible fruits,
and yaluable timber. In the characters of habit, leaves, and inflorescence the
species of Cordia are extremely diverse, and there also appears to be considerable
confusion as to the identity of closely allied species.

126 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Cordia alba. CEREZAS BLANCAS.

Family Boraginaceae. According to Grisebach this is a tree 30 feet (9 meters)
high. Stahl says that it is a shrub 9 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters) high with slender
branches trailing over the surrounding vegetation. From Penuelas.

Grosourdy gives the native name ‘“‘capa blanco”’ and agrees with Grisebach
in the dimensions, describing it as a tree 30 to 45 feet (9 to 14 meters) high with a
rather dense top. The trunk is moderately long, about 3 feet (1 meter) in diame-
ter, and rather crooked. The wood is very hard and strong, dark yellow in color,
breaking with an oblique fracture. Itis very lasting and highly esteemed. Exten-
sively employed by the military authorities of San Juan for gun carriages, hubs of
wheels, carpenter benches, vises, etc. It is also used in making fine furniture
and in the construction of buildings and for farm utensils. (Grosourdy, 2: 370.)

Cordia bellonis.
A shrub from the vicinity of Maricao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 393.)

Cordia borinquensis. MuUNECA.

Also called ‘‘ palo de Muiieca.’’ A tree attaining 20 meters, recently described
as a new species; reported from numerous localities. (Urban, 1: 390.) From
Isabon, Sierra de Naguabo, and near Utuado.

Cordia collococca. CEREZAS.

A tree 5 meters high, with white bark; wood soft, brittle, and little used; found
in all parts of the island except the central part and the north coast. In Jamaica
this tree is said to reach a height of 50 feet (15 meters). The fruit is eaten by
fowls. (Stahl, 6: 271.)

Cordia elliptica. CEREZAS CIMARRONAS.

A. forest tree 30 feet (9 meters) high; more abundant on the south side of the
island. (Stahl, 6: 93.)

Cordia gerascanthus. CapA PRIETA.

A tree 30 to 60 feet (9 to 18 meters) high; wood used for furniture; found in
mountainous regions. In Jamaica the wood of this tree is called ‘‘ prince wood”’
and is considered one of the best woods. The small saplings make good hoops for
hogsheads. It resembles the elm and is called Spanish elm. (Stahl, 6: 91.)

Grosourdy gives the native name ‘palo de rosa,’’ and reports it also from
Vieques.

A wild tree 30 feet high with a trunk 18 inches in diameter. Furnishes a rose-
colored wood that breaks with a vertical fracture. Employed in the construction
of crude houses and in building boats. It is also much appreciated for making
furniture. The name ‘‘ palo de rosa’’ has been applied to various different woods
taken from South America to Europe, one of which is the *‘ palissandre”’ of the
French; another (Amyris balsamifera), also called rosewood, candle wood, and
sweetwood, is very little used. The English rosewood is Amyris montana, which
is also called yellow candle and yellow sander in Jamaica. (Grousourdy, 2: 407.)
On page 307 this author reports the same species under the native name ‘“‘ capa
prieta,”’ and after giving slightly different dimensions, supplies the following data:

A wild tree which is 40 feet (12 meters) in height with a trunk 21 to 27 feet (7
to 9 meters) long and 10 inches in diameter. Found commonly in mountainous
localities. The wood is of ordinary weight, very strong, and frequently very
elastic, the color of dead leaves, sometimes gray, fibrous in texture, rather fine-
grained. Specific gravity, 0.574. The wood is much appreciated and was
employed by the military authorities of San Juan in making windlasses, gun
carriages, arms for fencing, etc. Also used for doors, venetian blinds, cots, bungs
of barrels, the sweeps of sugar mills, and ordinary furniture.

Cordia gerascanthoides. CAPA PRIETA.

A tree that reaches 60 feet (18 meters) in height and whose trunk is 18 inches

(45 centimeters) in diameter. Furnishes a wood that is much appreciated, for it

PLATE XXX.

Contr, Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII,

COAMO SPRINGS.

MORAL TREE (CORDIA MACROPHYLLA).

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XXXI.

CEREZAS (CORDIA NITIDA).

COOK AND COLLINS——-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 12%

is at the same time strong and somewhat flexible, elastic, hard, more than ordi-
narily heavy, fibrous in texture, with a fine, compact grain. The heart is very
hard, chestnut-colored, ornamented with lighter lines that are sometimes reddish.
The outside wood is gray to light yellow, with narrow lines of a darker color.
The wood is susceptible of a high polish, very beautiful when varnished. Specific
gravity, 0.754 or 0.752. The military authorities of San Juan used this wood for
axles, gun carriages, etc. Also made into doors, venetian blinds. beds, carriages,
beehives, etc. Bees are attracted to its fragrant flowers, and cattle and hogs to
the fruit. (Grosourdy, 2: 364.)

Cordia globosa. CoPiLLo.

According to Grisebach, a shrub 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) high, found in
dry soil along the coast. According to Stahl a low shrub 4 inches (10 centimeters)
high in salt marshes. From Cabo Rojo. (Stahl, 6: 96.)

Cordia macrophylla. Morat. PLATE, XXX.

A forest tree 8 meters high, found, according to Grisebach, in all inland woods.
Wood little used; in Jamaica it is claimed to be a good timber wood. (Stahl,
6 : 92.)

Cordia nitida. CEREZAS. Aun eXeXOXele

A small tree along the road between Ponce and Adjuntas. The flowers are
greenish white and the berries cherry red. The pulp of the latter is used for
gluing musical instruments.

Cordia rupicola.

A shrub of 4 or 5 meters, from the southwestern part of the island. From
vicinity of Guanica. (Urban, 1: 392.)

Cordia sebestena. VoMITEL COLORADO. ALOE-Woop.

A shrub 3 to 4 meters high, found wild on the eastern coast. Cultivated in gar-
dens for its beautiful flowers, (Stahl, 6: 96.)

A variety brachycalyx has recently been described by Urban, who states that
the genuine sebestana is not known from the island except in cultivation. The
additional popular name ‘‘ San Bartolome’’ is also given. (Urban, Symb. 1: 389.)
Cordia ulmifolia. PaLo DE PERICO.

A shrub 6 to 15 feet (2 to 5 meters) high, found in rocky waste places. Bello
records the name ‘‘ basora prieta’’ for this species. (Stahl, 6: 94.)

The variety ovata is reported from Peiuelas by Urban on the basis of speci-
mens secured by Sintenis.

Cordobancillo. See Rondeletia arborescens and R. laevigata, and R. inermis.
Corkwood. See Ochroma lagopus and Anona palustris.
Cornutia obovata.

Family Verbenaceae; an indigenous tree attaining a height of 10 meters; known
only from the vicinity of Barranquitas.
Cororron.

A tree from the eastern parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters):
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood yellow, rather hard; spe-
cific gravity, 0.862; used in building country houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Corozo. See Acrocomia media.
Corozo del Orinoco. See Martinezia caryotaefolia.

A palm of the family Cocaceae. This name was unknown to Captain Hansard.
Corynella paucifolia. RrrTama.

A leguminous shrub, attaining 2 meters in height, with blue flowers. Known
from Yauco and San German.

Coscarron.
According to Captain Hansard the specific gravity is 0.90.

128 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Cosmos caudatus. MARGARITA.

Family Compositae; a common weed in open places. Near Toa Baja this was
called ‘‘ claveles,’’ and at Coamo “‘ piquete.’’ (Stahl, 5: 130.)

Cotona.

A tree from all parts of the island: height. 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters); diam-—
eter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood hard, yellow; specific gravity,
1.194; used in building country houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of 0.90 for this tree.

Cotorra.

A wild tree, produced in abundance over the entire island, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11
meters) high, with a trunk 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) in diameter. It
furnishes a moderately hard wood, canary-yellow in color, breaking with a verti-
cal fracture. Used in the framework of country houses, for fences and other uses
of this class. (Grosourdy, 2: 378.)

Cotorrera. See Heliotropium indicum.

Cotorrera de agua. See Heliotropium inundatum.
Cotorrera de la playa. See Heliotropium curassavicum.
Cotorrerilla. See Heliotropium parviflorum.
Cotorrerillo. See Casearia bicolor and C. samyda.
Cotorillo. See Hlephantopus tomentosus.

Cotton.

Cotton nankeen. See Gossypium religiosum.
Cotton tree. See Ceiba pentandra.

Courbaril. See Hymenaea courbaril.

Cowhage. See Mucuna pruriens.

Cowitch. See Mucuna pruriens.

Coyure. See Curima colophylla.

In his account of this palm Mr. Hill has probably confused the royal palm with
the llume. There is nothing to indicate reference to the small, spiny palm to
which the name is in reality applied, at least in the vicinity of Vega Baja.
Cracca aniloides. ANIL FALSO.

Family Viciaceae; an herbaceous annual, 40 centimeters high; flowers in
November; reported from the beach of the east coast. (Stahl, 3: 28, as Tephrosia
aniloides. )

Cracca cinerea. ANIL CENIZO.

A woody herb, 40 centimeters high, found along the beach; flowers all the year.
Common throughout tropical America. Specimens collected along the seashore
at Catano, where the plant is called simply anil, and is used as a blue dye for
cloth. (Stahl, 3: 26, as Tephrosia cinerea.)

Cracca leptostachya. ANIL RACIMILLO.

An herbaceous annual, 50 centimeters high, growing along the sandy shore,
between Arecibo and Aguadilla. Common to the tropics of America and Africa.
(Stahl, 3: 27, as Tephrosia leptostachya.)

Craceca purpurea. ANIL RACIMILLO.
Craniolaria annua. ESCORZONERA.

Family Martyniaceae; an herb a meter high. The large fleshy roots are used
as a substitute for the European ‘‘escorzonera.’’ (Stahl, 6: 264.)

Crape myrtle. See Lagerstroemia indica.
Cremanium amygdalinum. See Tamoneu integrifolia.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XXXII.

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|

CALABASH TREE (CRESCENTIA CUJETE). NEAR RIO PIEDRAS.

COOK AND COLLINS——ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 129

Crescentia cucurbitina. HIGUERILLA.

Family Bignoniaceae. From Aguada. (Stahl, 6: 184.)
Crescentia cujete. HiGUERA. CALABASH. PLATE XXXII.

A tree, according to Lunan, growing about 20 feet (6 meters) high. The fruit
is used for receptacles of various kinds, while the juice acts as a purge and is said
to cause abortion in cattle. The pulp with other ingredients forms an excellent
coughremedy. The wood is used in Jamaica for shafts, saddles, chairs, and other
articles that require a tough, flexible wood. (Stahl, 6: 183.)

In Mexico and other Spanish-American countries the common name is “‘ jicara.”’

Crescentia microcarpa. HIGUERITO.

(Stahl, 6: 184.)

Cresta de gallo blanco. See Teramnus uncinatus.
Critonia dalea. See Hupatoriwm dalea.

Critonia parviflora.

The variety portoricensis is reported from Maricao.
Crotalaria incana. CASCABELILLO VAC{o.

An herbaceous, pubescent annual with trifoliate leaves, growing in dry, rocky
places. From Cayey, along the road. (Stahl, 3: 24.)

Crotalaria lotifolia. CascABELILLO AXILAR.

A slender, small-leaved shrub, 75 centimeters high; found at San Juan, Fajardo,
Coamo, and Guanica. (Stahl, 3: 25.)

Crotalaria retusa. MarTraca.

A common leguminous weed with showy yellow and maroon flowers; frequent
in open waste places. In India this species is cultivated for its fiber. A near
relative, C. juncea, is the sunn hemp plant of India, a shrub 10 feet or more in
height, extensively grown for its fiber, which is said to be better than jute. It
was introduced by the Department some years since for planting in the Southern
States, but the fiber did not prove to be of good quality except in Florida. An
experiment in Porto Rico is desirable, particularly since C. jwncea is considered of
value in India for forage as well as for fiber. According to Stahl the common
name of C. retusa is ‘‘ cascabelillo grande,’’ while Bello calls it ‘‘ sonajuelas.’’
Crotalaria stipularia. CASCABELILLO ALADO.

An herb 50 centimeters high. (Stahl, 3: 22.)

Croton.

Family Euphorbiaceae; numerous species of shrubs of this genus are known in
Porto Rico. C. discolor is reported from Ponce.

Croton flavus rigidus.

This plant is said to be used in baths, for nervous weakness. From Guanica.
Croton humilis.

A shrub 1 to 2 feet (80 to 60 centimeters) high. Called *‘ seaside balsam’’ in
Jamaica. From vicinity of Guanica.

Croton lucidus.

A shrub 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) high. From Salinas de Cabo Rojo.
Cryptomeria.

Like most tropical countries, Porto Rico is deficient in coniferous trees. It is
not, however, impossible that Cryptomeric¢ japonica, the largest and perhaps the
most beautiful of Japanese evergreens, might be found to flourish at the higher
altitudes. This species, while it will endure frost, thrives also in mild, moist cli-

mates, and has been very successfully cultivated in the Azores for its valuable
timber.

130 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Cryptostegia grandifiora.

An East Indian asclepiadaceous vine; has been introduced into Jamaica. It is
said to produce rubber of good qm but the latex is not abundant and collee
tion is slow and difficult. :

Cuabilla. See Amyris elemifera.

A- Cuban name not yet recorded in Porto Rico.
Cuba bark. See Paritiwm elatwm.
Cucubano.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 or 12 meters); diame
ter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood rather hard, ash-colored; specifi¢
gravity, 0.888: used in building country houses. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2:
379). Captain Hansard says that it is mostly of small size, the saplings, measur.
ing about 3 inches (7 centimeters), being used in hut building; specific gravity, 0.84
Cucumber. See Cucumis anguria and C. sativus.

Cucumis anguria. CONCOMBRE. ANGURIA. PEPINO. PLATE XXXII

Family Cucurbitaceae. In Cuba called ** pepino cimarron;”’ an annual cucur-
bitaceous vine with small oval spiny fruits, which are used as a substitute for the

common cucumber and are commonly sold in the markets. (Stahl, 4: 178.)
Cucumis citrullus. See Citrullus vulgaris. ;
Cucumis melo. MELON. ;
The introduced muskmelon. (Stahl, 4: 179.) .
Muskmelons are not an uncommon fruit in the markets of Porto Rico, and
several varieties were observed. All were, however, lacking in flavor. 1
Cucuracey.

A tree from the eastern partsof the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood rather hard, pinkish; spe-

cific gravity, 0.597; used in building houses in the country. (Exp. 1857. \ iz
Cucurbita pepo. SquasH. CaLaBaza.
Several varieties of squashes were seen in the markets of San Juan and Ponce,
but mostly of small size. ¢
Cuenta de oro. g
** Golden bead;”’ a large tree with orange-yellow fruit; not yet identified. %

Cuernecillo. See Morongia distachya and Helicteres jamaicensis.
Cuero de sapo. See Evostemma caribaeum, Ilex dioica, I. nitida, and I

‘

urbanianda. Fi
‘Frog’s skin;*’ a tree of small size; soft bark; used in hut building; plentiful
in the mountains; not known in lowlands. Captain Hansard gives a specifiG
gravity of 0.89 for this. s
A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters); diame:
ter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 45 centimeters). Wood yellow, rather hard; specifi¢
gravity, 1.883: not used. (Exp. 1857.) ;
Used for fuel in the country districts. (Grosourdy, 2: 380.)
Culantrillo. See Scoparia dulcis.
Culantrillo de Pozo.
No. 231. An unidentified species of Adiantum.
Culantro del monte. See Eryngium foetidum.
Cundeamor. See Momordica charantia.
Cupania americana. GUARA.
Family Sapindaceae; a forest tree. 5 meters high. The soft wood takes a high
nolish. (Stahl, 2: 156.) :

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

PLATE XXXIII.

CONCOMBRE (CUCUMIS ANGURIA).

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 1381

Cupania sapida. See Blighia sapida.

Cupania tomentosa. See Cupania americana.
~Cupei. See Clusia krugiana.

Cupeillo. See Clusia krugiana and C. acuminata.

Cupey. See Clusia rosea.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters); diame-
ter, 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters); wood yellow, rather hard; specific gravity,
1.058; kills trees to which it attaches itself. (Exp. 1857.)

Cupey colorado.

A tree from the interior parts of the island; height, 50 to 60 feet (15 to 18 meters) ;
diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters); wood hard, red; specific gravity,
0.874; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Cupey de altura. See Clusia gundlachi.
Cuphea micrantha. CHIAGARI.

Family Lythraceae; small shrub, 30 centimeters high, growing along the coast.
The same common name is also applied to Cuphea parsonsia, a smaller species,
only 15 centimeters high. (Stahl, 4: 125.)

Curbaril. See Hymenaea courbaril.
Curcuma longa. TURMERIC. YUQUILLO.

An introduced zingiberaceous plant running wild in Jamaica, and probably also
in Porto Rico. The roots are used as an ingredient in curry powders, and also
produce a yellow dye much used in India. The yellow principle is not developed
until the roots mature, and in the younger state hey) are used much like arrow-
root, starch being extracted from them.

Curia. See Dianthera pectoralis.

Curima calophylla. Coyure.

Family Arecaceae: Curima appeared to be especially abundant about Bay-
amon, but is probably rather generally distributed in the limestone hills of the
island, perhaps also on other soils. A few trees were seen along the road between
Utuado and Lares, and numerous others between Isolina and Manati. Sintenis
collected specimens of what is apparently the same species near Juncos and Hato
Grande, and young specimens at Maricao.

As far as Porto Rico is concerned, this palm is very easily recognized by means
of the curiously truncate leaf divisions, the outer margins of which appear as
though accidentally injured or eaten away by caterpillars. This feature is, how-
ever, shared with numerous other West Indian and South American palms, though
apparently only one, the so-called grigri palm of Martinique, can be referred to
the present genus with confidence.

Hill’s statement that the coyure palm is taller than the royal palm does not
apply to this species, but probably has reference to the lume palm (Aeria atten-
uata). Neither species is common nor much used. Aeria was pointed out to us
from the distance as ‘‘ coyure,’’ but when close at hand all agreed that that name
belongs to the present spiny species.

Cuscuta americana. DopprER. Fipros.

A slender parasitic vine, reported by Bello.

The large dodder of Porto Rico not only covers large masses of vegetation with
its coarse yellow threads, but it sometimes invades and covers trees of consider-
able size.

Custard apple. See Anona reticulata.
Cycas revoluta.
Occasional in gardens, growing to large size in the open air.

23227—VOL VIII, PT 2—05 6

132 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Cynara scolymus. ARTICHOKE. ALCACHOFA.

A few specimens of the genuine European artichoke were seen near Santurce,
apparently escaped from cultivation.
Cynodon dactylon. See Capriola dactylon.
Cynometra portoricensis.

Family Cassiaceae; a leguminous tree, 15 meters in height, recently described
from the vicinity of Rincon. (Urban, Symb. 1: 312.)

Cyphomandra betacea. TREE TOMATO.

A plant related to the tomato and at first placed in the genus Solanum. It
grows rapidly to a height of 10 or 12 feet (3 to 4 meters), becoming a veritable
shrub or small tree. The heart-shaped flowers are sometimes a foot in length.
The fruits are borne in clusters, and are oval in shape, or somewhat pointed; the
color is purplish or reddish, and the taste is similar to that of the ordinary tomato,
though some have reported a gooseberry flavor in the ripe, raw fruit, and if
stewed after the skin and seeds have been removed a resemblance to apricot is
said to be developed. It has become very popular for tarts and pastries; also
for jellies and preserves. The suggestion which is considered under the eggplant
of grafting on Solanwm mammosum might also find application in the present
instance.

Cyphomandra is a native of the Andes of Peru and neighboring regions of trop-
ical America, but has been successfully introduced into Jamaica, Ceylon, and
other mountainous regions of the Tropics, and at many places is considered a valu-
able addition to the list of garden vegetables. It would in all probability thrive
in Porto Rico, and as it can be propagated readily from seed its introduction
offers no special difficulties.

Cypress vine. See Quamoclit quamoclit.
Cyrilla antillana. Crema.

Family Cyrillaceae; a tree found on the south coast. From the vicinity of
Utuado and at Santa Ysabel. (Stahl, 6: 34.)

Dacryodes excelsa.

A tree of the family Burseraceae; reported from near Maricao.

Dacryodes hexandra. Tasonuco. PLATE XXXIV.

A tree exuding a resin used for torches; found in mountain districts. Grise-
bach gives it as 10 to 15 feet high; Stahl as 75 feet high. The trunks are used for
lumber. (Stahl, 4:53.)

Near Isolina there still exists a considerable area of virgin forest composed
largely of what was taken to be this species. The trees are much higher than
even the figures given by Stahl, with very smooth, straight, white trunks, often
scarred near the base where they have been cut to secure the resin. The wood
has a beautiful color and is said to be free from the attacks of insects.
Dalbergia ecastaphyllum. Maray-MARAy.

A leguminous shrub, 3 to 4 meters high, found in thickets along the coast.
Dalbergia monetaria. PALO DE BRASILETE.

The red wood is said to furnish a resin resembling dragon’s blood. Known from
Utuado as Hecastaphyllum monetaria. (Stahl, 3: 97.)

Dalechampia scandens.

Family Euphorbiaceae; a twining shrub: from Guanica.

Dama de noche. See Cestrum nocturnum and Murraya exotica.
Dama juana.

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity of 0.82 for the wood of this species.
Daphnopsis caribaea.

Family Thymelaeaceae; a tree 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) high; known from
Cayey.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

PLATE XXXIV.

AT ISOLINA.

VIRGIN FOREST OF TABONUCO (DACRYODES HEXANDRA).

nif ine
ma
Me Pe:

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 133

Daphnopsis philippiana. CIENEGUILLO.

Also called ‘*‘ emajagua’’ and ‘‘emajagua brava.’’ A shrub or small tree of the
family Thymelaeaceae, evidently generally distributed in forest districts, being
reported from Luquillo, Naguabo, Juncos, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Penuelas,
Utuado, and Jayuya.

Date. See Phoenix dactylifera.
Date palm. See Phoenix dactylifera.
Date plum. See Diospyros tetrasperma.

Another species, Diospyros ebenaster, is known from Porto Rico.

Datil. See Phoenix dactylifera.
Datura fastuosa. ESTRAMONIO.

Family Solanaceae; an herbaceous annual, 1 meter high. The seeds are said to
possess poisonous properties. (Stahl, 6: 119.)

Datura metel. CHAMICO BLANCO. :

An herbaceous annual weed, 1 meter high, frequenting rocky places along the
coast. (Stahl, 6: 117.)

Datura stramonium. JIMSON WEED. ESTRAMONIO.

Also called ‘* peo de fraile,’’ ‘‘chamico morado,’”’ ‘‘chamisco,’’ and ‘* thorn
apple.’’ A solanaceous herb 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.38 meters) high. The seeds are
poisonous and are said to have medicinal value as a narcotic. (Stahl, 6: 115, 118.)
Datura suaveolens. CAMPANA DE PARIS.

A shrub 3 to 4 meters high, found along river banks. (Stahl, 6: 120.)

Datura tatula. See Datura stramonium.
Demajagua.

This name is probably intended for emajagua; at least that is its use in Cuba
and South America.
Demajagua blanca.

A tree from all parts of theisland; height, 10 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters); diameter,
6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity .696; bark
used for making ropes. (Exp. 1857.

Demajagua colorado.

A tree from all parts of theisland; height, 10 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters); diameter,
6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity .698; bark
used for making ropes. (Exp. 1857.)

Dendropremon bicolor. PARasirTa.

Also called ** hicaquillo del combron.”’ A parasitic shrub of the family Loran-
thaceae. Itis recorded as growing upon the orange and the custard apple.
Dendropremon caribaeus. HICAQuUILLO. CAPITANA.

A parasitic shrub, attacking numerous trees, both wild and cultivated.
Desmanthus plenus. See Neptunia plena.

Desmanthus virgatus. DESMANTO RAYADO.

Family Mimosaceae; a woody herb 4 to 6 feet (1.3 to 2 meters) high, sometimes
decumbent; found along the coast at Fajardo. (Stahl, 3: 140.)

Desmanto amarillo. See Neptunia plena.
Desmanto rayado. See Desmanthus virgatus.
Desmodium. See Meibomia.
Dianthera pectoralis. Curia.

Family Acanthaceae; an herbaceous plant 40 centimeters high; cultivated in

gardens, and wild in dry places. A sirup made from this plant is said to be

beneficial, for pulmonary disorders. Called also ‘‘ justicia balsam ’”’ in Jamaica.
(Stahl, 6: 248.)

134 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Didymopanax micans. YAGRUME.
An indigenous araliaceous tree known from the vicinity of Adjuntas, Cabal
Rojo, and Aguada. (Urban, Symb. 1: 204.)

Didymopanax morototoni. YAGRUME. :

Variously called ‘‘grayume’’ or ‘‘grayumo,” ‘‘ yagrume”’ or ‘‘yagrumo,” 3
“‘vagrume macho,”’ and ‘‘ pana cimarrona.”’ A tree of 5 to 20 meters, probably —
the more common and widely distributed species in Porto Rico. ‘‘ Yagrumo
macho’”’ or ‘‘male yagrumo”’ alludes to the fact that this tree is believed to be
the male of Cecropia, which is called ** yagrumo hembra.”’

Diffenbachia seguine.
Family Araceae; a very succulent aroid from swampy meadows near Juncos.
It grows from 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters) high.

Diego de noche.
In Cuba Allionia incarnata.

Dioclea reflexa. Maro.

Also called ‘* bejuco de mato.”’ A leguminous vine climbing to the tops of the
highest trees. Reported from Maunabo, Yabucoa, and Luquillo. (Urban, Symb.
Ig 27/83.) :

Diodia maritima.

A rubiaceous herb. (Stahl, 5: 159, as Diodia radicans.)

Diodia radicans. See Diodia maritima.
Diodia rigida. Diodia rigida.

Family Rubiaceae; an herbaceous annual; frequents dry clay soil; 20 to 30
centimeters high. (Stahl, 5: 84.) .
Diodia sarmentosa. Diodia sarmentosa.

A woody herb growing among shrubs in arid soil; 1 meter high; from Maricao.
(Stahl, 5: 86.)

Diodia scandens. DIODIA TREPADORA.

A woody herb, 1 meter high, found in dry soil. (Stahl, 5: 85.)

Diodia trepadora. See Diodia scandens.

Dioscorea. Yam. Name.
The true yams of the Tropics belong to a distinct botanical family, the Dios-
coreaceae, related to the Smilax family and the Lily family, but having no affinity
to the sweet potato, to some varieties of which the name is commonly applied in
the South. Nearly all of the very numerous species form more or less thickened
roots, and many of them have been introduced into cultivation, mostly in the
Tropics. Some years since the Chinese yam, Dioscorea batatas, which is hardy in
temperate climates, was advocated for general culture in Europe and the United
States, but its habit of forming its tuberous roots 3 feet in the ground rendered
it very difficult to handle by ordinary methods of agriculture. The tropical
species have the same tendency, but usually not to so pronounced a degree, and in
most tropical countries the yam is a more or less important article of diet. In
some it is merely accessory to cassava, while in others it takes first place as a root
crop. It seems certain that in Porto Rico they have received no such careful
attention as in the British West Indies, and the following abridgment of a report —
n ‘* Yams in the West Indies.”’ recently furnished by Mr. David G. Fairchild, ~
Agricultural Explorer of the Section of Seed and Plant Introduction, United States
Department of Agriculture, will probably be of use to those interested in agricul-—
ture in Porto Rico. :
It is important, of course, to plant the best sorts, but with so many species and
varieties in cultivation it is difficult to tell the different forms apart or to know ‘
which is most desirable. At the Trinidad Botanic Gardens a series of experiments :

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RIGO. 135

have been conducted, on which a report has been made during the past year, and
as this supplements the information furnished by Mr. Fairchild, and represents
what is now known about the subject in that island, it seems best to include it
here: ;

The experiments in connection with this class of plants have been continued at
St. Clair,and the improvement of the quality of the tubers grown in the new

ground is so marked as to be patent to the veriest novice.
The kinds grown were as follows:

DVS THT Cosas y eh Ta oes perro eUNE S E a Dioscorea cayenensis.
WAY Lae Sv NYPeTa es, © Siem a ae pepe ee Dioscorea alata.
FIN(G SI Op ye TI ES econ are amie aay sia ee Te ate al Wa Dioscorea alata, var.
TRRSYGL: eB Se aC a Sas Cee es ee ie ee Dioscorea alata, var.
Te IQ HEM GYR nak Sorte AC ee ee eae eae ee aac eS Dioscorea alata, var.
AVVpetibereny en Tn eediie fry Va okergili ey Done Sy Pees Dioscorea alata, var.
(him ES Sey aT eee ae UE ei ie ee nee Dioscorea batatas.
PAE OO MV EMM aes Sts ee Ela Sop Mietigina i lee A Bee Dioscorea lutea.
@Cush-cush-oriIndianyame=. = 20 oe Dioscorea trifida.

Dioscorea bulbifera is so evidently inferior that its culture has not been con-
tinued. The ‘‘devil yam,’’ which was taken to be a very coarse variety of D.
alata, has also been discarded as useless. The ‘‘negro yam”’ is by far the best of
the white yams grown. The ‘‘ yellow yam’”’ is also a good table kind, very sweet
and wholesome and much liked by American and European visitors.

The ‘‘ cush-cush,”’ or ‘‘ Indian yam,’’ also known as ‘* yampee,”’ gives but very
small tubers, and there are three or more varieties—red cush-cush, white cush-
cush, and Demerara cush-cush. The last-mentioned kind has larger tubers than
the others, testiculate in form, and generally of excellent quality. It has been
found that the return made by varieties of this species is much less than from
any other, but it is probably superior to any for the table of the better classes,
although it would not be profitable to grow where a cheap supply of food stuff
was required.

The *‘ Chinese yam,”’ as I know it, is one of the best. Well grown and well
ripened, it is of fine quality for table, and probably comes nearer in flavor to a good
potato than any other variety. The ‘‘afoo yam’”’ is the most inferior of all.
This name, however, is sometimes applied to the *‘ yellow yam,’’ so that one may
get the worst as well as the best yams under the same name, so little is local
nomenclature to be trusted.

The yield of yams given in former reports has been more than maintained.
White yam gave over 20 pounds weight to a plant; Negro yam, 17 pounds; Chi-
nese yam, 19 pounds; yellow yam, 12 pounds; and cush-cush, 7 pounds. Yams
grown from aerial tubers, i. e., tubers which develop on the vines, gave 19 pounds
per root. White yam yielded at the rate of 13 tons to anacre. If 25 per cent is
deducted from this for waste and for planting again, there is still a crop of 10 tons
per acre to be registered as the crop for the year of 1898.

The importance of similar and more extended experiments in Porto Rico is
obvious, both for the sake of stimulating progress in the direction of mixed farm-
ing and greater local production of food stuffs. and because it is probable that
among so many botanical species of different origins special adaptations to soils
and climates will be found to exist, a knowledge of which will be of the utmost
practical importance in utilizing these valuable food plants. The excellence of
the crop will also determine the possibility of opening a trade with the United
States, as suggested by Mr. Fairchild. It has been found that properly packed
yams may be shipped from the West Indies to New York and interior points and
arrive in good condition.

Dioscorea alata.

This species seems to be one of the commonest in Porto Rico, and may be recog-
nized by noting that the vine has thin ridges or wings on the stem.

In Jamaica this species is said to be particularly useful on account of the fact
that it bears well on shallow or marly soils, while other kinds require deep mold;
it is also thought to keep better than the other species.

Dioscorea chondrocarpa.
A wild yam, growing in forests near Yabucoa. (Sintenis.)

136 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Dioscorea multifiora.

Collected by Sintenis in the Sierra de Naguabo.
Dioscorea pilosiuscula.

Another wild species from forests in the Sierra de Naguabo.
Diospyros ebenaster. GUAYABOTA. :

Family Ebenaceae; a native forest tree reported by Stahl (6: 284) from Toa
Alta; identified by Urban (Add. 1: 43).

Dipholis montana. VAaArRITAL. TABLONCILLO.

Family Sapotaceae; a tree 5 to 6 meters high in mountain woods. (Stahl, 6:55).
Dipholis nigra. BUMELIA NIGRA. AUSUBO.

A large tree, 15 to 20 meters high, found in all mountain woods. The hard, red
wood is considered one of the best of the numerous kinds produced in the island,
and is used for a large variety of purposes. (Stahl, 6: 56.)

Dipholis salicifolia.

A large, fragrant tree, growing in dry calcareous soil; reported from near
Guanica.

Diplochita fothergilla. See Tamonea fothergilla.
Distictis lactiflora. Vuiupa.

Family Bignoniaceae; a tendril-bearing vine with the reticulate veins of the
leaves very prominent. Our specimen (no. 694) was obtained near Coamo. The
flowers are white, with the base of the corolla canary-yellow.

Distreptus spicatus. See Elephantopus spicatus. —

—— ss Te eC:

Divi-divi. See Caesalpinia coriaria.

A species also treated by some botanists as Lebidibia coriaria.
Dodonaea viscosa. CHAMISO.

Family Sapindaceuae: a tree 3 to 4 meters high, found along the coast. (Stahl,
2: 161.)

Dolicholus minimus. FRIJOLILLO PEQUENO.

Family Viciaceae; a reddish pubescent vine found in all parts of the island,
flowering nearly all the year, especially in winter; appears to be common to trop-
ical countries generally. (Stahl, 3: 52, as Rhynchosia minima. )

Dolicholus phaseoloides. FRIJOLILLO COLORADO.

A vine seen only once in fruit by Stahl in the high hills of Bayamon. Anindig-
enous species with short pods and broad, closely veined leaves. Found also in
the other Antilles, Panama, Brazil, and the Galapagos Islands. (Stahl, 3: 53, as
Rhynchosia phaseoloides. )

Dolichos lablab. FRIJOLES CABALLEROS.

Family Viciaceae; a woody biennial cultivated in gardens for its edible beans.
(Stahl, 3: 74.)

Dolichos monachalis. See Vigna catjang.
Dominicos.

A variety of banana, mentioned by Hill.
Doneella. See Byrsonima spicata.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 or 12 meters);
diameter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood pink, hard; specific gray-
ity, 1.117; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)
Down tree. See Ochroma lagopus.
Drepanocarpus lunatus. PALO DE HOz.

A leguminous tree, 3 to5 meters high; found in borders of swamps near the sea.
(Stahl, 3: 94.)

SO0OK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 137

Drymaria cordata. YERBA DE ESTRELLA.

Family Caryophyllaceae; an herbaceous reclining annual, 15 centimeters high,
frequenting moist, shady places. (Stahl, 2: 56.)

Drypetes alba. CAFFEILLO.

Family Euphorbiaceae. <A native tree reaching a height of 40 feet (12 meters);
reported from mountain forests, Sierra de Luquillo, and also between Adjuntas
and Ponce. (Urban, Add. 1: 71.)

Drypetes glauca. VARITAI.

Also called ‘‘ caffeillo”’ and ‘‘ palo blanco.’”’ A euphorbiaceous shrub generally
distributed in the native forests; Luquillo, Yabucoa, Penuelas, Adjuntas, Jayuya,
Maricao. Drypetes lateriflora is known from Bayamon. (Urban, Add. 1: 73.
Drypetes ilicifolia. ENcINILLO.

An indigenous shrub, 10 to 15 feet (8 to 4.5 meters) high, found by Stahl (4: 37)
on the calcareous rocky hills along the north coast, between Cangregos and Loiza,
and supposed to be a species of Ilex; secured by Gundlach at Arecibo. (Urban,
Add. 1: 68.)

Duranta plumieri. Luvvia.

Family Verbenaceae, a shrub 6 to 15 feet (2 to 4.5 meters) high; in moist, sunny
places, also cultivated in gardens; collected at Manuabo. According to Bello
this is also called ‘‘ azote-caballo”’ and ‘‘lila.”’ (Stahl, 6: 212.)
Earth nut. See Arachis hypogea.
Ecastaphyllum brownei. See Dalbergia ecastaphyllum.
Ecastaphyllum monetaria. See Dalbergia monetaria.
Eechites circinalis. BaBeiro.

Family Apocynaceae. (Stahl, 6: 79.)
KEchites andrewsii. BABEIRO AMARILLO.

A woody climber, 3 to 4 meters high, reported from Manati. (Stahl, 6: 82,as
HH. neriandra. )

Echites paludosa.

An apocynaceous vine, native in several of the Bahamas, Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica,
and Panama. According to Grisebach’s Flora (p. 406) this species is a source of
rubber in Jamaica.

Echites umbellata. Basrrro.

A woody herb, 3 to 5 meters high, occurring in shady waste places. (Stahl,

6: 79.)

Felipta alba. See Helipta erecta.
Eclipta blanca. See Eclipta erecta.
Eclipta erecta.

Family Compositae. (Stahl, 5: 132, as Helipta alba.)

Eddoe. See Colocasia esculenta.
Eggplant. See Solanum melongena.
Egyptian privet. See Lawsonia inermis.
Ehretia bourreria.

Family Boraginaceae; a branching tree,8 to 14 feet (2.5 to 4.5 meters) high; it
bears small edible berries, and in Jamaica is called ‘‘ currant tree.’”’> Known from
Yabucoa.

Elaeis guineensis. AFRICAN OIL PALM.

The African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis, furnishes the chief article of export and
isthe principal basis of the commerce of West Africa. Two products are exported—
the oil, derived from the reddish exterior of the pulp of the fruit, and the kernel,

138 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Secured by cracking the inclosed nut after the pulp has been removed. The fruit
is egg-shaped, and from 1 to 1} inches (25 to 37 millimeters) in length. The
deep red skin is thin, like that of the date. The oily pulp underneath is inter-
spersed with tough fibers, but has a pleasant taste, and is frequently eaten after
being slightly roasted. The oil is obtained in quantities by beating the nuts in
wooden mortars and then skimming off from boiling water, also by less desir-
able methods in which the nuts are rotted. This is said toincrease the yield of oil,
but gives it a rancid taste unpleasant to the civilized palate, but not injuring the
oil for export. In Europe the kernels are used for the extraction, under pressure,
of another oil quite similar to that of the cocoanut and used for like purposes.
Elaeodendron attenuatum. CocORRONCITO.

Family Celastraceae; a low tree or shrub, 2 meters high, found along the sea-
coast. (Stahl, 4: 20.)

Elaeodendron xylocarpum. CocoRRoNn.

A low tree or shrub, 2 to 3 meters high, found along the seacoast; from Guanica;
a variety of this is reported from near Mayaguez. (Stahl, 4: 18.)
Elephantopus mollis. See Hlephantopus scaber.

Elephantopus scaber. LENGUA DE VACA.

An herbaceous composite weed, 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 centimeters) high; reputed
to have medicinal value in Jamaica and the French islands. (Stahl, 5: 105.)
Elephantopus spicatus. YERBA DE BURRO.

A woody annual, 50 centimeters high; along roadsides and in dry pastures.
(Stahl, 5: 106.)

Elephantopus tomentosus. CoTORRILLO.

Specimens from Vega Baja (no, 1023).

Eleusine indica.

An annual, low, spreading grass; collected at Fajardo.
Eleutheranthera ovata. OGIERA.

An herbaceous annual, 50 centimeters high, found in sandy, stony places,
(Stahl, 5: 126.)

Elm, Spanish. See Cordia gerascanthoides.
Emajagua. See Paritium tiliaceum.

Emajagua brava. See Daphnopsis philippiana.
Emajagua de sierra. See Daphnopsis philippiana.
Emajagua excelsa. See Hibiscus elatus.

Emilia sonechifolia. Emita.

An herbaceous composite annual; found along roads and in dry pastures.
(Stahl, 5: 151.)

Encinillo. See Drypetes ilicifolia.
Enernaseada.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters); diam-

eter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood yellow, hard; specific gravity
.783; fruit tree. (Exp. 1857.)

Enredadera. See Barbieria polyphylla.

Enrubio.

A wild tree, not common, reaching a height of 25 or 30 feet (7 to 9 meters), with
a trunk 10 inches (25 centimeters) in diameter. Its wood is very hard, with a red
heart and white sapwood. Has no application (Grosourdy, 2: 382). Specific
gravity 0.988 (Exp. 1857). Grosourdy refers this to Zanthoxylum lanceolatum,
aspecies given in Index Kewensis as a synonym of Z. clava-herculis, which has
since been referred to Fagara martinicensis.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 139

Entada polyphylla.

Family Mimosaceae; a perennial vine; from Fajardo.
Erechtites hieracifolia. ACHICORIA DE CABRA (GOAT’S CHICORY).

An herbaceous erect annual composite, 50 centimeters high; grows in pastures.
(Stahl, 5: 150.)
Erigeron bellioides. BELLOoRITA.

An herbaceous annual composite, 12 centimeters high; found in stony moist
places. (Stahl, 5: 119.)

Erigeron canadensis. PAscuETa.
An herbaceous erect annual, 50 centimeters high; growsin pastures. (Stahl 5:
158. )
Erigeron rivularis. PASCUETA AMARILLA.
Described as FE. canadensis, for which it was at first mistaken. (Stahl, 5: 121.)

Erigeron spathulatus. CHIRIVITA.

An herbaceous annual, 30 centimeters high; found in dry pastures. (Stahl 5:
120.)

Eriobotrya japonica. Loquat. NisPERO.

“The loquat is planted along the roadsides on many of the estates in the Wynaad
and elsewhere, and coffee appears to thrive well under it; but, so far as I am aware,
the wood is not of any value, which at once places it at a disadvantage in com-
peting with the jack. The loquat yields a pleasant fruit, in size and appearance
much like the yellow plum.’’—Hull.

Eriodendron anfractuosum. See Ceiba pentandra.

Erithalis fruticosa. I[AYAJABIco.
Family Rubiaceae; a shrub 3 to 4 meters high. found on the beaches and cliffs
near the sea. (Stahl, 5: 61.)

Ernodea de playa. See Ernodea litoralis.

Ernodea litoralis. ERNODEA DE PLAYA.

A decumbent rubiaceous shrub; from Cabo Rojo. (Stahl, 5: 83.)
Eryngium foetidum. CULANTRO DEL MONTE.

An ill-smelling umbelliferous herb, 1 foot (30 centimeters) in height, found near
cultivated places. ‘* Fit weed,”’ as this plant is called: in Jamaica, is reputed to
have curative value in cases of snake bite, epileptic fits, etc. Specimens were col-
lected along the military road beyond Rio Piedras; used in that locality for season-
ing food. (Stahl, 4: 196.)

Erythrina corallodendron. PINON ESPINOSO.

A leguminous tree or shrub, 5 meters high, growing on limestone hills. Used
for hedges in Jamaica, where it is called the ‘‘red bean tree.’’ (Stahl, 3: 89.)
Erythrina glauca. Bucaao.

A leguminous tree, 10 meters high, found near rivers. (Stahl, 3: 88.)

Erythrina micropteryx. BucarRE.

Also known as ‘‘ palo de boyo.”’ A leguminous tree of 15 to 20 meters beset
with short, conical spines; flowers red. Cultivated as a shade tree for coffee and
reported from numerous localities in Porto Rico. Itisanative of the lower Andes
of Peru. (Urban, Symb. 1: 327.)

_Erythrina umbrosa. BucarE. MADRE DE CACAO.

Also called ‘‘ bois immortelle’’ and ‘‘madre de cacao’ in South America.
Captain Hansard claims to have introduced seed of this species from Trinidad,
but considered the seedlings the same as the tree already common in Porto Rico
and now supposed to be EH. micropteryx. This species is said to be the most
popular shade tree for the cacao plantations of the mainland, and is reported by

140 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Hill and Stahl (?) as a coffee shade tree in Porto Rico. According to Urban, the —
true HL. umbrosa is not yet known from any of the West Indies, such references —
pertaining to H. micropteryx. (Urban, Symb. 1: 327.)

Erythroxylon brevipes. JIBA.

Family Erythroxylaceae; a shrub, 2 to3 meters high, found in sandy places near
the sea. Urban reports the form intermedia from Fajardo. (Stahl, 2: 136.)
Krythroxylon havanense. See Hrythroxylon ovatwm.

Krythroxylon obovatum. JIBA.

A shrubby tree, 12 feet (4 meters) high, on limestone hills near the sea at
Veja-baja and Aricebo. (Stahl, 2: 138.)

Escambron. See Pisonia aculeata.
Escambron blanco. See Clerodendron aculeatum.

A simple-leaved spiny plant, collected about the large cacti near Guayanilla.
Escambron colorado.

A name applied to Pithecolobium unguis-cati at Guayanilla.

Escoba. See Sida carpinifolia.

EKscoba acorazanada. See Sida cordifolia,
Escoba babosa. See Bastardia bivalvis.
Escoba blanca. See Sida carpinifolia.
Escoba colorada. See Sida rhombifolia.

At Catano this name was also applied to a small species of Croton (no. 960).

Escoba de Jamaica. See Sida jamaicensis.

Escoba dulce. See Sida ulmifolia.

Escoba pestafiosa. See Sida ciliaris.

Escoba purpurina. See Sida purpurea.

Escoba tendida. See Sida supina.

Escobillon. See Pterocaulon virgatum.

Escobita dulce. See Sida ulmifolia.

Escorzonera. See Craniolaria annua and Martynia diandra.
Espejuelo. See Sarcomphalus reticulatus.

A tree from all parts of the island; height. 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood yellow. very hard; specific gray-
ity, 1.299; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.)

The strong yellow wood is used for shelves and fences. (Grosourdy, 2: 382.)
Espejuelo amarillo.

A tree from the northeastern part of the island; height, 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15
meters); diameter, 12 to 15inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood yellow, very hard;
specific gravity, 1.050; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 382.)
Espejuelo bobo.

A thick-barked tree, not of very large size: found occasionally in the hills;
specific gravity, 1.08. (Hansard.)

Espiga de San Antonia. See Buchnera elongata.
Espinillo.

A tree from all partsof the island; height, 35 to 40 feet; diameter, 12 to 15 inches.
Wood greenish, very hard; specific gravity, 1.114; used for cabinetwork. Also—
called ‘‘huso.”? (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 382.)

Captain Hansard gives this wood, which indicates that the tree occurs in the
Luquillo region; specific gravity, 1.10. Aspiny tree, similar to Randia aculeata,
bears this name in the vicinity of Vega Baja, but our specimen (no. 1028) is —
stirile and has not been identified. §

COOK AND COLLINS——ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 141

Espino. See Fagara martinicensis and F. monophylla, Zanthoaylum clava-
herculis, Z. acuminatum and Z. caribaewm. :

According to Captain Hansard, this tree has a specific gravity of 7.69. He also
calls it the *“‘ box thorn.’’ The wood is light yellowish. The trunk has large,
conical spines, bark turning from gray to white. This suggests the possibility
that Hwra crepitans, generally called ‘‘avilla,’’ may be intended.

Espino amarillo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 15 to 20inches. Wood yellow, soft; specific gravity, 0.556; used for lumber.
_ (Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy (2: 382) refers this to the genus Zanthoxylon.

Espino blanco.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15 meters) ; diam-
eter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 45 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity,
0.642; used for lumber. (Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy (2: 382) also refers this to the genus Zanthoxylon, and suggests
that it may be identical with the ‘‘agua blanca’’ of Cuba.

Espino rubial. See Fagara catibaea, F. martinicensis, F. monophylla, F.
pterota,and Z. ochroxylwm.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters); diam-
eter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood yellow, hard; specific gravity,
0.664; used for lumber. (Exp. 1857.)

Espino rubio.

Very scarce and not much used; specific gravity, 0.68, according to Captain

Hansard. :

Espinosa. See Anthacanthus spinosus.

Esponja. See Luffa aegyptiaca.

Espuela de galan. See Scolosanthus grandiflorus.

Estramonio. PEODEFRAILE. See Datura stramonium and D. fastuosa.
Estrapajo. See Luffa aegyptiaca.

Eugenia aeruginea. GUASAVARA.

An indigenous myrtaceous tree sometimes 60 feet in height. known from Baya-
mon, Juncos, Yabucoa, Guanica, Mayaguez, and Arecibo. <A related species of
equal size, H. eggersii, is reported from several points between Luquillo and
Penuelas. (Urban, Add. 2: 141.)

Eugenia aromatica. PALO DE CLAVO.

A tree 25 feet (7 meters) in height, witha rather straight trunk 4 or 5 feet (120
to 150 centimeters) in diameter, that furnishes a wood of good weight and harder
than the average; fibrous and compact with a fine grain. It is not used, and
when dry has neither odor nor taste. Specific gravity, 0.897. (Grosourdy, 2:
405.) The native name suggests that of the clove, Caryophyllus aromaticus.

Kugenia bifloraludibunda. PITANGUEIRA.
Also called ‘‘hoja menuda.”’ A myrtaceous shrub or small tree, not reaching
20 feet in height. Indigenous in the thickets of the limestone hills near the coast.
Reported from the vicinity of San Juan, Juncos, Fajardo, Manati, Morovis, and
Dorado. The variety lancea comes from Fajardo and Camuy. (Urban, Add.

2: 149.)

Eugenia buxifolia. Hoja MENUDA.

A myrtaceous shrub or small tree, extending from Florida to Cuba, Santo
Domingo, Jamaica, and Porto Rico; known in Porto Rico from the vicinity of
Guanica and Cabo Rojo. A similar but somewhat larger species, H. axillaris, is

142 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

known from Bayamon and several localities in the western part of the island, but
no common name is recorded. (Urban, Add. 2: 157.)

Eugenia caryophyllata. See Caryophyllus aromaticus.

Eugenia confusa. CIENEGUILLO.

A myrtaceous tree 60 feet (18 meters) in height from the Florida Keys, —
Bahamas, Jamaica, Virgin Islands, Antigua, Guadeloupe, and Dominica. In
Porto Rico it is known only from near Maricao in the forests of Mount Alegrillo.
E. maricao, 25 feet (7.5 meters), has a similar distribution, and is known from
littoral woods near Ponce. (Urban, Add. 2: 161, 162.) £

Eugenia cordata sintenisii. Murra.

An indigenous myrtaceous shrub or small tree 30 feet (9 meters) high, reported
from hillsides near Aibonito and Cayey.
Eugenia costata. See Hugenia serrasuela.

Cultivated in gardens at Yabucoa.
Eugenia flavo-virens. GUAYABILLO DE COSTA.

Family Myrtaceae; a shrub 2 meters high: grows on the coast. (Stahl, 4: 86.)
Eugenia floribunda. Murra. a

An indigenous myrtaceous tree attaining a height of 50 feet (15 meters).
Reported from Cayey, Lares, and Quebradillas. A related species, #. cordata,
also called murta, is represented in Porto Rico by a subspecies, sintenisii, a small
tree of 30 feet (9 meters) reported from hillsides near Aibonito and Cayey.
(Urban, Add. 2: 173-175.)
Eugenia jambos. See Jambosa jambos.

Eugenia ligustrina. PALO DE MULTA.

Also known as ‘‘ hoja menuda.’’ A myrtaceous shrub or small tree, 18 feet (5
meters) high, distributed from the Bahamas to Trinidad; reported in Porto Rico
from Fajardo, Coamo, Guanica, and Cabo Rojo, in woods along the shore and in
river valleys.

Eugenia malaccensis. OTAHEITE APPLE.

The ‘* Otaheite *’ or Malay apple has been introduced and become established in
Jamaica and several other islands of the West Indies, but it is not known to exist
in Porto Rico. The same may be said of F. javanica, the ‘‘ Malacca apple,’ and
Syzygium jambolanum, the Java or jack plum.

Eugenia monticola. Brew.

Also called *‘hoja menuda.’? An indigenous myrtaceous shrub or small tree
sometimes attaining 30 feet (9 meters). Apparently generally distributed in for-
ests and thickets throughout the island, Bayamon, Juncos, Farjardo, Cayey,
Coamo, Isabella, and Quebradillas. (Urban, Add. 2: 154.)

Eugenia poiretii. HoJ« MENUDA.

Also called ** biriji; ** a shrub 3 to4 meters high on sandy beaches; also reported —
from the vicinity of Boamo and from Juncos. (Stahl, 4: 79.)

Eugenia portoricensis. PETANGUEIRA.

Urban describes this species as a variey of Eugenia pseudopsidium. (Stahl, —
4: 82.)

Eugenia procera. Hosa MENUDA.

Asmallindigenous tree of general distribution from Cuba to Barbados. Known ~
in Porto Rico from the vicinity of Maunabo. (Urban, Add. 2: 163.) :

Eugenia pseudopsidium portoricensis. QUIEBRA HACHA. ‘|

A small myrtaceous tree, under 25 feet (7.5 meters) in height. Indigenous in~
numerous localities, Bayamon, Yabucoa, Aibonito, Coamo, Mayaguez, Aguada, ~
Lares, Quebradilla, and Manati. (Urban, Add. 2: 164.) Variety genuina of this —

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 143

species is not known from Porto Rico, and the Porto Rican form is admitted by
Urban to be easily distinguished by several characters, there seems little warrant
for setting aside De Candolle’s species, #. portoricensis. According to Stahl, £.
pseudopsidium is called ** guayabillo”’ and is a tree or shrub 3 to 4 meters high,
found rarely in mountains and waste places. (Stahl, 4: 84.)

Eugenia sintenisii Kr. & Urb.

A striking species, with nearly round, heavily veined leaves. (Urban. Add. 2:
168.)

Eugenia serrasuela. S#RRASUELA.

An indigenous myrtaceous tree of doubtful specific identity. Reported by Bello
only from the vicinity of Anones as Eugenia costata. (Urban. Add. 2: 170.)
Eugenia stahlii.

Called ‘‘ guayabota’’ and ‘**limoncillo.”’ <A tree 60 feet (18 meters) in height,
indigenous and peculiar to Porto Rico, Luquillo, Adjuntas, Penuelas. A smaller
closely related species, HL. sintenisii, is known only from El Yunque and from the
Sierra de Naguabo. (Urban, 2: 168.)

Eugenia tetrasperma. GUASABARA.

Tree or shrub 5 meters high; native in the forests. (Stahl, 4: 80.)
Eupatorium dalea. GUERRERO.

A composite shrub 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) high; a rum made from the
leaves and flowers is used in medicine. (Stahl, 5: 114, as Critonia dalea.)
Eupatorium macrophyllum. Turma Toro.

An erect, herbaceous annual, 1 meter high, frequenting mountain shades.
(Stahl, 5: 109.)

Eupatorium odoratum. Santa Marta.
A woody herb, 1 to 2 meters high, annual, found in waste places. (Stahl,
Se 111-)

Eupatorium polyodon. Santa Marta.

A recently described shrub of 2 to 6 meters, from Bayamon, Cayey, Aibonito,
Maricao, and Mayaguez. It is Hupatoriwm triste of Stahl, which was not the
true species of De Candolle. (Urban, Symb. 1: 462.)

Eupatorium portoricense. GUERRERO.

A shrub or tree, from 2 to 5 meters high. It grows in the mountains as wellas
in the thickets along the seashore, and has been introduced into cultivation.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 459.)

Kupatorium resinifluum. GuvUERRERO.

A shrubby species attaining only 1 or 2 meters; known from Adjuntas and
Maricao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 462.)

Eupatorium triste. See Hupatoriwm polydon.

Eupatorium villosum. OREGANILLO.

A shrub 1 to 4 meters high. The variety dolicholepsis is known from several
localities in the north and northwestern parts of the island. (Urban, Symb.
1: 462.)

Euphorbia.

A large genus of the Euphorbiaceae or spurge family, represented by numer-
ous species in Porto Rico. These are mostly small herbs or low shrubs of no
economic value.

Euphorbia buxifolia.
Family Euphorbiaceae; shrubby, 1 foot high (30 centimeters), frequenting the
rocky seashore near Guinaca.

144 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Euphorbia heterophylla. MaARaAVILLA.

Cultivated at Juana Diaz as an ornamental. The base of the upper leaves are
light red, as in Poinsettia. :
Euphorbia portoricensis.

A very small plant with subreniform pubescent leaves; recently named by —
Urban on specimens from near Cabo Rojo.

Euterpe.

A genus nearly related to that of the royal palm, Roystonea. An unnamed
species is reported by Eggers as growing gregariously on El Yunque, at an alti-
tude of 1,500 to 3,000 feet. This is doubtless the species known in the north-
eastern part of the island as ‘‘palma de la sierra,’’ which is .said to be very
similar to the royal palm, if not indeed identical with Roystonea oleracea, the —
so-called *‘ cabbage palm.”

Exostemma caribaeum. CUERO DE SAPO.
A rubiaceous shrub. (Stahl, 5: 48.)

Exostemma floribundum. See Antirrhoea coriacea.

+r Ose een

Fagara.

A genus of Rutaceae, including many species of West Indian trees formerly
referred to Zanthoxylum; several of these are indigenous in Porto Rico.
Fagara caribaea. ESPINo RUBIAL.

An indigenous shrub or tree, 7 to 20 meters high. Reported from the western
part of the island, at Penuelas, Sabana, Guanica, Cabo Rojo, Rincon, and Agua-
dilla. (Urban, Add. 3: 251.)

Fagara flava. SaTinwoop.

Indigenous; 3 to 10 meters; known also from the Florida Keys and from several |
of the smaller Antilles. (Urban, Add. 3: 258.)

Fagara martinicensis.

Also called ‘‘ espino,’’ *‘ espino rubial,’”’ and ** cenizo.”’ An indigenous tree of
5 to 20 meters. Of general distribution from Cuba to Trinidad, and known from
mountain forests in numerous localities in Porto Rico. The root is considered
medicinal. (Urban, Add. 3: 252.)

Furnishes a wood moderately hard, white in color, that breaks with a vertical
fracture and’is used in the construction of houses in the country. The bark con-
tains a yellow dye. (Grosourdy, 2: 375).

Fagara microphylla. See Zanthoxylum tragodes.
Fagara monophylla.

Variously named ** carubio,’’ ** mapurito,” ‘‘rubia,’’? and *‘espino rubial.’”?” A
tree of 2 to 10 meters, indigenous in forests and thickets in coast or foothill —
regions throughout the island. (Urban, Add. 3: 256). |
Fagara pterota. ESPINO RUBIAL. .

A wild tree, produced in abundance over nearly the entire island, 40 to 50 feet
(12 to 15 meters) high and 12 inches (30 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is
rather strong and solid, greenish-yellow or snuft-colored; used for doors, floors,
windows, etc. The military authorities of San Juan used it for making chests.
It is also used in ships’ bulwarks. (Grosourdy, 2: 382.)

Fagara spinifex. NIARAGATO. 4
A shrub or small tree of 1 to 5 meters. Reported from San Ildefonso, near
Coamo; also from Guanica and the river Juey. (Urban, Add. 3: 265). 3
Fagara trifoliata. 4
A shrub or small tree, 2 to 8 meters, known from the vicinity of Guanica. The
distribution of the species extends southward to Trinidad. (Urban, Add. 3: 272.)

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XXXV.

JAQUEY (FICUS LENTIGINOSA). ROAD BETWEEN PONCE AND ADJUNTAS.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 145

Falsa belladona. See Solanum seaforthianum.
Falso guaco. See Willughbacya scandens.

Falso marrubio. See Maesosphaerum polystachyum.
Faramea odoratissima. PALO DE TORO.

Family Rubiaceae; a tree or shrub 3 meters high, found in mountains and waste
places; flowers fragrant. The name ‘‘cafetillo”’ is recorded by Bello. (Stahl,
5: 66.)

Farolitos. See Cardiospermum halicacabum.
Fevillea cordifolia. Smcua.

Also called ** pepita amarga,’’? and in Jamaica “‘ antidote cocoon’’ and ** sabo.”’
Family Cucurbitaceae, a woody biennial creeper. In Jamaica an oil has been
extracted from the seeds and used in lamps. The seeds are also used as an anti-
dote in poisoning and as a remedy for dropsy.

Ficus arbutifolia.

Family Moraceae; said to be cultivated along the roadside at Arroyo (Sintenis).

Along the entire road from Aguadilla to Arecibo two species of fig were com-
mon. This part of the country offers much waste land in addition to the road-
sides, which might be planted in rubber or any similar crop.

Ficus carica. Fic. Hico.

A few fig trees were seen near Santurce, but they were not in a thriving condi-
tion, and the probabilities of success on the moist north coast seem to be slight.
Ficus crassinervis.

Near Naguabo.

Ficus lentiginosa. JAGUEY. PLATE XXXYV.

The fruits are light green, spotted with dull red, and are much larger than
those of F. pedunculata. Both species are planted for shade along the road
between Ponce and Adjuntas.

Ficus pedunculata.

According to Grisebach, this species is called *‘ Jamaica cherry.’ It has been
reported from south Florida and many of the West Indian islands, but was origi-
nally described from St. Christopher.

Ficus portoricensis.
A native fig tree attaining a height of 10 meters; from Yabucoa and Manati.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 472.)
Fideos. See Cuscuta americana.
Fig. See Ficus carica.
Fit weed. See Eryngium foetidum.
| Flamboyan. See Poinciana regia.
Flamboyant boanco. See Bauhinia kappleri.
Fleurya estuans. PIca-PIca.
A common weed about Santurce; belongs to the nettle family with stinging
_ hairs.
Flor deagua. See Custalia.
Flor de muerto. See Clerodendron fragrans.
Forestiera segregata.
Family Oleaceae; a shrub or small tree; native in Florida and the northern
| Antilles, including Porto Rico..
_Forsteronia corymbosa. Brsuco pm San JUAN.
Reported by Bello.

Forsteronia floribunda. _
Family Apocynaceae; a trailing shrub said to yield rubber.
Framboyant. See Poinciana regia.

146 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. ;
A local mispronunciation of flamboyant.

Frangula sphaerocarpa.
Family Rhamnaceae; a shrub or small tree from near Lares. (Grisebach, 99.) .
French Jasmine. See Calotropis procera.
Frijol cimarron. See Vigna capensis.
Frijol marrullero. See Vigna glabra.
Frijoles. See Vigna catjang. .

In Central America and Mexico this name is applied to the common black bean. ;
Phaseolus vulgaris.

Frijoles caballeros. See Dolichos lablab.
Frijolillo. See Dolicholus reticulatus.

Frijolillo colorado. See Dolicholus phaseoloides.
Frijolillo de fame. See Pachyrrhizus angulatus.
Frijolillo pequefio. See Dolicholus minimus.
Fruta de pan.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters); diam-
eter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 45 centimeters); wood white, very soft; specific gravity
0.36; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Furcraea gigantea. MAURITIUS HEMP.

Family Amaryllidaceae. <A large agave-like plant native in Mexico, but now
generally known as Mauritius hemp from the fact that its culture was taken up
ona large scalein Zanzibar. Fourcroya will grow on day sandy land where few
other crops of value can be raised, but as in the case of sisal hemp there is
little probability that it would be desirable to plant extensively in Porto Rico.
The species is already introduced into the island and is occasionally planted as an
ornamental instead of agave.

Fustic. See Maclura tinctoria and Zanthoxylum.
Gaita. See Hypelate paniculata.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters);
diameter, 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 centimeters). Wood white, rather hard; spe-
cific gravity, 0.753; used for cabinet work. (Exp. 1857.)

Galactia.

A genus of leguminous creeping or twining vines. Stahl describes Galactia
berteriana and G. filiformis. Sintenis collected the former near Bananquitas and.
the latter near Cabo Rojo. (Stahl, 3: 66-67.) )
Galactia tomentosa.

A recently described species known from between Aibonito and Coamo.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 472.) ;

Galan arboreo. See Acnistus arborescens. 2 |
Galan del monte. See Cestrum laurifolium. ;
Gallina.

**Chicken wood.’’ Much used for machete handles. A very hard, yellow aa
(Hansard. ) ;
Gallito. See Agati grandiflora. £
Gandul. See Cajanus cajan.

Gangolin. See Ilex sideroxyloides portoricensis.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RIGO. 147

Garcinia mangostana. MANGOSTEEN.

Various attempts have been made to introduce this noble fruit into the West
Indies, and a tree supposed to be the largest in those islands has been growing for
many years in the botanic gardens of Trinidad. It began to fruit in 1875 and has
continued to do so at irregular intervals. Seedlings raised from it have proved,
however, to be very weakly and have not reached maturity, a failure due, in the
opinion of Superintendent Hart, to the lack of cross fertilization. Additional
trees have recently been secured from the Hast in the hope of meeting this defi-
ciency and making possible the more rapid multiplication of the species, for which
the natural conditions are considered entirely favorable.

Mr. F. L. Cervantes, of Habana, has recently called our attention to the fact
the former existence of the mangosteen in Cuba was reported by the French
botanist Descourtilz. It was introduced from the East Indies by a wealthy French
planter of Santiago de Cuba, reached maturity, and fruited, but is now believed
to have become extinct. It is also reported that the mangosteen is grown in the
Philippines, especially at Jolo, whence it is shipped in some quantity to Manila.
Garden egg.

A Jamaica name for the egg plant, Solanum melongena.

Gardenia florida. CAPE JASMINE.
Family Rubiaceae; introduced as an ornamental; 1eported from Yabucoa.

Garlic. See Allium sativum.
Garracho. See Quararibea turbinata.

Garrocho.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 38 feet (9 to 12 meters); diam-
eter, 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters). Wood white, rather hard; specific
gravity, 0.713; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Gateado. .

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 18 to 20 feet; diameter, 10 to 13
inches (25 to 32 centimeters). Wood striped red, hard; specific gravity, 1.164;
used for cabinet work. (Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy (2: 384) refers this wood to Brosimum guianensis. He gives the
height as 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), and says that the samples from Porto
Rico are red, striped with black, and. would seem to be susceptible of a fine polish.
Gato. See Helicteres jamaicensis.

Gen gen.

Captain Hansard gives for this wood a specific gravity of 0.68. It has been used
for making the wooden pans for gold seekers in the Luquillo mountains.
Gengibre. See Zingiber officinale.

Gengibre amargo.

The “‘ bitter ginger”’ is probably Zingiber zerumbet. It has large coarse roots,
and is used as an external remedy in the form of a tincture made with rum.
Gengibrillo.

Enumerated by Hill among the “‘ trees’’ used for dyeing and tanning. In
Ponce we found this name applied to small, fleshy rootstocks having a yellow,
bitterish juice; possibly they may be those of some species of Curcuma. The
juice is said to be used for dyeing and marking handkerchiefs. The dealers obtain
their supplies from the hills, where the plant is believed to grow wild.

Genipa americana. JAGUA.

A rubiaceous forest tree native in South America and the West Indies. It

should not be confused with the genip tree Melicocca bijuga, of family Sapin-

23227—VOL VIII, PT 2—03——7

148 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. -

daceae, which is called ‘‘ genipe’’ in Porto Rico. The fruit of genipa is from 4 to
6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length and oval inshape. The skin is somewhat
leathery in texture and of a russet color, irregularly mottled with grayish. The
section shows it to be two-celled. The rind and the pulp, in which the seeds are
embedded, are used in the preparation of one of the refreshing drinks which are
such a feature in Porto Rico. The ‘‘jagua”’ is also occasionally eaten, but can
scarcely be recommended. It has somewhat the flabby texture and much of the
taste of dried apples; according to Schumann, it contains large quantities of tannic
acid.

It reaches a height of 50 feet (15 meters), with a long, rather straight trunk,
from 15 to 20 inches (37 to 45 centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a rather
soft, light wood that is, however, strong and resistant, flexible, and fibrous in
texture. The color is uniformly whitish, tinged with a light reddish brown. It
resembles the ash and possesses also its properties. It is very suitable for boxes
and for any work where strength and elasticity are needed. The rims of sieves
and shoe lasts are made of this wood. The military authorities of San Juan used
it for ammunition chests and for hoops to barrels. Specific gravity, 0.873.
(Grosourdy, 2: 391.)

Geno. See Lonchocarpus glaucifolius.
Geno geno. See Lonchocarpus violaceus.

Captain Hansard says that the wood of this tree has a specific gravity of 0.89.
Geofila. See Geophila reniformis.

Geo geo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 40 feet (7 to 12 meters); diam-
eter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood dark, soft; specific gravity,
0.511; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Geophila reniformis. GEOFILA.

Family Rubiaceae; a creeping herb frequenting forest shades in moist places.
(Stahl, 5: 81.)

Gerardia domingensis. YERBA VERONICA.

Family Scrophulariaceae; an herbaceous annual in sandy inundated places.

(Stahl, 6: 233.)
Gesneria citrina.

Family Gesneriaceae; a new species from Utuado. (Urban, Symb. 1: 477.)
Gesneria portoricensis. YERBA PARRERA.

Reported by Bello, who gives De Candolle as the author of the species, which
does not, however, appear in the Index Kewensis.

Gia mansa. See Casearia parvifolia.
Gia verde. See Casearia stipularis.
Gilibertia arborea. VIBONA.

Also known as *‘ pana,’’ ** palo cachumba,’’ and ‘‘mufieca.’’ A tree of 4 to 20
meters, belonging to the family Araliaceae. Reported from forests in numerous
localities in Porto Rico. (Urban, Symb. 1: 20; as Sciadophyllum jacquini; Stahl,
A: 197.)

Gilibertia laurifolia.

Native names: ‘* Palo de vaca,’’ ‘‘ palo de gangulin,”’ ‘‘ palo cachumba”’ and
‘“vibona.’’ A tree of 8 to 20 meters known from native forests near Aibonito,
Jayuya, Barranquitas, Penuelas, and Adjuntas. (Urban, Symb. 1: 203.)
Ginger. See Zingiber officinale.

Ginoria rohrii.
Family Lythraceae; from Naguabo, Guayacan, and Guanica.

—— eo

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 149

Glateado. See Coccolobis laurifolia.
Gnaphalium americanum. See Gnaphalium purpureum.
Gnaphalium purpureum. YERBA LANUDA.

An erect, herbaceous, annual composite on the borders of cane fields and in
ditches; 25 centimeters high. (Stahl, 5: 147.)
Goat weed. See Capraria biflora.
Gomatu palm. See Arenga saccharifera.
Gomidesia lindeniana. CIENEGUILLO.

An indigenous, myrtaceous shrub or small tree 30 feet (9 meters) high, reported
from forests between Bayamon and Aguas Buenas; also from Aibonito, Barran-
quitas, Adjuntas, and Lares.

_ Gomphya nitida. See Ouratea nitida.

Gonfia lustrosa. See Ouratea nitida.
Gongoli.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches. Specific gravity, 1.088. (Exp. 1857.)

Furnishes a strong, compact, flesh-colored wood that breaks with an oblique
fracture. Its common use is for the framework of houses and for fences.
(Grosourdy, 2: 384.)

Gonolobus. See Vincetoxicum.

Gonzalagunia spicata. RaBo DE RATON.

Family Rubiaceae; an erect or somewhat trailing woedy annual or biennial, 1
meter high, common in fence rows and in waste places partially shaded. The
white or slightly pinkish flowers are all turned to the upper side of the long
curved raceme. The fruit is a whitish berry, but turns black on drying and
appears capsular. (Stahl, 5: 43, as Gonzalea spicata.)

Gonzalea spicata. -See Gonzalagunia spicata.

Gossypium barbadense. CoTron. ALGODON.

Cotton is not raised in Porto Rico as a commercial crop, and indeed none is to
be seen about the country except now and then a shrub in a dooryard.

The cotton plant is also one of many, of tropical origin, which have been
selected and improved in subtropical or temperate regions and which tend to
return to their original habits when taken back to the more humid tropics. The
cottons of tropical countries, of which there are several species, are perennials,
and scarcely begin to bear during a period sufficient for ripening a crop in the
Southern States. There is, accordingly, little fear that any tropical country will
successfully compete with warm temperate regions like Egypt and our Southern
States, where the crop can be brought to early and even maturity so that the
the necessary labor can be applied with advantage and economy.

The name ‘‘algodon rojo”’ (red cotton) is said to be the variety described
botanically as Gossypium purpurascens.

Gossypium janiphaefolium. ALGODON DE YUCA.

A species of cotton described by Bello from the vicinity of Cabo Rojo, called
“algodon de yuca”’ or ‘‘cassava cotton.’’ on account of the similarity of the
leaves to those of Manihot. Stahl reduces the species to Gossypium herbaceum.
(Stahl, 2: 96.)

Gossypium purpurascens. See Gossypium barbadense.
Gouania domingensis.

Family Rhamnaceae; a shrubby vine, growing also in Jamaica, where it is
called **chaw stick’? and used for toothbrushes, etc. It yields a valuable sto-
machic drug, according to Grisebach. <A variety aptera is reported by Urban
from Coamo and Aibonito.

Gouania tomentosa.

150 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. :
Reported from near Aguada. >

Gout tea. See Cordia globosa.

Graciosa. See Oldenlandia glomerata.
Grana. §
Given in Maza’s Diccionario as the Porto Rican name of the royal palm, but _
apparently little used, ‘‘ palma de yagua”’ being the prevalent designation. hs
is

Granada. See Punica granatum. .
Granadilla. See Passiflora quadrangularis.
Granadilla tree.

In Jamaica and Cuba the names ** granadilla tree’ and “‘ granadilla”’ are applied
to Brya ebenus, a small leguminous tree yielding the so-called *‘American ebony.”’
This species is not yet yeported from Porto Rico. Captain Hansard describes the
‘‘oranadilla tree’? as very large, with small leaves and spreading branches.
Nothing will grow underneath it, and it is therefore unwelcome in coffee planta-
tions. The yellow wood is not considered of marketable value, although it will
make fairly good boards. The specific gravity is 1.11. The ‘* granadilla”’ fruit
is from a vine Passiflora quadrangularis, and has nothing to do with the tree.
Granadillo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (13 to 14 meters); diam-
eter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood, yellow, hard; specific gravity,
0.917; used for cabinet work. (Exp. 1857.)

This is also enumerated by Hill among trees used for dyeing and tanning. See
also the note under Granadilla tree.

Grape. See Vitis vinifera.

Grape fruit. See Citrus decumana.
Grape tree. See Coccolobis.

Grasilla. See Utricularia subulata.
Grayume. See Didymopanax morototont.
Grayumo. See Didymopanax morototoni.

Captain Hansard states that this tree is supposed to have two distinct sexes,
the female being hollow, while the male is solid and is sometimes sawed into white
narrow boards, although he has seen some 14 inches wide. Owing to the softness
and lightness of the wood, it is used only for inside work. The tree is large, with
parasol-shaped leaves, and the name is sometimes erroneously pronounced ‘‘yau-
egrumo.”’

Ground cherry. See Physalis.
Ground nut. See Arachis hypogaea.

Guaba. See Inga vera.
A most useful tree for shade of coffee; according to Captain Hansard the spe-
cific gravity of the wood is 0.64. .
Guabara.
The wood is given a specific gravity of 0.63 by Captain Hansard. ,
Guacima del Norte. See Guazuma ulmifolia.
Guacima del Sur. See Guazuma tomentosa.
Guaco. See Willughbaeya odoratissima and W. cordifolia.
Guaco de cabra. See Willughbaeya porosa.
Guajacum officinale. LiGNuM VITAE. GUAYACAN.
Family Zygophyllaceae; a tree 5 meters high. wood called ‘‘lignum vitae.”
The wood of this tree is very hard, cross-grained, and of high specific gravity. It

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. I51L

takes a fine polish and is used in making rollers for casters and various utensils.
‘The resin exuded from the stem called ‘‘ guaiacum ”’ is said to have the property
of changing color when brought in contact with various substances, also used as
a stimulant in medicine. (Stahl, 2: 173.)

A wild tree met with on the coasts, reaching a height of 45 or 50 feet (14 or 15
meters), with a trunk 12 to 15 inches: (30 to 37 centimeters) in diameter. It fur-
nishes a very hard wood, very fine-grained and compact. The sapwood which is
almost as hard as the heart is light yellow, while the heart is brown mixed with
green with darker stripes. It is a valuable wood and its exportation forms a
branch of commerce. It cuts well with the saw and in spite of its fibrous texture
is much worked. It can also be split, especially when recently cut, at which
time the wood is much softer and more easily worked. It becomes much harder
on exposure to the atmosphere and is then very difficult to work.

It is used extensively for machinery and in cabinet work and for turned articles,
and in all works where strength and hardness are needed, such as wooden cogs,
mortars, hubs of wheels, etc. It is susceptible of a high polish. The green wood
has a specific gravity of 1.080; the dry, 1.354 to 1.860. (Grosourdy, 2: 389.)

It is believed in Porto Rico that coffee powdered with a mortar and pestle of
“‘ouayacan’’ is far superior to that ground in a wooden mill.

Guajacum sanctum. GUAYACANCILLO.

Family Zygophyllaceae; a tree said to have been abundant formerly on the
coast hills of the south side of the island, but now nearly exterminated as far as
large trees are concerned. The wood is considered valuable, and a resin or balsam
exuded from it is medicinal. (Stahl, 2: 174.)

According to Engler and Prantl the wood of this species is also utilized in com-
merce as lignum vitae.

Guajanilla amarilla.

A wild tree produced in abundance in the southern part of the island. Its
height is about 40 feet (12 meters), and its trunk 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centi-
meters) in diameter. The wood is strong, dark yellow, breaking with a vertical
fracture. Its most common use is for shelying in houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 386.)
Guajanilla prieta.

Said to be a variety of guajanilla amarilla, distinguished only by having its
dark yellow wood streaked with brown. (Grosourdy, 2: 386.)

Guajanillo.

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity as 0.80 and states that it is the same
as “‘ caracolillo.”’
Guajona.

A large tree occurring rarely in the mountains of the Luquillo rezion; the
wocd makes good boards. The name means gypsy. (Hansard.)
Gualteria americana. See Waltheria indica.

Guamé. See Inga laurina.

Specific gravity, 0.70 (Hansard). Used for firewood and as a coffee shade.
The fruit is a broad, bean-like pod with edible, rather sweet-tasting, fluffy pulp.
Abundant in foothills.

Guanabana.

Soursop. The fruit of Anona muricata.
Guanabancilla cimarrona. See Vincetoxicum.
Guanabanillo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.5 meters): diam-
ter, 10 to 12 inches. Wood light, soft; specific gravity, 0.728; not used. (Exp.
1857.)

152 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Guanabano. See Anona muricata.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7.5 to 9 meters); diam-
eter, 12 to 15 inches. Wood, light, soft; specific gravity, 0.688; not used.
(Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives this wood a specific gravity of 0.44.

Guanabano cimarron. See Anona montana and A. palustris.

Guanavano. See Anona muricata.
A less correct form of ‘‘ guanabano.’

Guanaguao.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 60 to 70 feet (18 to 21 meters);
diameter, 60 to 64 inches (150 to 160 centimeters). Wood flesh-colored, soft;
specific gravity, 0.741; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Guano. See Ochroma lagopus. ‘

Silk-cotton tree with long, fluffy pods sold in market: grows profusely in British
islands.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7.5 to 9 meters); diam-
eter, 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50 centimeters). Wood, yellow very soft; specific
gravity, 0.231; little used. (Hxp. 1857.)

Guansa.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters); diam-
eter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood ash-colored, rather hard;
specific gravity, 0.729; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Guao. See Comocladia.

According to Engler this name is applied to Comocladia ilicifolia, an anacardi-
aceous tree, also known as ‘‘carrasco”’’ in Porto Rico and other West Indian
islands. Hill’s reference (p. 34) is evidently an error for ‘‘ guano,’’ the popular
name of Ochroma lagopus, the West Indian cork-wood tree. which furnishes a
downy fiber.

Guara. See Cupania americana.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity,
0.596; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of 0.70.

Guaraguadillo. See Guarea humilis.

Guaraguao. See Guarea swartzii, G. trichilioides, and Trichilia spondiodes.

A tree occasionally found, but not plentiful, in the mountains of the northeastern
part of the island. The wood isred and makes good boards, similar to mahogany;
specific gravity, 0.69 (Hansard).

Light reddish brown, streaked with lighter and darker shades. Large ducts
numerous, occurring singly or in irregular loose groups of two to four. Medul-
lary rays numerous, but very indistinct. An exceedingly cross-grained, porous
wood, somewhat similar in color to cedro. Suitable for a cabinet wood. (Hill
and Sudworth, p. 29.) )

Grosourdy (2: 387) refers this variety to both Guarea trichilioides and
Trichilia moscata and describes it as an abundant wild tree, 70 feet (21 meters) in
height, whose long, straight trunk reaches a diameter of 6 or 64 feet (about 2
meters). Itfurnishes a rather hard wood of good weight, dense and close-grained,
dark flesh-colored, and breaking with an oblique fracture. Itis much appreciated
for the construction of strong wagons and carriages and farm implements and in
many branches of carpentry work.

Guaraguao cimarron. See Trichilia havanensis.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 1538

Guarea humilis. GUARAGUADILLO.

Family Meliaceae; a tree or shrub 5 meters high from Barranquitas ard
Adjuntas, Luquillo, and Naguabo. (Stahl, 2: 168.)

Guarea swartzil. GUARAGUAO.

A large forest tree, 15 to 20 meters high. Wood like cedar in color, but harder;
used for furniture. (Stahl, 2: 166.)

This species is not now recognized as genuine, the Porto Rican form represent-
ing probably G. trichilioides.

The common name ‘‘ acajou ’’ is sometimes applied to this species.

Guarea trichilioides.

A tree having a musk-like perfume.
Guarema. See Picramnia pentandra.

A tree from the northeastern part of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11
meters); diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood dark. hard; spe-
cific gravity, 1.213; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 387.)
Guasa.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet; diameter, 10 to
12 inches. Wood white, soft; specific gravity, 0.890; used in building houses.
(Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy says (2: 387), in addition, that the wood is resistant and breaks
with a vertical fracture.

Guasabara. See Hugenia tetrasperma.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 55 to 60 feet (15 to 18 meters); diam-
ter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood flesh-colored, hard; specific
gravity, 0.947; used for cabinet work. (Exp. 1857.)

Specific gravity 0.87 according to Captain Hansard.

Guasabarillo.
Perhaps the same as ‘*‘ guasabara,’’ but with the specific gravity given as 0.78.

Guasavara. See Hugenia aeruginea and E. eggersii.

Another spelling of Guasabara; said by Grosourdy to be an abundant wild tree,
60 feet (18 meters) in height and 12 to 18 inches (30 to 37 centimeters) in diameter.
The wood is strong, compact, and flesh-colored, and breaks obliquely. Its most
common use is for fences and for fuel. (Grosourdy, 2: 387.)

Guasima. See Guazuma guazuma.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters); diam-
eter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity,
0.741; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of 0.35 under this name.

Guasimilla.

A wild tree, without doubt a variety of Guacima, 35 feet (11 meters) high and
12 inches (30 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is white, soft, and breaks with
avertical fracture. Its most common use is for framing country houses. (Gro-
sourdy, 2: 387.)

A tree from the eastern part of the island; specific gravity, 0.508. (Exp. 1857.)
Guatapana.

A wild tree, 24 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters) high, with a trunk 12 inches (30 centi-
meters) in diameter. The wood is dark-colored, hard, and resistant; used for
shelving and in boat building. (Grosourdy, 2: 3838.)

A tree from the southern part of theisland; specific gravity, 1.294. (Exp. 1857.)
Guauro. See Vincetoxicum pubescens.

Guava.

The English name of the well-known tropical fruit Psidiwm guajava, the Span-

ish name of which is “‘ guayava.’’ In Porto Rico the name guava is applied

154 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

instead to a species of Inga, used as a shade tree for coffee. Captain Hansard
claims to have been informed by Professor Hart, of the Trinidad Botanic Gardens,
that the tree called guava in Porto Rico is not the genuine Inga vera, but our
specimens seem to agree reasonably well with material from the other West Indies
and from South America.

Guayaba. See Psidiwm guajava.

Guayabacison.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diame-
ter, 15 to 18 inches (37 to 45 centimeters). Wood pinkish, hard; specific gravity,
1.029; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Guayabacon. See Eugenia aeruginea, Myrica divaricata, and M. leptoclada.

A tree of the coasts, reaching 30 feet (9 meters) in height by 18 inches (45 centi-
meters) in diameter. The rose-colored wood is compact and strong, and difficult
to break. It is used for beams and rafters in country houses. (Grosourdy, 2:
388. )

Guayabillo. See Eugenia pseudopsidium.
Guayabillo de costa. See Hugenia flavo-virens.

Guayabo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 12 to 15 feet; diameter, 6 to 8 inches.
Wood flesh-colored, hard; specific gravity, 0.811: fruit tree. (Exp. 1857.)
Guayabota. See Diospyrus ebenaster and Eugenia stahlii.

A hard wood used in peasant houses for posts; flowers like Gardenia. Specific
gravity of the wood, 0.66. (Hansard.)

Said by Grosourdy to be a variety of ‘** guayabota rojo,’ with a lighter-colored
wood. (Grosourdy, 2: 388.)

Guayabota blanca.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters); diame-
ter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood pinkish, soft; specific gravity,
0.686; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Guayabota nispero. See Maba sintenisii.

Guayabota roja.

A rather abundant wild tree. reaching 30 feet (9 meters) in height, and 12 inches
(30 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is red, rather soft, and not very dura-
ble, breaking with an oblique fracture. Its common use is for the framework
of country houses. (Grosourdy. 2: 3838.

A tree from all parts of the island. Specific gravity, 0.667. (Exp. 1857.)
Guayacan. See Guajacuwm officinale.

Also called erroneously ‘‘ guayavacan”’ by the peasants and others who have
learned from them.

A tree from the southeastern part of the island: height, 40 to 45 feet; diameter,
12 to 15 inches. Wood greenish, hard; specific gravity, 0.972; used in making
furniture. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard considers this the genuine lignum-vitae and gives the specific
gray ty as 1.16.

Heartwood dull yellowish-brown, with dark olive-brown streaks; sapwood pale
yellow, with brownishareas. Minute ducts occurring singly and evenly scattered.
Medullary rays very small and indistinct. Smoothed surface, oily to the touch.
Exceedingly hard, brittle, and difficult to cut. Resembles Guajacum officinale,
and is probably G. sanctum. It grows in comparative abundance in the entire
mountain chain and on the southern coast of the island, producing a wood which
is very solid and resistant. On this account it is much sought after in the ship-

Wane

Rin

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. ; PLATE XXXVI. 3

GUACIMA (GUAZUMA GUAZUMA). COAMO SPRINGS.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 155

yards for blocks and pulleys, for spokes and tires, and many other things which
require great strength. Water boiled with this wood is an antivenereal specific
and cures ulcers produced by this’ disease. The resin from the ‘‘ guayacan,”’
lignum-vitae, is highly valued for gout. The Caribbeans apply it to other local
ailments, and foreigners extract it freely on the southern coast equally with the
“year,” ‘‘expinillo,’’ ‘‘ palo de Maria,’ ‘‘palo de Brazil’’ and others, for dyes
and coloring matter. (Hill and Sudworth, 27.)

Guayacancillo. See Guajacum sanctum.

Grosourdy (2: 389) refers this to G. verticale and suggests that it is possibly
only a variety of G. officinalis.
Guayacan de vera.

A name applied at Yauco to guayacan wood with white and yellow spots.

Guayaco.

Reported by Hill among resin-yielding trees. Perhaps ‘* guayacan’’ was
intended.

Guayanilla amarilla.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet; diameter, 12 to 15
inches. Wood yellow, hard; specific gravity, 1.088; used for cabinetwork. (Exp.
1857.)

Guayanilla prieta.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 10 to12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood dark yellow, hard; specific
gravity, 1.116; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Guayarote. See Meliosma obtusifolia.
Guayava. See Psidium guayava.

Guayava pera. See Psidium guayava.
A name applied to the pear-shaped varieties of the guava.

Guayavacon. See Myrcia leptoclada and Trichilia hirta.
Guayavita. See Amomis caryophyllata.

Guazuma guazuma. GuACIMA DEL NORTE. PLATE XXXVI.

A common tree belonging to the family Sterculiaceae; Stahl ascribes qualities
similar to those noted under G. tomentosa, and gives the name *‘ guacima del
norte.”’ (Stahl, 2: 105.)

A wild tree very common throughout the Antilles and also on the continent.
It reaches 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) in height, with a rather straight trunk
15 to 18 inches (37 to 45 centimeters) in diameter. A variety of the mountains
with rather small leaves is somewhat larger and taller. Furnishes a rather light
wood that is undoubtedly resistant, fibrous in texture, light gray in color, slightly
mixed with rose or flesh color in unequal stripes that produce a handsome
appearance. This wood has no heart, and some specimens are reddish-gray mot-
tled almost uniformly. It has no use, but would appear suitable for fences, the
interior of houses, etc. It serves for fuel, and the light charcoal is good for
making powder. Specific gravity, 0.552. The common name is sometimes spelled
“euazima’’ and ‘‘guasima.’’ (Grosourdy, 2: 385.)

Guazuma tomentosa. GUACIMA DEL SuR.

A tree common on the southern coast of theisland. (Stahl, 2: 106.) In Jamaica
is said to be a tree 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters) high; foliage and fruit eaten by
cattle. The light wood is used for making sugar hogsheads.

Guazuma ulmifolia. See Guazwma guazuma.

Guerrero. See Eupatorium dalea, E. portoricense, and E. resinifluum.

156 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Guettarda krugii.

A recently described rubiaceous tree, attaining a height of 10 meters; known ‘
from the vicinity of Guanica. (Urban, Symb. 1: 431.) :
Guettarda laevis.

A tree 15 to 20 meters high from the primeval forests of the mountains of
Luquillo and Naguabo. (Urban, Symb. 1: 433.)
Guettarda ovalifolia.

A tree 8 to 10 meters in height, recently described from the region of Cayey,
Adjuntas, and Maricao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 482.)
Guettarda pungens. ;

The midrib of the small leathery leaves of this species is produced into a sharp
spine. Known from Maricao. (Sintenis.)
Guettarda scabra. PAaLo DE CUCUBANO.

A tree 3 to 5 meters high, growing on mountains and in waste places. (Stahl,
5: 56.)
Guichara. See Lagenaria vulgaris.

The grooved musical instrument made from the gourd; also called ‘‘ guira ”’
and ‘‘ caracho.”’
Guilandina bonduc. See Caesalpinia bondue.
Guilandina bonducella. See Caesalpinia bonducella.
Guinea grass. See Panicum maximum.

‘

Guinea-hen’s weed. See Petiveria alliacea.
Guinea pepper. See Capsicum.
Guineos.

A variety of banana.

Guingambo. See Abelmoschus esculentus.
Guira. See Lagenaria vulgaris.

One of the names applied to the grooved gourd used as a musical instrument.
Guitaran.

A low tree growing on the coast, reaching 18 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters) in height,
with a trunk 10 or 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is
rose-colored and breaks easily with a vertical fracture. Has no application.
(Grosourdy, 2: 389.)

A tree from the interior of the island; height. 18 to 20 feet; diameter, 10 to 12

inches. Wood pinkish, soft; specific gravity, 0.863: used for cabinetwork. (Exp.
1857.)
Gum arabie. See Acacia arabica.
Guyabacoa. See Rheedia portoricensis.
Guyacan. Probably an error for Guayacan.
Guzmannia sintenisii.

Family Bromeliaceae; from Sierra de Luquillo.

Gynandropsis speciosa. VOLATINES PRECIOSOS.
Family Capparidaceae; an herbaceous annual cultivated in gardens; 1 meter
high. (Stahl, 2: 42.)

Gynerium saccharoides. CANA DE CASTILLA.
Habas. See Phaseolus lunatus.

Habichuela. See Phaseolus vulgaris.
Habichuela cimarrona. See Phaseolus adenanthus and Phaseolus lanceolatus.
Habichuela parada. See Phaseolus semierectus. i

ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 157

COOK AND COLLINS

Hacana. See Lucuma multiflora.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diame-
ter, 8 to 10 inches. Wood white. rather hard; specific gravity, 0.924; not used.
This is perhaps the same as ‘“‘acana’”’ and ‘‘jacana.”’ (Exp. 1857.)

Hacanilla. See Ardisia purpurascens.
This name was perhaps intended for ‘‘jacanillo,”’ appled to Ardisia pendula.

Hachuelo. See Pictetia.

** Color, rich dark yellowish-brown, with streaks and mottlings of light yellow-
brown. Ducts minute, very numerous, occurring singly, and irregularly dif-
fused between the medullary rays or often interrupting the rays. Medullary
rays very numerous, indistinct. Wood fibers interlaced, but appearing rather
straight grained on the finished surface. Valuable for cabinetwork.”’ (Hill and
Sudworth. )

Hachuelo.
An erroneous name given by Hill for the calabash tree. Crescentia cujete, which
seems also to have been confused by him with ‘‘tachuelo’’ or Pictetia.

Haematoxylon campechianum. Palo DE CAMPECHE.

Family Cassiaceae; a medium-sized tree yielding the logwood of commerce.
(Stahl, 3: 104.) ;

A wild tree reaching 30 to 45 feet (9 to 14 meters) high, but with short trunk
seldom attaining 6 or 9 feet (2 to 3 meters); very crooked and irregular, prolonged
into large branches rather long and straight. The diameter of the trunk is 18 to
24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters); of the branches 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centime-
ters). The wood is very hard and heavy, compact in texture, dark purple with
darker stripes, frequently tinted with orange, especially toward the outside, which
is lighter, variegated with orange. Without doubt at the fall of the tree the wood
is of one color, a reddish white, and takes on its beautiful color little by little
after exposure to the air. Specific gravity, 0.992.

The wood is not only used as a dye, but can be utilized in turning. (Grosourdy,
2: 369.)

Haemocharis portoricensis. NINO DE COTA.

An indigenous tree belonging to the Theaceae and closely related botanically to
the tea shrub. It is reported from the primeval forests of the mountain of
Luquillo and Naguabo at an altitude of 1,000 meters.

Haenianthus obpvatus.

An oleaceous shrub described from specimens collected on El Yunque. (Urban,
Add. 1:58.) Also from the mountain of Luquillo.
Hamelia lutea. BALSAMO AMARILLO.

Family Rubiaceae ; an annual herbaceous shrub, 1 meter high, found along the
foothills and shaded woody places. (Stahl, 5:40.)

Hamelia patens. BALSAMO COLORADO.
An erect biennial shrub, 1 meter high, in stony places in the mountains. Our
specimens (No. 619) are from the vicinity of Coamo. (Stahl, 5: 41.)

Hat palm. See Jnodes causiarum.
Haya. See Oxandra laurifolia.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet; diameter, 8 to 10
inches; specific gravity, 0.705. (Exp. 1857.)

The wood is dirty white, flexible, and breaks with a vertical fracture. Its com-
mon use is for oars and the frames of country houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 389.)
Haya blanca. See Oxandra laurifolia.

Haya prieta. See Oxandra virgata.

158 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Hebeclinium macrophyllum. See Hupatoriuwm macrophyllum.

Hecastophyllum brownei. See Dalbergia ecastaphyllum.

Hecastophyllum monetaria. See Dalbergia monetaria.

Heckeria peltata. PuaTeE XXXVII.
Family Piperaceae; a large, succulent herb with peltate, heart-shaped leaves.

Heckeria umbellata. PLATE XXXVIII.

A species appearing very similar to the preceding but very different on close
inspection. The stems and petioles have prominent ridges fringed with rows of
long hairs; the internodes and peduncles are shorter, the petioles not expanded at
base, and the leaves are not peltate but have an open sinus. Both species were
collected along the Military Road a short distance south of Rio Piedras.
Hedionda. See Cassia occidentalis.

In the market of Ponce roots called ‘‘hedionda’’ were being sold by an herb
dealer as a remedy for flatulence.

Hediondilla. See Leucaena glauca.
Hedwigia balsamifera. See Tetragastris balsamifera.
Hedychium coronarium.

Family Zingiberaceae; reported from Cayey and Maricao. Also collected at
Adjuntas.

Hedyosmum arborescens.

Family Chloranthaceae; a shrub 12 to 16 feet (4 to 5 meters) high,in mountain
woods. A related species is called ‘‘ headache weed’? in Jamaica. Reported from
Sierra de Luquillo.

Hedyotis glomerata. See Oldenlandia glomerata.
Heliconia.

A species of Heliconia is reported by Hill, apparently on the authority of Eggers,
in a list of trees of the mountains. This genus is quite closely related to the
banana, but the fruit is a dry capsule with three seeds or less.

Heliconia bihai.

A musaceous tree 10 or 12 feet (3 or 4 meters) high, reported from Bayamon,
in forests on the mountains. Called bastard plantain in Jamaica.
Helicteres jamaicensis. CUERNECILLO.

Family Sterculiaceae; a shrub 2to3 meters high, in sands of the coast. Jacquin
calls this ‘‘ huevo de gato’’ (Stahl, 2: 102), while Bello gives simply ‘‘ gato.”’
Heliophytum indicum. See Heliotropium indicum.

Heliophytum parviflorum. See Heliotropium parviflorum.
Heliotropium curassavicum. CoTORRERA DE LA PLAYA.

Family Boraginaceae; a woody herb 50 centimeters high, growing in tufts in
marshy ground along the seashore. (Stahl, 6: 106.)

Heliotropium indicum. COTORRERA.

An herbaceous, erect annual, 50 centimeters high; common. A decoction of
this plant is said to act as a diuretic. (Stahl, 6: 108.) At Catafio this was called
‘‘yerba de cotorra,’’ a translation of which would be ‘‘ parrot grass,’’ while at
Ponce it is termed *‘ yerba de culebra.”’

Heliotropium inundatum. CoTORRERA DE AGUA.

Said to be a woody herb, found in wet places along the seashore. (Stahl, 6: 107.)
Heliotropium parviflorum. CoTORRERILLA.

A woody herb 50 centimeters high, growing in stony places. (Stahl, 6: 109, as
Heliophytum parviflorum. )

Heliotropium peruvianum. HELIOTROPO.
A beautiful, fragrant species, cultivated in gardens. (Stahl, 6: 108.)

. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

PLATE XXXVII.

HECKERIA PELTATA; INFLORESCENCE AND CENTER OF LEAF.

Nat. Herb., V PLATE XXXVIII.

HECKERIA UMBELLATA; INFLORESCENCE AND CENTER OF LEAF.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XXXIX.

i
i.
i
'
|

TALANTALA (HERPETICA ALATA). AT CATANO.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 159

Heliotropo. See Heliotropium peruvianwm.
Henna. See Lawsonia tnernis.
Henriettella fascicularis. CAMACEY SIMPLE.

Family Melastomaceae; a shrub 3 to 4 meters high; grows on mountains above
500 feet elevation. (Stahl, 4: 114.)

Herbeclinium macrophyllum. See Hupatoriwnm macrophyllum and Bacopa
chamaedryoides.
Hernandia sonora.

Family Hernandiaceae; a tree with large peltate leaves, the juice of which is
said to be a powerful depilatory; reported from near Rincon and Yabucoa.
Herpestis monniera. See Bacopa monniera.

Herpetica alata. TALANTALA. PLATE XXXIX.

Family Cassiaceae; a shrubby plant 4 to 8 feet high, also called ringworm shrub
in Jamaica on account of its reputed healing properties for that disorder. Bello
gives the common name as “‘talantro.”’. (Stahl, 3: 107, as Cassia alata.)
Heteropteris bellonis. AHORCA CABALLO.

An indigenous, climbing shrub of the family Malpighiaceae. From Sabana
Grande, Maricao, and Lares. Appears in Stahl’s ‘‘ Flora”’ as Stigmatophyllon
chrysophylla.

Heteropteris chrysophylla. BrJUCO DE PARALEJO.

A vine found by Stahl at Humacao. (Stahl, 2: 147).
Heteropteris laurifolia. PARALEJO VELLUDO.

A shrub 2 to3 meters high; collected by Heller near Mayaguez. (Stahl, 2: 149,
as Heteropteris pubifiora.)

Heteropteris pubiflora. See Heteropteris laurifolia.
Heteropteris purpurea. BEJUCO DE PARALEJO ROSADO.
A low, woody climber among shrubs. (Stahl, 2: 148.)

Hibiscus abelmoschus. See Abelmoschus abelmoschus.

Hibiscus bifurcatus. BUENOS DIAS.

An herbaceous, woody annual, 1 to 2 meters high, found in shady waste places.
(Stahl, 2: 91.)
Hibiscus elatus. EMAJAGUA EXCELSA.

A spreading tree growing to be 60 feet high and 8 feet through; used for lumber;
does not corrode the nails; very durable; the bark is said to make good rope.
(Stahl, 2: 95, as Paritiwm elatum.)

Hipiscus esculentus. See Abelmoschus esculentus.

Hibiscus mutabilis. MaARravi.a.
A shrub 3 to 4 meters high, cultivated in gardens for its flowers. (Stahl, 2: 89.)

Hibiscus radiatus. PAVONA ENCENDIDA.
A woody shrub, 1 meter high, cultivated in gardens. (Stahl, 2: 90.)

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. PAvona.

A shrub 3 to 4 meters high, cultivated in gardens for its beautiful flowers.
‘Introduced from Asia. At Santurce this species was called ‘“‘mapola.’’ (Stahl,
2: 88.)

Hibiscus sabdariffa. JAMAICA SORREL. VINA.

A shrubby annual or biennial, valued for the fleshy red calyx, which has a
sharp but not unpleasant acid taste. The jellies and sauces made from it have
been compared to those obtained from cranberries. In British India this plant
is the basis of a considerable agricultural industry, it being grown there both for
the calyx and for a fiber extracted from the stems by a process of retting. For

160 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

this purpose the crop is cut while in flower, dried, made into bundles, and soaked
in water for fifteen to twenty days. It is then possible to wash out a strong,
silky fiber known in commerce as Rozelle hemp, considered by some to be the
equal of jute, although little or none is exported to Europe. The natives use it
mostly for cordage and coarser textile purposes. The seeds are employed in vari-
ous medicinal decoctions and compounds on account of supposed demulcent, diu-
retic, and tonic properties, and the calices are also made into a refreshing acid
drink for fever patients and convalescents.

The calices and young capsules may be preserved by drying, and in this condi-
tion are sometimes met with in tropical markets. The leavesare also an ingredient
in certain dishes and the seeds are fed to cattle. Analyses show considerable
quantities of tartaric and malic acid, but no citric, and the Jamaica sorrel thus
supplements the lime in the direction of the qualities of our temperate fruits.
It is becoming increasingly popular with the people of Florida, and is now com-
monly cultivated in the southern part of that State. Americans in Porto Rico
would do well to become acquainted with it. The species has been reported by
Bello with the above native name as growing in country districts in the western
part of the island, but is probably to be found occasione lly elsewhere. Also called
‘‘aleluya roja de Guinea” and *‘agrio de Guinea.”’

Hibiscus schizopetalus. Lira. PLATE XL.

A shrub 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 meters) high, of very slender trailing habit; culti-
vated for its very peculiar pink flowers. The petals are split into a fringe of
narrow divisions and the stamen tube and style are extremely long.

Hibiscus tiliaceus. See Paritium tiliaceum.
Hibiscus tomentosus. MALVAVISCO AFELPADO.
An herbaceous, woody annual; grows in swamps between Cataio and Palo
Seco; 1 to 2 meters high. (Stahl, 2: 92.)
Hicaco. See Chrysobalanus icaco.
Hicaquillo. See Dendropremon caribaeus and Loranthus americanus.
Hicaquillo del combron. See Dendropremon bicolor.
Hierba. See Yerba.
Hieronymia alchornoides.
An euphorbiaceous tree, reported from Sierra de Lares.
Higo. See Ficus carica. ;
Higrofila de Puerto Rico. See Hygrophila portoricensis.

Higtiera. See Crescentia cujete.

Hansard gives this wood a specific gravity of 0.51 and doubtfully refers it to the
fig tree.

Higtierilla. See Crescentia cucurbitina.
Higuerillo. See Vitex divaricata.

A tree from all parts of theisland; height, 25 to 30 feet; diameter, 10 to 12 inches.
Wood ash-colored, hard; specific gravity 0.805; used for cabinet work. (Exp.
1857.)

Captain Hansard gives 0.61 as the specific gravity of this wood.

Said by Grosourdy (2: 390) to break with a vertical fracture, and to be used
for shelves, boards, framework of houses, etc. :
Higuereta cimarrona. See Jatropha gossypifolia.

Higtierito. See Crescentia microcarpa.
Higtierito de Sierra. See Schlegelia axillaris and Schlegelia brachyantha
portoricensis.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XL.

LIRA (HIBISCUS SCHIZOPETALUS).

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. I61

Higuero.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diameter,
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood light, soft; specific gravity 0.638;
not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Higuillo. See Plumbago scandens.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 15 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters); dia-
meter, 5 to 6 inches. Wood white, soft; specific gravity, 0.689; not used. (Exp.
1857.)

Higuillo amargo. See Piper citrifolium.
Hippocratea ovata. BEJUCO PRIETO.
Family Hippocrateaceae; a woody climber. (Stahl, 4: 39.)

Hippocratea scandens.

A woody climber; reported from Sierra de Luquillo.
Hippomane mancinella. MANCHINEEL. MANZANILLO.

Reported by Hill as a tree of the coast region. A member of the Euphorbiaceae
and related to the tallow tree, Sapium sebiferuwm. The wood makes handsome
furniture and takes a high polish. The abundant milky juice is extremely poison-
ous to most persons, although some are not affected by it. In the eye it is said to
cause temporary and even permanent blindness. Its deleterious properties have,
however, been greatly exaggerated, to the effect that sleeping in its shade is con-
sidered fatal. The fruit has somewhat the appearance of a small apple, whence
the Spanish name. The acrid juice attacks the mouth and prevents one eating a
fatal quantity. Hill’s account may be quoted as well illustrating the popular
belief, page 38:

“The alleged effects of the guao tree upon man and animal have just been
related, but more serious still are said to be the results of resting in the shade of
the manzanillo or manchineel. This tree spreads throughout the seacoasts and
river banks; is covered with regular leaves; its stem almost two feet in circum-
ference; its bark smooth and delicate; the flowers rese-tinted. It is loaded with
small, apple-like fruit of a pleasant appearance and odor; the leaves resemble
those of the pear tree; the entire tree is full of a milky juice, which exudes in the
heat of the sun. According to current belief, as frequently related by the writer,
the incautious traveler, attracted by the beautiful appearance of the manzanillo,
reposes in its shade, soon finds himself poisoned, and if lacteal substance falls
upon him from the leaves, or if he touches the leaves he suffers as from the appli-
cation of some blistering substance. It is also said that a fish which eats the fruit
becomes infected, the gills becoming yellow and black, and one who eats the fish
in this state is said to fall into a profound lethargy, with a general relaxation of
all the limbs. according to the quantity of the fish he has eaten. This effect,
according to popular belief, continues twenty-four hours, and frequently results
in death. The use of brandy or other spirituous liquors or the drinking of sea
water is considered beneficial as an antidote.”’

Furnishes a valuable wood for fine furniture, as easy to work as mahogany,
whose properties and durability it possesses. It is of ordinary weight and hard-
ness, fine-grained, and somewhat fibrous in texture. Its color is a handsome yel-
lowish gray tinged with brown, with brown or black lines. This wood should
not be worked until thoroughly dried and seasoned. Specific gravity, 0.674.
(Grosourdy, 2: 401.)

Hirtella.

A genus, according to Stahl, of two Porto Rican species, H. triardra and H.
rugosa, both bearing the common name ‘‘tete de burro.’’ They are shrubs or
small trees and are related to Chrysobalanus, which Stahl considers the type of a
distinct family of Leguminosae, although the prevailing tendency is to place it in
the Rosaceae.

162 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Hog plum. See Spondias lutea.
Hog weed. See Boerhavia.
Hoja de yagua.

The leaf base of the royal palm.
Hoja menuda. See Calyptranthes sintenisti, Eugenia biflora ludibunda, E.

buaifolia, E. ligustrina, E. monticola, E. potretii, E. procera, Myrcia cori-
acea, M. paniculata, and M. splendens.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 12 to 15 feet (8.5 to 4.5 meters);
diameter, 8 to 10 inches. Wood, ash colored, hard; specific gravity, 0.822; used
for stakes. (Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy adds (2: 390) that the wood is flexible, fibrous, and moderately
resistant. Used also to make charcoal.

Homalium racemosum. Tostapo.

Family Flacourtiaceae; a tree 5 to 8 meters high, found on mountains and in
waste places. (Stahl, 4: 161.)

Hordeum vulgare. CEBADA.

Barley is not raised in the island, but is imported in small quantities, mostly
for making soups and for barley water, which is used as a drink.
Horse bean. See Canavalia gladiata.

Horseradish tree. See Moringa pterygosperma.
Hortegon.

Hansard gives this wood a specific gravity of 1.25. It varies in color from deep
red to black and is very durable and hard. The leaf is large. When making
boundaries a piece 2 or 3 feet long is put in the ground and lasts indefinitely.
Hortegon labrado.

A wild tree not commonly met with, and then only in the northeast part of the
island. It reaches a height of 60 feet, and the diameter of the long straight trunk
is not over 2 feet. It furnishes a very coarse, flesh-colored wood of the greatest
durability. It breaks with difficulty with a vertical fracture. Its common use
is for shelving in houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 390.)

Specific gravity, 1.207. (Exp. 1857.)

Hortegon prieto.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 75 to 80 feet; diameter, 20 to 25
inches. Wood dark, very hard; specific gravity, 1.064: used for cabinet work.
(Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy says this is but a variety of ‘‘hortegon labrado.”’ The only differ-
ence being the brown-colored wood. It is used in the same way. (Grosourdy,
2: 390.)

Hortones.

A variety of banana or plantain mentioned by Hill, but not described.
Hoya carnosa.

An ornamental plant of the milkweed family, introduced from the Malay region
and now naturalized in several of the West Indies.
Huear.

‘* Bois immortelle,’’ good for coffee and cacao shades; specific gravity, 1.06
(Hansard). See also ‘‘ bucar’’ and ‘*‘ ucar.”’

Probably refers to Erythrina poeppigiana.

Hucar amarillo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 80 to 85 feet (24 to 25 meters);
diameter, 50 to 55 inches (125 to 137 centimeters). Wood yellowish, very hard;
specific gravity, 1.080; used in boat building. (Exp. 1857.)

COOK AND COLLINS—ECUNOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 1638

Captain Hansard calls this ‘‘ bois immortelle’”’ and says that it is good for
coffee and cacao shades; specific gravity given at 1.07.

Huear blanco. See Bucida buceras.

A tree from all parts of the island: height, 80 to 85 feet (24 to 25 meters);
diameter, 45 to 80 inches (112 to 200 centimeters). Wood white, very hard;
specific gravity, 1.0938; used in boat building. (Exp. 1897.)

Huear colorado.

Bois immortelle, good for coffee and cacao shades. Specific gravity, 0.93. (Cap-

tain Hansard.)

Hucar prieto.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 70 to 75 feet (21 to 23 meters);
diameter, 40 to 45 inches (100 to 112 centimeters). Wood dark, very hard;
specific gravity, 1.073; used in boat building. (Exp. 1857.)

Grosourdy (2: 390) says this is a variety of ‘‘hucar blanco”’ (Bucida buceras)
differing only in having the wood dark gray in color.

Huearillo. ;

A tree from the eastern part of the island;. height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14
meters); diameter, 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 centimeters). Wood white, hard;
specific gravity, 0.943; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of 0.80 for wood of this tree.
Huesillo. See Mayepea domingensis.

Hueso blaneo. See Mayepea domingensis.
Hueso prieto. See Jlex nitida.
Huevo de gato. See Helicteres jamaicensis.

Hura crepitans. Havi.ua.

This or a related species is not unfrequently planted as a shade tree along roads,
particularly between San German and Mayaguez. It reaches a rather large size
(24 feet—75 centimeters—in diameter) and has a spreading habit, but the wood
is soft and brittle sothat it suffered much damage from the hurricane. The trunk
suggests that of the Ceiba, having prominent roots, large stout spines, and a sim-
ilar light gray color. The habit of the branches is different, however, and the
leaves are simple and cordate instead of palmately compound. They are also
peculiar in having unusually numerous white veins. Hura belongs to the Euphor-
biaceae, but differs from most of the family in having a seed capsule of numerous
divisions, somewhat resembling, exteriorly, the fruit of Malva on a large scale.
The flowers are also peculiar, the staminate being on a spike suggesting the
Piperaceae or aroids; the pistillate flower is naked, with a large spreading trumpet-
_ shaped, lacerate stigma. The seeds are loosened and rattle in their separate
compartments, perhaps suggesting the name ‘‘ sand-box tree,’”’ used in the Eng-
lish colonies. The name ‘‘monkey’s dinner-bell’’ is also applied in allusion to
the fact that the ripe fruit splits with a loud report.

The slightly milky juice is acrid and irritant, while the seeds are sometimes
used as a purgative. An oil expressed from them is said to be less nauseous than
castor oil and to be effective in smaller doses. The fruits of the Porto Rican
trees were much less prominently ribbed than those figured in botanical works;
possibly it represents a distinct species.

Grosourdy says of the wood that it is rather light and soft, fibrous in texture,
and resistant to the action of water. It is nearly white with stripes of light brown
of the same color as the heart. There is a variety, light brown in color, that is
highly valued because canoes made of it are much stronger and last much longer
than those made of the other varieties. Specific gravity, 0.465. It is used also

23227—VOL VIII, PT 2—03——_8

164 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

eee

for interior work in houses. In working this wood care should be taken that the —

dust does not enter the eyes or nose, as it is very irritating and produces con-
siderable inflammation. It is sufficient that the face be covered with a gauze.
The native name is here spelled ‘‘ javillo.”” (Grosourdy, 2: 392.)

Huso.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters); diam-
eter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood greenish, very hard; specific
gravity 1.114; used for cabinetwork. Also called ‘‘espinillo.”’ (Exp. 1857.)

Color, light yellow, with irregular, thin, yellowish-brown streaks. Conspicuous
ducts in short, detached chains (1 to 2 rows of cells) evenly diffused. Medullary
rays minute, but distinct. Wood fibers strongly interlaced (crossgrained).
Tough, uncleavable wood. Used for hubs. (Hill and Sudworth.)

Huso amarillo.
Specific gravity 0.88, according to Captain Hansard.
Huso blanco.

Captain Hansard says that this wood has a specific gravity of 0.89.
Huso colorado.

Specific gravity, according to Captain Hansard, is 1.30.
Hydrocotyle.

This is a genus of small umbelliferous herbs, growing in moist, shady places,
and usually creeping by means of long rhizomes.
Hydrocotyle asiatica. See Centella asiatica.
Hydrocotyle hirsuta. YERBA DE CUARTO.
Hydrocotyle spicata. See Hydrocotyle hirsuta.
Hydrocotyle umbellata. YERBA DE CUARTO.

A creeping herb found in rivulets and swamps. Used by Brazilian natives to

produce vomiting; also said to be an antidote for poison. Kills sheep if they feed
upon it.
Hygrophila portoricensis. HIGROFILA DE PUERTO RICO.
Family Acanthaceae; an herbaceous annual somewhat fleshy, found in ponds
and on sides of ravines. Peculiar to Porto Rico. (Stahl, 4: 243.)
Hymenaea courbaril. ALGARROBO. PuaTE XLI.
Also called *‘courbaril’’ and in Jamaica ‘‘locust tree.’’ It belongs to the
family Cassiaceae and is a large tree 15 or more meters high. The fruit is a short,
thick, and very hard pod, the seeds of which are embedded in a dry, sweet pulp,
eaten by children. The pods frequently appear in the markets. This tree is said
to produce the **gum animae’’: of commerce, which is thought to be a finer yar-
nish than shellac. ;
Specific gravity of the wood, 1.06. (Hansard.) Jacquin says that the wood is
very hard and tough and is used for cogged wheels in sugar mills. Lunan attrib-
utes a variety of medicinal virtues to the different parts of this tree. (Stahl, 3:
129.)
Grosourdy describes two varieties, which he calls *‘algarrobo amarillo’’ and
‘‘algarrobo colorado.”
Hypelate paniculata. Gaira.
Family Sapindaceae; a low or middle-sized tree. (Stahl, 2: 161.)
Hyptis. See Wesosphaerum.
Iaya jabico. See Hrithalis fruticosa.
Ibatia maritima. Popon.

A densely pubescent, climbing, asclepiadaceous plant preferring forests and

thickets near the coast.

PLATE XLI.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

PONCE MARKET.

PODS OF ALGARROBA (HYMENAEA COURBARIL).

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 165

Ieaco. See Chrysobalanus icaco.
Ieaque. See Chrysobalanus icaco.
Tleucedran.

Enumerated by Hill among forest trees yielding timber and fuel, but the name
is admitted to be doubtful and seems not to have been printed elsewhere.
Hex.

A large genus of Aquifoliaceae, including many West Indian shrubs and trees;
several of the latter are called by the natives ‘‘ cuero de sapo,” but I. macowcoua
and J. ridlaei have no local names reported.

Tlex dioica. CUERO DE SAPO.

A shrub. 3 to 5 meters high, found in the mountains and waste places; also
called *‘ brigueta.’’ (Stahl, 4: 36.)

Ilex macoucoua. BRIGUETA NARANJO.

A shrub, 3 to5 meters high, found in waste places andinthe mountains. (Stahl,
4: 35.)

Tlex nitida.

According to Urban (Add. 1: 35) variously known in Porto Rico as ‘‘ cuero de
sapo,’’ *‘ palo de hueso,”’ and ‘‘ hueso prieto.”’ Reported from Bayamon, Sierra de
Luquillo, Hato Grande, Cayey. Aibonito, Adjuntas, and Lares, in *‘ coffee forests.”’
Also known from Jamaica, Montserrat, and Martinique.

Tlex sideroxyloides. GoNnGoLIN.

A large tree reported from the Luquillo Mountains. There are two varieties,
portoricensis and occidentalis. (Urban, Add. 1: 32.)

Tlex urbaniana. CUERO DE SAPO.

A tree reported from primeval forest at Mameyes, near Utuado. (Urban, Add.
1: 33.)

Ilysanthes gratioloides. See Jlysanthes riparia.
Ilysanthes riparia. YERBA GRACIOSA.

Family Scrophulariaceae; a procumbent herb growing in wet places. (Stahl, 6:

236.)
India rubber vine.

See note under ‘*‘ rubber vine.”’

Indian almond. See Terminalia catappa.
Indian corn. See Zea mays.

Indian creeper. See Quamoclit quamoclit.
Indian pink. See Quamoclit quamoclit.

Indian shot. See Canna.

Indian sorrel. See Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Indigo. See Indigofera anil.

Indigo berry. See Randia aculeata.

Indigofera anil and I. tinctoria. INnpico. ANIL.

An annual or biennial leguminous shrub very common as a weed in waste
places at low elevations in Porto Rico. Many species of plants are now known,
to produce indigo, but the species of Indigofera are preferred. In India J. tinc-
toria is generally cultivated, while in the American tropics J. anil is believed to
have been much more commonly used. Careful comparative experiments regard-
ing the value of these and other indigo-yielding plants seem not to have been
made. Many of these could undoubtedly be grown successfully in Porto Rico,
but unless improvements in the methods of manufacturing can be made it is not
likely that there could be successful competition with the East Indies, whence

166 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

the principal supply now comes. Prices vary at present from 60 cents to $1.20
per pound, depending upon quality. The competition of an artificial coal-tar
product called alizarin, which threatened at one time to entirely replace indigo,
is not feared so-much as formerly, it having been found that indigo dyes are
preferable for many purposes.

This crop was cultivated on a considerable scale in our Southern States during
the eighteenth century, about 1,500,000 pounds being exported in 1794. The
conditions were, however, not sufficiently favorable to enable the planters to

withstand the competition of tropical countries where three crops can be cut each —

year, and production gradually ceased. At present we import indigo to the value
of about $1,600,000 annually. Cultivation and manufacture are simple processes
and have been well summed up in the following paragraph, extracted from a
circular letter compiled by Mr. Lyster H. Dewey, cf the Division of Botany.
Although these operations are not complicated, much skill and experience are
necessary in order to decide how long to continue the various stages of fermen-
tation and aeration:

‘*JIndigo is cultivated on sandy soil. The seeds are sown in spring either in
drills or hills or broadcast. When sown in hills or drills it is cultivated or hoed.

It is ready to cut from 45 to 60 days after seeding. The indigo is extracted by —

placing the plants, either fresh or after they have dried like hay, in a large tank,
where they are covered with water. They are allowed to remain in the water
about twenty-four hours, or a shorter time if the water is heated. It should not
be boiled. The water is then drawn off into another tank, where it is stirred for
at least three or four hours. Sometimes liimewater is added during the stirring
process to aid in precipitating the indigo. This is either allowed to settle in the
tank where it is stirred or, more frequently, drained off into a third tank. The
settling requires about twenty-four hours. When the indigo has settled to the
bottom, leaving the water above practically clear, the water is carefully drawn off
and the indigo is taken out and dried on cloths. When it is dried to about the
consistency of molding clay it is usually made up into balls, and these are dried
in the shade. When thoroughly dried and hard they are packed for market. The
yield of indigo varies from 50 to 140 pounds per acre for each cutting. The aver-
age yield in Venezuela is about 112 pounds, but in the United States it was
considerably less.”’ ;

When planted in rows. these are about 2 feet (60 centimeters) apart.and 15 pounds
(7 kilograms) of seed are used per acre. Blossoming is sometimes delayed for
twelve weeks, and in some countries exposure of the cut indigo to the sun is con-
sidered detrimental. The average yield has been given as 300 pounds (142 kilo-
grams) peracre. Although belonging to the Leguminosae, the indigo plant is
said to rapidly exhaust the soil, so that planting on the same land can not be indefi-
nitely repeated. Alternation with the pigeon-pea (Cajanus) has been advised.

In different countries there are also considerable differences in the methods of
extraction, and in some parts of India the precipitate is boiled before being finally
pressed and dried. This method is now defended by the best authorities as an
improvement over that formerly followed in the United States and still generally
prevalent in the American tropics.

The important difference in the market prices quoted above shows that quality
is important in this product as in every other, and while indigo can not, perhaps,
be recommended to the general farmer in Porto Rico, it is by no means certain
that a properly organized plantation with a well-equipped and intelligently
directed factory would not be a profitable enterprise. The production of indigo
of high quality on a small scale is seldom accomplished, because of the absence
of the most favorable conditions and best appliances; but in a large enterprise
these can be profitably provided.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 167

Another objection to indigo has been the injurious effect of the manufacturing
processes upon the health of the operatives; but it would probably not be difficult
at this time to provide machinery for stirring the tanks of fermenting indigo
and also for handling and sacking the finished product.

Inga laurina. GuamA.

Family Mimosaceae; a tree probably introduced, 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters)
high. The leaves usually with four leaflets. The flower clusters are longer and
the stamens much shorter than in other members of this genus.

As a shade tree for coffee this species is second in importance only to the
“onava’’ (I.vera). Specimens growing at Isolina were found in some cases at
least to have tubercles on the roots.

According to Guerin, this tree is one of those employed in the cacao culture of
Guadeloupe in making hedges or windbreaks which are planted across the direc-
tion of the prevailing winds at distances of 100 meters. Such hedges are used at
elevations where permanent shade is thought not to be required, but where pro-
tection from the wind is necessary. In Venezuela and Colombia this is one of the
favorite species for coffee shade. As a possible objection to it may be noted the
report that it is susceptible to the disease called ** mancha de hierro,’’ or ‘* iron
rust,’’ which has been very destructive to coffee, especially in overshaded plan-
tations. ,

In Colombia, Saenz recommends the planting of this species at 10 meters where
the temperature does not exceed 21° C.; in hotter regions a distance of 10 meters
is advised. (Bull. 25, Division of Botany, U.S. Dept. Agr., p. 62.)

Reported from Utuado.

Inga vera. GUAVA.

A tree 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) high, producing round clusters of white
flowers with very long stamens. Asa shade tree for coffee this seems to be the
favorite species in Porto Rico, with the related Inga laurina, or guama, second.
Both grow much less rapidly than the bucare (Erythrina), but are less liable to
injury by hurricanes. In well-kept plantations the lower branches are trimmed
out and the upper form an even layer of rather open foliage. But even where
this amount of care is taken the shade is usually still too thick for the coffee to
make normally vigorous growth, and the crop would probably be improved by the
removal of alternate trees, so as to increase the distances to 30 or 40 feet.

The name of this tree is likely to be confused by the visitor with that of Psidiwm
guajava, the well-known tropical fruit called guava in English, but by the Porto
Ricans more correctly termed guayava. (Bull. 25, Division of Botany, U. S.
Dept. Agr., p. 63.)

Tubercles were also observed on the roots of this species at Isolina.

Grosourdy (2: 386) describes the wood as strong and resistant, used only for
the making of charcoal and for fuel. He gives the specific gravity as 0.505. This
author is certainly in error in giving this species the native name of ‘* guama.”’
Ink berry. See Randia aculeata.

Inodes causiarum. Porto RICAN HAT PALM. YARAY.

Family Sabalaceae. The most conspicuous difference between the present
genus and Sabal is the fact that the former produces an upright trunk while
the latter has only what might be called an underground rootstock. Although
such a distinction is quite artificial, both groups of species begin life with a
creeping axis which becomes erect in one and remains horizontal in the other. A
much more important difference is to be found in the leaves which in Inodes have
secured strength by the development of a midrib, a tendency early abandoned by
Sabal, in which the midrib is rudimentary and the middle of the leaf is the
weakest part. The leaves of Sabal are adapted for standing erect, and avoid

168 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

resistance to the wind by being split down the middle. The leaves of Inodes,
which are held horizontal from an erect axis, have attained the unique adaptation
of a decurved midrib which braces the sloping sides of the leaf and effectively
prevents the breaking above the ligule common in some of the species of Thrinax.
It is true that the palm-leaf hats manufactured in large quantities in Porto Rico
are made from the present species. The center of the hat industry is at Joyua, a
small village on the western coast of the island some miles southwest of Mayaguez
and west of Cabo Rojo. Here many hundreds of the palms are growing along
the shore in a narrow belt of coral sand.

Ipecac.
See note under Asclepias curassavica.

Ipomoea acetosifolia. See Ipomoea carnosa.

Tpomoea batatas. SWEET POTATO. BATATA.

In Porto Rico the sweet potato is found in all sorts of places, particularly at low
elevations, often appearing quite wild, though in a country where such general
and yet desultory agriculture has been carried on it would be very difficult to
demonstrate the indigenous character of the plant. It seems, however, that the
potato was cultivated in the West Indies before the advent of Europeans, but
that does not necessarily involve an indigenous origin, since it was probably
already spread throughout tropical America. Moreover, like the cocoanut. it
seems to have crossed the Pacific and reached China in the second or third cen-
tury. Some writers have believed in the Asiatic or Malayan origin of the plant,
and have claimed that batata is a Malay name, though this is not the prevailing
idea, the present tendency being to consider not only batata but also ‘‘ camote.”’
the Philippine name as of American origin, and probably introduced from Mexico
by the Spaniards.

Little attention is paid in Porto Rico to the planting of pure or high-grade
stock, and propagation is carried on exclusively from the vines, pieces a foot long
being buried for half their length in the ground. When regular culture is
attempted the cuttings are placed a foot apart in rows 2 feet apart. The weeds
are sometimes kept down and the rows hilled up, but often neither of these mat-
ters is attended to. The crop is not dug at any regular time, but individual roots
are discovered by probing and taken out without otherwise disturbing the vine,
which is permitted to grow indefinitely.

Numerous varieties are grown in every patch, to judge from the very different
leaf forms. The red sorts have lobed leaves, while those of the white kinds
(batata blanca) are simply cordate or nearly circular. For good crops rich land
is necessary, and the red clay soils seem to be very suitable. Four tons per acre
is quoted as a good crop, but a second crop may be secured a month or six weeks
later. In the eastern end of the island and in Vieques there is said, for some
unexplained reason, to be a scarcity of sweet potatoes, so that with the regular
demand a local market is open to those who might undertake this culture on a
commercial scale. At the time of our visit retail prices were 3 or 4 centavos per
pound in the city markets.

Ipomoea biloba. BrJUCO DE PUERCO DE PLAYA.

(Stahl, 6: 160.)

Ipomoea bona-nox. BEJUCO DE VACA.

An annual ornamental vine growing to great length and bearing many large
flowers. Bello gives the name ‘* bejuco de puerco’’ for Calonyction megalocarpon.
(Stahl, 6: 148.)

Ipomoea carnea. BATATILLA CARNOSA.
A large vine found along the coast. (Stahl, 6: 277.)

;
j

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 169

Ipomoea carnosa. BEJUCO DE PUERCO DE COSTA.

A climbing vine growing in the sands along the coast. According to Bello this
species is called ‘‘ batatillo”’ in the western part of the island. (Stahl, 6: 161.)
Ipomoea cathartica. BEJUCO DE GLORIA.

A vine found in waste places along the coast. (Stahl, 6: 166.)

Ipomoea ciliolata. BrsucO DE PUERCO BLANCO.

A climber occurring in all parts of the island. (Stahl, 6: 153.)

Ipomoea coccinea. See Quamoclit coccinea.
Ipomoea dissecta. Novyo.

A climber, cultivated in gardens; its leaves have an odor of prussic acid. (Stahl,
6: 150.)

Ipomoea fastigiata. BrEJUCO DE PUERCO.

A twining vine found in waste places. The tuberous roots are called wild pota-
toes in Jamaica. (Stahl, 6: 156.)

Ipomoea filiformis. CAMBUTERA DE COSTA.

A much-branched vine found on the coast plains. (Stahl, 6: 163.)
Ipomoea pentaphylla. BaTaTILLA BLANCA.

A twining climber found in waste places. (Stahl, 6: 151.)
Ipomoea pes-caprae. See Jpomoea biloba.

Ipomoea quamoclit. See Quamoclit quamoclit.
Ipomoea quinquefolia. BaTaTILLA BLANCA.

A climber found in the southern part of the island. (Stahl, 6: 153.)
Ipomoea sericantha. BATATILLA DE ZAETA.

A creeping vine, in sands between Vega Baja and Manati. (Stahl, 6: 162.)
Ipomoea setifera. BrEJUCO DE PUERCO.

A woody vine found in all parts of the island. (Stahl, 6: 152.)

Ipomoea triloba. BEJUQUILLO DE PUERCO.
A vine 3 to 4 feet (about 1 meter) long, found in hedges, flowering in winter.
(Stahl, 6: 157.)
Ipomoea umbellata. AGUINALDO AMARILLO. -
A twining vine found in different parts of the island. (Stahl, 6: 159.)
Ipomoea ventricosa. BATATILLA VENTRUDA.
(Stahl, 6: 277.)
Iresine argentata.
Family Amarantaceae; reported from Juya.
Isotoma longiflora. TIBEY BLANCO.

Family Campanulaceae; an herbaceous annual growing in dry, rocky localities.
Near Toa Alta this species was called simply ‘‘ tibey.’? According to Dr. Stahl, it
is reputed to be poisonous, but no direct evidence is given. (Stahl, 6: 27.)
Ixora ferrea. PALO DE HIERRO.

Family Rubiaceae; a tree or shrub 3 meters high, found on mountain slopes
and waste places. (Stahl, 5: 63.)

Jaboncilla.

Captain Hansard calls this
same as ‘‘ jaboncillo.”’
Jaboncillo. See Sapindus saponaria and S. marginalis.

soapwort;’’ specific gravity 0.63. Probably the

Jacana. See Lucuma multiflora.

A wild tree, 40 feet (12 meters) high, with a trunk 2 feet (60 centimeters) in
diameter. Furnishes a rather strong, light-colored, flexible wood, used only for
fuel. (Grosourdy, 2: 391).

Specific gravity 0.920. (Exp. 1857.) See also note under Acana.

170 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Jacanillo. See Ardisia pendula.
Jack plum. See Syzygium jambolanum
Jack tree. See Artocarpus integrifolia.

Jacquemontia tamnifolia. AGUINALDO PELUDO.
Family Convolvulaceae; a twining herb found in dry places. (Stahl, 6: 171.)

Jacquinia armillaris. BaRBasco.

Family Myrsinaceae; ashrub 3 to 4 meters high; growsalong the coast. (Stahl,
4: 40.)

Jacquinia aristata. BARBASCcO.

(Stahl, 4: 41.)

Jacquinia berter1i. _

An indigenous tree of 6 to 8 meters; two subspecies, portoricensis and retusa, are
described by Urban, both known only from the southwestern part of Porto Rico.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 378.)

Jacquinia umbellata.

An indigenous shrub, maintained by Urban as distinct from J. aristata, to
which it was referred by. Grisebach, known from Coama, Yauco, Maricao, and
from between Sabana Grande and Guanica.

Jagua. See Genipa americana.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). . Wood white, hard; specific
gravity 0.886; used in making packing boxes. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity as 0.80 and says that it is a large tree.
yielding good white boards; also a large oval fruit.

Jaguey.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (14 to 15 meters); diame-
ter, 55 to 60 inches (130 to 150 centimeters). Wood ash-colored, soft; specific
gravity, 0.485; used in making fishing canoes. (Exp. 1857.)

In Cuba this name is applied to Ficus membranacea, a species not known to
occur in Porto Rico.

What is evidently another tree is described by Grosourdy under this name, and
also called ‘*‘ mato palo,’’ which see.

Jamaica cherry. See Ficus pedunculata.

Jamaica bitterwood. See Picrasma excelsa.

Jamaica mignonette tree. See Lawsonia inermis.

Jamaica nutmeg. See Monodora myristica, the calabash nutmeg.
Jamaica sorrel. See Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Jambolin. See Syzygiwm jambolanum.

Jambosa caryophyllus. See Caryophyllus aromaticus.
Jambosa jambos. ROSE APPLE. POMA ROSA.

A myrtaceous shrub or small tree native in the Malay region but now intro-
duced in all parts of the Tropics and escaped from cultivation in many countries,
In Porto Rico it isabundant in thickets, in waste places, and furnishes the material
from which most of the larger baskets are made. Considerable amounts are
also used for hoops of the large sugar casks. It yields also an edible fruit which
has a pleasant odor like roses, whence the name. The long and narrow leaves
resemble those of the peach and oleander. (Stahl, 4: 87, as Eugenia jambos).

Grosourdy (2: 409) says that this tree reaches 40 feet in height and that the
trunk attains a diameter of 15 to 18 inches. He also states that the wood is used
to make charcoal for forges.

Jambosa vulgaris. See Jambosa jambos.

PLATE XLII.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V

‘ONVLVO

“(SVOUNOD VHdOULVP) LAN SISAHd

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. ral

Japanese medlar. See Hriobotrya japonica.
Jasmin. See Jasminum pubescens and J. officinale.
Jasmin delrio. See Cleome spinosa.

Jasmin hediondo. See Clerodendron fragrans.
Jasminum officinale. JAsMIN.

Family Oleaceae; a climbing shrub, cultivated in gardens. Introduced from
Asia. (Stahl, 6: 63.)

Jasminum pubescens. JASMIN.

A biennial shrub, introduced from India, and cultivated in gardens. Reported
from Sierra de Naguabo and near Rio Blanco, about dwellings; apparently spon-
taneous. Noted by us at Caguitas and at Juana Diaz. (Stahl, 6: 62.)
Jatropha curcas. TAaRTaGo. | PuatTe XLII.

Family Euphorbiaceae; reported from near Penuelas. This is a shrub about 8
feet high, and is called ‘‘ physic nut’’ in Jamaica, where the seeds are used as a
purgative. The juice of the leaves is said to act as aresolvent. The black beans
are similar to those of the castor-oil plant; they are ground up, boiled in water,
and used as a remedy for diarrhea. ‘

Jatropha gossypifolia. HIGUERETA CIMARRONA.

Occasional as a weed in waste places, particularly in sand banks alorg water
courses. The common name was noted at Coamo Springs, and, doubtless, alludes
to the similarity tothe castor bean, Ricinus communis.

Java plum. See Syzygiwm jambolanum.
Javillo. See Aura crepitans.
Jaya.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diam-
eter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood. yellow, hard; specific gravity,
0.778; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Jerusalem thorn. See Parkinsonia aculeata.
Jiba. See Hrythroxylon brevipes and other species of the same genus.
Jicama. See Calopogonium caeruleum.
Jimson weed. See Datura stramonium.
Jobo. See Spondias lutea.
Job’s tears. See Coix lachryma-jobi.
Juan caliente. See Rourea glabra and R. frutescens.
Jucare.
Given by Hill as a variation of the name ‘‘ ucar.”’
Juglans cinerea. NUEZz.

A tree growing wild in the interior of the Greater Antilles and on the Continent.
It reaches a height of 40 to 45 feet (14 to 15 meters), with a straight, rather
long trunk 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) in diameter. Furnishes a
good, though rather porous wood, with the properties of the European walnut;
is dark red in color, and breaks with a vertical fracture. It is employed for
boards and timbers in housebuilding. (Grosourdy, 2: 403.) See also note
under Nues.

This species, the common butternut of the United States, is not known to occur
in Porto Rico, and this author’s identification is probably in error.

Juglans insularis.

According to the Kew Bulletin for 1894, specimens collected by Sintenis near
Adjuntas and distributed from Berlin as Juglans jamaicensis belongs to J. insu-
laris, a species previously known from Cuba.

172 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Juso. as ;
A hard wood with a specific gravity of 1.12; small trees, making good posts.
(Hansard.) Probably the same as ** huso”’ or “‘ hueso.”’
Jussiaea acuminata. See Jussiaea linifolia.
Jussiaea hirta. See Jussiaea peruviana.
Jussiaea linifolium. YERBA DE CLAVO AGUADA.
Family Onagraceae; a woody, erect plant, growing in hedges and along edges of
ponds. (Stahl, 4: 132, as Jussiaea acuminata.)
Jussiaea palustris. YERBA DE CLAVO PALUSTRE. ;
Anerect annual, 60 centimeters high, found ininundated plains. (Stahl, 4: 133).

Jussiaea peruviana. YERBA DE CLAVO PELUDA.

An herbaceous, woody annual, found in inundated places; 1 meter high.
(Stahl, 4: 134, as Jussiaea hirta.) -
Jussiaea pilosa.

An erect, woody herb in wet places; the variety glabra is known from near
Manati.

Jussiaea repens. YERBA DE CLAVO ACUATICO.

A fleshy aquatic herb, sometimes floating, found in marshes. A great variety
of medicinal properties are attributed to this by the natives of Jamaica, where it
is called ‘‘ primrose willow.”’ (Stahl, 4: 129.)

Jussiaea suffruticosa. YERBA DE CLAVO.

An herbaceous, woody annual or biennial, common in wet places; 1 meter high;
reported from near Manati. (Stahl, 4: 131.)

Kallstroemia maxima.

Family Zygophyllaceae; a leafy herbaceous plant. Secured by Sintenis in
cultivated grounds near Manati.
Lablab vulgaris. See Dolichcs lablab.

Labourdonnaisia albescens. ACANA.
A sapotaceous tree with hard wood.

Lache prieta.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (8 to 9 meters);
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood pink, hard; specific
gravity, 0.993; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Lactuca fioridana.

A coarse herbaceous composite collected by Sintenis on a coffee farm near

Cayey.

Lactuca intybacea. CHICORIA AZUL.
An erect much-branched annual composite. (Stahl, 5: 155.)

Lactuca sativa. LETTUCE.

The lettuce offered in the markets in Porto Rico seemed to be of fairly good
quality; better than could be raised in most tropical countries. Even at sea level,
near Santurce, lettuce seemed to thrive moderately well, but it could probably be
made to do better in the mountains. The seed is, of course, imported.

Lagenaria vulgaris. GourpD. MaRIMBo.

Also called ‘‘amargo,’’ ‘*marimbo,’’ and ‘‘cadungo amargo.’*’ Family Cucur-
bitaceae. This vine yields the gourds from which the so-called ‘‘ guira,”’ “‘gui-
chara’’ or ‘“‘caracho”’ is made. In Cuba the vine is said to be called ‘‘ guiro
cimarron,’’ while *‘ guira cimarrona”* is the calabash tree Crescentia.

The young gourds, 6 to 10 inches long, are eaten. Two of the latter size were
offered for 10 cents in the San Juan market, June 14.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XLIII.

MANGLE BLANCO (LAGUNCULARIA RACEMOSA); FLOWERS, SEEDS, AND SEEDLINGS.
CATANO.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIO PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 173

Lagerstroemia indica. ASTROMEDA. CRAPE MYRTLE.

Family Lythraceae; an ornamental shrub, native in China and eereusively cul-
tivated in greenhouses in Europe and America, or, southward, in the open air.
In the West Indies it is frequent in gardens; senoried from Sierra de Luquillo
and from Pefiuelas, about dwellings. e

Lagerstroemia reginae.
An East Indian tree valued for its timber, which is extremely durable in water.
Introduced into Jamaica according to Grisebach.

Lagunecularia racemosa. MANGLE BLANCO. PLATE XLIII.
Family Combretaceae; a shrub or tree 5 to 8 meters high; grows in tide-water

swamps and is often mistaken for the true mangrove, Rhizophora. It is abundant

immediately behind Catano. (Stahl, 4: 136.)

Lancewood. .
A name applied in the British West Indies to species of Oxandra and Cananga.

Lantana camara. CARIAQUILLO.

Family Verbenaceae; a spiny shrub, 1 meter high. found in rocky places:
reported from Guanica, Yauco, and Mayaguez. (Stahl, 6: 214.)

Lantana crocea. CaRIAQUILLO.

A shrub slightly longer than L. camara. (Stahl, 6: 215.)
Lantana involucrata. CARIAQUILLO DE SANTA MARIA.

A shrub, 1 meter high, found in waste places; flowers fragrant. At Catano
this is called simply ‘‘ Santa Maria.’’ (Stahl, 6: 215.) =
Lasianthus lanceolatus. Aroma.

Also called *‘ bejuco de peo’’ and *‘ mata de peo.’’ A rubiaceous shrub from the
eastern and southern parts of the island. (Urban, Symb. 1: 449.)

Lasianthus moralesii.
Family Rubiaceae; reported from Naguabo.

Laugeria resinosa. AQUILON.

Family Rubiaceae; a shrub, 8 feet (2.5 meters) high, on mountains.
Laurel amarillo.

Perhaps the same as “‘ laurel sabino.’’? The wood is yellow, makes good boards,
stands water well, and is pretty for furniture; specific gravity, 0.96. (Hansard.)
Laurel blanco.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters);
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters); wood, white, hard; specific
gravity, 0.606; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of 0.84 and says it is a white wood
used for furniture.

Grosourdy (2: 393) includes both ‘‘laurel prieto’’ and ‘‘ laurel blanco’’ under
the following description:

‘A wild tree, 60 to 80 feet (18 to 24 meters) high, with a long, straight trunk
6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a wood very strong
and resistant, rather light, fibrous in texture, neither hard nor flexible, and
moderately fine-grained. The wood exhales an agreeable aromatic odor. The
color is a grayish yellow or very light cinnamon. Specific gravity, 0.658. Used
on the continent to make umbrellas and in building boats. It is also suitable
for doors, windows, etc.

Laurel prieto.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 ret (12 to 14 meters);
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters); wood, dark, hard; specific gravity.
0.572; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.) (See also Laurel blanco.)

174 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Laurel puero.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters); wood, yellowish, hard; specific gravity,
0.628; used in building houses. Also called *“‘ azafran.’’ (Exp. 1857.)

Perhaps this should be ‘‘ laurel puerco.”’

Laurel sabino. See Magnolia splendens; also Talauma.

Color, clear olive-brown. Ducts occurring singly, evenly diffused in one or two
irregular lines, between the indistinct medullary rays. A straight-grained wood
similar in color to, but finer-grained than the heart of the tulip and cucumber tree
of the United States. -(Hill and Sudworth, p. 28.)

Laurel savino.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters); diam-
eter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood, greenish, hard; specific grav-
ity, 0.750; used in building houses. Probably another name for ‘‘ laurel sabino.”’
(Exp. 1857.)

Lawsonia alba. See Lawsonia inermis.
(Stahl, 4: 122.

Lawsonia inermis. HENNA. RESEDA.
Family Lythraceae: a glabrous shrub, 2 meters high, with white flowers; natur-
alized from Egypt and Syria in Jamaicaand Antigua. Yields a yellow dye, much
used by the Egyptians and Arabs as a cosmetic for the palms of the hands, finger
nails, and hair, also for the tails of horses, and for coloring cloth a dull red.
‘‘Keyptian privet ’’ and ‘‘ Jamaica mignonette tree’’ are additional names. Cul-
tivated in gardens in Porto Rico. Specimens have been collected near Guanica.
Tt will grow without irrigation in extremely dry situations and has been suggested
asa hedge plant. (Stahl, 4: 122, as L. alba.)
Lechecillo. See Chrysophyllum glabrum.

A wild tree, 40 feet (12 meters) high, with edible fruit. The trunk 12 inches (30
centimeters) in diameter. The wood is rose-colored, hard, and breaks with a
vertical fracture. Its common use is for shelying in houses. It is used also for
making a fine charcoal for forges. (Grosourdy, 2: 394.) Specific gravity, 0.883.
(Exp. 1857. )

Leche prieta.

A wild tree from the interior of the island, 20 feet (6 meters) high, with a trunk
27 inches (67 centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a compact, rose-colored
wood that is very difficult to break. Its common use is for shelving in houses.
(Grosourdy, 2: 394.)
Lechicillo.

Probably another spelling of ‘* lechecillo.”’

Asmall tree, abundant on mountain slopes near streams. The fruit is eaten by
the natives, while the wood is very softand notused. The specific gravity, accord-
ing to Captain Hansard; is 0.79.

Lechoncillo.

Captain Hansard gives this wood a specific gravity of 0.80. It is probably the

same as lechicillo.

Lechosa. See Carica papaya.

Lemon. See Citrus limonwm.

Lengua de vaca. See Elephantopus scaber and Sansevieria sp.

Leonotis nepetaefolia. MoLinIL1o. PLATE XLIV.

A herbaceous annual of the mint family, 15 to 30 inches (37 to 75 centimeters)
high; the large bur-like flower clusters are very peculiar, and when covered with

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

PLATE XLIV.

MOLINILLO (LEONOTIS NEPETAEFOLIA).

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 175

the yellow flowers the plant is quite ornamental. Bello gives the names ‘* boton
de cadete’’ and ‘‘ quina del pasto.’’ (Stahl, 6: 198.)
At Arecibo this plant was said to be poisonous.
Leonurus sibiricus. AGRIPALMA-
A herbaceous annual weed of the mint family. (Stahl, 6: 197.)
Lepidium virginicum. MastTuERzo.

This common North American cruciferous weed is not uncommon in some parts

of Porto Rico. (Stahl, 2: 37.)
Leria nutans. See Chaptalia nutans.
Leucaena glauca. ACACIA PALIDA. HEDIONDILLA.

Family Mimosaceae; a shrub 3 meters high. Valued for its wood, edible pods,
and seeds. (Stahl, 3: 146.)

A small tree, with characteristic clusters of long, thin pods, growing in open
waste places, particularly in dry localities. It is said to withstand drought when
all other vegetation withers, and is then sometimes eaten by domestic animals with
bad results, especially in the case of horses. The skin and cuticular appendages are
affected, the hair, including the mane and tail, fall out, and if the eating of the
plant continues, even the hoofs drop off. It has been suggested that Leucaena
may thus become valuable as a homeopathic remedy for baldness.

Liana de cuello. See Amphilophiwm paniculatum.
Liana de la sierra. See Bignonia aequinoctialis.
Liana fragrante. See Bignonia odorata.

Liana unada. See Bignonia unguis-cati.
Libi-dibi. See Caesalpinia coriaria.

Lichi. See Litchi chinensis.

Lignum-vitae. See Guajacum officinale.

Lila. See Duranta plumieri.

Lilaila. See Melia azedarach.

Lima. See Citrus hystria.

Lima bean. See Phaseolus lunatus.

Lime. See Citrus hystrix.

Limon. See Citrus limonum.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet: diameter, 8 to 10 inches.
Wood, yellow, hard; specific gravity, 0.984: not used. (Exp. 1857.)
Limoncillo. See Amomis caryophyllata.

A name applied to several myrtaceous shrubs and trees; Amomis caryophyllata,
the bay rum tree, Calyptranthes sintenisii, Eugenia stahlii, and doubtless to
other related species.

A tree from all parts of the island: height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood, purplish, hard; specific gravity,
1.236; used for cabinet work. (Exp. 1857.)
Limoncillo de monte. See Calyptranthes sintenisii.
Limon dulce. See Sweet lemon.
Linociera compacta. See Mayepea compacta.
Lippia micromera. OREGANO DEL PAIS.

Family Verbenaceae; reported by Bello.
Lippia nodiflora. Crpron.

This plant is known as an introduced weed in our Southern States and the West
Indies generally, but Mr. David G. Fairchild, Agricultural Explorer of this Depart-
ment, recently reports that it is considered of value in Egypt as a lawn plant

176 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

where all grasses or other plants tried for this purpose have failed. In Porto Rico |
coarse grasses, such as ‘* guinea’’ and ‘‘ para”’ grass, are abundant, but lawns are
uncommon, and perhaps Lippia may be found of use. Mr. Fairchild’s report on
the subject is accordingly added:

According to Ascherson and Schweinfurth the Lippia is a native of Egypt. It
has probably been used for lawn purposes for a great many years. -

It is a low, creeping plant of the Verbena family, with broad, flat, obovate
leaves of a deep green color. The creeping stems throw out roots wherever they
come in contact with the earth, and form thick mats of herbage. It is well known
that in regions with climatic conditions similar to those of Egypt. grass lawns
are generally very difficult to maintain. Although there are several substitutes
for lawn grasses, none that I have seen are as good as Lippia. Owing to its rapid
growth, the plant can be mown closely, and to a layman the lawn effects
resemble closely those produced by English lawn grasses.

In order to plant a lawn with Lippia the ground is prepared as it would be for
the reception of grass seed. A mass of old Lippia is dug from some neighboring
lawn or field. The native gardener cuts off or breaks off two or three long cut-
tings of the plant, makes a hole with a pointed stick in the soft earth, thrusts the
cuttings, doubled up, into the hole and packs the earth securely about them.
These cuttings are placed about 4 to 6 inches apart, quite irregularly over the
field. They are given plenty of water, being sprinkled every day until well
started. In winter,in Egypt, the lawns made of this Lippia are watered every
four to five days, while in summer they are kept green by daily waterings. Every
twenty days the lawns are gone over with a scythe, and in this way kept quite
closely mown. There is no evident reason why a lawn mower would not answer
the purpose better than a scythe.

Lawns of Lippia will last five to six years without renewing. Whenever a patch
gets old or is injured by the shade of some tree. it is very easily repaired by set-
ting new cuttings.

While, according to the statement of Mr. Colombo, of the Gizeh Gardens, no
grasses form in Cairo a real sod, this plant produces a permanent sod lasting five
to six years.

The Lippia deserves a thorough trial asa lawn plant in Southern California,
Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Just what degree of hardiness it will show remains
tobeseen. Itisnotexposed toa temperature below freezing here in Cairo, except
at extremely long intervals. Whether it is injured then or not I have been unable
to ascertain. Although, during the hottest part of the summer, the lawns of
Lippia wear a much less vigorous look than they do in winter, yet, from the fact
that they are able to withstand the extreme heat and dryness of the Egvptian
summer, it is evident that the plant is well suited for hot, dry climates. It is to
be hoped this will prove a valuable new lawn plant for the parks and gardens of
the South.

It is well to note that this plant is already quite commonly introduced, espe-
cially in the Southern States. It occurs in low, moist situations, from North
Carolina to Florida, Texas, and Missouri, and is also present in California. So far
as known it has not been utilized as a lawn plant in this country, although it is
recognized as haying some yalue as a sand-binder on the South Atlantic and Gulf
coasts.

Lippia reptans. CrprRon.
(Stahl 6: 210.)
Licorice weed. See Scoparia dulcis.

Lira. See Hibiscus schizopetalus.
Litchi. See Litchi chinensis.
Litchi chinensis. Lircut.

An important fruit in Southern China, British India, and the Malay Peninsula.
The tree is described as a handsome evergreen, and, although it can be success- —
fully propagated only by layering, it is reasonably hardy when once established.
Writing from the standpoint of the northwest provinces of India, Dr. Bonavia,
the fruit expert, says:

Here, then, is a fruit tree which resists the heaviest rains and stands the hottest
winds, and also the frosts of these provinces, Moreover, it bears annually an
abundant crop of fine, well-flavored, and aromatic fruit, which can readily be sent
to distant markets without injury. Instead of being planted by the one or two,

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COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 177

it should be planted by the thousand. From all I know of the hardiness and
fruitfulness of this remarkable tree, I feel confident that if any individual (or com-
pany), possessing the necessary capital, were to plant an extensive orchard of
litchi trees, say where canal water would be easily obtained, or where well water
is within easy reach, he would very probably make a good life-long business of it.

On this testimony the editor of Watt’s Dictionary of the Economic Products of
India comments as follows:

This result has been abundantly attained in Bengal, and, although statistics of
the extent of the trade can not be given, it may be said that in the lower prov-
inces the litchi tree is almost coextensively cultivated with the mango. It comes
into season a little before that fruit, and in the larger cities, such as Calcutta, is
sold in every fruit dealer’s shop, the streets for a month or six weeks being liter-
ally bestrewn with the rind and large seeds, rejected by the wayside consumers.
The fruit, to be enjoyed, should, however, be eaten as soon after being plucked
aspossible. When fresh the great bunches look like bright, pinkish strawberries,
but they rapidly lose their bloom and assume a dirty, brownish color. The dried
fruit, as sold in Europe, bears no possible resemblance to the deliciously bitter-
sweet pulp of the fresh litchi.

The fruit is nearly round, and about an inch and a half (37 millimeters) in
diameter. The edible portion is the sweet, semitransparent, jelly-like pulp or
aril which covers the seed, and the whole is inclosed in a thin reddish or brown-
ish brittle shell, which is rough with warty protuberances. The Chinese dry the
fruit, which then becomes blackish, and in this state it may often be seen in Lon-
don fruit shops. The fresh fruit has a very pleasant acid flavor, and is much
liked both by natives and Europeans in this country.

With such definite and authoritative commendation, it would seem that the
litchi is one of the fruits most likely to succeed in Porto Rico and likely to be of

_ value when once generally introduced. The difficulty of propagation by cuttings
_is of course an obstacle, but it could easily be obviated by a few enterprising
nurserymen. Little seems to have been written on the results of experiments
which have been made with this tree in other West Indian Islands. The name
*‘lichi’’ is mentioned in Maza’s Diccionario of Cuban common names, and the
species has also been recorded among the plants growing in the Castleton Gardens
in Jamaica, but nothing has been found to indicate that any attempt has been
made at extensive propagation for general purposes. Quite a large specimen of
this species exists in one of the greenhouses of the Department of Agriculture.

The dried fruits described above are an article of considerable importance
among the Chinese in this country, and are served in most of the Chinese restau-
rants. Boxes containing about a quart of these dried fruits were selling in one
of the Washington fruit stores at 50 cents apiece.

Although these may bear no resemblance to the fresh fruit, they are by no
means unpalatable. In appearance and taste they are not unlike raisins.
Llagrume. See Didymopanax morototoni.

Llanten. See Plantago major.

Llume. See Aeria attenuata.

Lluvia. See Duranta plumieri and Russellia juncea.
Lobelia.

Family Campanulaceae; a speciesof Lobelia is reported by Hill in a list of trees
of the mountains. The species known from Porto Rico are all herbs except L.
acuminata (Tupa acuminata), which grows to a height of about 10 feet.
Lobelia acuminata. Tipry. Tupa.

A shrub 2 meters high, found in waste places and on limestone mountains.
(Stahl, 6: 29, as Tupa acuminata.)

Lobelia assurgens. CHICORIA CIMARRONA. :

An herbaceous perennial, 3 to 4 feet (about 1 meter) high, growing on moun-
tains. Urban treats Tupa assurgens of Grisebach and Stahl as variety portori-
censis under Lobelia assurgens. (Urban, Symb. 1: 454.)

178 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Lobelia cliffortiana. CARDENALA AZUL.
An herbaceous, erect annual, found in rocky places. (Stahl, 6: 28.)

Lobelia portoricensis.
A shrub, 2 to 8 meters in height; known from Luquilloand Adjuntas. (Urban,
Symb. 1: 453.)

Locust tree. See Hymenaea courbaril.
Logwood. See Haematoxylon campechianum.
Lombricera. See Spigelia anthelmia.

Lonchocarpus glaucifolius. GENO.

A leguminous tree of 5 to 8 meters, known only from Porto Rico, Rincon,
Aguada, Aguadilla, and Quebradillas. A specimen from Aguada shows elliptical,
finely veined leaves and flat, bright russet pods. (Urban, Symb. 1: 326.)

Lonchocarpus latifolius. Pato HEDIONDO.
A tree, 10 meters high, along the coast. Hard wood, used for farteee Reported
from Manati and from Bayamon as “ palo seco.”’ (Stahl, 3: 91.)

Lonchocarpus violaceus. GENO GENO.
A tree or shrub, 5 meters high, found on the west coast. (Stahl, 3: 92.)
Lonicera. HONEYSUCKLE.
One or more species are cultivated in gardens.
Loniciera. See Linociera and Mayepea.
Loquat. See Hriobotrya japonica.
Loranthus americanus. HICAQUILLO.
Reported by Bello. Urban describes this as a new species, Dendropremon
bicolor.
Loranthus portoricensis. See note under Psychotria pendula.

Lucuma mammosa. SapoTe. MAMEY SAPOTE.

Family Sapotaceae; a tree, 10 meters high; yields the “marmalade fruit; also
called the ‘t vegetable egg.’’ Grisebach spells the native name ‘‘ mammee
sapota.”’ (Stahl, 6: 51.)

Grosourdy (2: 398) says of the wood that it is fine-grained and compact, ordi-
narily hard, and of good weight. In color it resembles mahogany, but is redder
and more uniform, though somewhat mottled with darker-colored spots. Specific
gravity.0.588. Itsmost common use is for shelving, but it would appear suitable
for carpentry and cabinetwork. The fresh bark has the odor of bitter almonds.

This fruit is rare in Porto Rico, and the plant is probably introduced. The
common names are, however, often incorrectly applied to the fruit of Mammea
americana, which it somewhat resembles in external appearance. The smooth
seeds with a roughened segment are, however, entirely unlike those of the latter
species, which are rough over the entire surface, with the flesh closely adhering.
In Central America and Mexico this is a very common wild fruit, and in times of
want it serves to some extent as a food. The flavor is mild, by some considered
insipid, and it will probably never become popular among people of temperate
regions.

As the common name *‘ marmalade fruit ’’ implies, it is made into a marmalade,
and this is not unlike good apple butter.

It was this fruit that kept Cortez and his army alive on their famous march
from Mexico City to Honduras.

Lucuma multifiora. jacana.

A large tree, 8 to 10 meters high, yielding a useful wood. Bello gives the com-
mon name as ‘“‘hacana.’’ (Stahl, 6: 50.)

Lucuma stahliana.

Reported from near Manati.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 179

Lucuma urbani.

Reported from near Guanica.

Luffa acutangula. SPONGE CUCUMBER. ESPONJA.

Reported by Bello; also called ‘‘ estropajo.’’ A species of Luffa, probably this
or L. aegyptiaca, was very common in Porto Rico, climbing over bushes and
fences. It is not known whether the matted fibers of the fruit are used or
not. but its increasing employment for the toilet and for other purposes, such as
the linings of hats and the porous soles of slippers, is rendering it quite an article
of export from Japan. In the younger state the fruits may be eaten as cucum-
bers or pickled.

Luffa cylindrica. See Luffa aegyptiaca.

Lycopersicon cerasiforme. TOMATO AMARILLO.
Family Solanaceae.

Lycopersicon esculentum. See Lycopersicon lycopersicum.

(Stahl, 6: 126.)

Lycopersicon humboldtii. Tomate.

(Stahl, 6: 125.)

Iyycopersicon lycopersicum. Tomato. TOMATO GRANDE.

Tomatoes, like many other vegetables that have been developed in temperate
regions, are with difficulty made to succeed in the Tropics. Good tomatoes are,
however, produced in Porto Rico, and with the use of fertilizers fruits are reported
from the north side of the island weighing as high as 11 ounces.

‘Maba inconstans. NEGRA LORA.

Family Ebenaceae. (Stahl, 6: 60.)
Maba sintenisii. TABEIBA.

Also called ‘* guayabota nispero;”’ a native forest tree. about 30 feet (9 meters)
high, reported from the vicinity of Lares. (Urban, Add. 1: 48.)

Mabi. See Colubrina reclinata and C. ferruginosa.

A drink by this name is commonly sold in the markets and peddled on the
streets. Itis usually taken as a ‘‘refresco,’’ and is also reputed to be a remedy
for indigestion. The bark from which it is made is also offered in the markets.

Mabie. See Colubrina reclinata.
Said to be the St. Lucia form of the word ‘‘ mabi.”’

Macachaira. See Manihot palmata.
Macaw bush. See Solanum mammosum.

Macaw palm. See Acrocomia fusiformis.
According to Grisebach the ‘‘mackaw tree” is Acrocomia sclerocarpa (=A.
aculeata), while the *‘ great mackaw tree’’ is A. lasiospatha (=A. fusiformis).

Maclura tinctoria. See Chlorophora tinctoria.

Madre de cacao. See Hrythrina umbrosa.
This name is not known to be used in Porto Rico, but is of South American
origin, and has been referred to by Hill and other writers.

Maga. See Thespesia grandiflora.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (14 to 15 meters);
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood light, hard; specific
gravity, 0.972; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Color, rich chocolate brown. Conspicuous ducts few, occurring singly, and
irregularly scattered between the medullary rays: mostly distinct or occasionally
two or three loosely grouped. Medullary rays comparatively few, distinct, but
inconspicuous. Wood fibers slightly cross-grained, the smoothed surface appear-
ing straight-grained. Quarter and radially cut medullary rays have a satiny

23227—VOL VIII, PT 2—03-——_9

180 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

appearance. The richcolor and attractive grain of this wood should make it valu-
able for cabinetwork. (Hill and Sudworth.)

This name is also given by Hill among those of trees planted for shading coffee.
Wecould not learn that the magar is ever so used; perhaps an error for ‘* moca.”’
Magar. See Thespesia grandiflora.

Magnolia. See Talauwma plumieri.
Magnolia portoricensis. Mauricio.

A handsome indigenous tree discovered by Bello, differing from M. splendens in
having much broader and more rounded leaves. It is known only from the
western half of the island—Utuado, Jayuya, Adjuntas, Guayanilla, Pefuelas, and
Lares. (Urban, Symb. 1: 306).

Magnolia splendens. SaBino.

Also called ‘‘ laurel sabino.”’ A species recently described by Urban from the ©

primeval forests of the Sierra de Luquillo and Sierra de Naguabo. Said to be one
of the most beautiful species, similar in habit to Talauma plumieri, for which it
was probably mistaken by Eggers in the account of his visit to Porto Rico, as
quoted from Nature by Hill. The leaves are said to be used by the natives as
a condiment, like those of Laurus nobilis of Europe.

Mago.

A tree found in all parts of the island; height, 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters);
diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood pinkish, soft; specific
gravity, 0.791; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Mahagua. See Paritium tiliacewmn.
An erroneous spelling of **majagua.”’
Mahoe.
A name applied in the British West Indies to various malvaceous trees, such as
Paritium, Hibiscus, and Thespesia.
Mahogany. See Swietenia mahagoni.
Mais, Maize. See Zea mays.
Majagua. See Paritium tiliacewm.
A soft wood, used for laths in hut building, the bark used for fastening. All
ropes made here are from the majagua bark. (Hansard. )

Majagua quemona. See Pisonia obtusata.

Malachra alceifolia.

Family Malvaceae; variety rotundifolia reported from near Aibonito, along
roads.

Malachra capitata. MALva DE CABALLO.

An herbaceous annual, becoming woody with age.

Commonly seen about dwellings and moist places. A characteristic species
with light-yellow flowers. We found it cultivated in a dooryard near Coamo,
where a decoction was supposed to have medicinal properties in external applica-
tion. In this locality the plant was known simply 1s ‘‘malva,”’ as also stated by
Bello. (Stahl, 2: 74.)

Malachra ciliata. See Malachra wrens.
Malachra cordata. MatLva ACORAZONADA.

Family Malvaceae. (Stahl, 2: 77.)
Malachra palmata. Matva DE CABALLO.

An herbaceous annual, found in all parts of the island. (Stahl, 2: 76.)
Malachra radiata. MAaLva BLANCA.

A woody, annual herb, 1 meter high, found in stony places. (Stahl, 2: 75.) =

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 181

Malachra urens. MALVA PESTANOSA.

(Stahl, 2: 77, as Malachra ciliata.)
Malagueta. See Amomis caryophyllata.
Malanea macrophylla. PALo LLORON.

Family Rubiaceae; a shrub 1 meter high, found among brambles. (Stahl,
5: 93.)
Malojillo. See Panicum molle.

In Cuba the present name does not appear to be used; Mazo gives ‘* yerba para,’
**verba del para,’’ ‘‘ yerba del paral,’’ and ‘* yerba de rarana.”’

’

Malonillo. See Poinciana regia.

According to Captain Hansard this name is extensively used in the northeastern
part of the island instead of ‘‘ flamboyant.”
Malpighia coccigera. AZOTA-CABALLO.

A shrub 3 to 4 meters high; cultivated for its agreeable fruits, which resemble
the common cherry and make good tarts and jelly. (Stahl, 2: 143.)

Malpighia urens. Palo BRONCO.

A shrub 4 meters high, along the seacoast; fruit and bark are used as astrin-
gents. The hairs on the under side of the leaves pierce the skin and cause severe
pain. (Stahl, 2: 144.)

Malta arborea.

A tree from the northern part of the island; height, 12 to 15 feet (4to5 meters):
diameter, 8 to 9 inches (20 to 22 centimeters). Wood light, very hard; specific
gravity, 0.977; fruit tree. (Exp. 1857.)

Malta de mata.

A tree from the northern part of the island; height, 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to3 meters) ;
diameter, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). Wood light, very hard; specific
gravity, 0.890; fruit tree. (Exp. 1857.)

Maluco. See Spilanthes acmella.
Malva. See Malachra capitata.

A root called malva was being sold by an herb dealer in the market of Ponce as

a remedy for pulmonary diseases.

Malva acorazonada. See Malachra cordata.

Malvabisco. A form of the name ‘‘ malvavisco.”’

Malva blanca. See Malachra radiata.

Malva de caballo. See Malachra capitata and M. palmata.
Malva pestafiosa. See Malachra wrens.

Malvastrum spicatum. MatLvavisco.

Family Malvaceae; a woody herb, found on south coast: rare on the north
coast. (Stahl, 2: 78.)

Malva té. See Corchorus hirtus and C. siliquosus.
Malva té dela playa. See Corchorus hirsutus.
Malvavisco. See Malvastrum spicatum.
Malvavisco afelpado. See Hibiscus tomentosus.
Malvavisco cimarron. See Abutilon wmbellatum.
Malvavisco purpureo. See Hibiscus phoeniceus.
Mamey. See Mammea americana.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters); diam-
eter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood pinkish, hard; specific gravity,
0.978; fruit tree. (Exp. 1857.) The gum is used as incense.

182 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Mamey del cura. See Ternstroemia elliptica and T. stahlit.
Mamey sapote. See Liucuma mammosa.

Mameyuelo. See Ardisia coriacea, A. glauciflora, and A. purpurascens.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, from 40 to 45 feet (13 to 14 meters):
diameter, 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25 centimeters). Wood white, hard; specific gray-
ity, 0.879; used in building houses and cabinetmaking. (Exp. 1857.)

Mamie apple. See Mammea americana.

Mammea americana. MaAaMMEE. MaAMEy. MAMIE APPLE.

Family Clusiaceae; a handsome tree. 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters) high; fruit
large, with a pleasant taste and aromatic smell, eaten raw or preserved in sugar.
Wood valued for timber; gum used by natives in extracting chigoes, etc.
(Lunan. )

From between Fajardo and Ceiba. (Stahl, 2: 124.)

See note under Lucwma mammosa.

Mammee. See Mammea americana.
Mammee apple. See Mammea americana.
Mammee sapota. See Lucuwma mammosa.
Mamonceillo. See Melicocca bijuga.
Manchineel. See Hippomane mancinella.
Mandioca. See Manihot.

Mangifera indica. MANGo.

Family Anacardiaceae; a fruit tree native in South Asia or the Malay Archi-
pelago and introduced into America about the beginning of the eighteenth century,

It not infrequently happens that those who are visiting a tropical country for
the first time confuse the mangrove and the mango. The former is a tree which
forms tide-water swamps along the coasts and about the mouths of rivers in
nearly all humid tropical countries, while the mango is an edible fruit, even more
widely distributed.

In Porto Rico the name mangrove or *‘mangle’’ is applied to three or four
different trees which grow in the coast swamps, while the mango is the best
known and most abundant of fruits. Whether associated with ideas of unwhole-
someness through the above confusion or other unreliable information, many of
the army officers in Cuba and Porto Rico manifested a violent prejudice against
the mango, and some even issued orders strictly forbidding the soldiers, under
any circumstances, to eat it. The antimango crusade has even gone to the extent
of cutting down mango trees in public grounds.

The only excuse for this mistaken policy seems to le in the report that many
soldiers were made sick by them when the armies were first landed, and this on
being sifted a little resolves itself into the proposition that a hearty meal of green
mangoes, followed by a large quantity of bad rum, made the hungry and fatigued
soldiers very sick. Before the mango is finally condemned it might be well to
consider what the results would have been with green apples.

In reality the mango is known throughout the Tropics as a delicious and whole-
some fruit, comparable in quality and value with the apple or the orange, although
entirely different from either in texture and flavor. Some varieties have, espe-_
cially when unripe, a distinct flavor and odor of turpentine, which seems objection-
able at first, but soon comes to add charm to the high qualities of the new favorite.
It has been said that one should eat mangoes only in a bath tub, on account of
keeping the yellowish pulp from spreading over the countenance and person, and
this might prevent the fruit becoming popular with the most fastidious. This
objection, however, applies only to the poorer varieties, such as at present exist in

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 183

Porto Rico. The finer, asexually propagated varieties are quite as manageable as
the peaches and pears of our own climate.

Several of the best Indian varieties have already been introduced into Florida
and the West Indies. and when these are produced in sufficient quantities to be
placed regularly in the Northern markets the mango is almost sure to become a
popular fruit.

The drier portions of Porto Rico are admirably adapted for growing mangoes,
and the absence of all danger from frost places this island at a decided advantage
over Florida, where the best varieties are now being propagated on an extensive
scale by several of the more enterprising fruit growers. It has been found pos-
sible to ship even the better varieties from India to London, consequently there
need be no fear as to the shipping qualities.

For a discussion of the possibilities and requirements of the mango in Porto
Rico, see Bulletin 28, Bureau of Plant Industry. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The wood is light, soft, fibrous in texture, and not very compact, brownish
gray with little spots and irregular lines of brown. After varnishing this wood
resembles light-colored walnut. It is resistant and elastic. and is used for the
same purposes as the ash of Europe—for gunstocks, etc. It is not, however, used
as much as it deserves. Specific gravity, 0.864. (Grosourdy, 2: 400.) Specific
gravity also given as 0.738. (Exp. 1857.)

Mangle blanco. See Avicennia nitida and Laguneularia racemosa.

Grosourdy (2:399) gives this common name to both Avicennia tomentosa
(=A. officinalis) and Laguncularia racemosa, and describes the wood as being
hard and heavy, fibrous and compact in texture, and gray in color with rather
brown undulations, which produce a very pleasing aspect. Used for the small
timbers of houses, but its most common use is in making a good charcoal and
for fuel. The specific gravity of Avicennia is 0.867; of Laguncularia, 0.860.
Mangle bobo.

A tree from near the seashore; height, 25 to 30 feet (8 to 9 meters); diameter,
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood, dark. hard; specific gravity, 1.124;
used for cabinetwork. Also called ‘‘ mangle prieto.”’ (Exp. 1857.)

A good firewood; on the higher elevations of El Yunque this grows as mere
saplings, while in the lowlands it reaches 8 or 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) in
diameter. (Hansard.)

Bello gives this common name with Avicennia nitida, but this is certainly not
the tree reported by Captain Hansard.

Mangle botanico.

A tree from the beaches of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood, silver-gray, hard; specific
gravity, 1.072; used in making knees of boats. (Exp. 1857.)

Mangle boton. See Conocarpus erectus.
Mangle cobo.

A tree from the beaches of the island; height, 18 to 20 feet (5.5 to 6.5 meters);
diameter, 9 to 10 inches (22 to 25 centimeters). Wood, white, soft; specific gravity,
0.840; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Mangle colorado. See Rhizophora mangle.

A tree from the beaches of the island; height, 18 to 20 feet (5.5 to 6.5 meters);
diameter, 9 to 10 inches (22 to 25 centimeters). Wood. pinkish, hard: specific
gravity, 0.752; bark used in tanning leather. (Exp. 1857.)

Mangle prieto.

A tree from the beaches of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (8 or 9 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (22 to 25 centimeters). Wood, dark, hard; specific gravity,
1.124; used for cabinetwork. Also called ‘‘mangle bobo.’ (Exp. 1857.)

184 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Mango. See Mangifera indica.

Mangrove. See Rnizophora mangle.

Mangrove, Black. See Avicennia nitida.

Mangrove, Olive. See Avicennia nitida.

Mangrove, White. See Laguncularia racemosa and Avicennia nitida.
Mani. See Arachis hypogaea.

Manihot aipi.
Considered as a variety of Manihot palmata.

Manihot cassava. CassaApA. YUCCA.

Family Euphorbiaceae; shrubby plants, 6 to 8 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) high; culti-
vated for the thick, fleshy roots, which are very rich in starch.

Cassava is a less important article of food in Porto Rico than in most other parts
of the American tropics. Its place is toa great extent taken by ‘‘ yautia”’’ and
‘‘taro.’’ The principal uses to which cassava is put in Porto Rico are the mak-
ing of starch and a sort of bread baked in thin, semicircular loaves or cakes. This
latter custom is undoubtedly indigenous, and curiously enough finds its counter-
part among the so-called Caribs of Guatemala, a negro people of uncertain origin,
with whom cassava is by far the most important food.

Forms with both 5 and 7 leaflets were observed, and it was inferred that both
the sweet and the bitter varieties exist, although nothing was heard of the poison- -
ous properties of any of the cassava grown in the island, but as none is eaten raw
or used as fodder, such might easily exist and fail to be in evidence.

Captain Hansard’s notes on culture are as follows: ‘‘ Hot climate, coast region;
plow the soil; cut stem in 6-inch lengths; plant 5 feet apart, leaving about 1 inch
out of the ground; plant on adry day. It will begin to growin two weeks, and in
three months will cover the ground. Will be ready to diginninemonths. Spoils
quickly out of the ground, but keeps until dug. To prepare meal, tubers are
pulled, washed, grated, put in bags, and the juice pressed out. The fibers are sifted
out and the meal dried by a fire, but should not be scorched. Proper drying and
heating draws off the juice.”

Manihot palmata aipi. SWEET CASSAVA. YUCA.

According to Engler and Prantl MW. palmata aipi in Brazil is called ‘‘ aipim,”
*““macacheira,”’ or ‘* sweet mandioca.”’

Sweet cassava, as a fodder crop, has received considerable attention, but in
Florida, where the most extensive experiments have been tried, velvet beans
have been found to produce cheaper fodder with less labor, and with the added
advantage that the soil is thereby enriched.

As a starch producer the outlook is perhaps more promising, cassava starch
being of a very fine quality. Several factories are in operation in Florida, but it~
is still too early to report on the success of the enterprise.

Manihot utilissima. Cassava. Ywuca.

This is the so-called ** bitter cassava,’ and usually contains sufficient hydro-
cyanic acid in the roots to render them poisonous if eaten before taking precau-
tions to remove or destroy it. This can be accomplished by cooking or by
expressing the juice, after which it is a very wholesome food.

Cassareep is the juice of this plant boiled down to a gummy consistency. It is
used in the British West Indies to preserve fresh meat or in the dish called
‘*pepper pot.” It is also exported to England for making sauce.

An antidote used by the Indians for the poison of this plant consists of red
peppers steeped in pure rum.

Manioc. See Manihot.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 185

Manzanilla.

A name in use for several composite weeds, the most common of which is
Bidens leucantha. Stahl proposes to distinguish the different species according
to the following list:

Manzanilla cimarrona. see Stemmodontia carnosa and Bidens leucantha
Manzanilla de costa. See Stemmodontia buphthalmoides.

Manzanilla de la playa. See Stemmodontia carnosa.

Manzanilla de monte. See Stemmodontia reticulata.

Manzanilla del pais. See Bidens pilosa.

Manzanilla negra. See Bidens bipinnata.

Manzanilla trepadora. See Bidens rubifolia.

Manzanillo. See Hippomane mancinella.

Mapola. See Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
In the Philippines and Guam this name is applied to H. mutabilis.

Mapurito. See Fagara monophylla.
Maraga. -

Perhaps the same as *‘maraca’”’ or ‘*‘matraca;’’ applied at Catano to a species
of Canna.

Marafion. See Anacardium occidentale.
Maranta arundinacea. ARROWROOT.

Family Marantaceae; an herbaceous plant with tubers from which arrowroot
is extracted. Said to be called arrowroot from its property of counteracting the
poison put on arrow tips by the natives and other acrid poison, as that of spiders.
Called touola by the natives of Jamaica.

The following recommendations are from Captain Hansard:

** Elevation not important; rows 3 feet (90 centimeters) apart, 12 inches (30 cen-
timeters) ina row. Cut off flowers to throw strength into the tubers. Plant in
April or early May; returns will be had in a little less than twelve months. Twenty
per cent starch may sometimes be secured. Crop seven hundredweight (329 kilo-
grams) per acre, but double this has been obtained by high cultivation. In prepara-
tion all skin and discolored parts are removed from the rhizomes After rewash-
ing the rhizomes are reduced to pulp in a mortar or against @ revolving cylinder
grater. Cleanness is very necessary. In St. Vincent glass-roofed houses and the
very cleanest machinery are used.”’

Maravedi. See Myginda rhacoma and M. pallens.

Maravilla. See Hibiscus mutabilis, Mirabilis jalapa, and Euphorbia hetero-
phylla.

Maray-maray. See Dalbergia ecastaphyllum.

Marcgravia rectifiora jacquini. BrJUCO DE PALMA.

An indigenous trailing or climbing shrub known also as bejuco de rana.
According to Urban, Marcgravia wmbellata of Grisebach’s Flora includes this
species, but the genuine wmbellata does not occur in Porto Rico.

Marcgravia sintenisii. BrJUCO DE PALMA.

A species peculiar to Porto Rico and said to be very distinct from M. rectiflora.
It is a climber and ascends large trees. Reported from the Sierra de Luquillo,
Sierra de Naguabo, Cayey, and Adjuntas. (Urban, Add. 3: 208.)

Marcgravia umbellata. PrEGA PALMA.

A trailing shrub clinging to trees by adventitious roots, called ‘‘ bejuco de
palma,’ by Bello. (Stahl, 2: 129.)

Margarita. See Cosmos caudatus and Bidens pilosa.
Mari-Lopez. See Turnera ulmifolia and T. pwmilea.

186 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Maria.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 25 to 30 inches (62 to 75 centimeters). Wood pinkish, hard; specific gravity,
0.800; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Enumerated by Hill among trees yielding resin. Perhaps the same as “‘palo de
Maria.”’

According to Captain Hansard this species yields the balsam of Tolu. The
extract is not made in Porto Rico, but extensively used by the druggists. Specific ~
gravity of wood, 0.91.

Marias. See Calophyllum calaba.
Marialva elliptica. See Tovomita elliptica.
Maricao. See Byrsonima spicata.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (13 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 25 to 30 inches (62 to 75 centimeters). Wood dark, hard; specific stay
0.730; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 401.)

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity at 0.78, and says that itisa ened
firewood.

Marimbo. See Lagenaria vulgaris.

Marimbo is the name applied to a Central American musical instrument resem-
bling a xylophone, which in former times had gourds hung beneath the keys. In
some parts of Africa the name is given to a kind of drum.

Marimbo amargo. See Lagenaria vulgaris.
Marlierea dussii.

A small indigenous myrtaceous tree, known in Porto Rico only from the neigh-
borhood of Adjuntas. In Guadeloupe the same species is said to grow as a shrub
of 15 feet (5 meters) or less, half the size it attains in Porto Rico. MM. sintenisi,
an allied species, is known only from Luquillo. (Urban, Add. 108.)
Marmelluelo.

Captain Hansard mentions this wood as having a specific gravity of 1.02.
Martinezia.

Specimens of the flowers and fruit supposed by Dr. Drude to belong to Martine-
aia or Bactris (Sintenis no. 2500) were collected in the forest of Monte Hormigas
near Jauco. The spathe is unarmed; the branches are long, slender, and attenu-
ate. This may be the species collected by us at Vega Baja. There are no leaves
with this specimen. Another specimen (Sintenis no. 2628) from Hato Grande, on
slopes toward Monte Gregorio, has a much larger and thicker inflorescence with the
main axis beset with slender black spines from one-quarter to 1 inch (6 to 25 milli-
meters) in length. The branches are much coarser than in the other specimen
and the pinnae have irregularly crowded plications at base, showing a tendency
to the grouped condition found in the South American species. There are no spines
on the pinnae, and very scattering slender ones on the median carina of the rachis.
Marrubio. See Wesosphaerwm suaveolens and M. spicigerum
Marrubio blanco. See Mesosphaerwm lantanaefolium.

Marrubio-boton. See Mesosphaerwm capitatum.
Marrubio oscuro. See Mesosphaerwm atrorubens.
Marsypianthes hyptoides. OrRTELA.

An herbaceous suberect annual of the mint family, found in sandy places.
(Stahl, 6: 191.)

Martin avila. See Chione glabra.
Martynia diandra. UNA DE GATO.

Family Martyniaceae; an annual herb found on the south coast. Bello gives

the common name ‘*escorzonera.’’ (Stahl, 6: 265.)

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 187

Marunguay. See Zamia erosa and Z. portoricensis.
Masa. See Hedwigia balsamifera.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 or 12 meters) ;
diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood ash-colored, hard;
specific gravity, 0.827; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Mastic.

The true mastic tree, Pistacia lentiscus, is a native of the Mediterranean region,
and is not known to have been introduced into the West Indies, where the name
is applied to Bursera simaruba, also called the West Indian mastic.

Mastuerzo. See Lepidium virginicum.

Mata de niguas. See Tournefortia hirsutissima.
Mata de peo. See Lasianthus lanceolatus.

Mata de seda. See Calotropis procera.
Mata-gallinas. See Solanum caribaeum.

Matayba domingensis. Raton.

A tree of 10 to 15 meters; family Sapindaceae. Reported from Adjuntas,
Utuado, and Sierra de Luquillo. M. apetala is also reported from Utuado and
Luquillo. (Urban, Symb. 1: 351.)

Matillo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (8 to 9 meters); diam-
eter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood red, rather hard; specific
gravity, 0.613; used forlumber. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 401.)

Mato. See Dioclea reflexa.

Mato amarillo. See Caesalpinia bonducella.
Mato azul. See Caesalpinia bondue.

Mato blanco. See Caesalpinia bondue.

Mato colorado. See Canavalia rusiosperma.

Red sea beans on sale by an herb dealer in the market of Ponce as a remedy for
piles, used in combination with the gray beans of Caesalpinia bonducella, as
described under ‘‘ tortera.”’

Mato de la playa. See Canavalia obtusifolia,

Mato palo.

A moderately abundant wild tree, 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) high, witha
rather long, straight trunk 6 inches (15 centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a
rather light soft wood, fibrous in texture, soft and fine-grained. Yellow, or some-
times light cinnamon-colored, with numerous parallel lines, giving it a very beauti-
ful aspect. Its mostcommon use isin making small boats, tubs, and wash basins.
Specific gravity 0.450. Also called ‘‘ gaguey’’ and referred to the genus Ficus.
(Grosourdy, 2: 392.)

Matos. See Ormosia krugii and Mucuna wrens.
Matos colorados. See Canavalia ensiformis.

Matos de playa. See Caesalpinia bonduc.

Matraca.

The Spanish word for rattle; applied in Porto Rico to rattles made from the
calabash tree, Crescentia cujete, and also to Crotalaria retusa, the ripe seeds of
which become loosened and rattle in the pod.

Mauricia. See Mauritia flexuosa.

Mauricio. See Magnolia portoricensis.

188 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL’ HERBARIUM.

Mauritia flexuosa. :
A palm mentioned and described by Hill under the names ‘‘ moriche’’ and

‘‘ alma moriche.’’ The species is a tall South American fan-palm, native in the

valleys of the Orinoco and Amazon. It grows in great abundance and forms
extensive forests in level regions subject to annual overflow, and furnishes a
large part of the material of subsistence and native arts of whole tribes of Indians.
It is not, however, known from Porto Rico or, as a native, from any part of the
West Indies. According to Maza it and Mauritia setifera (probably an error for
setigera, a species native in Trinidad) are cultivated in Cuba and called ‘‘ palma
mauricia.”’ As a useful tree which will flourish in swampy places this species
might be of some utility in Porto Rico.
Mauritia setifera and Mauritia setigera.

See note under Mauritia flexuosa.
Mauritius hemp. See Furcraea gigantea.
Maya. —

A name applied to the fruits of the wild pinuela, Bromelia pinguin, used as a
remedy for worms.

Mayepea caribaea. AVIPILLO.

Family Oleaceae; a tree reported as collected by Sintenis at Fajardo—perhaps
the same as Abispillo of Captain Hansard’s list.
Mayepea compacta. PALO DE HUESO.

A tree 10 to 12 meters high. White, hard wood used for heavy timbers.
(Stahl, 6: 60, as Linociera compacta. )

Mayepea domingensis.

Variously named ‘‘palo de hueso,’’ *‘ huesillo,”’ ‘‘hueso blanco.”’ A native
tree reported from Bayamon, Caguas, Sierra de Luquillo, Utuado, and Quebra-
dillas. It is the same as Stahl’s Linociera compacta. An allied species, M. aailli-
flora, comes from mountain forests at ‘‘ El Manil.”? (Urban, Add. 1: 61.)

Maza.

Not used for special purposes; a common wood in the hills; specific gravity, 0.87.
(Hansard. )

Medicago sativa. ALFALFA.

Alfalfa has not been found successful in humid tropical countries. A substitute
has been suggested in phasemy (Phaseolus semierectus).
Medlar.

Reported by Hill among “‘ forest trees yielding fruits.’” The reference is, how-
ever. to be understood as applying to Achras sapota, the sapote or sapodilla, neither
the true medlar, Mespilus germanica, nor the Japanese medlar or loquat, Eriobo-
trya japonica, being known to the Porto Rican public.

Meibomia. ZARZABACOA.

A large genus of leguminous herbs, formerly known under the name Desmo-
dium. Several of the species are useful forage and soiling plants.
Meibomia adscendens. ZARZABACOA GALANA.

A creeping woody annual found in dry pastures. The flowers are pale lavender
or whitish. (Stahl, 3: 42, as Desmodium adscendens. )
Meibomia axillaris. ZARZABACOA DE MONTE.

A creeping or trailing annual, frequenting shady places in mountain districts.
This species is too diffuse in habit and too woody in structure to be likely to prove
of economic value.

Meibomia barbata. ZARZABACOA PELUDA.

A shrubby species found in dry pastures. Known from Lares. (Stahl, 4: 45,

as Desmodium barbatum. )

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 189

Meibomia incana. ZARZABACOA COMUN.

An annual or biennial shrub found in pastures. The variety angustifolia is
reported from Rincon. The general habit of this species seems not unlike that of
M. axillaris, and economic utility is improbable. (Stahl, 3: 48, as Desmodium
ineanum. )

Meibomia mollis. ZarzABACOA DULCE.

Found on the west coast. Also known from Juana Diaz. (Stahl, 3: 49, as Des-
modium molle.)

Meibomia scorpiurus. ZARZABACOA COLA DE ESCORPION,

An herb 50 centimeters high, prostrate, common in arid pastures and stony
places. (Stahl, 3: 46, as Desmodium scorpiurus. )

Fig. 12.—Lawn of Meibomia triflora. Coamo Springs.

Meibomia spiralis. ZARZABACOA ESPIRAL.

A slender species attaining a height of 2 feet. A form much more delicate and
leafy than usual was collected at Coamo Springs (No. 716). This might be of
interest if the plant should be found of economic utility. In the Index Kewensis
the present species is treated as a synonym of Desmodium neomexicanum, but
specimens in the National Herbarium do not indicate close affinity.

Meibomia tortuosa. FLORIDA BEGGAR-WEED. ZARZABACOA TORCIDA.

A shrub, 1 meter high, found along roadsides and in moist mountainous places.
This is the species now somewhat extensively cultivated in our Southern States
asa forage and soiling crop. From its habit and general characteristics it would
seem that the form mentioned under Meibomia spiralis might be preferable, at
least from the forage standpoint. (Stahl, 3: 48, as Desmodium tortuosum. )
Meibomia triflora. ZARZABACOA DE TRES FLORES. FIGURE 12.

A small herbaceous annual, found in dry places along the coast. This species
was collected in a dry, exposed situation at Coamo Springs, where it covered the

190 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

otherwise bare ground with a dense mat of green, the small leaflets giving a very
pleasing effect like a white clover lawn and suggesting a possible use for this
plant. (Stahl, 3: 41, as Desmodium triflorwm.) :
Meladillo. See Plumbago scandens.

Melanthera deltoidea. CARIAQUITO BLANCO.
A perennial composite herb 1 meter high, found in waste places and on tiie
lower slopes of mountains. (Stahl, 5: 140.)

Melia azedarach. LILAILa. PLATE XLV.

A meliaceous tree or shrub commonly known as ‘‘ China berry” or ‘* pride o7
China,’’ introduced from the Old World. It grows 5 or more meters high and is
found as an ornamental in gardens, etc. The bark of the roots is said to be ar
efficacious vermifuge, while the pulp of the ‘fruit is considered poisonous. (Stahl,
2: 164.)

The wood is rose-colored, rather hard, breaking vertically. Used by the coun-
try people in making tool handles. (Grosourdy, 2: 360.)

This author spells the native name “‘ alilaila.”’

The china-berry is very commonly planted in Porto Rico as a shade or rather
as an ornamental tree. The Porto Rican tree may, however, be a different spe-
cies or variety, since it has not at all the umbrella-like habit found in the United
States and in the Canary Islands. I+ grows with great rapidity, sometimes send-
ing up a central stem 20 feet (6 meters) high ina year and ahalf. At a height
of about 10 feet (3 meters) lateral branches from 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.9 meters)
long are emitted, while those of the upper part remain short, giving the tree a
narrowly pyramidal form. The slender top often bends over or is broken off.
The foliage is rather loose and open; flowers and fruit are produced in great
abundance. The extremely rapid growth might give this species a limited use in
coffee culture, particularly where it is desired to protect without loss of time an
exposed slope; and the numerous slender branches of the tree would also enable
the shade to be removed gradually. Considerable shelter from winds and a mod-
erate degree of shade could be secured by planting the china-berry from 2 to 4
rods apart.

Melia sempervirens. See Melia azedarach.
Melicocea bijuga. GENIP TREE. GENIPE.

A tree belonging to the family Sapindaceae, believed by some botanists to be
native in the West Indies, by others thought to have been introduced from South
America. It produces clusters of oval fruits about an inchin length. The pulpy
covering of the seed is edible and has a pleasant flavor, but the fine fibers compact
themselves against the mucous membranes and cause a very disagreeable sensation.
In the Bulletin of the Jamaica Botanical Department it is stated that this material
has caused the death of children by forming a coating over the lining of the stomach.

The tree is vigorous and handsome and has been recommended for planting
along roads and avenues for shade. The timber is said to be hard and heavy.

Radlkofer gives the following collection of names for this tree: Honigbeere,
mamon, mamoncillo, knippa, knepier, guenepe, and genep tree. The Porto
Rican pronunciation heard by us was, however, distinctly ‘‘genepe,’’ not
‘“onenepe,”’ or ‘* quenepa.”’

Meliosma herbertii.

Family Sabiaceae; shares with M. obtusifolia the names ‘‘ cacao bobo”’ and
‘“‘aguacatillo.”” A tree generally distributed in Porto Rico and the adjacent
islands as far south as Grenada. Of medium size, with alternate, exstipulate,
elliptical, or obovate acute leaves. (Urban, Symb. 1: 55.)

Meliosma obtusifolia. GUAYROTE.

Also called ‘* arroyo,’ “* aguacatillo,”’ ** cacao bobo.’ ** cacaillo,”’ ** ciralillo.”’

*serillos."” A tree belonging to the family Sabiaceae. generally distributed

.
Ce a ea

PLATE XLV.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

(HOWHVGSZY VITSZI) AYY3aG VNIHO

COOK AND COLLINS——ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 191

throughout the island.. It yields a valuable wood, and from the multiplicity of
common names is evidently in use locally, though all the names are probably not
confined in application to this species. Reported from near Adjuntas and Sierra
de Naguabo. Differs from M. herbertii in having the leaves obtuse and the
fruits very small, only half the size of the others. (Urban, Symb. 1: 513;
Stahl 6: 48, as Atelandra obtusifolia.)
Melocactus communis. MELON DE costa.

Family Cactaceae; a fleshy plant 25 to 30 centimeters in diameter, found in dry
places and cultivated. (Stahl, 4: 184.)
Melochia hirsuta. BRETONICA PELUDA.

Family Sterculiaceae; an herbaceous, erect, shrubby annual, densely covered
with soft hairs. (Stahl. 2: 109.)
Melochia nodiflora. BRETONICA PYRAMIDAL. BRETONICA PRIETA.

A woody annual, 50 centimeters high, found in rocky places. (Stahl, 2: 110.)

Melochia pyramidata. BRETONICA PYRAMIDAL.

A woody herb, 50 centimeters high. in sandy and stony pastures along the
south coast. (Stahl, 2: 107.)
Melochia serrata. BRETONICA ASERRADA.

- According to Grisebach a shrub about 2 feet high, covered with long, soft
hairs. (Stahl, 2: 109.)
Melochia tomentosa. BRETONICA AFELPADA.

A shrub 1 meter high, in sandy coastal regions on the south side of the islands.
(Stahl, 2 : 108.)
Melon. See Cucumis melo.
Melon de costa. See Melocactus communis.

Melothria fluminensis. PEPINILLO.

Family Cucurbitaceae; a climber 5 or 6 feet (1.5 to 1.9 meters) long, found in
hedges and waste places. Fruit eaten, pickled when green; also good when fully
ripe. (Stahl, 4: 177.)

Mentha piperita. PEPPERMINT.

A plant named by Briquet as variety citrata of this species was collected in the
borders of primeval forests near Adjuntas.
Mentrasto. See Ageratum conyzoides.
Mentzelia aspera. PEGADORA.

Family Loasaceae; a hairy herb with triangular dentate leaves and deep buff
flowers. Our specimens were obtained to the southward of Coamo, not far from
the military road.

Mesosphaerum atrorubens. MaRrRUBIO OSCURO.

Family Labiatae; an herbaceous annual, 40 centimeters high, in dry pastures.
(Stahl, 4: 194, as Hyptis atrorubens.)
Mesosphaerum capitatum. MaRRUBIO-BOTON.

An herbaceous annual weed of the mint family. At Catafio it was called
“blero.” (Stahl, 4: 192, as Hyptis capitata.)

Mesosphaerum lantanaefolium. MAaRrRUBIO BLANCO.
An herbaceous reclining annual. (Stahl, 6: 193, as Hyptis lantanaefolia. )

Mesosphaerum polystachyum. FaLso MARRUBIO.
An herbaceous climber, 1 to 2 meters high. (Stahl, 6: 195, as Hyptis poly-
stachya. )

Mesosphaerum spicigerum. MarRuBio.
Reported by Bello.

192 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Mesosphaerum suaveolens. MARRUBIO.

An herbaceous climber, 1 meter high; contains an oil with a strong odor.
Grows in sandy soil. (Stahl, 6: 196, as Hyptis suaveolens.)

Mesquit. See Prosopis juliflora.
Metastelma.

A genus of climbing milkweeds represented in Porto Rico by numerous species.

(Urban, Symb. 1: 245, a monograph.)
Miconia. See Tamonea.
Micropholis chrysophylloides.

Family Sapotaceae; reported from near Adjuntas.
Micropholis garciniaefolia.

From Sierra de Luquillo. |
Micropholis portoricensis curvata. |

From near Adjuntas.

Micropholis portoricensis mesnaefolia.

From near Pefiuelas.

Micropholis urbani.

From Sierra de Naguabo.

Mignonette tree. See Lawsonia inermis.
Mikania. See Willughbaeya.

Millet. See Panicum.

Millo. See Andropogon.

The seeds of a millet were on sale in small quantities in the market of Ponce.
and are said to be used in the preparation of a sort of flour and in sweets.
Mimosa ceratonia. ZARZA.

Family Mimosaceae; a vine-like shrub, 2 to 5 meters high, found in waste
places. (Stahl, 3: 143.)

Mimosa pudica. Morivivi. SENSITIVE PLANT.

A branching perennial, 2 to 5 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters) high. The sensitive
plant of greenhouses; an extremely common weed along roadsides and in waste
places generally. (Stahl, 3: 142.)

Mimusops globosa. SApoTe DE COSTA.

Family Sapotaceae; a shrub, 3 to 4 meters high, growing in shaded situations
along the sea coast. (Stahl, 6: 54.)
Mimusops pleeana.

From Manati.
Mimusops riedliana.

From Yabucoa.

Mirabilis jalapa. Four o’cLock. MARAVILLA.

The well-known garden flower said to be called **siciliana’’ in Porto Rico,
where it is cultivated and has also become naturalized as a weed in open places.
It is a native of Mexico. (Urban, Add. 3: 304.)

Mistletoe.

The true mistletoe, Viscwm album of Europe, does not occur in West Indies, but
there are numerous related parasites belonging to the family Loranthaceae and now
referred to the genera Dendropremon, Dendrophthora, Phoradendron, and others.
Moca. See Andira inermis.

Moca acatera.

A tree from the northeastern part of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9
meters); diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood yellowish, hard;
specific gravity, 0.993; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.)

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE XLVI.

CUNDEAMOR (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA).

COOK AND COLLINS——ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 193

Moca amarilla.

A tree from the northeastern part of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9
meters); diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood zed, hard; spe-
cific gravity, 0.904; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.)

Moca negra.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood dark, hard; specific gravity,
0.811; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.)

_Molinillo. See Leonotis nepetaefolia.
Momordica.

A genus of Cucurbitaceae. The species are graceful and delicate climbing

vines, bearing rather small edible fruits.

Momordica charantia. CUNDEAMOR. PLATE XLVI.

This species is supposed to be the most common and generally distributed, per-
haps because confused with M. zeylanica, which in Porto Rico, at least, is much
more abundant. The present species was not noticed by us, but has been collected
by Sintenis at Fajardo. It differs from M. zeylanica in the much larger and
longer fruit, the surface of which is irregularly covered with rounded warts and
tubercles. The seeds are also much larger, and the leaves have 1 very different
cut, as may be seen by reference to the figure.

Both species are sometimes called ‘‘ balsam apple.”’

Momordica zeylanica. CUNDEAMOR.

This species is one of the commonest and most widely distributed plants in
Porto Rico, climbing over fences and other vegetation in open places. Many
botanists have confused it with M. charantia, but it may be recognized readily by
the different leaf pattern, the small oval fruits with rows of sharp spines, and the
small seeds.

Monkey apple. See Anona palustris.

Monodora myristica. CALABASH NUTMEG.

Also called ‘‘ American nutmeg ’’ and ‘‘ Jamaica nutmeg.’’ An anonaceous tree,
supposed to have been introduced from West Africa. Its occurrence in Porto
Rico seems doubtful, a species of Nectandra having, in some cases at least. been
mistaken for it. :

Grosourdy (2: 382) reports it from all parts of the island, and gives the height
of the tree as reaching 25 or 30 feet (8 or 9 meters), with a diameter of 10 inches
(25 centimeters). The wood, he says, is yellow, rather strong, but without appli-
cation. His identification was perhaps based on the native name ‘‘ nuez moscada
del pais,’”’ in which case the description probably refers to a species of Nectandra.

Mora. See Chlorophora tinctoria.
Hill & Sudworth (p. 27) describe a wood of this name as follows:

Color, bright orange brown, probably darkening with age and exposure.
Marked on the radical section with parallel light and dark streaks. Large ducts
arranged in wavy, irregular lines; lines also irregularly broken into crescent-shaped
groups. Medullary rays distinct, rather coarse. Radically cut and polished sur-
me satiny. Similar in general appearance to osage orange. Largely used for

ellies.

Hansard gives the specific gravity as 0.86. Perhaps the same as *‘ moral.”’
Mora amarilla.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood, yellowish, hard; specific
gravity, 0.807; used for cabinetmaking. (Exp. 1857.)

- Moradilla azul. See Salvia occidentalis.
Moradilla encarnada. See Salvia coccinea.

194 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Moral. See Cordia macrophylla.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood light, soft; specific gravity,
0.611; not used. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 402.) :

Captain Hansard thought this might be the mulberry, Morus nigra, the leaf
being similar, though the fruit is different. Specific gravity, 0.57.

At Coamo Springs another species of Cordia is known Under this name. It is
quite different from C. macrophylla and seems to have affinity with C. collococca.

Moralon. See Coccolobis grandifolia.
Moriche. See Mauritia flexuosa.
Moringa moringa. HORSE-RADISH TREE. BEN.

Family Moringaceae; a tree 3 to 4 meters high, native in India; reported as
introduced and escaped from cultivation in Cuba and probably also in Porto Rico.
At Catano and also.at Isabella it was called ‘‘angela”’ or angel tree. It yields the
so-called oil of ben, used for fine lubricating purposes. The root has the taste and
odor of horse-radish. Sintenis collected a specimen distributed as M. oleifera in
a garden at Mayaguez. (Stahl, 2: 43.)

A specimen 20 feet (6 meters) high, with a trunk 8 or 10 inches (20 or 25 centi-
meters) in diameter, was seen between Yauco and Guayanilla.

Mori-vivi. See Mimosa pudica.

Other fine-leaved leguminous plants, such as Aeschynemene americana are also
sometimes called mori-vivi or mori-vivi bobo.
Morongia distachya. CUERNECILLO.

A much-branched, trailing, spiny shrub reported by Stahl from the south side
of the island. (Stahl, 3: 136, as Schrankia distachya. )
Morongia leptoclada. SALcInua.

Collected at Coamo Springs (No. 726). <A less spiny species than distachya,
according to the specimens in the National Herbarium.
Morus. MULBERRY.

No mulberry trees were noticed in Porto Rico, but in Cuba experiments are
said to have shown that both the mulberry and the silkworm thrive extremely
well.

Mostacilla del mar. See Cakile maritima.
Mostaza. See Brassica juncea.

Motillo. See Sloanea berteriana.
Mouriria.

Family Melastomaceae: a species thought to be related to Mouriria spathulata
was collected at Hatillo by Sintenis. The lower side of the leaves is yellow.
Mouriria domingensis. Murra.

A cultivated shrub, 3 to 5 meters high. The agreeable fruits are eaten raw and
are used to color liquors. (Stahl, 4: 91.)

Mucuna altissima.

Family Viciaceae; a leguminous vine, related to the velvet bean; known from
Yabucoa; also from the vicinity of Ponce. (Sintenis.)

Mucuna pruriens. CowHaGe. PICA-PICA.

The pods of this leguminous plant, which is a close relative to the ‘velvet bean,
are covered with a dense growth of fine, rather stiff, poisonous hairs, said to be
extremely irritating when brought in contact with the more sensitive parts of the
skin. (Stahl, 3: 84.)

Mucuna urens. OJO DE BUEY.

A woody, biennial vine, growing in waste places. Bello gives ‘‘matos”’ as the

common name of this species. (Stahl, 3: 85.)

—

COOK AND COLLINS——ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 5

Mucuna utilis. VELVET BEAN.

The velvet bean has been tried at a few points in Porto Rico, and vigorous growth
is reported. In all probability it will be found one of many leguminous plants
of value for restoring exhausted soils.

Mugwort. See Parthentwm hysterophorus.
Mulberry. See Morus.
Multa.

Grosourdy (2: 402) refers this to the genus Eugenia, and describes it as a wild
fruit tree, 15 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) high, with rather hard, resistant wood, the
only use of which is in making charcoal.

A sample of fruit called *‘ multas’’ in the San Juan market was not unlike those
of the genus Eugenia. The pulp, though very thin, is of a pleasant taste, not
unlike that of gooseberries.

The name ‘*murta,’’ given by Urban as the common name of Eugenia flori-
bunda and EF. cordata sintenisii and by Stahl for Mouwriria domingensis, may in
one or more cases be another spelling of ‘‘ multa,’’ misunderstood for the Spanish
word for ‘*‘ myrtle.’

The word ‘‘multa’”’ is given in Velasquez’s Spanish dictionary as the name of a
fruit tree in Porto Rico.

According to Captain Hansard this name is applied to a wood with a specific
gravity of 1.06, found in Vieques, and used for coloring rum.

Muneca. See Cordia borinquensis and Gilibertia arborea.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters) ;
diameter, 10 to 12inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood, ash-colored, soft; specific
gravity, 0.951; used for lumber. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 403.)

A soft, light, inferior wood, found occasionally in the hills; specific gravity, 0.59.
(Hansard. )

Mufneca de costas.

A tree from the northern part of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters.) Wood, yellowish, rather hard;
specific gravity, 0.923. (Exp. 1857.) Used for fuel. (Grosourdy, 2: 403.)
Murraya exotica. CArk DE LA INDIA.

Family Rutaceae; a shrub, 2 to 3 meters high, native in the East Indies, and
naturalized in the West Indies and on the continent. It is cultivated in gardens
for its abundant and fragrant flowers and for its agreeable, small, reddish tart
fruits, which much resemble coffee berries, although in reality the plant is closely
related to the orange. (Stahl, 2: 135.) Near Carolina this plant was called
**dama de noche,”’ a name supposed to belong to Cestrwm nocturnumn.

The rather straight trunk is sometimes as thick as a man’s thigh, but is ordi-
narily smaller. It furnishes a wood very similar to the boxwood of Europe, which
it might very well replace. The wood is durable, yellowish white with brownish
heart, fine-grained and dense, strong and solid. Very good for turned articles
and susceptible of a polish. Specific gravity, 0.979. (Grosourdy, 2: 366.)
Murta. See Hugenia floribunda, E. cordata, E. sintenisii, and Mouriria

domingensis. ;
Musa. BANaNna. GUINEO.

The culture of bananas for export is one of the industries which could be added
to the resources of Porto Rico with every hope of success. Although furnishing,
perhaps, the most important food crop of the island the banana is seldom treated
to any approximation of regular cultivation. Toa large extent, the growing of
bananas has gone hand in hand with the planting of coffee, for the shading of
which large numbers of bananas are required. Extensive fields, which appear to

23227—VOL VIII, PT 2-~03

196 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. i

be devoted to bananas, are usually found, on careful inspection, to conceal spin-
dling coffee plants. So many bananas are produced in this incidental manner

that there has been little necessity for special cultivation to supply the local —

markets. Neither has any sustained attempt been made to maintain the quality
or productiveness of any of the varieties, so that a general deterioration has prob-
ably taken place, instead of the rather careful though apparently desultory selec-
tion to which bananas are subjected in many tropical countries. As the edible
bananas are seedless, all propagation is by cuttings of buds or branches which
arise from root stocks. It is thus usually possible for natives to select good stock
of any desired sort when setting out new plants, and therefore In most countries

the bearing qualities, at least, are maintained. But in Porto Rico there has been

comparatively little incentive to care in special planting. Our failure to find any
marketable bananas seemed at first very strange, until the local conditions were
understood. Moreover, the deficiency is further explainable by the fact that the
banana is extremely responsive to good treatment, and really first-class fruit can
be produced only under favorable conditions, requiring little attention to the
enrichment of the soil. As such care is seldom forthcoming In Porto Rico it is
doubtful whether high-grade stock of any of the local varieties could now be
secured in the island.

Choice of varieties.—Accordingly, if the commercial planting of bananas is to
be undertaken in Porto Rico it will be necessary either to make a careful choice
of stock, which owing to special care has retained its vigor and productiveness, or
to make new importations from other parts of the West Indies or from Central
America. The Martinique or Jamaica banana. the variety almost exclusively
imported into the United States. is nowhere particularly esteemed in the Tropics
except for export purposes, and comparatively few are raised in Porto Rico, so
that it is extremely doubtful whether plantations of any size could be stocked
without some loss of time, unavoidable on account of the rather slow propagation

of the superior varieties of the banana. Of course it would be useless to plant an ~

indiscriminate mixture of varieties, the produce of which would be quite unmarket-
able abroad. At the same time it is proper to consider the question whether in
view of the comparatively ready access to the American market it will not be
wise to plant in export quantities some one of the numerous varieties superior to
that now known in the trade. The value of the common sort lies in its shipping
qualities, which result from the fact that it shares some of the attributes of the
plantain in being of rather coarse texture, with a tough skin and a large quantity
of mealy outer coating of the flesh, which gives the dry sensation and, when not
thoroughly ripened, the astringent taste. Really fine varieties are so superior in
flavor and texture that once regularly introduced into the trade they would cer-
tainly secure the popular preference and command special prices. It is true that
the more delicate texture of most of the high-grade varieties would probably ren-
der it necessary to use somewhat greater care in shipping. But methods of pack-
ing and ventilation are now so far improved that some of the better varieties could
undoubtedly be brought to our markets in time to reach the consumer in good
condition. One of the requisites of the success of such an experiment should,
however, be kept in mind. No matter how excellent the fruit may be, the public
will not have a chance to assert a preference until it can be sent in quantities
large enough to give it a place in the regular fruit trade. Many failures in open-
ing new lines of agricultural activity have resulted from the fact that trial ship-
ments were so small that the merchants would not take the trouble necessary to
properly introduce an unknown product to the public.

As one instance of a superior banana which might be grown in Porto Rico may
be mentioned a variety of the dwarf banana (Musa cavendishii), the same species
which is cultivated in the Canary Islands for the English market. The Canary
bananas are not, however, of particular excellence, having, if anything, even more

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO, 13)%

of the objectionable taste and mealy texture. The better variety is cultivated in
Liberia, and even when ripe has a greenish rather than a yellow color. The skin
is rather thin, there is no astringency, and the compact and yet delicate creamy
texture and delicious flavor render the inferiority of our ordinary imported fruit
distastefully evident to all who have the opportunity of comparison. The dwarf
banana tree reaches a height of only 6 or 8 feet (2 or 2.5 meters), and the enormous
bunches reach nearly to the ground and weigh in the neighborhood of 100 pounds.
The individual bananas are of medium size and rather slender in comparison with
those known in our markets.

Botanical knowledge of the banana.—lt might naturally be expected that the
botany of so important a plant as the banana would be in an advanced state of
completeness; but quite the contrary is true, owing to the fact that economic
plants are generally neglected by botanical students and collectors, especially
when, as in the present instance, specimens are very difficult to preserve. No part
of the banana plant is adapted to ordinary herbarium treatment, neither the enor-
mous leaves nor the succulent flowers and fruits.

It is accordingly quite impossible to tell from books whether the superior African
variety mentioned above is known in other parts of the world. In Porto Rico the
names ‘‘congos”’ and ‘‘ guineos”’ are applied to several varieties of banana, and
there are also traditions that, like the cattle and Guinea grass, they were intro-
duced from the Dark Continent. We had no personal opportunities of testing the
variety called ‘‘enano,”’ or ‘‘dwarf,’’ which may prove to be the same as the
African sort, though it is much more likely to have been derived from Canary
Island stock. Bananas are not native in America, but several wild species with
seeds are known in British India and the Malay region, where there are also large
numbers of cultivated varieties, very few of which have been introduced into any
part of tropical America. It would seem that the country which makes by far the
largest banana trade in the world should enjoy the advantage of the best that
could be afforded in the way of this now popular fruit, and that Porto Rico might
realize brilliant results from the culture of high-grade varieties.

Porto Rican varieties.—Hundreds of varieties are known to exist in the East
Indies, particularly in the Malay Archipelago and in the Philippines, but these
are so confused and so poorly described that it is impossible to tell which of them
has been introduced into Porto Rico, and even between the different West Indian
islands the identity of varieties can not be asserted with confidence, even when
they bear the same name. As an illustration of the confusion which may exist,
even on the same island, our notes on Porto Rican varieties may serve a salutary
purpose.

In addition to what was obtained from other sources, we had the advantage of
the information gathered by two gentlemen who had given the subject consider-
able attention—Captain Hansard, of San Juan, formerly resident in the Luquillo
region, and Mr. Mead, of Ponce and Pefiuelas. The following alphabetical list of
names, while probably incomplete and perhaps erroneous, may serve as a begin-
ning in the collection of more complete information:

PORTO RICAN VARIETIES OF BANANAS.

Amarillo.—A name applied to the large plantain (platano), especially when
sliced and fried. (Ponce.)

Bulico.—See Horse plantain. (Ponce.)

Cambur.—A name given by Hill; not known to Captain Hansard. In Vene-
zuela it seems to be a generic term for the bananas, as distinguished from the
plantains.

Chinese.—See Dwarf.

Colorado.—See Morado colorado.

Commissario.—A name for plantains; thought to be the same as mafafo, or
horse plantain, ‘

198 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Datil.—A name used about San Juan for a very small banana (fig.77). Per-
haps thesameasnifos. Although called manzanas by some of the hucksters, they
had none of the apple flavor and were otherwise inferior.

Dominico.—Captain Hansard states that this name is applied in Porto Rico to
the gigantes or Jamaica bananas, but the first use of it by Acosta had reference
to a small, white, delicate species from Santo Domingo. In Venezuela the name
‘‘platano dominico”’ is used for ** the royal, or small-fruited, plantain.”’ This is
said to be ‘‘ very similar to the small plantain in appearance and habit. The fruit,
however, is smaller and the plant somewhat hardier; that is, it bears better the
cold of the mountains.”’

Dwarf.—In the English-speaking tropics this name is applied to Musa caven-
dishii, also known as the Chinese banana. The name ‘‘enano,’’ in use for a
banana variety in Porto Rico, probably has reference to the above species, which
is that cultivated in the Canary Islands.

Enano.—This name means *‘ dwarf,’’ and has reference to the tree rather than
the fruit. It may prove to be Musa cavendishii, like the *‘ platanos congos’’ at
Ponce.

Fig.—A name used in the British Island for the Martinique or Jamaica banana,
the variety commonly used in the United States.

Fig la rose.—Said to be the name used in Dominica for the Martinique or
Jamaica banana.

Figue.—A name of the above in the French Islands.

Fotoko.—A variety said by Captain Hansard to be midway between a plantain
and a banana, but not fit to eat uncooked. The name seems to be one of African
origin.

Giant.—See Gigante.

Gigante.—According to Mr. Mead this is the same as the Martinique banana.
The fruit grows very large, sometimes 10 inches (25 centimeters) long, but is
slender and very angular. Eaten mostly cooked, especially with wine, and used
for making ‘‘ dulce’’ or preserves. In the San Juan market this name was used
for a much smaller fruit, apparently derived froia a form of J/tsa cavendishii.

Gros Michel.—See Martinico.

Guadeloupe.—See Martinico.

Guineo amarillo.—A name used in the San Juan market for a medium-sized
banana which some of the dealers called ‘‘ gigantes.’”’ The fruits seemed rather
to resemble those of Musa cavendishii.

Guineo de manzana.—See Manzana.

Guineo de pinta.—The smallest variety known to Captain Hansard, and not
the same as datiles, thin-skinned; stem bright green; leaves broad; not so tall as
the gigantes and less liable to have the leaves stripped by the wind. See also
“Guineo de rosa.”’

Guineo de rosa.—A name used about Ponce for a variety also called guineos
de pina. These were described as short, yellow, rather thick, and slightly angular.
The taste is sweet and not astringent.

Guineo de tierra.—A very inferior sort of plantain, According to Captain
Hansard vinegar is not made from the ordinary plantain as indicated by Hill, but
from the present variety which is grown for that especial purpose.

Guineo indio.—A red banana grown about Ponce. The golden yellow flesh
is said to be of very fine quality. much preferred by many Americans. Bunches
over 3 feet (1 meter) long are sometimes secured under favorable conditions.

Higo.—See Martinico.

Horse plantain.—An English name for the mafafo or short plantain.

Horton.—According to Hill and Hansard this is the name for the plantain,
presumably the long-fruited type. In Venezuela the common plantain is said to
be called ‘‘pldtano arton.”’

Jamaica.—A name used in the American trade for the large yellow bananas
now practically the only variety brought to our markets. Jamaica is the center
of the West Indian banana-growing industry, but the present variety is not con-
fined to that island, and is not called *‘ Jamaica’’ except by us. In the different
islands it has many other names such as fig, figue, gigante, gros Michel, Guade-
loupe, Martinique, etc.

Mafafo.—Apparently the most common Porto Rican name for the short angular
plantain, sometimes called the horse-plaintain by the English-speaking people.
The mafafos are smaller, shorter, and thicker than the genuine plantains and the

cross section is very angular. Quality and texture differ from the platanos —

in being more mealy; the skin is extremely thick. This variety is peeled and
toasted in the charcoal ashes and is then called *‘ native bread;”’ it is frequently

sold in the market. There are several other native names, such as bulicos, com-

missarios, and mata hambre, or ‘‘ hunger-killer,”’

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 199

Manis.—This name seems to be unknown at San Juan, but Captain Hansard
became acquainted with the variety in the vicinity of Luquillo, and declares it to
be the best in the island, describing it as more substantial and yet with a more
delicate flavor. There are at least three slightly different varieties. The indi-
vidual fruits are small, only 4 or 5 inches in length, like the *‘ datile’’ and ‘* pina.”’
A medium-sized tree with rather few leaves; the stem becomes superficially red
with age. There is another similar variety, coarser and larger, and not tasting
so well. Perhaps this is the ‘‘ nino,’ a name unknown to Captain Hansard.

Manzano.—Specimens of this variety were kindly sent to us by Mr. Graham,
of Ponce, under the name guineos de manzana. These were of a very bright yel-
low color, with a very thin and delicate skin, fine and soft texture, and very pleas-
ant taste, with a distinct flavor of apple. Anover-ripe apple is perhaps suggested,
but the banana texture and flavor overcome any objection of that kind, and there
is no mealiness or unpleasant aftertaste. This is, in short, an exceedingly fine
fruit, but one which is looked upon as a delicacy rather than a regular product.
In the unripe state the manzana is said to be particularly astringent, but this
quality disappears with maturity. The tree is somewhat smaller than that of the
nino and other varieties except the dwarf. The bunches of the manzana are gen-
erally small, seldom reaching 100 fruits.

Martinico.—According to Mr. Mead this name is used on the south side of the
island for the variety more commonly known as “‘ gigantes,’’ the gros Michel or
Jamaica banana.

Mata hambre.—See Mafafo.

Morado.—See Morado colorado.

Morado blanco.—Like the morado colorado in taste, form, texture, etc., but
green, not becoming red, bet yellow when ripe.

Morado colorado. ai very large, red variety. Captain Heeard has seen
bunches of 100, of which the smallest fruit was 84 inches (21 centimeters) in cir-
cumference, the largest over 9 inches (22 centimeters). The tree is the largest of
any of the varieties ‘and is on this account desirable for shade, but the fruit is not
liked by the people of Porto Rico, hence there is no local market.

Nino.— Yellow, short, slender, slightly angular: taste very sweet, without acid
or unpleasantness; trees about same size as the large varieties.

Pina.—See Guineo de piiia.

Plantain.—In English this name is used either as a general term for all the
banana-like fruits or, more commonly, it is restricted to the coarser varieties which
are inedible without cooking.

1atano.—Used alone, this name seems to refer in Porto Rico to the long plan-
tain and not to the short plaintain, or ‘‘ mafafo.”’

The platano is eaten only in the cooked condition, being generally sliced and
fried, although often boiled or combined with other materials. The fruits are
yery often large, thick-skinned, and angular. They are generally cooked while
still green, but if allowed to mature they become yellow and then black.

Platano Congo.—Considered by Mr. Mead the finest of the Porto Rican
bananas. Very slender and well flavored, eaten either raw or cooked; grows on
a small tree and in large bunches. From the description this seems to be close to
the African dwarf banana; but the fruit is said to become very yellow and the
leaves to be entirely green, including the stems. These discrepancies seem to
indicate at least a varietal difference, though botanical varieties of Musa caven-
dishti seem not to have been distinguished.

Platano largo.—See Pldtano.

St. Michael.—Probably an error for gros Michel.

Musa textilis. Mantua HEMP. ABACA.

The Philippine Islands are the home of this important fiber plant and the ~
industry based on it. Various attempts have been made to introduce the culture
of Manila hemp into other regions, thus far without success, probably because
the process of extraction, though very simple, requires experience and skill.
Muskwood.

In the British West Indies this name is said to be used for Moschoxylum swartzii
and Guarea swartzii.
Myginda latifolia.

A branching celastraceous shrub, 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.3 meters) high. Reported
from Salinas de Cabo Rojo.
Myginda pallens. Maravept.

A low shrub. (Stahl, 4: 22.)

200 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Myginda rhacoma. MARAVEDI.

A low shrub from along the seacoast; 1 to 2 meters high. Reported from Rin-
con. (Stahl, 4: 21.) a
Myginda rotundata.

Known from Guanica (Sintenis). This species is considered by Urban to be a
monstrosity. It has clusters of very fine branches covered with small brown
scales, apparently hexenbesens.

Myrcia coriacea. HoJA MENUDA.

Family Myrtaceae; a shrub 3 meters high; in waste places in dry regions. (Stahl,
A: 74.)
Myrcia deflexa. CIENEGUILLO.

An indigenous tree, sometimes exceeding 50 feet (15 meters), distributed through-
out the mountainous districts, furnishing hard wood, also called ‘‘ guayavacon.”’
(Urban, Add. 2: 105; Stahl, 4: 76.)

Myrcia divaricata. See Myrcia leptoclada.

Myrcia ferruginea. CIENIGUILLO.
A shrub 3 to 5 meters high, found in waste places. The red, hard wood is used
to make canes. (Stahl, 4: 77.

Myrcia leptoclada. GUAYAVACON.

An indigenous tree said to reach a height of 30 feet (9 meters). Known from
Luquillo, Yabucoa, Maricao, and Anasco.
Myrcia pagani. AUSU.

An indigenous tree known only from sterile branches collected in forests in
the Sierra de Lares.

Myrcia paniculata. Hoja MENUDA.

An indigenous tree reaching height of over 50 feet (15 meters), and furnishing
a durable, flexible wood. Reported from Bayamon, Cayey, Aibonito, Rincon,
Manati.

Myrcia sintenisii.

Has large elliptical leaves 7 inches long (17 centimeters); from Lares.

Myrcia sororia. See Myrcia splendens.
Myrcia splendens. RAMA MENUDA.

Also called ‘‘ hoja menuda.’’ A shrub or small tree, indigenous in Porto Rico
and found in forests and thickets in numerous localities from Luquillo to Maya-
guez. M. berberisis known in Porto Rico only from the Luquilloregion. (Urban,
Add. 2: 101.)

Myrica cerifera. BAYBERRY. ARRAYAN.

The common bayberry of the Eastern States; extends to Cuba, Porto Rico, Santo
Domingo, and Guadeloupe. In Porto Rico it has been collected in mountain for-
ests near Utuado, Las Marias, and Mayaguez, as well as in humid meadows and
sandy beaches near Bayamon.

The following account written about 1831 indicates that this tree must have
been formerly of much greater importance than at present:

The ‘‘ cerero’’ tree grows naturally in regions that are not extremely cold, and
in humid temperate regions, particularly the plains and shores along the rivers;
also in all regions that produce wheat, whether high or low. Its size is that of
an ordinary olive tree or sometimes smaller. The fruit resembles the seeds of the
pepper of Castile. Experience has shown that each large tree well fruited yields
two *‘ almudes.”’ @

Smaller trees produce one almud and the poorer one-quarter. Annually they
gather two crops; the first is more abundant than the second and lasts from
March until May.

The season to collect the fruit is when itis white or ashy. Well dried in boxes

“An *‘almud” is a measure given as either about 8 or 50 pounds.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 201

it can be kept a year without spoiling, and from each half almud you obtain a
pound of wax more or less in the manner described below.

The collected fruit is broken up and spread on hides or boards in a well-venti-
lated place out of the sun. It isturned gently each day for thirty days, when they
proceed to extract the wax; but the wax may be extracted as soon as the fruit is
gathered, in which case the wax is too green in color, while after thirty days it is
whiter. Itis kept from the sun because it melts part of the fruit and wastes a
part of its substance, but it has been found that by exposure to the sun for three
days they get whiter wax.

Place on the fire a pot glazed on the interior, with a quantity of water, and
when boiling introduce as much fruit asthe pot will hold, and gather with aspoon
the fat that rises to the surface of the water and allow it to cool until it coagu-
lates, after which itis melted and filtered through a haircloth. with the result
that the wax is clean and ready for use. The fruit remains in the boiling water
until it has given up all itssubstance, which can be known when no oil rises to
the surface, and then with fresh water and fruit the process is repeated.

This wax is brittle and no method for making it flexible has been discovered,
so that it is worked with difficulty and the candles are liable to break. The wicks
are fastened to strong sticks and bathed with the wax and guarded from the
wind which will make them crooked, and while they are slime the bottom of each
candle is pulled after each coating of wax to prevent their becoming crooked.
(Cordova, Memorias de Puerto Rico, 1: 240. 1831-18388)

Myristica fragrans. Nutmsa.

The true nutmeg is not known to have been introduced into Porto Rico, but
the Spanish name for it ‘‘nuez moscado”’ is in common use for the seeds of a
species of Nectandra, which serve as a substitute.

See note under nutmeg.
Myrodia turbinata. See Quararibea turbinata.
Myrospermum frutescens.
Family Viciaceae; a tree or shrub reported from near Utuado.
Myroxylon buxifolium. RoskrTa.
A bixaceous shrub or tree, reaching a height of 8 to 10 meters; known from the
vicinity of Pefiuelas and Mayaguez.

Myroxylon pachyphyllum. See Xylosma pachyphyllum and note under X.
schwaneckeanwm.

Myroxylon schwaneckeanum. PALODECANDELA. See Xylosma schwanecke-
anun.

Also called *‘ palo colorado.”’ A tree related to the ‘‘ achiote’’ (Biaxa orellana).
It is described as from 5 to 8 meters in height, native in the Luquillo Mountains.
(Urban, Add. 1: 12.)

Myrsine coriacea. ARRAYAN.

A myrsinaceous shrub, 3 meters high found in mountains and waste places;
- collected by Sintenis at Adjuntas. (Stahl, 6: 35.)

Myrsine floribunda. ARRAYAN.

A shrub 3 meters high, found in the mountains and waste places. (Stahl,
6: 36.)

Myrsine guianensis.

A shrub reported from near Manati.
Myrtus acris. See Amomis caryophyllata.
Naguacatillo.

A tree about 60 feet (18 meters) in height, with light-green or greenish white
wood, light and soft, but resistant. It is used in making boxes and tampions
and for sheathing houses. Its fruit is used to feed hogs. (Grosourdy, 2: 357.)
Referred to Nectandra leucantha and Laurus borbonia, the former a Brazilian
species, the latter a synonym of Persea borbonia.

Naranja. See Citrus aurantium and C. bigaradia.
The Spanish general term for the orange. In Porto Rico, however, it is applied

202 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

only to the wild, sour orange, the sweet orange being called “ china,” or “naranja
de china,”’ or ‘‘ china dulce.”

Naranja china. See Citrus aurantium.
Naranja de china. See Citrus aurantium.

Naranjada.
A drink made from oranges, ‘‘ orangeade.”’

Naranjillo.

A tree from all parts of the island: height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters); diam-
eter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood, white, hard; specific gravity,
0.7483; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Naranjo. See Naranja.

The orange tree in Spanish is ‘‘naranjo’’ or *‘naranjero,”” while the fruit is
““naranja.”’

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 or 7 meters); diam-
eter, 9 to 10 inches (21 to 25 centimeters). Wood white, hard; specific gravity,
0.784; fruit tree. (Exp. 1857.) :

Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of 0.48 for the wood of the bitter
orange, but this seems too light for so hard a wood.

Naseberry tree. See Sapota achras.
Nasturtium officinale. See Rorippa nasturtium.

Nectandra. ENEMOSCcO.

Family Lauraceae. In Porto Rico the seeds of aspecies of Nectandra have been
confused with those of Monodora myristica, the ** calabash nutmeg,’ and also
with the true nutmeg, Myristica moschata.

See note under Nutmeg.

Nectandra leucantha.
See note under Naguacatillo.
Neea buxifolia.

A nyctaginaceous shrub, reported from Fajardo.
Negra lora. MABA INCONSTANS.

Captain Hansard gives for this wood a specific gravity of 0.91.

A wild tree, 30 feet (9 meters) high, with a trunk 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centi-
meters) in diameter. The wood is flesh-colored, coarse, porous, and breaks with
a vertical fracture. Its most common use is in building country houses and for
fences. (Grosourdy, 2: 403.)

Negraz losa.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood red, hard; specific gravity,
0.897; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.) Probably the same as ‘‘ negra lora.”
Nephelium.

A genus of Sapindaceae, belonging to the Indian and Malayan region, and gen-
erally treated as including species which yield several important fruits, such as
the ‘‘ litchi,”’ the ** rambotan,”’ and the ‘‘longan.’’ Litchi chinensis has recently
been recognized as generically distinct from Nephelium.

Nephelium litchi. See Litchi chinensis.
Nepsera aquatica. CAMACEY DE CIENEGA.

Family Melastomaceae; a small biennial shrub growing in clay or sandy soil
subject to inundation. Of general distribution in tropical America. The generic
name given by Stahl is Nespera, doubtless a typographical error. (Stahl, 4: 117.)

At Catatio this species is called ** altea ’’ and supposed to possess medicinal prop-
erties. [

- COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 2038

Weptunia plena. DESMANTO AMARILLO.

Family Mimosaceae; a slender herb, in sandy inundated places. (Stahl, 3: 141
as Desmanthus plenus.)

Nerium oleander. OLEANDER. ADELFA.

Family Apocynaceae. The common oleander is extensively planted in Porto
Rico, as in other tropical countries, sometimes in the form of hedges. In some
localities it has escaped from cultivation and grows apparently wild.

Nespera aquatica. See Nepsera aquatica.
Neurolaena lobata. SEpI.

An annual herbaceous composite growing as a weed in waste places. (Stahl,

5: 128, as Newrolema lobata. )

Neurolema lobata. See Newrolaena lobata.
This is probably a typographical error on the part of Stahl.

Niaragato. See Fagara spinifex and Zanthoxylum tragodes.

Nicotiana tabacum. TosBacco.

Although only a small area is devoted to the culture of tobacco in Porto Rico,
this crop ranks third among the exports of the island. The plant m:y be grown,
indeed, in nearly all parts of the island, but there is only a limited ci .. cf the soil
supposed to be adapted to the production of a marketable quality of leaf. The
best tobacco, by general consent, is raised in the La Plata Valley above Cayey.
Like nearly all the interior of the island the configuration of the country is
extremely hilly, although, owing to the more friable nature of the soil, the slopes
are not as steep as in many of the coffee-growing districts, and plowing can often
be practiced. The underlying rock crumbles readily into small angular pieces,
which, mingled with the finer superficial material, makes a loose, easily work-
able, deep-brownish soil. This is left in shallow furrows and ridges running along
the slope. The rows are spaced at from 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters), and
the plants are set very close, only from 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) apart,
there being no evidence of any serious attempt at regularity of distance.

' The town of Cayey is the recognized center of the tobacco industry of the
island, although the largest cigarette factories are located at Ponce and San Juan
and many cigars are made in those and other cities and towns. In fact, cigar
making is one of the largest of the domestic industries. All the men and boys
smoke, of course, and many of the women are said to do so, although only those
of the lower classes are seen indulging themselves in public. The home consump-
tion of cigarettes must be enormous, since the Porto Rican, whether at work or
at leisure, is seldom long without one, even though the cigar may be only an occa-
sional indulgence. The Porto Rican cigarette is not, however, the medicated
nuisance prevalent in the United States, but the general use of tobacco by the
growing boys probably has its effect in increasing the debility of the population.

A peculiar type of black plug tobacco is also offered for sale in the market, in
the form of large rolls variously and ingeniously coiled. Although fruits and
vegetables are sold by weight in Porto Rico, this tobacco is retailed by linear
measure. -

No such careful methods of cultivation or selection have been practiced in
Porto Rico as in Cuba, and the possibilities of the island will not be adequately
known until careful experiments have been made under test conditions. It
has been demonstrated by the experiments of Dr. Loew that the processes of
curing are all important in the determination of the quality of tobacco. It has
been stated, with what warrant is not known, that the Porto Rican growers
are not acquainted with the Cuban methods and do not practice a uniform system
of curing. If this be the case, it is not impossible that the introduction of the
popular processes may render the Porto Rican crop of the very first quality.

204 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

In Cuba and other regions furnishing high-grade tobacco the crop is not only

assorted by localities, but the leaves even from different parts of the same plant
are separated into several classes, some of superlative quality. In Porto Rico the
manufacturers uniformly declare that they handle only one grade of tobacco, and
that the differences in the prices of their various classes of cigars represent merely
the varying cost of labor and packing.

Nigua. See Tournefortia hirsutissima.

Several other species of Tournefortia are also known under this name, ‘though
Stahl proposes distinctive terms for the different species. A root called ‘‘ nigua”’
was on sale in the market of Ponce as an ingredient of a refreshing drink.
Nigua de playa. See Tournefortia gnaphalodes.

Nigua-enredadera. See Tournefortia volubilis.
Nigua fetida. See Tournefortia foetidissima.
Nigua-hoja-laurel. See Towrnefortia lawrifolia,
Nigua peluda. See Tournefortia hirsutissima.
Niguita. See Tournefortia laevigata.

Nino de cota. See Haemocharis portoricensis.
Nispero. See Achras sapota.

This is the Spanish name for the Japanese medlar or loquat (Hriobotrya japonica) ,
but in Porto Rico it is universally applied to Achras sapota, elsewhere called
‘‘sapote’’ or ‘‘ sapodilla.’’ Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of 1.02 for
the ‘‘ sapadilla’”’ or ** nispero’’ wood.

Nispero cimarron. See Symplocos lanata.
Nispero de Espana. See Hriobotrya japonica.

Nispero was originally the Spanish for Mespilus germanica, but was transferred
to the loquat when that was introduced. In Porto Rico the use of ‘‘ nispero”’ for
the sapodilla has resulted in the explanatory ‘‘de Espana’’ for the Japanese
species.

No-eye pea. See Cajanus cajan.
Nopalea coccinellifera. TUNA MANSA. PuatEe XLVILI.

This is generally reported to be a spineless cactus on which the cochineal insect
is raised. In the Canary Islands. however, where there is a considerable cochineal
industry, the cacti employed are by no means spineless, and are apparently the
plant usually designated by botanists as Opuntia jicus-indica. Nopalea is reported
from Porto Rico by Stahl (4: 190) as Opuntia coccinellifera.

Norfolk Island Pine. See Araucaria excelsa,
Noyo. See Jpomoea dissecta.
Nues. (Probably a misspelling of ‘**‘ Nuez.’’)

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters);
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 63 centimeters). Wood, red, hard; specific gravity,
0.654; used for making furniture. (Exp. 1857.)

Nuez. See Juglans cinerea.

The Spanish name for the fruit of the common walnut.
Nunguey.

On sale at the market of Ponce; said to be the root of a tree: used with sugar
and water in the preparation of a refreshing drink.
Nutmeg.

Many attempts have been made to render the cultivation of the nutmeg a com-
mercial industry in various parts of South America and the West Indies, but with
uniformly discouraging results, excepting in the volcanic island of Grenada, at the
extreme southern end of the Windward chain. Grenada lies out of the track of

2 <a Menhctahn

PLATE XLVII. ©

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

NEAR PONCE.

OCHROMA LAGOPUS).

Cork Woop

e COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 205

the hurricanes, is not subject to the dry seasons, and appears to possess all the
requirements for the successful growth of this spice. The geological and climatic
conditions are, however, very different from those of Porto Rico, and while it is
too early, perhaps, to say that the nutmeg can not be profitably cultivated in any
part of that island, it is safe to say that the probabilities of success are slight and
that extensive planting would be Liners until a careful investigation of any
proposed locality has been made.

According to several published works the nutmeg is a common tree in Porto
Rico, but these references are to be understood as applying to a species of Nec-
tandra, the seeds of which are in common use and sold in the markets as ‘‘ nuez
moscado,’’ or nutmeg, which the general public firmly believe them to be. The
seeds may be distinguished at once from the genuine article by their smaller size
and more slender shape and from the fact that the two halves readily fall apart.

Nymphaea. See Castalia.
Ochra. See Abelmoschus esculentus.

Ochroma lagopus. GUANO. CORKWOOD. - PLatTE XLVII.

Family Bombacaceae; a tree rising to the height of 60 or 70 feet (18 to 21
meters) and sometimes 6 feet in circumference. The wood is soft on account of
the rapid growth of the tree, and is used for corks by fishermen, etc. The fiber
enveloping the seeds is used to make pillows and mattresses, and may be made into
garments. Reported from Manati. In Jamaica called ‘‘down tree.’’ (Stahl,
2: 100.)

A wild tree, rather abundant, 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) high, 1 foot (30 cen-
timeters) or more in diameter. The wood is white, stained with red, luminous in
aspect, sometimes silky. It is very porous, and the lightest of all woods, lighter
even than true cork, the specific gravity of which is 0.240, while the latter is 0.120;
fibrous and very difficult to work, because of the fibers that impede the action of
the tools. In Trinidad and other places it forms an article of commerce with
fishermen, who use it in place of true cork on their nets. The Indians use it to
make their canoes buoyant. Called ‘‘corcho.’’ (Grosourdy, 2: 376.)

Ochroma is said to be shipped in quantities to Cuba. The bark and roots have
medicinal properties. The fiber is chestnut-colored. It is said to keep free from
insects. Sold at 20 cents per pound.

Ocimum americanum. ALBAHACA CIMARRONA.
An indigenous annual of the mint family. (Stahl, 6: 190.)

Ocimum basilicum. Basin. ALBAHACA.

An herbaceous annual or biennial, cultivated in gardens, 40 centimeters high,
said to grow spontaneously in Jamaica, where it is called by its English name,
““basil.”’ (Stahl, 6: 188.)

Ocimum micranthum. ALBAHACA CIMARRONA.
An erect woody biennial, 50 centimeters high, found in cultivated fields near
forests. (Stahl, 6: 189.)

Ocotea moschata.
Family Lauraceae; reported from Adjuntas.

Ogiera ruderalis. See Hleutheranthera ovata.
Ojo de buey. See Mucuna urens.
Okra. See Abelmoschus esculentus.

Oldenlandia corymbosa. YERBA OLDENLANDIA.
A slender rubiaceous herb; a weed in cane fields. (Stahl, 5:53.)

Oldenlandia glomerata. GRAcIOSA.
An herbaceous annual, 25 centimeters high. (Stahl, 5:52,as Hedyotis glomerata. )

Oldenlandia herbacea. See Oldenlandia corymbosa.

206 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Olea europaea. OLIVE. ACEITUNA. 4
Olive culture is one of the new industries which has been suggested for Porto

Rico. The olive is native to the dry climate of the desert regions about the Medi-
terranean. It has also been successfully introduced into similiar situations in
southern California and Arizona. In Florida, however, owing doubtless to the
more moist atmosphere, the production of fruit has been found impossible, although
the trees vegetate with apparent vigor. Under the more tropical conditions of
Porto Rico, with a warmer and more moist atmosphere, there is still less probabil-
ity of the production of fruit, to say nothing of securing it in commercial quan-
tities and of superior quality, as would be necessary in order for it to become an
export crop able to compete with established industries. An experiment in the
driest localities on. the south side of the island might be worth while from the
scientific standpoint, but the general planting of olives in the hope of establishing
an industry which might be substituted for those now in distress could result
only in more complete disaster.

Oleander. See Nerium oleander.

Olive. See Olea ewroped.

Olive mangrove. See Avicennia nitida

Onion. See Allium cepa. PuaTe XLVIUII.

Opuntia.

A large genus of Cactaceae, with numerous representatives in Porto Rico. About
Guayanilla the members of this genus are very abundant, forming almost a forest
in some places.

Opuntia coccinellifera. See Nopalea coccinellifera.
Opuntia decumbens. OTAGA.

A cactus abundant on the southern and eastern coasts. (Stahl, 4: 190.)
Opuntia guanica.

A small indigenous species recently described by Professor Schumann, of Berlin.
Opuntia repens.

Known from near Guanica.

Opuntia tuna. TUNA BRAVA.

The identity of this cactus seems to be very uncertain.. Some botanists have
confused it with the species usually called Opuntia ficus-indica.
Orange, Wild. See Naranjo.

Mr. Hill says the wild or Seville orange in the country is an indigenous tree.
Numerous seedling varieties of oranges and other citrus fruits have escaped from
cultivation and are to be found in unexpected places in all parts of the island.
No species of citrus is, however, supposed by botanists to be indigenous in Porto
Rico or in any part of the American continents or islands.

Orchata.

A drink said to be made from the ‘* sweetened and diluted milk of almonds.”
In view of the prevalent belief that the nuts of Terminalia catappa are ‘* almen-
dras,’’ this statement should probably be understood as referring to that species
rather than to imported nuts.

Oreganillo. See Eupatoriwm villosum.

Oregano.
Leaves sold in the market of Ponce; used for seasoning food. >

Oregano brujo. See Coleus aromaticus.
Oregano de Espana. See Coleus aromaticus.
Oregano del pais. See Lippia micromera.
Oreodoxa. See Roystonea.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

PLATE XLVIII.

NEAR GUAYAMA.

SPINELESS OPUNTIA.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 207

Oreodoxa regia. See Roystonea regia.
Oreopanax capitatum. PALO CACHUMBA.

Family Araliaceae; a shrub, 4 meters high, on hills near Coamo. (Stahl,
4: 198, as Aciadophyllum capitatum. )

Ormosia dasycarpa. PALO DE MATOS.

Family Viciaceae; a tree, 10 meters high,in mountains. Wood of good quality.
(Stahl, 3: 99.)

Ormosia krugii. PALO DE MATOS.

A leguminous tree of 10 to 25 meters, known only from Porto Rico and Domin-
ica. Specimens in the National Herbarium, collected by Sintenis, near Juncos,
show the wood to be light and pithy. The leaves are very large, about 20 inches
(50 centimeters) long, and the pods are brown and leathery, containing from one to
three red and black beans. Another specimen from Mount Francis, Sierra de las
Piedras, has much smaller, closely veined leaves, more densely pubescent on the
under side.

Orosne. See Polygala paniculata.
Orozuz. See Scoparia dulcis.
Ortegon. See Coccolobis rugosa.
Ortela. See Marsypianthes hyptoides.
Ortiga.
An ingredient for a refreshing drink, on sale by a herb dealer in the market of
Ponce. Said to be derived from a tree; perhaps ortegon.

Oryza sativa. RICE.

Very little rice is now grown in Porto Rico, and this is planted without irriga-
tion in ordinary fields, such as we might use for wheat. A considerable quantity
is, however, imported from the Hast Indies, largely by way of Germany and
Spain. The question has been raised as to whether the low grade and broken rice
produced in our Southern States might not be advantageously utilized in Porto
Rico, and there seems to be every probability that considerable quantities would
find a ready market. In the United States rice is seldom treated as a staple article
of food, but is looked upon merely as an accessory dish or dessert, for which
fancy prices are readily paid. This, however, excludes from the market all of the
broken kernels and lower grades. The food value of these is, however, quite as
great as that of the higher-priced article, and there is a large class in Porto Rico
which might be expected to avail itself of a cheap but wholesome article of this
kind.

Ossea fascicularis. See Henriettella fascicularis.
Otaga. See Opuntia decumbens.

Otaheite apple. See Hugenia malaccensis.
Otaheite gooseberry. See Cicca disticha.

Ouratea litoralis.

A shrub or small tree 2 to 5 meters high, belonging to the family Ochnaceae.
Reported from thickets and sandy beaches, Cangrejos, Bayamon, Fajardo, Yuba-
coa, and Manati. (Urban, Symb. 1: 363.)

Ouratea nitida. GONFIA LUSTROSA.

A shrub or tree with the same habitat and dimensions as the preceding.
(Stahl, 2: 120, as Gomphia nitida.)

Oxalis corniculata. VINAGRILLO.

Family Oxalidaceae; a herbaceous annual, preferring stony places, rather shaded
and wet. (Stahl, 2: 169.)

Oxalis corymbosa. VINAGRILLO MORADO.
A herbaceous plant, cultivated in. gardens. (Stahl, 2: 170, as Oxalis martiana.)

208 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Oxalis frutescens. VINAGRILLO.
A low, tortuous shrub. (Stahl, 2: 170.)

Oxalis martiana. See Oxalis corymbosa.

Oxandra laurifolia. Haya BLANCA.

An indigenous anonaceous tree, reported by Bello; also called ‘‘ yaya.” It
reaches a height of 30 feet (9 meters), and fruits in January. (Stahl, 2: 28.)
Oxandra virgata. HAYA PRIETA.

An indigenous tree, originally described from Cuba.

Pacholi.

The strongly aromatic roots of a grass, perhaps Andropogon nardus, were on
sale in small bundles in the market of Ponce. They are put in chests to keep
out moths.

Pachyrrhizus angulatus. YAM BEAN. FRIJOLILLO DE NAME.

A shrubby, leguminous vine. having thickened horizontal roots, several inches
in diameter, and 6 to 8 feet (2 to 2.5 meters) long. Although edible, these roots
are inferior to the true yam ‘‘ cassava,’’ or ‘‘taro,’’ and when cooked they are
said to resemble turnips in texture and taste. In some countries they form a
resource in times of scarcity resulting from the failure of the usual crops. In
Porto Rico this species was observed only in the vicinity of Rio Piedras, though
it doubtless exists in other parts of the island. (Stahl, 3: 70.)

Pachyrrhizus tuberosus. YAM BEAN.

A leguminous vine with large edible roots; reported from Rincon
Pacyrrizus angulatus. See Pachyrrhizus angulatus.

Pajuil. See Anacardiwm occidentale.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 12 to 15 feet (3.5 to 4 meters); diam-
eter, 9 to 10 inches (22 to 25 millimeters). Wood pinkish, soft; specific gravity,
0.550; fruit tree. (Exp. 1857.)

Palm.

The palms thus far reported from Porto Rico are as follows:

Phoenix dactylifera (date palm), Inodes causiarum (Porto Rican hat palm),
Thrinax praeceps, Thrinax ponceana, Thrincoma alta, Thringis laxa, Thringis
latifrons, Aeria attenuata (lame), Areca catechu (Betel nut palm), Roystonea
borinquena (Royal palm), Acrista monticola (Palma de Sierra), Bactris acantho-
phylla, Bactris pavoniana, Curima calophylla (coyure), Acrocomia media
(corozo), Cocos nucifera, and Cocops rivalis.

A synopsis of the above species appeared in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical
Club for October, 1901.

Palicourea barbinervis.

Family Rubiaceae; reported from Lares and Anones. Bello gives the common

name ‘‘tafetan.”’
Palicourea coccinea.

Reported from Aibonito.
Palicourea crocea. CACHIMBO.

A biennial shrub, 1 to 2 meters high, found in waste places; known from
Lares. (Stahl, 5: 77.)

Wood light-colored, soft; specific gravity, 0.482; not used. (Exp. 1857.)
Palicourea pavetta.

A shrub 6 feet (1.8 meters) high; known from Juncos, on Mount Goyo.
Palicourea umbellata. CACHIMBO VERDE.

’ A biennial shrub, 1 meter high, found at the baseof mountains. (Stahl, 5: 78.)

Palma christi. See Ricinus communis.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 209

Palma costa. See Roystonea borinquena.
A name applied to the royal palm in the vicinity of Coamo.

Palma de grana. See Roystonea borinauena.
Palma de la Sierra. See Acrista monticola.

Palma de los cerdos. See Roystonea borinquena.

This means ‘* pig palm,’’ and is one of the names applied to the royal palm on the

south side of the island.
Palma mauricia. See Mawritia flecuosa.
A Cuban name, also said to be applied to Mauritia setifera (setigera?).
Palma moriche. See Mauritia flexuosa.
Palma real. See Roystonea borinquenda.
Palmetto. See Sabal and Thrinax.
Palo blanco. See Drypetes glauca.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diame-
ter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity,
0.866; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857).

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity as 0.77. Used in hut building.
Palo bobo. See Coccolobis diversifolia and Pisonia subcordata.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters); diame-
ter. 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood white, very soft; specific
gravity, 0.531; not used. (Exp. 1857).

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity at 0.54.

Palo bronco. See Malpighia wrens.

Palo cachumba. See Gilibertia arborea, G. laurifolia, and Oreopanax capita- ~
tum.

Palo cano.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12 meters); diame-
ter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood white, hard; specific gravity,
0.990; not used. (Exp. 1857).

Palo colorado. See Myroxylon schwaneckeanum and Ternstroemia luquillensis.
Palo de aceite. See Copaifera officinalis.

Palo de boyo. See Erythrina micropteryx.

Palo de Brasilete. See Dalbergia monetaria.

Palo de burro. See Capparis cynophallophora, C. frondosa, C. latifolia, and
C. verrucosa.

Palo de cabra. See Symplocos polyantha.
Palo de Campeche. See Haematoxylon campechianum.
Palo de-candela. See Myroxylon schwaneckeanum.
‘' Palo de corcho. See Pisonia obtusata.
Palo de cucubano. See Guettarda scabra.
Palo de doncella. See Byrsonima lucida.
Palo de galleria.
A tree from all parts of the island; height. 25 to 30 feet (8 to 9 meters); diame-

ter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity,
0.409; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Palo de gallina. See Alchorneopsis portoricensis.
Palo de gangulin. See Gilibertia laurifolia.

Palo de garrocha. See Quararibea turbinata.

Palo de guitarra, See Citharexylum quadrangulare.

210 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Palo de hierro. See Ixora ferrea, Sarcomphalus reticulatus, and Seutia ferrea, —

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity of this wood as 1.07. :
Palo de hoz. See Drepanocarpus lunatus. .

“Palo de hueso. See Ilex nitida, Linociera compacta, and Mayepea domingensis. _
Palo de jaqueca. See Thespesia populned. |
Palo de Maria. See Calophyllum calaba.

Palo de matos. See Ormosia dasycarpa and O. krugit.
Palo de multa. See Hugenia ligustrina.

Palo de mufieca. See Cordia borinquensis and Rauwolfia nitida.
Palo de nispero cimarron. See Symplocos lanata.
Palo de oreja. See Cassipourea elliptica.

Palo de pan cimarron. See Bocconia frutescens.
Palo de perico. See Cordia ulmifolia.

Palo de peronias. See Adenanthera pavonina.

Palo de pollo. See Pterocarpus draco.

Palo de ramon. See Banara portoricensis.

Palo de rayo. See Parkinsonia aculeata.

Palo de toro. See Faramea odoratissima.

Palo de vaca. See Gilibertia laurifolia.

Palo de geringa. See Moringa moringa.

Palo hediondo. See Lonchocarpus latifolius.

Palo hueso.

A tree from the northeastern part of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12
meters); diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood olive green,
hard; specific gravity 1.029; used in making shelves. (Exp. 1857.)

Grousourdy (2: 407) describes the wood as dirty white, and says that it is used
for fuel and the framework of rude houses.

Palo llorén. See Antirrhoea lucida and Malanea macrophylla.
Palo moro. See Psychotria.

This name is applied to numerous species of this very large genus of Rubiaceae.
Palo pollo. See Pterocarpus draco.

A tree from the swampy parts of the island; height, 35 to 40 feet (11 to 12
meters); diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood white, soft;
specific gravity 0.614; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Grows to a considerable height and attains great thickness; very irregular at
base; wood used for handles for machetes and pans for gold miners; texture hard
and solid.

Palo puerco.

Captain Hangard gives a specific gravity of 0.87 for this wood, but says that he
does not know the tree.
Palo punz.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (8 to 9 meters) ; diameter,
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood ash-colored. soft; specific gravity
0.725; used in building houses. Also called ‘‘ palo santo.’ (Exp. 1857.)

Palo rosa.

A tree from the island of Vieques; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters) ; diameter,
15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood pinkish, hard: specific gravity, 0.994;
used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. Vill. PLATE XLIX..

PARA GRASS (PANICUM MOLLE).

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 211

Palo santo. See Palo punz.

A wild tree 30 feet (9 meters) or morein height, with a trunk 8 to 12 inches (20
to 30 centimeters) in diameter. Furnishes a soft ash-colored wood that breaks
with a vertical fracture. Used in building houses and fences. (Grosourdy,
2: 407.) :

Captain Hansard gives 0.70 as the specific gravity of this wood.

Pana. See Gilibertia arborea.
Pana cimarrona. See Didymopanax morototoni.

Panales.
Small froth-like rolls made of sugar and white of egg. They are not for eating,
but are dissolved in water to make a sweetish drink.

Panicum maximum. GUINEA GRASS. YERBA DE GUINEA.

The guinea grass is said to have been used as bedding in the slave ships, and to
have become established in tropical America accidentally after floating ashore
from the rubbish thrown overboard when the ships were unloaded. The origin
of this account should be traced as a note on plant introduction.

Panicum molle. Para GRaAss. MALOJILLO. PLATE XLIX.

As a pasture grass this species is second only to the Guinea or “‘yerba de
Guinea.”’ Itis grown in the swampy meadows of the north coast and wherever
the ground is too moist for the latter species.

The Malojillo is deep green in color, decumbent at base, with very hairy joints.
The flower stalk has fewer and shorter branches than the Guinea grass. Both
species produce luxuriant crops, but both seem too coarse to represent the food
value of the same amount of the temperate grasses.

Papa. See Solanum tuberosum.
Papaw. See Carica papaya.

Papaya. See Carica papaya.
This is a cultivated fruit, not a mountain forest tree as stated by Hill.

Papaya lechosa. See Carica papaya.

Para grass. See Panicwm molle.

Paralejo velludo. - See Heteropteris laurifolia.
-Parasita. See Dendropremon bicolor.
Parathesis crenulata. See Seca-garganta.

Family Myrsinaceae; an erect shrub, 1 to 2 meters high, on the sides of ravines.
Bello gives the common name ‘‘rasca garganta.’’ (Stahl, 6: 37, as Ardisia
crenulata. ) :
Parcha. See Passiflora laurifolia.

Parcha augosta. See Passiflora suberosa.
Parcha cimarrona. See Passiflora maliformis.
Parcha colorada. See Passiflora rubra.
Parcha de garjos. See Passiflora serrata.
Parcha multiflora. See Passiflora multiflora.
Parcha ojillosa. See Passiflora tulae.

Parcha palida. See Passiflora suberosa.
Parcha pelitiesa. See Passiflora suberosa.
Parcha yedra. See Passiflora suberosa.
Paritium elatum. See Hibiscus elatus.

i Ni Oln Vn P2023 11

912 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Paritium tiliaceum. EMAJAGUA. PuatTe L. |

A large shrub or small tree widely distributed throughout the warm regions of
the Old and New worlds. It was in use throughout tropical America before the
advent of Europeans, and is still one of the most important fiber plants for local
and domestic uses. The bast furnishes a strong and flexible fiber, comparable to
jute, and having the remarkable quality of becoming stronger by long macera-
tion in water. Although this has been known for many years, and although the
plant would grow readily and without cultivation in moist waste tracts common
along the coasts of many tropical countries, there seems to have been no serious
attempt at introducing the fiber to commerce or adapting it to civilized uses.

The oft-quoted experiment of Roxburgh, as reported by Watt, is as follows:

‘*A line broke when white with a weight of 41 pounds; after being tanned, with
62 pounds, and after having been tarred, with 61 pounds. A similar line macerated
in water for one hundred and sixteen days broke when white with 40 pounds;
tanned, 55 pounds, and tarred, 70 pounds. These observations are of great inter-
est, for of the other fibers experimented with by Roxburgh, the majority were
rotten after maceration, and no other fiber showed so marked an improvement
for cordage purposes when tarred. English hemp and Indian grown hemp,
treated in the same manner, were found to be rotten, and sunn-hemp broke with
65 pounds and jute with 60 pounds. The power of endurance under water is,
therefore, a point of great importance.

‘‘The fiber is readily separated from the green or unsteeped branches, the work
of preparation being less tedious than applies to the other fiber-yielding plants of
this genus. It appears to be well adapted for making ropes, mats, and possibly
paper (Cameron). The fiber seems highly suitable for the paper trade, and
immense quantities of it might be conveyed in boats to the paper mills of Bengal.”’

The last suggestion of paper making would seem to be worthy of investigation
by our manufacturers in view of the increasing scarcity of raw materials for a
product of good quality. Emajagua could be produced with extreme cheapness.
Replanting would not be necessary, as sprouts come up abundantly from the
stumps. Cultivation could be carried on after the manner of the basket osiers.

In Porto Rico nearly all the ropes in use are made from emajagua.

Recommended in Jamaica by Dr. Morris for windbreaks about cacao plantations.

Also called ‘*‘ Majagua.”’

Parkinsonia aculeata. JERUSALEM THORN. PALO DE RAYO.

A leguminous tree related to the Haematoxylon or logwood. It is supposed to
be native in some parts of the American continent, but is now so generally culti-
vated that the original habitat isin doubt. (Stahl, 3: 119.)

Parra cimarrona. See Vitis caribaea.

Parthenium hysterophorus. AJENJO CIMARRON.

An herbaceous annual composite, found in sandy places. In Jamaica this plant
is called *‘ mugwort’’ and Lunan gives a number of cases in which it was sup-
posed to have curative value in healing different kinds of eruptive diseases.
(Stahl, 5: 157.)

Pascueta. See Hrigeron canadensis.
Pascueta amarilla. See Hrigeron rivularis.
Passifiora angustifolia. See Passiflora suberosa.

Passifiora foetida. TAGUA-TAGUA.

Family Passifloraceae; a shrubby vine found along roadsides. It has a disagree-
able odor, but the flowers are beautiful and the fruit edible; called ‘‘ love ina
mist’? in Jamaica. (Stahl, 4: 144.)

Passiflora hederaceae. See Passiflora suberosa.

Passiflora hirsuta. See Pussiflora suberosa.

J
*
‘
a

PLATE L.

. Herb., Vol. VIII.

Contr. Na

“(WNSOVITIL WAILIUWd) VNOVPVNA

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIG PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 2138

Passiflora laurifolia. Parca.

A woody twining climber, cultivated in gardens; fruit tart and agreeable.
(Stahl, 4: 147.)

Passiflora maliformis. PARCHA CIMARRONA.

A woody climber, found in waste places. Reported from Utuado. (Stahl. 4:
148.)

Passifiora multiflora. PARCHA MULTIFLORA.

The velvety-pubescent long-oval leaves seem characteristic among the Porto
Rican species; collected by Sintenis at Manati.

Passifiora pallida. See Passiflora suberosa.
Passifiora quadrangularis. GRANADILLA.

A twining vine, cultivated in gardens as an ornamental; used for covering
arbors. Fruits agreeable. The pulp mixed with water and sugar makes a
refreshing drink. (Stahl, 4: 145.)

Passiflora rubra. PARCHA COLORADA.
An herbaceous vine found in waste places. (Stahl, 4: 150.)

Passifiora serrata. PARCHA DE GARJOS.
A yine found in waste places and mountains. (Stahl, 4: 149.)

Passifiora suberosa.

According to the Kew Index, Stahl’s species of Passiflora angustiflora ‘* parcha
angosta,’ P. pallida ‘‘parcha palida,” P. hirsuta ** parcha pelitiesa,”’ and P.
hederacea ‘* parcha yedra’’ are included in Passiflora suberosa.

Grows to a height of 20 feet (6 meters). Reported from Yarbuco and Guanica.
Passifiora tulae. PARCHA OJILLOSA.

An indigenous species recently described by Urban as new. It is Murucuja
ocellata of Bello and Passiflora murucuja of Stahl, called ** bull hoof ’’ in Jamaica.
(Stahl, 4: 151, as Passiflora murucuja. )

Pata de cabra.

These samples [pata de cabra and algarrobo] are so similar in detail of struc-
ture as to be from the same or closely related species. Color, rich blackish brown,
irregularly mottled, and streaked with areas of pale reddish brown; sapwood
(present in pata de caba), light brown. Ducts conspicuous, occurring singly or
two together, between two medullary rays or often interrupting a ray; evenly
diffused. Medullary rays conspicuous, visible to the naked eye, often discon-
nected. Wood fibers strongly interlaced, giving smoothed surface a ‘‘ curled ”’
appearance. Very attractive cabinet woods. Resemble forms of mesquit, espe-
cially Prosopis odorata. (Hill and Sudworth. )

Pata de gallina. See Phoradendron chrysocarpum.
Patata. See Solanum tuberosum.

Patilla. See Citrullus vulgaris.

Paullinia pinnata. BrJUCO PRIETO.

Also called bejuco de costilla. Family Sapindaceae; a woody climber with com-
pound leaves and a winged rhachis like that of Inga vera. It climbs by means

of tendrils attached to the flower cluster. According to the Index Kewensis this
name is a synonym of Serjania curassavica. (Stahl, 2: 155.)

Pavonia. See Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

Pavonia coccinea. CapDILLO ANARANJADO.
Family Malvaceae; a woody herb, 1 meter high. (Stahl, 2: 85.)

Pavonia encendida. See Hibiscus radiatus.

Pavonia racemosa. CADILLO DE CIENEGA.
A shrub 2 to 3 meters high, frequenting mangrove swamps. (Stahl, 2: 84.)

214 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Pavonia spinifex. CADILLO ESPINOSO.

An annual or biennial shrub, 1 to 2 meters high. found on mountains and in
shaded places. (Stahl, 2: 83.)

Pavonia typhalea. CADILLO PEQUEQUE.

A shrubby annual, growing in shaded wet places. The small white flowers are
collected in a head and give an appearance quite different from related members
of the Malvaceae. Specimens collected at El Rio were called ‘‘anamu’”’ and.
were reputed a remedy for chigoes. (Stahl, 2: 81.)

Paw paw. See Carica papaya.
Peanut. See Arachis hypogea.
Pectis humifusa. YERBA DE SAN JUAN.

A woody annual composite from sandy seashores. (Stahl, 5: 145.)
Pectis serpyllifolia. See Pectis humifusa.

Pedilanthus tithymaloides. .

A peculiar fleshy Euphorbiaceous plant, with an irregular wing along the midrib
on the lower side of the leaves. Frequently planted for hedges.

Pegadora. See Mentzelia aspera.
Pega-palma. See Marcgravia wmbellata.
Pega-pega.

This name meaning * stick-stick,’’ like our * stick-tight,”’ is probably applied
to several seeds adapted for attaching themselves to one’s clothes, as ‘* pica-pica ”’
is used for many spiny plants.

At Santurce Priva echinata and Aeschynomene americana were called ‘* pega-
pega.”’

Pega-palo. See Bignonia wiguis-cati.
Pega pollo. See Boerhavia scandens.
Pegoge. See Tabernaemontana citrifolia.
Peireskia.

Family Cactaceae; a thick, spiny shrub or small tree, valuable mostly as a stock
on which to graft the various cacti. Known from specimens collected by Sintenis
at Penuelas, where it was cultivated in gardens.

Penaejuelo.

A tree from the northeastern part of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15
meters); diameter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood, ash-colored;
rather hard; specific gravity, 0.810; used for lumber. (Exp. 1857.)
Pendejuelo.

Evidently the same as Penaejuelo.

A wild tree, 50 feet (15 meters) high, with a trunk reaching a diameter of 18.
inches (45 centimeters). Furnishes an ash-colored wood that breaks with an
oblique fracture. Its common use is for lumber used in building crude houses.
(Grousourdy, 2: 408.)

Péndola. See Citharexylum quadrangulare.

Péndula.
A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters) ;
diameter 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood. yellow, hard; specific
gravity, 0.942; used for lumber. (Exp. 1857.)
A large tree, trunk rather short; wood very hard, making most excellent
boards and posts. A very valuable wood with a specific gravity of 0.84. (Captain
Hansard. )

Péndulo blanco. See Vitex divaricata.

Pendulo colorado. See Citharexylum quadrangulare.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE LI.

PENTARHAPHIA ALBIFLORA.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 215

Pentarhaphia albiflora. PLATE LI.
Family Gesneriaceae; this and P. longiflora seem to be very similar species;

rather small shrubs growing in rocky places, and having the characteristic long-

stalked asymetric flowers, greenish yellow, mottled with dark reddish stripes and

spots.

Pentarhaphia longiflora. SpPaNIsH TEA. See Pentarhaphia albiflora.

Pentarhaphia reticulata. CONRADIA.

An herb 8 to 12 centimeters high; found among rocks and in shady places.
(Stahl, 6: 259.) ;
Peperomia.

A large genus of Piperaceae represented in Porto Rico by numerous species,
mostly rather small and delicate herbs.

Peperomia portoricensis. YERBA DE GUAVA.

An indigenous herb from the mountain forests near Aybonito, Adjuntas, Utu-

ado, and Maricao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 292.)
Pepinillo. See Melothria fluminensis.
Pepinito. See Cucumis anguria.
Pepino. See Cucumis anguria.

Pepino angolo. See Sicana odorifera.
Pepita amarga. See Fevillea cordifolia.
Pepper.

The red, Cayenne, Chile, or garden peppers belong to the genus Capsicum of
the family Solanaceae. while the true black or white pepper is derived from
species of Piper.

Peregil cimarron. See Scrophularia micrantha.

Perico cimarron.
Thi. name was applied at Vega Baja to a species of Acalypha (No. 1035), still
unidentified.

Periwinkle. See Vinca rosea.

Peronia. See Abrus precatorius.

Peronilas.
Bello gives this name for Abrus precatorius, but probably by error.

Persea carolinensis.
See note under ‘‘ naguacatillo.”’

Persea gratissima. AGUACATE.

Variously known as ‘‘alligator-pear,’’ ‘‘ butter-pear.’’ ‘‘ avocate,’’ ‘‘ avocado,”’
etc. Family Lauraceae. This well-known fruit of the Tropics has the external
appearance of a large pear, but on being cut open is found to have a large central
seed, which separates readily from the rather firm, somewhat buttery outer pulp,
which is the part eaten. The ‘* butter-pear,’’ as it is sometimes called, is a salad
fruit—if such a term may be used—being eaten with salt, vinegar, pepper. and
other condiments. The pulp is scraped away from the outer hard skin with a
spoon. Opinions differ greatly as to the value of this fruit; some are extremely
fond of it, while others consider it quite insipid. . Properly. seasoned, it blends
finely with dressings, and has recently been used as an ingredient of rich and
elaborate salads. Treated with oil, salt, and tarragon vinegar, it has also been
recommended cut in slices and served as a relish, or the ‘‘ butter’? mashed up
with such a dressing may be applied to sandwiches. At present but a small
quantity of this fruit is marketed in New York, but the demand is increasing and
the prices are good, 20 cents apiece being an average figure, at which the business
would certainly be very profitable. According to Semler, an oil extracted from

216 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

the alligator pear is used in large quantities in America in soap manufacture, 7
but the seat of the oil industry is not stated.

There are a great many varieties of the alligator pear, but the forms already in
Porto Rico compare well with those of other countries. In viewof the difficulties
experienced in shipping this fruit, an effort should be made to secure some of the >
thick-skinned varieties of Central America. Selection, or the introduction of new
varieties that will extend the season, will also greatly improve the chances of
making their culture profitable.

One danger in relying on alligator pears as a source of Income arises from the
brittle nature of the wood, the branches being easily broken by strong winds,
only occasional trees having been left uninjured by the storm of August, 1901.
The tree is rather handsome, but never reaches very large size, old specimens
being 35 to 40 feet (10 to 12 meters) high and a foot or 18 inches (30 to 45 centi-
meters) in diameter. There is a wild species in Cuba, P. sylvestris, there called
“ aguacate silvestre.”’

It furnishes a rather soft wood, with a specific gravity of 0.643. The grain is
very fine. The texture is fibrous and rather brittle. The color is reddish brown,
or sometimes light brown, with poorly-marked lines or undulations, more visible
in the white parts, while the heart is mottled with light, irregular, curved spots —
of different colors, disposed almost symmetrically, and giving to the whole a most
beautitul aspect. This wood, which is not used at all, is very brittle, but might,
in our opinion, be employed in cabinet work. The bark is rather thick, very
rough, irregular, ash-colored. (Grosourdy, 2: 358.)

Petangueira. See Eugenia portoricensis.
Petitia domingensis. CapA BLANCA.

Family Verbenaceae; a tree 10 meters high. The hard wood is good for fine
work. Reported from Rancon and Utuado. (Stahl, 6: 223.)

Petiveria alliacea.

Family Phytolaccaceae; a slender weed very common in waste places but pre-
fering partial shade. It has a very disagreeable odor, strongly suggesting onions
or garlic, and is said to injure the milk of cows, which seems entirely probable.
Phasemy. See Phaseolus semierectus.

Phaseolus adenanthus. HasicHUELA CIMARRONA.
Family Viciaceae; a woody, climbing annualin hedges and at the base of moun-
tains. (Stahl, 3: 76.)
Phaseolus lanceolatus. HABICHUELA CIMARRONA.
(Stahl, 3: 78.)
Phaseolus lunatus. Hasas. LIMA BEAN.
A twining climber, both cultivated and escaped. (Stahl, 3: 81.)

Phaseolus semierectus. PHASEMy. HABICHUELA PARADA.

An herbaceous, erect, branching annual 50 centimeters high, found in pastures.
(Stahl, 3: 77.)

In British Guiana experiments with this plant have seemed to warrant the
belief that it will prove to be a tropical substitute for alfalfa.

Phaseolus vulgaris. Bran. HaABICHUELA.

Several varieties of the common bean are imported into Porto Rico, but the one
most favored for local cultivation is a rather large. red variety. A bean collected
near Ponce (No. 796) has the pods warted along both edges. It was called —
““haba,”’ but is not the Lima bean to which that name is more often applied.

Phoebe cubensis.
Family Lauraceae; the form antillana is reported from Bayamon.

ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. Did

COOK AND COLLINS

Phoenix dactylifera. Darr. Dart.

The date palm has been introduced into Porto Rico, and while the trees reach
a considerable size, particularly on the drier southern side of the island, it is not
known that any fruit of good quality has been produced. Specimens of a date
palm were obtained by Sintenis at Puerto Real near Cabo Rojo, and it is in that
region that the tree might be expected to thrive best in Porto Rico, and the
results of experiments which have been made would be of interest.

Although the date palm grows with apparent vigor in Porto Rico it is not
likely that it will ripen fruit of marketable quality, as the climate is too cool and
too moist. The date reaches perfection only in desert regions, and while it can
stand slight frosts it must have exceedingly hot weather during the ripening
season. That the tree will flourish is no indication that it will produce good
frait. In the Canary Islands an indigenous species of date palm is extensively
grown for the sake of the leaves, which are made into baskets and serve other
domestic purposes, but the fruit is nearly worthless, and genuine date palms
which have been introduced do not succeed.

As yet dates are not known to have been successfully raised in America except
in the desert regions of Arizona, California, and Mexico. In the latter country
the date was introduced very early and was spread to Lower and Upper California
by the Spanish missionaries. Although, according to Forbes’s ‘‘ California,’’
dates and figs were exported from Lower California as early as 1837, the industry
has not been greatly developed, owing, perhaps, to the fact that only seedlings
were planted. Of late it has been found that the date succeeds well in the
extremely dry and hot regions of Arizona, and cuttings of superior varieties have
been imported in order that fruit of uniform, marketable quality may be secured.
Pholacilia diversifolia. See Trichilia simplicifolia.

Phoradendron chrysocarpum. PaTA DE GALLINA.

A parasitic shrub of the family Loranthaceae. Bello gives the name ‘‘ yerba
capitana’’ for Phoradendron berterianum, which Urban refers to the present
species. (Urban, Add. 4: 357.)

Phoradendron dichotomum. YERBA CAPITANA.

A parasitic shrub said to have been found on Mangifera indica in Haiti, but
known elsewhere only from native trees.
Phoradendron quadrangulare. YERBA CAPITANA.

Also called *‘ quasimilla de Canario.’’ A parasitic shrub related to the mistle-
toe. It attacks numerous species of native trees.

Phthirusa emarginata.
Family Lauraceae; reported from Aybonito.
Phthirusa parvifolia.

From Guanica.
Phthirusa portoricensis. See Psychotria pendula.
Phyllanthus grandifolius.

Family Euphorbiaceae; reported from Manati.
Phyllanthus nobilis antillanus.

From Fajardo and Aybonito.
Phyllocactus stenopetalus.

. Family Cactaceae; cultivated in gardens at Penuelas. (Sintenis.)
Physalis angulata. SacaBUCHE ANGULOSO. s

Family Solanaceae; an herbaceous annual, 50 centimeters high, found in various
parts of the island. The fruits are edible and in Jamaica are called winter cher-
ries. The plant is one of the ground-cherry group. (Stahl, 6: 122.)

Physalis linkiana.
An herbaceous annual or weed; from near Guanica.

218 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Physalis pubescens. SAcCABUCHE PELUDO. ;
An herbaceous annual, 60 centimeters high, common. This is the common cul- j

tivated ground cherry or strawberry tomato. (Stahl, 6: 121.) j
At Arecibo the fruit of a species of Physalis was said to be used for stomach

troubles, and the roots for toothache.

Physic nut. See Jatropha curcas.

Pica-pica. See Mucuna pruriens and Fleurya aestuans.

Picha de gato. See Scolosanthus grandifolius.

Pichana. See Wissadula rostrata.

Pichana mocha. See Abutilon leiospermum.

Pichana peduncular. See Abutilon pedunculare.

Picramnia pentandra. GUAREMA.

Family Simarubaceae; a shrub 10 to 15 feet (8 to 5 meters) high, from the
vicinity of Cayey and Lares. The common name was recorded by Bello. —
Picrasma excelsa. BITTERWOOD.

A small tree of the family Simarubaceae; found in Jamaica, Antigua, and sey-
eral of the smaller islands. The bark and wood are extremely bitter and are now
preferred to the genuine quassia from Guayana and Brazil. Picrasma is found
in forests of low elevation near the sea.

Pictetia aristata. TACHUELO. PLates LIT. LITT.

Family Viciaceae; a tree 6 to 8 meters high. The wood is extremely hard and
heavy. Found in the southeastern coastal regions. (Stahl, 3: 50.)

Hill identifies ‘‘ tachuelo’’ with ‘*‘ hachuelo,’’ and with the calabash tree, Cre-
scentia. Our informants, including Captain Lugovine and Senor Besosa, agree
in giving the name to an extremely hard and heavy wood, which endures indefi-
nitely in the ground and is used in supporting houses. The leaves have a spine
from the midrib. A photograph of a branch was taken at Penon and a ‘‘ habitus-
bild”’ of a clump of shrubby growth about 20 feet (6 meters) high in an open
pasture at Coamo Springs.

Pictetia squamata.

A specimen from Coamo is in the National Herbarium.

Pigeon pea. See Cajanus cajan.
Pigeon wood.

A name applied in the British West Indies to several trees belonging to the
genera Dipholis, Diospyros, and Coccolobis.

Pigweed. See Amaranthus paniculatus and A. tristis.
Pilea ciliaris.“

Family Urticaceae. This and P. elegans, broad-leaved species, are quite unlike
P. trianthemoidea. Known from Adjuntas and Sabana Grande.

' Pilea trianthemoides. ARTILLERY PLANT. VERDOLAGUILLO.

A very fine-leaved, fern-like plant, common in most rocky situations where the
ground is moist; also on roofs of houses in mountain districts. The stone water
filters and storage jars for water are often overgrown with this species.
Pilocarpus racemosus.

An indigenous shrub or small tree, 2 to 5 meters high, belonging to the Rutaceae.
Reported from Aguado, Aguadilla, and near Rio Grande.
Pimenta acris. See Amomis caryophyllata.

Pimenta officinalis. See Pimenta pimenta. %

“The name Adicea Raf. antedates Pilea Lindl., but the species here referred to
have not been transferred to that genus.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE LI.

TACHUELO (PICTETIA ARISTATA).

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

TACHUELO (PICTETIA ARISTATA), SHOWING ARISTATE LEAVES.

PLATE

LIII.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 219

Pimenta pimenta. ALULSPICE.

In Urban’s revision of the Myrtaceae (Add. 2: 89) this species is not reported
from Porto Rico, but the Porto Rican references of Stahl and other writers are
applied to Amomis caryophyllata.

A tree belonging to the Myrtaceae and formerly placed in the genus Eugenia.
Mr. Hill reports it as abundant on the south side of Porto Rico, in the region
between Guayama, Coamo, and Ponce; but the species is not, in fact, known to
occur in Porto Rico where the names ‘‘ pimienta”’ and *‘ pimienta malagueta’’ are
applied to the bay-rum tree, Amomis caryophyllata. The allspice tree has been
found in Cuba and Jamaica, also in Mexico and Central America, but not, as far
as known, anywhere else in the West Indies. The ailspice of commerce consists
of the unripe fruits, which must be dried quickly before the flavor has time to
deteriorate. Large quantities are shipped to Europe and the United States from
Jamaica, where the tree is cultivated, or allowed to spread itself over waste lands
or pastures. Hill explains the fact that no allspice has been exported from Porto
Rico by saying that the fruits are allowed to drop from the trees and are not
properly cured.

Pimenta vulgaris. See Amomis caryophyllata.
Pimento. See Pimenta pimenta.
Pimienjo.

Captain Hansard gives the specific gravity of this wood as 1.31.
Pimienta.

This name, which properly means ‘‘ pepper,’’ has been applied to Amomis cary-
ophyllata, also in the combination ‘* pimienta malagueta.’’ In Cuba and Jamaica,
where the true allspice tree (Pimenta pimenta) grows, the same names are used
for it.

Pimienta malagueta. See Amomis caryophyllata.
Pimiento. See Capsicum annuwn and Amomis caryophyllata.
Pina.

Enumerated by Hill among ‘‘ forest trees yielding fruits.’’ There is nothing to
indicate the identity of the plant alluded to.
Pindar. See Arachis hypogea.
Pineapple. See Ananassa ananas.

Pino.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters);
diameter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood white, very hard; specific
gravity, 0.960; used in boat building. Also called ‘‘ cipil.’? (Exp. 1857.)

Pinon espinoso. See Hrythrina corallodendron.
Pinuela.

A name applied to numerous wild plants having a real or fancied resemblance
to the pineapple. The numerous wild species of Tillandsia and other bromeli-
aceous plants are called ‘‘ pifiuelas,’’ as are also orchids, both terrestrial and
epiphytic. One of the latter, with large fleshy bulbs, furnishes a strong glue or
varnish-like cement, used particularly for joining the rudely manufactured
domestic guitars. It is quite rare, and each bulb is said to be valued at 25
centavos.

Pinzona calineoides.

Family Dilleniaceae. A climbing vine from Utuado.
Piper aduncum.

A species agreeing with other West-Indian material in the National Herbarium
which was collected near Toa Baja (No. 259). The leaves are minutely but dis-
tinctly scabrous on both sides. A shrub 8 feet (2.5 meters) high.

220) CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Piper citrifoium. HIGUILLO AMARGO.

Collected at Atola Teja, between Bayamon and Toa Baja (No. 240). Very
similar in general appearance to the form identified as P. aduncwm, but agreeing
with the present species in having the leaves smooth on both sides.

Piper macrophyllum.

Family Piperaceae; a shrub 12 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) Iriel on acs hills;

known from Adjuntas. (Grisebach. )
Piper marginatum.

Known from Aguadilla.

Piper peltatum. See Heckeria peltata.
Piper umbellatum. See Heckeria wmbellata.
Piptadenia peregrina. CoJOBANA.

Also known as Cojobilla. Family Mimosaceae; a tree 5 meters high; older
growth covered with spines; found at Bayamon. (Stahl, 3: 144-152.) See note
under Acacia angustiloba.

Piptocarpha triflora.

A composite shrub, known from Sierra de las Piedras.
Piquete. See Bidens leucantha and Cosmos caudatus.
Piriqueta cistoides. See Piriqueta villosa.
Piriqueta ovala. See Piriqueta ovata.

Piriqueta ovata. PIRIQUETA OVALA.
Family Turneraceae. (Stahl, 4: 159.)
Piriqueta villosa. PrIRIQUETA.

An herbaceous erect annual, 40 to 50 centimeters high, in dry sandy soil.
(Stahl, 4: 157.)

Pisonia aculeata. ESCAMBRON.

Also called ‘‘ uiia de gato,’ or ‘‘cat’s claw.’* A spiny shrub belonging to the
family Nyctaginaceae; reported from near Manati.
Pisonia obtusata. MAJAGUA QUEMONA.

Also called *‘ palo de corcho.’’ An indigenous shrub.
Pisonia subcordata. PaLo BOBO.

An indigenous tree reaching a height of 20 meters. According to Urban two
forms, albida and gigantophylla, have been found in Porto Rico; reported from
Barranquitas. (Urban, Add. 3: 318.)

Pistia stratiotes. WATER-LETTUCE.

Family Araceae; a floating, stemless, stoloniferous herb, known from near
Manati.

Pitajaya. See Cereus triangularis.
Pitangueira. See Hugenia biflora.
Pithecolobium filicifolium. CoJoBaNna.

Family Mimosaceae; a forest tree 10 meters high; leaves finely divided; spine-
less. (Stahl, 3: 187.)

Pithecolobium saman. SaMAn.

Some writers state that the name ‘‘algarrobo”’ is applied to this species. A
large, spreading tree, 15 to 20 meters high, planted for shade in yards and pubhe

grounds. The trunk is inclined to be short and thick, while the branches are

horizontal and extremely long. According to Stahl the wood is not very hard,
with the heart of a handsome red color. On account of its lack of durability it is
very little used. The flowers appear in spring and summer, and all the growing
parts are slightly hairy. (Stahl, 3: 154.)

bling

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 221

This tree is sparingly introduced into Porto Rico, but if the accounts of it are
correct it is worthy of much more general planting, as advised in Trinidad by
Professor Hart in connection with the following report:

‘* Probably there are few tropical trees which are so useful for a variety of pur-
poses as the saman or zaman of Central America. In Jamaica this tree is known
as the ‘guango;’ in Trinidad, by its Spanish name of ‘zaman,’ or its corrup-
tion ‘saman.’ The tree is a native of Central America, from Nicaragua south-

ward to Brazil. Itisalarge, umbrageous tree, belonging to the order Leguminosae,

or the Pea family, many of which are noted for their property of accumulating
or storing nitrogen in the soil. In Jamaica it is well known, and grown for shad-
ing ‘Guinea’ grass fields. In Trinidad it has not the same good reputation for
shade purposes, as its place is in a manner usurped by the quicker growing ‘ bois
immortel.’

There is some reason, however, to doubt the superiority of the latter over the
former, and personally I am inclined to the belief that the claims of the ‘saman’
are much higher from every standpoint. The tree can be seen in the botanic
gardens, shading nutmegs, cacao, coffee, tea, and other products to the greatest
advantage; it is, besides, a tree much less Hable to fall and injure the plantation
than the bois immortel, and being of the same family it possesses the power of
becoming a real ‘madre de cacao,’ just as well as the bois immortel or Erythrina.
For ‘Guinea grass’ pastures the tree gives a fine shade, and it is also an excel-
lent one for planting in ordinary ‘low-bite’ pasture, both for the benefit of
herbage and also as a shade for the cattle.

“In Nicaragua the wood of this tree is used to make wheels for ox carts, solid
sections being sawn through the trunk for the purpose. It gives a splendid
dark-colored wood with excellent grain, which takes a fine polish. The legumes,
or beans, as they fall from the tree, are greedily eaten by cows and horses,
although they are apt to give internal troubles of a minor character to the latter.
Professor Harrison, of Demerara, who analyzed the pods, observed that the beans
have about the same average composition as carob beans, obtained from Ceratonia
siliqua, but as the seeds of the saman invariably pass through the stomach of a
cow without being digested, the food value of the seed must be eliminated to
obtain the true value of the legume as a cattle food. I understand that Professor
Harrison, who published the original analysis, will shortly complete it by a sepa-
rate examination of the seed. Whatever may be the result, it is certain that the
pods or beans are a very suitable food for milch cows, as shown by the character
of the milk afforded by animals fed regularly upon them. In some places Pithe-
colobium saman has obtained the name of ‘rain tree,’ for what reason it is not
clearly apparent; but it is certain that much larger crops of ‘Guinea grass’ can
be grown under its shade than in the open. It is one of those trees in which, like
some of the Mimosas, the leaflets are possessed of the power of movement, and close
together at sundown, thus allowing the dew to fall upon the crops beneath; while,

when the sun is high, the foliage is spread out in a form which securely screens
off its rays and protects the ground beneath from excessive evaporation. In the
gardens we have large examples of these trees, planted it is supposed between the
years 1818 and 1824, so that they are over 70 years of age, and are probably the
finest in the West Indies. The spread of the branches of several of them reaches
a diameter of considerably over 140 feet (42 meters). Forall purposes of shade, so
necessary in a moist tropical climate, the saman is certainly an excellent tree, and
it grows at a rate which should satisfy any but the most impatient. A tree with
a trunk of 12 inches (30 centimeters) diameter can be grown in good soil in about
ten years, and large enough to shade cacao and other shrubby trees in from four
to five years.

“Tn islands subject to cyclonic storms the tree suffers considerably, owing to

222 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

the great weight and size of its branches, but in Trinidad our trees have never
suffered in this way, as we are fortunately outside the common cyclone or hurri-
cane area.” :
Pithecolobium unguis-cati. UNA DE GATO. BLACK BEAD.
- A shrub 10 feet (3 meters) high, from the south coast. (Stahl, 3: 139.)
Near Guayanilla this plant was called *‘ escambron colorado.”’

Plantago major. LLANTEN.
Family Plantaginaceae. A gigantic specimen was collected at Adjuntas by
Sintenis. The common name is given by Bello.

Plantain. See Musa paradisiaca.

Plantain, Wild. See Heliconia.

Plantanilla blanea. See Asclepias nivea._
Platanillo. See Asclepias cwrassavica. >
Platanillo blanco. See Asclepias nivea.
Platano. See Musa.

Pluchea odorata. SALvia. :
A composite shrub, 3 to 4 meters high, having a peculiar odor; found in all
parts of the island, and used as a mild stimulant. (Stahl, 5: 122.

Plum. See Spondias lutea.

Plumbago capensis.
An ornamental shrub cultivated in gardens at Yabucoa. (Sintenis.)

Plumbago scandens. HIGUILLO.

Family Plumbaginaceae; a shrubby trailer. The root is sometimes used as a
blistering agent. Our plants are from Coamo Springs, where the above common
name isin use. Bello calls this species ** meladillo.”’

Plumeria alba. TasBatrsBa.

Family Apocynaceae; a shrub 3 to 4 meters high, having a milky juice. Found
along the coast. Bello records the common name ‘“‘aleli cimarron.’’ (Stahl,
6: 74.)

A wild tree 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters) high, with a rather straight trunk 6 to8
inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is considered very good for
certain classes of carpenter work that need both flexibility and resistance. It is
yellowish white or light grayish yellow in color, marked with unequal undula-
tions, giving the wood a rather attractive appearance. The texture is fibrous and
compact and the grain fine. (Grosourdy, 2: 395.)

Plumeria krugii. TABEIBA.

A recently described species known only from Maricao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 387.)
Plumeria obtusa. ALELi CIMARRON.

A tree or shrub. (Stahl, 6:76.)

Plumeria portoricensis. ALEL{ CIMARRON.
Also called ** tabeiba:** a species recently described from a drawing by Krug,

probably in the vicinity of Mayaguez. Said to be Plumeria obtusata of Bello.

(Urban, Symb. 1: 387.)

Plumeria rubra. FRANGIPANI. ALELI.

A shrub or small tree, 4 to 5 meters high, having a milky juice. Cultivated in
gardens on account of the extremely fragrant flowers, and sometimes called the
West Indian red jasmine. The name *‘ frangipani”’ or ** frangipanni’’ is supposed
to have been applied to this and other species of Plumeria on account of the resem-
blance to that of a perfume compounded in the middle ages from a large number
of ingredients by an Italian nobleman of that name. It is not known that any ~
attempt has been made to extract a perfume from the flowers of Plumeria.

PLATE LIV.

Centr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

‘SYNOVD ‘VZV1d SHL NI

*(VIDSY VNVIONIOd) 33Yu] SWV14

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 223

Plumeria tenorii. ALEL{ AMARILLO.

A shrub, 4 to 5 meters high, cultivated in gardens. (Stahl, 6:76.)

Poaya. See Spermacoce portoricensis.
Podocarpus coriaceus.

Family Taxaceae; a broad-leaved coniferous tree, known from near Maricao.
Other species of Podocarpus are known from Jamaica and other West Indies; also
from South America. The genus also extends through the Pacific islands to the
Malay region, China, and Japan.

Poinciana pulcherrima. CLAVELLINA.

A leguminous shrub of 12 feet (4 meters), widely cultivated in gardens as an
ornamental. This species was observed at Juana Diaz. (Stahl, 3: 123.)

The trunk of this tree reaches 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 centimeters) in diameter.
It is said that its wood is very beautiful, and it is perhaps susceptible of being
utilized for fine carpentry work. Itscolorisastriped orange. Itisrather soft and
is of a rather fine grain and texture. Specific gravity, 0.389. (Grosourdy, 2: 385.)
Poinciana regia. FLAME TREE. FLAMBOYAN. PuatE LIV.

This most beautiful caesalpiniaceous tree is a native of Madagascar, but it is
now planted as an ornamental throughout the tropics. (Stahl, 3: 124.)

The large, finely divided leaves appear almost as delicate as maiden-hair fern
fronds, and the spreading habit renders it an excellent shade tree, in addition to
the ornamental value of the extremely showy flowers. The wood is, however,
not strong, and many of the trees in Porto Rico had evidently suffered severely.
The plate shows the plaza at Caguaz which is planted exclusively in Poinciana
with excellent effect. Grosourdy (2:385) gives the specific gravity of 0.828.
Poligala larga. See Polygala longicaulis.

Polisandro. See Stahlia maritima.

Polygala longicaulis. POLIGALA LARGA.°

Family Polygalaceae; an herbaceous, erect annual, 30 to 40 centimeters high.
In sandy places. (Stahl, 2:52.)
Polygala paniculata. OROSNE.

An herbaceous annual found in pastures, 20 to 25 centimeters high; reported
from Mayaguez. The common name was heard in the barrio Atola Teja between
Bayamon and Toa Baja. (Stahl, 2:51.)

Polygala variabilis. PoLiGALA VARIABLE.
A slender annual in savannas. (Stahl, 2:54.)

Polygonum acre. SMARTWEED. YERBA DE HICOTEA.
Family Polygonaceae: a widely distributed species of smartweed.

Polypodium polypodioides. Co.LapiLua.
A small fern. Rolls of the dried fronds are sold in the market at Ponce as a
remedy for diseases of the blood.

Pomarosa. See Jambosa jambos.
Pomegranate. See Punica granatum.
Pomelo. See Citrus decumana.

Pomorosa. See Jambosa jambos.

Pongatium indicum. See Sphenocles zelanica.
Popon. See [batia maritima.

Porophyllum ellipticum. YERBA PpoROSA.

An herbaceous, annual composite, 50 centimeters high; grows along roadsides
and in dry, stony pastures. (Stahl, 5: 146.)
Porophyllum macrocephalum. YrERBA DE PEO.

Also called ‘‘ yerba de cabra.’’ An annual herb, said to have the odor of Bifora.

224 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Urban describes a new variety, ciocarpum, from the south side of the island.
Porophyllum ellipticum genuwinum is also reported from numerous localities, and
is identified with P. ruderale of Grisebach and Stahl, while the original Kleinia
ruderalis of Jacquin is placed under a new variety, ruderale of Urban.
Porophyllum ruderale. See Porophyllum ellipticum.

Portulaca oleracea. VERDOLAGA.

The common purslane. >
Potamogeton paucifiorus.

A very delicate, narrow-leaved species. Known from a river near Yauco. A
coarser, undetermined species was collected by Sintenis in Lake Tortugero, near
Manati.

Potato. See Solanum tuberosum.

Pothomorphe peltata. See Heckeria peltata.
Pothomorphe umbellata. See Heckeria umbellata.
Prickly pear. See Opuntia.

Primrose willow. See Jussiaea repens.
Pringamoza. See Tragia volubilis.

Priva echinata. PRIVA ERIZADA.

Family Verbenaceae; a slender, herbaceous annual, 50 centimeters high, grow-
ng in stony places. (Stahl, 6: 204.)

Priva erizada. See Priva echinata.
Prosopis julifiora. Mesquir.

This leguminous species is reported by Grisebach as being abundant in drv
situations in Jamaica, where the name ‘‘ cashaw’’ is applied to it.

-Proustia krugiana.

A climbing composite, 1 to 4 meters long, known from Coamo and Yauco.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 471.)

Prunus occidentalis. ALMENDRILLO.

Family Rosaceae; a large tree, 15 meters high. The hard wood is used in mak-
ing furniture. Flower and leaves have an odor of bitter almonds. Bello calls
this tree ‘‘almendron.”’ (Stahl, 4: 68.)

A wild tree, about 45 feet (13 meters) high, with a straight, rather long trunk 15
to 18 inches (37 to 45 centimeters) in diameter, furnishing a much-valued wood,
strong and elastic. This wood is of ordinary weight and is almost the color of
light mahogany, and very similar to the cherry of Europe. Specific gravity,
0.846. The wood is used in the country for the framework of houses, but it
appears to us that it might be employed, like the cherry of Europe, for cabinet-
work and the interior of houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 361.)

Pseudolmedia spuria.

Family Moraceae: a high tree, known from Naguabo.
Psidiastrum dubium.

A myrtaceous shrub, described from the western coast of the island by Bello.
Psidium guajava. Guava. GUAYAVYA. a

Also called ‘* guayaba;’’ a bush or small tree of the family Myrtaceae, which
bears the well-known edible fruit called ‘‘ guava’ in English. and “ guayava”’ in
Spanish.

The guava is perhaps the only fruit now existing on the island in quantities
sufficiently large to make possible the early establishment of an industry based
upon it. In some districts neglected land is covered for considerable distances
with guava bushes, and there seems to be no reason why the manufacture of the
justly celebrated guava jelly should not be undertaken on a considerable scale.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 225

On inquiring why something of this kind had not already been done I was
informed that it was owing to the high price of sugar. Formerly there wasa con-
sumo or consumption tax of 4 cents a pound on white sugar, which, of course,
preventedits use for manufacturing purposes. With the removal of this, and the
adjustment of other trade disturbances, there ought to be no difficulty in gradually
building up a considerable industry in guava jelly, the demand for which has
probably been limited only by the fancy prices at which it has always been held.

Guava bushes are growing wild in great quantities in all parts of the island.
The amount of fruit available for manufacture of jelly must be very large.

Described as a tree 15 to 20 feet (4to 6 meters) high, with a trunk 6 inches (15
centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a wood of a fine, compact texture. The
coloris brownish gray and red, sometimes with lighter, parallel, or undulous lines,
which give the wood a mottled and very handsome appearance. It is much
appreciated in carpenter work that is suited to its small size and where strength
and elasticity are needed. It servesthus for agricultural implements and in farm
structures. Specific gravity, 0.696. (Grosourdy, 2: 388.)

Psidium guineense.

A species of guava cultivated in Santo Domingo, Jamaica, Guadaloupe, and
Martinique, which, notwithstanding the specific name, which would indicate an
African origin, is now believed to be indigenous in Trinidad and on the South
American continent. It is said to have the taste of strawberries. (Urban, Add.
2: 85.)

Psidium pomiferum. See Psidium guajava.
Psychotria. PALo MORO.

The name *‘ palo moro” is applied to numerous species of this extensive genus of
rubiaceous shrubs, in particular to P. brachiata, P. grandis, P. nutans, P.
pedunculata, P. pseudo-pavetta, and P. undata. (Stahl, 5: 68-75.)

Psychotria brachiata.

A shrub 6 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.5 meters) high; reported from Tabucoa and

Guayabota.

Psychotria horizontalis.
A shrub 3 to 4 feet (about 1 meter) high; from Maunabo.

Psychotria maleolens.
A shrub or tree sometimes attaining a height of 10 meters and giving off an
unpleasant aromatic odor. From El Yunque and forests in the vicinity. (Urban,
Symb. 1: 444.)
Psychotria maricaensis.
A new species, probably a shrub, from Maricas. (Urban, 1: 448.)
Psychotria myrtiphyllum.
A fragrant shrub, 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 centimeters) high; known from Sierra.
de las Piedras.

Psychotria patens.
A shrub from Sierra de Juncos.

Psychotria pendula.

An epiphytic species taking root in the mountain forests. Several eminent
botanists have mistaken it for one of the Loranthaceae, or mistletoe, family.
Urban names six subspecies, only one of which, P. pendula grosourdyana, is
credited to Porto Rico. This is a small plant with the flowers white and the
petioles and calyx blood red. There seems to be no reason why the specific part
of De Candolle’s original name Loranthus portoricensis should not be applied to
this peculiar plant, and that it should also have specific rank seems extremely prob-
able from the descriptions, distribution, and synonym given by Urban. Referred
by Eichler to Phthirusa and by Baillon to Uragoga. (Urban, Symb. 1: 445.)

226 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Psychotria platyphylla.
A new variety angustior is described from mountain stations near Adjuntas;
found also as Utuado. (Urban, Symb. 1: 449.)

Psychotria pubescens.

A shrub 10 to 12 feet (3 to 4 meters) high, in mountain woods. Pefuelas, on
Mount Llano.

Psychotria sintenisii.
A shrub from the vicinity of Cobo Rojo. (Urban, Symb. 1: 448.)

Psychotria undata. Batsamo. .
A specimen supposed to represent this species was obtained at Vega Baja (No.
1019) under the name ‘‘ balsamo.”’

Pterocarpus draco. PALO DE POLLO.

Family Viciaceae; a tree 20 meters high, found along swampy coasts. Wood
soft. (Stahl, 3: 93.)

Grosourdy contracts the native name to ** palo pollo,”’ and describes it as a wild
tree, 40 feet (12 meters) high, with a trunk 14 to 18 inches (35 to 40 centimeters)
in diameter, furnishing a wood dirty-white in color that breaks with a horizontal
fracture. In San Juan fire screens are constructed of this wood. Also used as
fuel. Specific gravity, 0.554. Of dry wood from the roots, 0.138. (Grosourdy, 2:
407.)

Pterocaulon virgatum. EscoBiLLon.

An herbaceous, erect annual, composite, 50 ceutimeters high, growing in sandy
pastures. (Stahl, 5: 124.)

Punica granatum. POMEGRANATE. GRANADA.

The pomegranate is a fruit adapted to dry climates, such as those of North
. Africa, Arabia, and Persia. The north side of Porto Rico is probably too moist,
but in the dry southwestern corner of the island more favorable conditions may
be found, although extensive planting is not likely to be found advisable. The
bush resembles slightly the Japan quince, and has showy red flowers. Little fruit
was seen, and that was small and inferior. Southern California and Arizona can
probably produce the pomegranate to much better advantage than Porto Rico,
but there is little demand for it in the general market, and no indication that it
will become popular outside the dry climates where other more satisfactory fruits
are scarce.

Propagation from cuttings is easy, and in South Africa excellent pomegranate
hedges are said to be frequent. The bark and the rind of the fruit contain a yellow
dye used for leather in Morocco.

In the market of Ponce it was claimed that there were two forms, ** blanco’ and
““colorado,’’ but the difference was very slight.

Pursaetha.

In Engler and Prantl’s Natiirlichen-Pflanzenfumilien the genus Entada is treated

as a synonym of Pursaetha.
Quamoclit coccinea. CAMBUTERA.

An annual, cultivated in gardens. (Stahl, 6: 165.)
Quamoclit quamoclit. CYPRESS VINE. CAMBUTERA.

A climbing herbaceous annual, cultivated in gardens. It has a variety of names
in Jamaica, viz, Indian creeper, Indian pink, red bell flower, Barbadoes sweet
william. Bello writes the common name ‘‘cambustera.’’ (Stahl, 6: 164.)

Quararibea turbinata. GARRACHO.
Family Bombacaceae; a wild tree 5 meters high, common in all parts of the
island. Bello records the name ‘‘palo de garrocha’’ for Myrodia turbinata.

(Stahl, 2: 101.)

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. DOT,

A wild tree produced in abundance in all parts of the island, 25 to 30 feet (7
to 9 meters) high, the trunk 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in diameter. The
wood is rather light and soft, ash-colored. Has no use.”’ (Grosourdy, 2: 384.)
Quasimilla de canario. See Phoradendron quadrangulare.

Quassia amara.
A small tree of the family Simarubaceae, native in Guayana and Brazil, but
now generally cultivated in the tropics of both hemispheres. It furnishes the
bitter quassia wood, and its medicinal extract is valued as a tonic, particularly

for the digestive system.

Quebra hacha. See Ardisia purpurascens.
Quebra hachas. See Thouwinia tomentosa.
Quebracho.

This name is applied by Engler and Prantl to Thouinia, a genus noted for its
hard wood and represented in Porto Rico by several species. The ‘* quebracho”’
bark imported for tanning purposes is from the Argentine Republic and the val-
ley of the La Plata and is obtained from Schinopsis lorentzii, a tree of the family
Anacardiaceae. ‘‘ Quebracho”’ is a contraction of ‘‘ quebra hacha’’ and has the
same meaning, *‘ break-axe”’ or ‘‘axe-breaker’’ in allusion to the extreme hard-
ness.

Quenepa. See Melicocca bijuga.

Quiebra hacha. See Eugenia pseudopsidium portoricensis, Thouinia portori-
censis, T. striata, and T. tomentosa; also Schmidelia occidentalis.

Quiebra hachas. See Allophylus occidentalis.

Quina. See Exostemma floribundum and Antirrhoea coriacea.

A tree from the northeastern part of the island: height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9
meters); diameter, 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters). Wood, pinkish yellow,
rather soft; specific gravity, 0.798; used in cabinet making. Also called ‘ boje.”’
(Exp. 1857.) :

Believed to be the genuine *‘ cinchona’”’ supposedly introduced. Found about
Manati; specific gravity of wood 0.87. (Captain Hansard. )

Quina del pasto. See Leonotis nepetaefolia.
Quinine. See Cinchona.
Quisqualis indica.

Family Combretaceae; cultivated about dwellings near Maunabo.

Quitaran. See Colubrina ferruginosa.
Rabajunco. See Casearia stipularis.

According to Captain Hansard this wood has a specific gravity of 1.07, is very
pliable, and is used in hut building. Probably another spelling of ‘* rabojunco.”’
Rabo de raton.

A name meaning “‘rat-tail’’ applied to Gonzalea spicata, a rubiaceous shrub,
and to a species of Chaetochloa.

Rabojunco. See Casearia stipularis.

A wild tree 30 feet (9 meters) high with a trunk 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35 centi-
meters) in diameter. Furnishes a white, flexible wood used in the roofing of rude
houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 411.)

Rabo puedo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters); diameter,
9 to 10 inches (22 to 25 centimeters). Wood, white, soft; specific gravity, 0.725;
used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Radish. See Raphanus sativus.

23227—VOL VIII, PT 2—03 12

275s

228 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATION AL HERBARIUM.

Rajania cordata.

Family Dioscoreaceae; called in Cuba
has been found in the vicinity of Maunabo.
Rama menuda. See Myrcia splendens.
Ramon.

On sale by an herb dealer in the market of Ponce; consists of the bark of a tree
of the same name; a decoction with water is taken by women to assist in stopping
lactation.

Ramonillo.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters);
diameter, 15 to 18 inches (37 to 45 centimeters). Wood, white, hard; specific
gravity, 0.956; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 412.)
Ramoncillo. :

A wood with a specific gravity of 0.89. (Captain Hansard.)

Randia aculeata. INK BERRY. TANTILLO.

Family Rubiaceae; a shrub or small tree, widely distributed in the West Indies.
It yields a blue dye, and the wood is used for minor purposes when toughness is
required. Bello calls this species **cambron.”’ (Stahl, 5: 38.)

alambrillo.”’? The variety scorptoidea

Randia formosa.
From near Jayuya, where it is cultivated about buildings.

Randia sagraeana.
A species with fruits warted and much larger than those of acwleata; the spines
are also three-pointed. Collected at Guanica.. (Sintenis.)

Raphanus sativus. RabDIsuH.

Although of temperate origin and selection, the radish is one of the vegetables
which does fairly well in the Tropics, its extremely quick growth offering little
time for the deterioration suffered by many plants of larger and longer growth.
Of course it is improbable that the quality could be maintained from the seed, if
any could be ripened, but with good imported stock the radish is one of the tem-
perate vegetables which it may be worth while to plant.

Rasea garganta. See Parathesis crenulata.
Raton. See Matayba domingensis.
Rattlewort. See Crotalaria.

Rauwolfia nitida. PAaLo DE MUNECA.

Family Apocynaceae; a tree 3 to 5 meters high, found along the coast and in
sandy places; flowers nearly all the year. Found in the Greater Antilles and in
some of the Lesser Antilles. Reported from Guanica. (Stahl, 6: 69.)

Ravenala.

The so-called travelers’ tree, travelers’ palm, or travelers’ fountain, is one of the
conspicuous tropical ornamentals which one misses in Porto Rico. It is a near
relative of the banana, and resembles that plant especially in the leaves; these are,
however, two-ranked, so that the whole tree has the form of a gigantic fan. The
sheathing bases of the leaves, instead of infolding each other to make a cylin_
drical bundle like the *‘trunk’’ of the banana tree, are borne on a genuine trunk
one above another, and are fitted so close together as to hinder evaporation of the
water, which runs down the channel on the upper side of the midrib. By per-
forating the sheath near the base one may draw out quite a quantity of water, but
this is hable to contain dirt and larval insects. The oily edible arillus covering
the seeds is bright blue.

Ravenia urbani. ToRTUGO PRIETO.

Said to be a very beautiful tree, 10 to 15 meters in height; indigenous, but very”

rare, occurring only in the higher forest region of Mount Jimines, in the Sierra — |

a as a

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RIGO. 229

de Luquillo. It is amember of the family Rutaceae, to which the orange belongs.
(Urban, Add. 3: 240.)

Red bellflower. See Quamoclit quamoclit.

Red sorrel. See Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Reina de las flores. See Cereus grandiflorus.

Renealmia.

American tropical herbs, with creeping rootstocks, belonging to the family
Zingiberaceae.

Renealmia exaltata.

Reported from Juncos, together with F. occidentalis.
Renealmia racemosa.

Grows to a height of 3 feet (1 meter) in moist woods; reported from Sierra de
Lugquillo.

Reseda. See Lawsonia alba.

Originally the Spanish for the mignonette, but transferred in Porto Rico to
the henna bush.
Retama. See Cassia biflora, Chamaecrista portoricensis, and Sabinea florida.
Retamo.

A wild tree reaching 50 feet (15 meters) in height, with a trunk 18 inches (45
centimeters) in diameter. Furnishes a white wood that breaks with an oblique
fracture. Used as boards in the construction of rude houses, and for other pur-
poses. (Grosourdy, 2: 412.)

Retan.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood, white, hard; specific gravity,
0.904; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Retomo.

Captain Hansard associates this name with Spartiwm scopariwmn, which is,
according to the Kew Index, synonymous with Cytisus scoparius. Specific gravity
of wood, 1.11.

Ravenia urbani.

A native species of Porto Rico, belonging to the family Rutaceae, from Sierra
de Luquillo.

Reynosia uncinata. CHICHARRON,.

Family Rhamnaceae; a shrub or small tree of 8 meters; from limestone moun-
tains about Ponce, Penuelas, and Guanica. R. krugii, a somewhat larger species
comes from the vicinity of Fajardo and Cayey. (Urban, Symb. 1: 355.)

Rheedia portoricensis. SEBUCAN.

Also called ‘‘ guyabacoa.’’ Family Clusiaceae; a handsome tree of 10 to 20
meters. The apexes of the thick, shining leaves are *»roduced into sharp points.
Found by Sintenis near the seashore at Cangrejos; also reported on the northern
coast from between Loiza and San Juan to Vega Baya and Manati; also in the
eastern and southern parts of the islands.

Rhexia mariana. CamMacrky-MARIANA.

Family Melastomaceae; a herbaceous annual 20 to 30 centimeters high; found
in sandy inundated plains. (Stahl, 4: 118.)

Rhizophora mangle. MANGLE COLORADO. MANGROVE.

Family Rhizophoraceae; a tree 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) high, forming the
mangrove swamps along the coast. The wood is white, but when soaked in water
turns red. Itis used in boat building and in making hogsheads, etc, (Stahl, 4:
141.)

230 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Furnishes a wood dark red in color, which on account of its great strength is
used in the construction of houses and in carpentry work suitable to its small
size. It is not very durable except in water, where it is practically incorruptible,
especially when nearly submerged. Its most common use is to make a fine grade
of charcoal, well adapted for heating the bake ovens; the leaves, or still better,
the bark, serve to tan leather. Specific gravity, 1.028. (Grosourdy, 2: 400.)

Rhoeo discolor. SANGRINARIA.
Family Commelinaceae; a succulent herb with ensiform purple leaves and
small white flowers; commonly cultivated.

Rhynchosia. See Dolicholus.

Rivina octandra.

Family Phytolaccaceae; a trailing shrub, 4 to 6 meters high. (Grisebach.)
Between Sabana Grande and Yauco, growing by roadsides.

Roble. See Tabebuia rigida, Catalpa longisiliqua, and Tecoma pentaphylla.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 15 to 20 inches (37 to 50 centimeters). Wood yellowish, rather hard; specific
gravity 0.735; used for lumber. (Exp. 1857.)

Of rather slender habit, reaching perfection on the hills; more like cedar than
oak; much used for yokes for oxen and other minor purposes; specific gravity
0.85. (Captain Hansard. )

In Spain this name means *‘ oak;’’ in Porto Rico it is applied to several trees
belonging to the family Bignoniaceae.

Roble amarillo. See Tecoma stans.

Roble blanco. See Tabebuia pentaphylla.

Roble colorado. See Tabebuia schumanniana.”

Roble guayo. See Bourreria succulenta and domingensis.
Roble prieto. See Tecoma barterii.

Rondeletia arborescens. See Rondeletia inermis.

Rondeletia inermis. CoRDOBANCILLO. :
A new species recently described by Urban to replace R. arborescens and R.
laevigata of Stahl, which were not correctly identified. An indigenous shrub or
small tree belonging to the family Rubiaceae; generally distributed throughout
the island. (Urban, Symb. 1: 416.)
The variety latifolia is reported from near Lares, and the variety oblongifolia
from near Cayey.
Rocon. See Bixa orellana.

Rolandra argentea. YERBA DE PLATA.

A woolly composite herb, 60 centimeters high, found in dry, sandy pastures.
(Stahl, 5: 108.)

Rollinia longifolia. ANon.

Family Anonaceae; a tree having a light, tough wood, resembling lancewood.
The natives of Guiana and Brazil use it for making spears, according to the
Treasury of Botany.

Rollinia mucosa.

Reported from Adjuntas.

Rollinia multifiora. Corazon CIMMARRON.

A wild tree 25 or 30 feet (7 to 9 meters) high, with a rather straight trunk 8 to
10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) in diameter. The wood is rather light and soft,
fibrous in texture, moderately fine-grained. The color is a handsome dark gray.
No known use in Porto Rico. Specific gravity 0.509. (Grosourdy, 2: 377.)

The habitat of this species is given in Index Kewensis as Guiana.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 2381

Rondeletia laevigata. See Rondeletia inermis.

Rondeletia portoricensis.

Family Rubiaceae; a tree attaining 20 meters, recently described from speci-
mens obtained at numerous localities—Luquillo, Naguabo, Barranquitas, Penuelas,
Adjuntas, and Maricao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 414.)

Rorippa nasturtium. WATER CRESS. BERROS.

A cruciferous herb found on banks of rivulets and in wet places. Used for
salad. (Stahl, 2: 36.)
Roseta. See Myroxylon buxifolium.

Rosewood.

A name applied to a considerable variety of tropical woods valued for hardness
and beauty. The best is said to come from Brazil, and is yielded by Dalbergia
nigra, a leguminous tree. Three Porto Rican trees, Cordia gerascanthus, Lino-
ciera ligustrina, and Amyris balsamifera, have been called rosewood.

Roucou. See Bixa orellana.
Said to bea Carib name. Bixa was used by the indigenes to paint their skins red.

Rourea frutescens. JUAN CALIENTE.
Family Connaraceae; said by Bello to exist on the south coast, but not found
by Stahl. (Stahl, 4: 56.)

Rourea glabra. JUAN CALIENTE.

A shrub with long flexible branches, 3 to 4 meters high, from which are made
riding whips commonly for sale at wayside shops. The growing plant was pointed
out to us at Coamo, and has been reported from Las Marias and Sierra de Luquillo.
Bello calls this *‘ bejuco de garrote.”’ (Stahl, 4: 54.)

Roystonea. ROYAL PALM.
A genus of palms formerly referred to Oreodoxa. See species below.

Roystonea borinquena. PorTo RICAN ROYAL PALM. YAGUA. PLATE XIII.

Family Arecaceae; the royal palm, or ‘‘ palma real,’’ is not only the more con-
spicuous and characteristic natural object in most parts of Porto Rico, but it
probably exceeds the cocoanut in total economic importance. The most useful
part is the yagua, or sheathing base of the leaf, with which a large proportion of
the houses of the poorer classes are thatched or sided, or both.

The royal palm is one of the wild species which has been distinctly advantaged
by human interference in natural conditions. It is a general fact that outside the
climbing species palms are not successful in competing with tropical forest vege-
tation. Originally the royal palm and the ‘‘corozo’’ were probably confined to
the more rugged slopes of the lower limestone hills, where they both still retain a
foothold in places where the natural growth seems never to have been cleared
away. But the vast majority of royal palms now in existence in Porto Rico stand
on land which has been cultivated at one time or another, and where the palms
were able to secure a foothold before the competition of other plants became too
strong.

The discovery of root tubercles on a young plant of this species has been noted.
These tubercles, though small in size, are very numerous upon the smaller roots.
In shape they are mostly oval and symmetrical. The larger are about 2 mili-
meters in length.

Roystonea regia. CUBAN ROYAL PALM

This species does not occur in Porto Rico. The Porto Rican royal palm is now
separated under the name Roystonea borinquena.
Rubber vine.

In Jamaica this name is applied to Cryptostegia grandiflora, one of the Asclepi-
adaceae introduced from the East Indies, and to Forsteronia floribunda, a native
species belonging to the Apocynaceae.

De CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

These plants have as yet little importance, and are not to be confused with the
African rubber vines belonging to the apocynaceous genus Landolphia.

Rubia. See Fagara monophylla.
Rubial.

A tree growing near the sea at the east end of the island; natives secure a dye
from it, and the wood makes very pretty sticks; specific gravity 0.55. (Hansard.)
Ruda. See Ruta chalepensis.

Rudolphia volubilis. BEsUucO COLORADO.

Family Viciaceae; a dark red woody vine, with a rough bark; grows in high
altitudes and flowers in winter. Said to be known only from Porto Rico and
Mexico. Called ‘‘ bejuco prieto”’ by Bello. (Stahl, 3: 90.)
Ruellia coccinea. YERBA MARAVILLA.

Family Acanthaceae; an erect woody annual, 1 meter high, found in moist
shady places in the mountains. (Stahl, 6: 242.)

Ruellia tuberosa.
A woody herb, 50 centimeters high; grows in dry sandy places along the coast.
(Stahl, 6: 240.)

Rumex crispus. Dock. VINAGRILLO.

A cosmopolitan weed belonging to the family Polygonaceae; reported from near
Maricao.

Russellia juncea. LLuvir.

Family Scrophulariaceae; a tall, slender herb, cultivated for its handsome
tubular red flowers. Our specimen is from Santurce.
Ruta chalepensis. RuE. Rupa.

Family Rutaceae; introduced from the Mediterranean region; collected near
Mayaguez, by Krug.

Rynchosia. See Dolicholus.
.Sabal blackburniana. See Inodes blackburniana.
Sabicea aspera. SABICEA PELUDA.

Family Rubiaceae; a woody biennial, 2 to 3 meters high; found in the cool
shade of the mountains. Stahl has two species, S. hirsuta and S. hirta, which,
according to the Index Kewensis, are synonyms of S. aspera. (Stahl, 5: 44-45.)
Sabicea hirsuta. See Sabicea aspera.

Sabicea hirta. See Sabicea aspera.
Sabicea peluda. See Sabicea aspera.
Sabinea florida. RETAMA.

Family Viciaceae; a shrub 2 to 3 meters high, found in waste places and along
banks of rivers. Flowers in February and March. Common to all the Antilles.
(Stahl, 3: 32.)

Sabinea punicea. CARACOLILLO.

A leguminous plant, supposed to be a shrub. Known from mountain slopes
near Mayaguez and Maricao.
Sabino. See Magnolia splendens.

This name is given by Hill in a list of trees of the mountains. According to
Captain Hansard it is never used alone but always in the form of ‘‘ laurel sabino,”’
which is believed to be the same as *‘ laurel amarillo.”

Sabo. See Feviilea cordifolia.
Sacabuche angulosa. See Physailis angulata.
Sacabuche peludo. See Physalis pubescens.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 2833

Saccharum officinarum. SUGAR GANE. CANA DE AZUCAR.

Notwithstanding the abundance of printed information, it seems to be still the
general opinion that Porto Rico is primarily a sugar island, like so many of the
West Indies.’ The sugar export is greatest in bulk, it is true, being about three
times that of coffee, but the total value of the latter is about three times that of
the sugar, these two products furnishing about 85 per cent of all the exports of
the island.

Sugar lands of limited extent.—Almost all the sugar is grown upon the narrow
shelf of level land or coast plain which lies between the sea and the hilly or
mountainous interior. The width of this alluvial belt is variable, being in some
places entirely absent and in others running back between ranges of hills to the
distance of 8 or 10 miles to join the valleys of some of the numerous rivers. Very
little cane is raised in the interior valleys of the island, perhaps the most notable
exception being that of Caguas, where there are a few factories, and where cane
is sometimes planted on hilly, unirrigated land, but seems not to thrive, and
“‘arrows,”’ or flowers, while still very short. In some districts of the north side
of the island the level sugar land is interspersed with the characteristic small,
conical, limestone-capped, and verdure-covered hills, which give the cane fields
the pleasing effect-of a succession of valleys, as in the region between Carolina
and the coast.

The difficulties of transportation forbid much development for the present in
remote and detached areas, even when the natural conditions are favorable.

Modern methods of sugar production require that the business, to be profitable,
should be conducted on a large scale, the manufacturing side being so important
a part of the industry. For the best results plantations of 2,000 to 5,000 acres or
more are required, conveniently located for access to the factory.

More factories than cane.—In Porto Rico the use of fertilizers or of a system of
rotation with pasturage is necessary, and in the latter case the plantation must
be twice the area from which sugar is to be harvested, besides necessitating
a resort to the annoying complexities of mixed farming, with which the ordinary
sugar capitalist has little patience. The anxiety to secure returns with unreason-
able rapidity is already responsible for many failures in the sugar business in
Porto Rico. Much of the sugar land has been under cultivation for more than a
century, and it is only on that which, for some exceptional reason, has never been
used, or has been fallow or in pasturage for many years, that an average much
over a ton can be obtained for even a brief series of years. The fertility of some
estates is, however, maintained by material deposited by high water from neigh-
boring streams.

The tendency to larger factories.—Some large estates, representing investments
of several hundred thousand dollars, have been operated at a loss or have realized
merely low rates of annual interest. Most of these have, however, failed to secure
the maximum profits from lack of sufficient cane to keep their factories running
throughout the harvest season. In larger concerns and better organizations lie
the future possibilities of the sugar industry of Porto Rico. At points where the
coast plain is wide, large tracts of conveniently located cane lands might be ren-
dered tributary to a single factory by purchase, by lease, or by contract with the
several owners. Such combinations are already uncer way. This will mean local
expansion of the sugar industry, but the gain will be doubtless partially offset by
the abandonment of many estates not located so as to be brought within the lines
of the reorganization. The small, poorly equipped factories are at a disadvantage
on all sides. Supplies, equipments, and management cost more in proportion to
the results. They are unable to use the bagasse for fuel, or are under the neces-
sity of putting it out to dry in the sun before burning. They lose a considerable

934 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

percentage of sugar from imperfect extraction, and the inferior product com-
mands a lower price in the market. i

Present tendencies are all in the direction of larger sugar mills and it is not
considered. good business policy to erect plants capable of caring for less than 500
tons of cane a day. Such mills cost between $300,000 and $500,000, and will handle
the cane from 3,000 or 4,000 acres of land, depending, of course, upon the fertility.
Where transportation facilities are not unreasonably expensive it is considered
more profitable to ship cane by rail 20 or 30 miles, or even farther, than to establish
smaller factories for manufacture near the fields. Much of the labor of shipment
is now accomplished by machinery, and when the cane is once on wheels increased
distance affects but slightly the cost of transportation.

Sugar varieties.—Numerous varieties of sugar cane are grown in Porto Rico,
many plantations having a very miscellaneous assortment. Bourbon cane has
been generally most popular, but the Salangora variety has been preferred of late
as more resistant to disease. The purple or Guadaloupe cane is found in larger
or smaller quantity in most plantations, but some of the more intelligent and
progressive managers have taken the trouble to eradicate it for the reason that
they consider it inferior both in quantity and quality, since the juice is said to
contain a large amount of gum which renders the sugar of low grade.

The Porto Rican planters should have the advantage as soon as possible of
whatever can be learned concerning the numerous experiments in sugar culture
and the selection of superior varieties of cane in the British West Indies. Exten-
sive experiments of this kind have been carried on in British Guiana, Barbados,
and elsewhere, and the adaptation of varieties of soils has also received attention.

At a meeting of the West Indian agricultural conference in Barbados the results
of experiments in sugar culture in British Guiana and Barbados were discussed.
The necessity of nitrogenous fertilizers being agreed upon, the desirability of
extended trials of leguminous crops was urged as the most practical and economic
manner of maintaining the fertility of the soil.

Sagraea fascicularis. CAMACEY DE PALOMA.
Salcilla. See Morongia leptoclada.,

Salicornia. SALTworr.

A genus of chenopodiaceous herbs; an unidentified species reported from Cabo
Rojo along the seashore; rare.
Salix humboldtiana.

Family Salicaceae; the only member of this willow family mentioned by
Grisebach; reported from near Maricao.

The curious spire-like trees in the cemetery at Utuado are referred to this species.
Salmea eupatoria. BrJUCO DE MIEL.

An annual or biennial composite shrub 2 meters high, growing in waste places.
Flowers have a pronounced odor of honey. (Stahl, 5: 139.)
Salmea grandiceps. See Salmea eupatoria.
Salmea scandens.

A trailing shrub from Manati. According to Grisebach, found in the mountains
of Cuba, Haiti, and Porto Rico.
Salvia. See Pluchea odorata.
Salvia coccinea. MoRADILLA ENCARNADA,

An erect, woody herb of the mint family, both wild and cultivated in gardens.
(Stahl, 6: 201.)
Salvia occidentalis. MorapiLLa AZUL.

An herbaceous annual, 50 centimeters high, distributed over the island. Sweet-
scented and sometimes used on account of its balmy odor. (Stahl, 6: 200.)
Saman. See Pithecolobiwm saman.

~ shail

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICLO. 255

Sambucus canadensis. ELDERBERRY. SAUCcO.

Family Caprifoliaceae; a shrub 3 to 4 meters high; cultivated in gardens, the
fragrant flowers used as a sudorific. (Stahl, 6: 23.

Samyda glabrata. Gta.

Family Flacourtiaceae; a shrub 3 to 4 meters high; in mountains and waste
places, preferring cool shades. (Stahl, 4: 84.)

Samyda serrulata.

Reported from Fajardo.

San Bartolome. See Cordia sebestana.
Sandbox tree. See Hura crepitans.
Sandia. See Citrullus vulgaris.

Sangre de doncella. See Byrsonima lucida.
Sangrinaria. See Rhoeo discolor.
Sansevieria sp. LENGUA DA VACA,

Family Liliaceae; a species of this genus is found in various parts of the island,
cultivated as an ornamental or escaped. No useis apparently made of this excel-
lent fiber, which is said to be preeminently suited for sailmaking and as a cover-
ing for submarine cables, as it resists the action of salt water to a remarkable
extent.

Santa Maria. See Eupatorium odoratum, E. polyodon, and Vernonia longifolia.

Also Lantana involucrata, and Thespesia populned.

Sapindus inaequalis. See Sapindus marginatus.
Sapindus marginatus. JABONCILLO.

Family Sapindaceae; this species is separated from S. saponaria by having the
rachis of the leaves marginate and not winged; not known to Stahl. (Stahl, 2:
160.)

Sapindus saponaria. JABONCILLO.

A tree 6 to 8 meters high, found wild only on the south coast. The fruit, called
soapberries, yields a watery juice used as a substitute for soap. Common to the
Antilles and tropical America. (Stahl, 2: 159.)

Sapium sebiferum. TaLLow TREE. ARBOL DE LA CERA.

A Chinese Euphorbiaceous tree, cultivated in Cuba under the names ‘‘ arbol del
sebo,”’ ‘‘cera,’’ and ‘‘arbol de la cera;’’ reported from Porto Rico by Hill as
Stillingia sebifera and erroneously confused with the bixa or achiote (Bixa
orellana.) <A brittle wax, used for the manufacture of candles, is secured from
a layer of oily matter covering the seeds. The Chinese are said to use the very
hard wood for printing blocks and the leaves for preparing a black dye.
Sapodilla. See Achras sapota.

Sapota achras. See Achras sapota.

Sapota sideroxylon. See Achras sapota.

Sapote de costa. See Mimusops globosa.

Sarbatana. See Synedrella nodiflora.
Sarcomphalus laurinus. See Sarcomphalus retusus.
Sarcomphalus reticulatus.

Native names, ‘‘ espejuelo,’’ palo de hierro,”’ ‘‘ cacao rojo.’> A shrub or small
tree, 5 to 8 meters high, of the family Rhamnaceae. Known from littoral forests
along the south side of the island. (Urban, Symb. 1: 357.)

Sarcomphalus retusus.

Family Rhamnaceae. (Stahl, 4: 44, as Sarcomphalus laurinus.)

Sarna de perro. See Casearia sylvestris.

236 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Sarsaparilla.
In the market of Ponce this name was applied to what were said to be the roots
of the maguey or agave, used as a remedy for diseases of the blood.

Satinwood. See Fagara flava.
Sauco. See Sambucus canadensis.

Sauvagesia erecta. YERBA DE SAN MARTIN.

Family Ochnaceae; an herbaceous annual, 30 to 40 centimeters high. (Stahl,
2: 49.)

Savia sessiliflora.

Family Euphorbiaceae; reported from Cayey.
Schaefferia frutescens.

Family Bignoniaceae; a glabrous shrub 10 feet high (3 meters), from Manati;
in thickets along the shore.

Schlegelia axillaris. HIGUERITO DE SIERRA. So

Family Bignoniaceae; a shrub, 3 meters high, along the foothills. (Stahl, 6: 185.)
Schlegelia brachyantha. HIGUERITO DE SIERRA.

An indigenous woody yine with elliptical or obovate leathery leaves. The
variety portoricensis has been described recently from several localities in different
parts of the island. It was collected by Sintenis, who reports the original native
name ‘‘tulipa.’’ Professor Urban notices in this variety the first instance of
dimorphous styles in the present family. In some flowers the stigmas extend far
beyond the anthers, while in others the reverse is true. (Urban, Symb. 1: 406.)
Schmidelia occidentalis. See Allophylus occidentalis.

Schoepfia obovata.
Family Oleaceae; known from Guanica.

Schradera capitata. SCHRADERA EN CABEZUELAS.

Family Rubiaceae; a woody herb, climbing or twining; sometimes parasitic;
found in the high mountains.’ (Stahl, 5: 39.)
Schradera en cabezuelas. See Schradera capitata.
Schrankia. See Morongia.
Sciadophyllum jacquini. See Hedera arborea and Gilibertia arborea.
Scolosanthus grandifolius. ESPUELA DE GALAN.

Also called ‘* picha de gato."* A rubiaceous shrub, from the vicinity of Mari-
cao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 442.)

Scolosanthus versicolor.
A shrub 2 to 3 meters high, known from Humacao.

Scoparia dulcis. ORozuz.

Family Scrophulariaceae; a woody annual, 50 centimeters high, common to all
parts of the islands. Supposed to be a remedy for coughs in Jamaica, where it is
called ‘‘licorice weed.”’ Specimens were collected at Condado. near Santurce,
and at Loa Alta, the latter with the name Culantrillo. Bello calls this ‘‘ escobita
amarga.”’ (Stahl, 6: 226.)

Serew pine. See Pandanus.

Scrophularia micrantha. PEREGIL CIMARRON.
An annual herb indigenous on the south side of the island. (Urban, Symb. —
1: 403.) :

Scutellaria. ALBAHACA.
The name ‘‘albahaca’’ is used at Rio Piedras for a species of Scutellaria
(No. 1003).

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMICG PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 237

Scutia ferrea. PALO DE HIERRO.

Family Rhamnaceae; a tree or shrub, 4 meters high, lreported from the east
coast by Stahl; flowers in the fall. (Stahl, 4: 41. as Gaidalie ferred.)
Sea-grape. See Coccolobis.

Seboruquillo. See Thouinia striata.
Sebucan. See Rheedia portoricensis and Cereus swartzit.

Seburoquillo. See Thouinia striata.
Also spelled *‘ seburuquillo’’ and ‘* seboruquillo.”’

Seca-garganta. See Parathesis crenulata.

Sechium edule. CHAYOTE.

This is a Mexican plant of the family Cucurbitaceae; it was cultivated by the
Aztecs and called chayoth, from which the modern Mexican name chayote is
derived; in Porto Rico a further modification into tayote or tallote is generally
current, while elsewhere in the West Indies the form chocho seems to be most
common though chuchu, choko, chahiota, and other corruptions have been made.
In some of the French islands it is called ‘‘ christophine’’ and in Madeira
‘‘pipinella.”’ ‘‘ Vegetable pear ’’ is also given as an English colonial name.

The chayote differs from all other vegetables of the squash family in having but
a single seed, which is embedded in the otherwise solid flesh of the deeply grooved
and usually spiny fruit. The fruits generally are more or less pear-shaped, but
one green variety is long and pointed, while a white sort is nearly spherical. The
color is green in some cases and white in others and the larger sorts are twice or
three times the size of the smaller. The spines seem to be very variable in size
an 1 number, and varietal differences are to be indicated by form and color rather
- than with reference to the spines. Thus we found in Porto Rican markets at
least five varieties of chayote. Although the spines are weak and fleshy and not
able to puncture the skin or cause discomfort in handling the fruit, the smooth
varieties are probably more desirable for market cultivation, since the spines
become bruised and broken in transportation and might thus induce decay. To
what extent the flesh of the different varieties differs in quality is not known with
certainty. In Madeira a green variety is considered superior to another described
as cream-colored, while in Jamaica a white sort has been indicated as ‘‘ by far the
more delicate.’’ External bruises discolor more on the white than upon the green
fruits, but on the other hand the white chayote in good condition appears more
delicate and appetizing than the green, and this superior appearance might easily
give it an advantage in the market.

In addition to the fruit, the chayote is valued for another miseful product in the form
of the edible, fleshly perennial root, which sometimes weighs as much as 20 pounds.
This contains starch to the extent of 20 per cent of its weight in the fresh condi-
tion, and the taste and texture are said to be very similar to those of the true yam.

Ever since the Spaniards made the acquaintance of this plant in Mexico its
culture in other countries has been extending. At present itis known throughout
tropical America, and it has long been established in Madeira, where English
travelers have often become acquainted with it. The Kew Gardens have within
the last two decades sent it to many points in British India and other tropical and
subtropical colonies, including St. Helena. It is also becoming known in South-
ern Europe and North Africa. Considerable quantities of chayotes are now being
imported from Algeria to France, where they are largely used in making a sub-
stitute for fonds des artichauts, the basal part of the receptacle of the flower
head of thetrue artichoke. Thisis cut in slices and isin much demand for special
dishes, but it has been found that the texture and flavor of the chayote per-
mit it to replace the artichoke if cut into disks so as to give the same external
appearance. The chayote has also been grown for many years in California, and
in a limited area about New Orleans.

238 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

The fact that the root is perennial will make it possible to grow the chayote,
with slight protection, wherever the ground does not freeze. It seems to have
originated in an elevated region and does not thrive as well at sea level in the
Tropics as in the mountains or subtropical regions. The vine, which suggests that
of the cucumber, is vigorous and fairly hardy, and is not known to suffer from the
attacks of insects or parasitic fungi, so that the chayote may be considered a
particularly reliable crop, in view of the utility of both the fruit and the root.

Of the value of the chayote for food purposes very different opinions have been
expressed, some writers reporting it as insipid and scarcely edible, while others
have compared it with the vegetable marrow and pronounced it superior. Those
who are fond of summer squashes will probably have no difficulty with the chay-
ote, and may prefer it on account of its better texture and more delicate flavor.
Although firmer than the squash, the flesh is not tough or fibrous, and eaten
simply with salt and pepper the chayote is an agreeable vegetable.

The question whether the chayote may not have a future as an article of export
to temperate regions naturally suggests itself. It is not likely that competition
with temperate vegetables will arise, but, on the other hand, it seems entirely
probable that in the winter and spring the chayote would find sale at least in our
city markets when once it had become known to the American public. The plant
is not only perennial, but ever-bearing, and in connection with a fruit trade or
other regular means of communication the shipment of chayotes at the proper
season might be found advantageous. At the time of our visit it seemed to rank
among the more important of the fresh vegetables for sale in the markets of Porto
Rican towns. Many Americans had not, however, learned to make use of it, and
others did not even know its name or nature, while the few who had tried it in
most cases reported favorably. Adverse opinions of new fruits are often the result
of acquaintance gained under unfavorable circumstances, and before deciding
adversely on an article of food it is always well to make sure that the samples
tested are of good quality and have been well prepared from the standpoint of
those who understand their use.

In any attempt which may be made for the commercial production of the chayote
an initial difficulty will probably be experienced, due to the fact that the species
multiplies slowly on account of the single-seeded character of the fruit.¢
Secua. See Fevillea cordifolia.

Securidaca virgata. BrEJUCO DE SOPLA.
Family Polygalaceae; a reclining shrub 3 meters high, found in waste places;
reported from Mayaguez. (Stahl, 2: 54.)
Sen de dos hojas. See Chamaecrista diphyllu.
Sen del pais. See Cassia laevigata and C. bicapsularis.
Sen de palillos. See Cassia bacillaris.
Sen obtusifolia. See Cassia tora.
Sepi. See Newrolaena lobata.
Serasuelo. See Eugenia serrasuela.
Possibly an error for ‘*‘ cerasuelo.”’
Serillos. See Meliosma obtusifolia.
Serjania curassavica. See Paullinia pinnata.
Serjania lucida. BrJUCO DE CORRALES.
Family Sapindaceae. A woody annual or biennial vine-like shrub, in waste
places along the shore. (Stahl, 2:.154.)

“For a more complete discussion of this plant see Bull. 28 of the Diy. of Botany,
J. S. Dept. Agriculture.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 239

Serjania triternata. See Serjania lucida.
Serra-suela. See Thouinia portoricensis.

Perhaps another spelling of ‘* cerasula.”’
Sesamum indicum. See Sesamum orientale.
Sesamum orientale. SESAME. AJONJOLI.

This well-known tropical plant has received, in addition to the above, a confus-
ing variety of names, such as benne, benni, benny, gingili, gingeley, gingely, and
gingelly, teel, and til. The Spanish name is also spelled ‘‘aljonjoli.’’ Sesame was
originally a native of India, but is now cultivated throughout the Tropics and can
be grown successfully in almost any region where three or four months of warm
moist weather can be assured. Loose and well-drained soils with plenty of lime
are most desirable, and nitrogenous fertilizers are said to have a very pronounced
effect upon the yield and the rapidity of growth.

Sesame is cultivated for the sake of the oily seeds which form a staple article
of diet in all the countries of tropical Asia, in many regions second only to rice
and in some exceeding it In importance. The roasted seeds have a very pleasant
nutty flavor and may be eaten without other preparation, but they also appear
as an important ingredient in endless kinds of soups, pastries, confections, and
other dishes.

Sesame oil is, however, the principal product and the object of the export trade
to Europe. The oil answers the same purpose as olive oil and is largely used as
an adulterant or substitute in the same way as cotton-seed oil, and was formerly
second only to cocoanut oil in the amount imported into Europe. Marseilles is by
far the largest center for receiving and extracting the oil, the annual importations
reaching 175,000,000 pounds. From the seeds can be extracted from 40 to 50 per
cent of their weight in oil, and the residuum is in regular demand as oil cake for
use as fodder and fertilizer.

Only the white variety of sesame was observed in Porto Rico. This is considered
to yield oil of the best color and flavor, though a black variety extensively culti-
vated in India is said to yield a larger quantity. In Porto Rico the culture of
sesame is carried on mostly as an incidental crop intermixed with corn, beans, and
bananas. On the south side of the island a few well-kept though small fields of
sesame were noticed. Itis planted in rows 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters)
apart, with the seeds3 inches (7 centimeters) apart in the row, to be later thinned
to 18 inches when the plants reach a height of 3 to 4inches. It is considered
important that the ground should be in a very finely pulverized condition, and
repeated plowing is practiced in India. Very shallow sowing is advised, and
careful hoeing and weeding, but this need not be long continued, since the sesame
grows with extreme rapidity and soon shades the ground completely. The crop
is allowed to ripen thoroughly, but cutting takes place before the capsules begin
to open. A scythe or sickle may be used, the plants being cut off near the ground
and allowed to dry further in small piles.

Sesbania. See Sesbania occidentalis.
Sesbania grandiflora. See Agati grandiflora.
Sesbania occidentalis. SESBANIA.

Family Viciaceae. A shrub 2 to 3 meters high, found along the west coast.
Flowers in March; legumes, 10 to 12 centimeters long. (Stahl, 3: 30.)
Sesbania sericea.

A woody herb, with a long slender legume, reported from Anasco; also collected
by Heller near Mayaguez.

Shaddock. See Citrus decwmana.
Sicana odorifera. PEPINO ANGOLO.

Family Cucurbitaceae; a vine bearing a large yellowish red or purple fruit 12

or 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) long and 8 or 4 inches (7 to 10 centimeters) in

240 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM. |

diameter, remarkable chiefly for its delightful and penetrating odor, which is said
to keep away insects. The fruit is also eaten, but the taste is rather insipid. In
the market at Mayaguez the larger fruits were valued at 10 cents each, but there
appeared to be no regular demand for them. One specimen of this fruit was —
found in the Washington market. i

Siciliana. See Mirabilis jalapa.
Sida carpinifolia. See Escoba blanca.

Sida ciliaris. EscoBa PESTANADA.
Family Malvaceae; an under-shrub, 30 centimeters high, growing: prostrate in
dry savannas. (Stahl, 2: 63.)

Sida cordifolia. EscoBa ACORAZONADA.
An annual woody herb, 1 meter high, found in dry sandy places. (Stahl, 2:
68.)

Sida jamaicensis. ESCcOBA DE JAMAICA.
A diffuse shrub, 40 to 50 centimeters high. with velvety leaves. (Stahl, 2: 62.)

Sida purpurea. EScOBA PURPURINA.

A reclining woody annual, 1 meter high, found in many parts of the island.
(Stahl, 2; 65.) :

Sida rhombifolia. Escopa COLORADA.

An annual or biennial shrub, 50 centimeters high, found in all parts of the
island.. This is one of the most widely distributed of all tropical plants. (Stahl,
2; 64.)

Sida supina. EScOBA TENDIDA.

An herbaceous annual found in dry, stony places, 30 to 40 centimeters high;
known from Guanica. (Stahl, 2: 67,)

Sida ulmifolia. EscoBa DULCE.

A woody annual, 1 meter high, from many parts of the island. Bello gives the
common name as ** escobita dulce.”’ (Stahl, 2: 66.)

Sida viscosa. See Bastardia bivalvis.

Sideroxylon foetidissimum.
Family Sapotaceae; known from the mountains about Utuado. (Sintenis.)

Sideroxylon mastichodendron. TorTuGo AMARILLO. AUSUBO.

A tree 10 to 15 meters high; wood solid, and used in making furniture; found
at all altitudes; flowers in June; common to many of the Antilles. (Stahl, 6: 53,
as Sideroxylon pallidum. )

According to Captain Hansard, it is called ‘* bullet wood’’ in the British West
Indies. Much used for building. Specific gravity, 1.09.

Sideroxylon pallidum. See Sideroxylon mastichodendron.
Sieneguillo. See Eugenia confusa.

This native name, recorded by Urban on the authority of Sintenis, is doubtless
an error for *‘ cienequillo:’’ also applied to other Myrtaceae. A tree from all parts
of the island; height, 12 to 15 feet (4 to 5 meters); diameter, 3 to 4 inches (7 to
10 centimeters); wood ash-colored, hard; specific gravity, 1.039; used in building
houses. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 413.)

Siete cueros.

A tree from the beaches of the island; height, 30 to 35 feet (9 to 11 meters);
diameter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters); wood ash-colored. very hard; spe-
cific gravity, 0.961; used for cabinetwork (Exp. 1857) and in boat building.
(Grosourdy, 2: 414.) oe
Silk. See note under Vorus.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 241
Silk-cotton tree. See Ceiba pentandra.

Simaruba amara. See Simaruba tulae.

Simaruba tulae. ACcEITILLO.

A tree 8 to 15 meters high; in primeval forests at an altitude of 600 to 800
meters; known from the Luquillo Mountains near Banadero, and from Juncos,
Adjuntas, Penuelas, and Maricao. Reported by Bello as 8S. amara, but that spe-
cies is believed not to exist in Porto Rico, being confined to the more southern
islands, while the Porto Rican plant is distinct in having the petals much longer
and the staminal scales smooth. (Urban, Add. 1: 18.)

Sinapis brassicata. See Brassica juncea.
Sisalhemp. See Agave sisalana.
Sloanea berteriana.

Native names: ‘‘Cacao roseta,’’ ‘‘ cacao otillo, cacaillo,’? ‘‘motillo.’? An
indigenous tree of 8 to 30 meters; family Tiliaceae; known from mountain forests ~
near Luquillo, Sierra de Naguabo, Yabucoa, Adjuntas, and Maricao. (Urban,
Symb. 1: 359.)

Smilax havanensis.

An indigenous, shrubby, climbing vine, growing at Cabo Rojo. It is closely
related to the cat-brier of our Eastern States. The variety portoricensis is
known from the vicinity of Maunabo.

Snake-wood.

In the British West Indies; applied to Cecropia peltata and Colubrina ferrugi-
nos.

Solanum asperum. TABACON ASPERO.

Family Solanaceae; a spineless shrub, occurring at the bases of mountains and
in waste places; 2 to 3 meters high. (Stahl, 6: 138.)

22 66 5)

Solanum callicarpifolium. BrERENJENA DE PALOMA.

A shrub, 3 meters high. The entire plant covered with dense hair; found in
waste places. (Stahl, 6: 276.)
Solanum caribaeum. MATA-GALLINAS.

A smooth, herbaceous annual, 80 centimeters high; common to all parts of the
island. (Stahl, 6: 129.)
Solanum guanicense.

A rather small, annual species recently described from the vicinity of Guanica.

Solanum igneum.
A prickly shrub; known from Guayama.
Solanum inclusum. BERENGENA CIMARRONA.
An erect shrub, 2 meters high; found at base of mountains and in cool, shady
places. (Stahl, 6: 133.)
Solanum jamaicense. BERENGENA JAMAIQUINA.
A biennial shrub; found in shady, waste places; 2meters high. (Stahl, 6: 131.)

Solanum lentum. BERENGENA DE PALOMA. ee

A decumbent shrub; found in cool places and at the base of mountains; known
from Hate Grande. (Stahl, 6: 128.)
Solanum mammosum. SUSUMBER. BERENGENA DE MARIMBO.

Also ‘‘soushumber.’’ A woody annual, densely pubescent, 1 meter high; found
in shady places near cultivated fields. (Stahl, 6: 134.)

A common. tropical weed used in Jamaica as a stock for grafting the eggplant.
Solanum melongena. EGGPLANT. BERENGENA.

The eggplant is rather commonly cultivated in Porto Rico and seems to thrive
better than most garden vegetables, perhaps because it is of tropical origin and

242 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

has not been selected for a very long period in temperate regions. Nearly all the
fruits seen in the markets were very small, and there seemed to be but one variety
represented, of a light purplish or lavender color. In gardens the plants were
mostly of small size and apparently rather sickly. In Jamaica similar difficulties
in bringing the plants to a healthy maturity have been met by grafting the egg-
plant on Solanum mammosum, the so-called “‘susumber tree,’’ a rank tropical
weed closely related botanically to the eggplant. The grafts are said to produce
fruits of large size and fine flavor, and, as the stock is perennial, bearing is con-
tinual. The process of grafting has been described as follows:

The stock is cut to the depth of 14 inches with a sharp knife and the cleft kept
open till the scion is inserted. The scion (a piece of growing branch of garden
egg about twice as thick as an ordinary lead pencil and about 4 inches long) iscut
wedge-shaped and inserted in the cleft, so that the inner barks may coincide. It
is then wrapped with soft string or woolen yarn and covered with a handful of
clay. There should be no bark left upon the inserted part of the scion except that
on the outside.

It is considered advisable to pick off the flowers which may form during the
first two or three months, in order to permit the plant to make vigorous growth.
A contributor to the January number of the Jamaica Agricultural Society claims
to have picked at least 250 fruits from such a tree, and adds:

The tree is now about two years old, and so far from showing any signs of
decay, it is increasing in size, and at the time of writing is covered with both
bloom and fruit. I have from time to time pruned it in the samemanner as a
coffee tree, leaving the center open, cutting off dead wood, and encouraging
lateral growth. Buds take very readily, and a few put into susumber bushes in
a rich spot near a dwelling would amply repay those who value the vegetable for
home use.

If these representations are correct, it would seem that this method of growing
eggplants for commercial as well as for domestic purposes, is far preferable to
permitting the plant to depend upon its own roots. The raising of seedlings is a
difficult and uncertain process, owing to the attacks of insects and other adverse
possibilities. Transplanting and watering are also troublesome and costly, and if
all goes well only ten or a dozen marketable fruits are to be expected from each
plant. The use of the more vigorous and hardy stock of the unimproved species
offers, it would seem, every advantage in the way of protection against accidents
or adverse conditions, saves labor, and would be much more remunerative.
Another most important consideration also suggests itself. By pinching off the
flowers during the seasons when fruit is not desired for market, the energies of
the year’s growth could be concentrated upon production in the months when
shipping appeared most advantageous, or during the early winter months before
the Florida crop is ready.

It is to be expected that such a possibility as the present will be duly appreci-
ated by those interested in the production of .vegetables in Porto Rico. The
experiment is easy and inexpensive, and should be tried for the tomato as well as
the eggplant, and with other wild species of Solanum where these are locally
abundant and vigorous. In Porto Rico Solanum torvwm (see below) is an -
extremely common weed along roadsides and in waste places generally. It has
a strong, erect habit, and is a near relative of the eggplant, so that it seems quite
probable that grafting would be found easily practicable.

Solanum nigrum. BLACK NIGHTSHADE. YERBA MORA.

Specimens obtained at Ponce (No. 779) not noted elsewhere and not reported
by Stahl.

The plant is reputed poisonous, but the berries are often eaten.

Solanum persicaefolium. BERENGENA DE PLAYA.
A branched shrub found along sandy beaches; 1 meter high. (Stahl, 6: 130.)

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. : PLATE LV. :

BERENGENA CIMARRONA (SOLANUM TORVUM).

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 248

Solanum seaforthianum. FAtLsa BELLADONA.

A biennial climbing or trailing vine 2 to 3 meters high; cultivated in gardens for
its handsome flowers. (Stahl, 6: 137.)

A plant that was taken for this species was called ‘‘aguinaldo’’ at Catan.
Solanum torvum. BERENGENA CIMARRONA. PLATE LV.

This is a rank, shrubby species, very abundant in Porto Rico. It may also be
found useful as a stock on which to graft the eggplant. See Solanwnm melongena
atend. (Stahl, 6: 132.)
Solanum tuberosum. PoraTo. PATATA.

The potatoes are usually called ‘‘ papas ’’ in Spanish countries, although ‘‘ patata ”’
is generally recognized as the more correct form of the word.
Solanum verbascifolium. TABACON AFELPADO,

A woody shrub, 2 meters high, found in waste places. (Stahl, 6: 139.)

Solanum virgatum. BERENGENA DE PALOMA.
(Stahl, 6: 275.)
Sonajuelas. See Crotalaria retusa.
Sonchus arvensis. CHICORIA.
Reported by Bello.
Sonchus oleraceus. CHICORIA.
An herbaceous composite weed, common to all the world. (Stahl, 5: 154.)
Souarinut. See Caryocar nuciferum.
Sour grass.
A name applied to various species of Paspalum.
Sour orange. See Citrus bigaradia.
Sour sop. See Anona muricata.
Soushumber. See Solanum mammosum.
This is also spelled *‘ susumber,’’ and is a Jamaica name.
Spanish cedar. See Cedrela odorata.
Spanish elm. See Cordia gerascanthoides.
Spanish plum. See Spondias purpurea.
Sparganophorus vaillantii. YrERBA DE FAJA.

A composite herb, 50 centimeters high, common throughout tropical America.
(Stahl, 5: 100.)

Spermacoce ocymoides. BorTonci.o.
Family Rubiaceae.

Spermacoce parviflora. CLAVELILLO.
Specimens from Toa Alta (no. 882).

Spermacoce portoricensis. Poaya.
An herbaceous annual, 50 centimeters high, found in dry pastures. (Stahl,
5: 87.)

Spermacoce verticillata. Boron BLANco. BoTON BLANCO DE ARENALES.
Stem shrubby, 3 or 4 feet (about 1 meter) high, growing preferably in dry soil.
Specimens from Lares arein the National Herbarium (Sintenis, no. 5082).

Sphenoclea zelanica. CAMPANILLA.
Family Campanulaceae; an herb found in inundated places. (Stahl, 6: 32.)

Spiderwort. See Tradescantia.

23227—VOL VIII, PT 2—03 15

944 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Spigelia anthelmia. YERBA DE LOMBRICES.

Family Loganiaceae; an herbaceou: annual, 30 centimeters high, found in culti-
vated fields. This plant has strong narcotic and anthelminthic properties. Bello
records the common name ‘‘lombricera.’’ (Stahl, 5: 54.)

Spilanthes uliginosa. See Spilanthes acmella.
Spondias dulcis.

Family Anacardiaceae; a tree cultivated for its edible fruits throughout the

Tropics; reported from Penuelas.

Spondias lutea. HoG PLUM. JOBO.

Family Anacardiaceae; one of the most common trees in Porto Rico, planted
extensively for shade and for the sake of its edible fruits. It grows readily from
large cuttings, and with Bursera simaruba, the ** almacigo,’”’ is preferred for
stakes and fence posts, which are durable because they take root and remain
alive. The fruits are oval and attain a length of 1} inches. The skin is very thin
and incloses a pleasantly acid pulp surrounding the nut-like seed. The tree attains
a height of 40 feet (42 meters) or more, and a diameter of from 1 to 2 feet (30 to
60 centimeters), but the wood is light and soft (specific gravity 0.457), and is
very little used except in the way explained above. The fruits of this species are
yellow, and are said to be inferior to those of Spondias purpurea. ‘* Hog plum”?
is a Jamaica name and does not, as might appear, involve any reflection on the
quality of the fruit, but refers to the fact that hogs are extremely fond of this
fruit, on which they fatten rapidly.

Grosourdy gives the specific gravity of the wood as 0.508 and says that it is
strong and elastic, yellowish-brown in color, so marked as to give a pleasing
appearance. (Grosourdy, 2: 393.)

Spondias purpurea. CIRUELA DEL PAIS.

A tree or shrub 4 to 5 meters high, introduced from South America. Cultivated
in gardens for its agreeable, deep purplish-red fruits, which are considered better
flavored than those of Spondias lutea. (Stahl, 4: 57.)

Stachytarpha. See Valerianodes.
Stachytarpheta. See Valerianodes.
Stahlia maritima. CoBano.

Also called ‘* polisandro.’’ Described as a magnificent, widely branching,
indigenous, leguminous tree, 5 to 20 meters high. known from the seashore near
Rio Grande, Ceiba, Naguabo, Guanica, Barinas, and La Plata. (Bello, Stahl,
Urban. )

Star apple. See Chrysophyllum cainito.
Stave wood. See Simaruba amara.

Stemmodontia affinis.

‘A composite shrub, reported from Fajardo, near the seashore.
Stemmodontia buphthalmoides. MaNnzaNILLA DE COSTA.

An erect shrub, 75 centimeters high, reported once by Stahl from the east coast.
(Stahl, 5:138, as Wedelia buphthalmoides. )

Stemmodontia carnosa. MANZANILLA DE LA PLAYA.

A common herbaceous annual weed preferring sandy soils and open grounds.
It was very common about Santurce, where it was called ‘‘ manzanilla cimarrona,”’
(Stahl, 5:135, as Wedelia carnosa.)

Stemmodontia lanceolata.

Reported from Guanica.

Stemmodontia reticulata. MANZANILLA DE MONTE.

A woody biennial, 80 centimeters high, found in waste places in the foothills.
(Stahl, 5: 136, as Wedelia reticulata.)

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE LVI.

ANACAGUITAS (STERCULIA CARTHAGINENSIS). NEAR PONCE.

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 245

Stemodia durantifolia. VERONICA.

Family Scrophulariaceae; an herbaceous annual, 30 centimeters high. In
Jamaica various medicinal properties are attributed to it. (Stahl, 6: 237.)
Stemonacanthus coccineus. See Ruellia coccinea.
Stenolobium caeruleum. See Calopogonium caeruleum.

Stenostomum lucidum. See Antirrhoea floribunda and A. lucida.
Stenostomum resinosum. See Laugeria resinosa.
Sterculia carthaginensis. ANACAGUITAS. PLATE LVI.

A fine South American tree, with large 5-lobed leaves. The flowers are very
white, streaked and spotted with dull purple. A single specimen was seen in a
dooryard along the road between Ponce and Adjuntas. A decoction is believed
to be beneficial in catarrhal affections, and the popular name may have been
applied on this account, being used in Mexico for species of Cordia supposed to
have similar properties.

Stigmatophyllon chrysophylla. See Heteropteris bellonis.
Stigmatophyllon floribunda. BrsJuco DE PARALEJO.

Family Malpighiaceae; a vine found on the south coast. (Stahl, 2: 147.)
Stigmatophyllon periplocifolium. BrJuco DE PARALEJO.

Not known to Stahl, but reported from the south coast. (Stahl, 2: 147.)
Stigmatophyllon puberum. BrJucO DE PARALEJO.

A pubescent vine found flowering at Humacao. (Stahl, 2: 146.)

Stillingia sebifera. See Sapium sebiferum.
Strainer vine. See Luffa acutangula.
Strawberries.

No record of the introduction of strawberries into Porto Rico has been found,
but they are grown successfully on the mountains in Jamaica.
Stylosanthes procumbens. ZARZABACOA ENANA.

Family Viciaceae; an herbaceous pubescent herb, 30 centimeters high, found
along sandy coasts. Our specimens were obtained on the Pozuelo estate near the
bay of Jobos. This is a deep-rooting, vigorous, though rather slender, species and
may possibly be of interest in view of its habitat. (Stahl, 8: 35.)

Styrax portoricensis.

Family Styracaceae; a native forest tree reported from the mountain forests of
the eastern part of the island, Luquillo, Naguabo, and Juncos. (Urban, Add.
1: 53.)

Suelda con suelda. See Boussingaultia baselloides.
Sugar. See Saccharum officinarum.

Sunn hemp. See note under Crotalaria retusa.
Supple Jack. See Paullinia curassavica.

Surahwa nut. See Caryocar nuciferum.

Suriana maritima. TEMPORANA.

Family Simarubaceae. Reported by Bello.
Susumber. See Solanum mammosum.

A Jamaican name for Solanum mammosum, used in that island as a stock for
grafting the eggplant.
Sweet lemon.

The sweet lemon, or limon dulce, is a citrous type very little known and not
likely to become popular with the American public, but quite generally cultivated
and used in south European countries. No mature specimens of Porto Rican fruit
were seen, but the wingless petioles of the leaves and the enormous spines of the

246 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

vegetative branches render the tree easily distinguishable. The specific identity
of this fruit is uncertain. It is, however, quite distinct from the fruit called sweet
lemon in Florida.

Sweet orange. See Citrus aurantium.

Sweet potato. See Ipomoea batatas.

Sweet sop. See Anona squamosa.

Sweet william, Barbadoes. See Quamoclit quamoclit.

Swietenia mahagoni. MAHOGANY. CaAoBA,°

Family Meliaceae; the distribution of the true mahogany extends from Florida
and the Bahamas to Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Peru. It is now believed that
the mahogany which comes from Mexico and Honduras is the wood of closely
allied but distinct species. An oil used as a purgative is said to be extracted from
the seeds, and the bark is employed as a tonic. In Cuba this tree is said by
Pichardo to yield a gum equal to gum arabic.

It is not known that the mahogany exists at present in the island. Cordova,
however, refers to the ‘‘ caoba’’ as one of the trees growing in the highlands of
Porto Rico. 4

Grosourdy recommends the replanting of mahogany, leaving 30 or 40 feet
(9 to 12 meters) between the trees. These prefer level, rather stony, ground, grow
rather quickly, and are usually met with in the low altitudes of the mountains as
well as in the lower forests.

Plantations on a large scale prove a source of riches. The tree is of the highest,
and the long, straight trunk reaches 2 yards (1.8 meters) or more in diameter. It
furnishes a rather light, hard wood that is without doubt very strong. The grain
may be coarse or fine, according to the class. In countries where it grows the
wood is used in building houses. Specific gravity, 0.819. (Grosourdy, 2: 370.)
Symplocos lanata. NisPERO CIMARRON.

Family Symplocaceae; a native forest tree, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters) high;
from Adjuntas and Penuelas. A related species, S. micrantha, is reported from
the Sierra de Luquillo and Aybonito. (Urban, Add. 1: 52.)

Symplocos latifolia. AcrrruNna.

Family Styracaceae; a native forest tree the height of 60 feet (18 meters).
Separated by Urban from Symplocos martinicensis as understood by Stahl (6: 58).
Reported from Sierra de Yabucoa, near Aibonito, Adjuntas, Las Marias, Utuado,
and Manati.

Symplocos martinicensis. ACEITUNA.

Family Symplocaceae; a shrub or tree native from Cuba to Trinidad. Also
called ‘‘aceituna cimarrona”’’ and ‘‘aceituna blanca.’? (Urban, Add. 1: 50;
Stahl, 6: 58.)

Symplocos polyantha. Pawo DE CABRA.

A native forest tree, collected by Eggers in the Sierra de Luquillo. (Urban,
Add. 1: 49.)

Synedrella nodiflora. SarRBATANA.

An herbaceous annual composite, 50 centimeters high, found in pastures
(Stahl, 5: 148.)

Syzygium jambolanum. JAMBOLIN.

A myrtaceous tree, bearing an edible fruit. It was introduced from the Malay
region into Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad, and the French islands, and has fre-
quently escaped from cultivation. but is not known from Porto Rico.

Tabaco. See Nicotiana tabacwm.

«Cordova, Memorias de la Puerto Rico, 1: 183, 229.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 247

Tabacon.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters);
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood, white, soft; specific gray-
ity. 0.477; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 414.)

~Tabacon afelpado. See Solanum verbascifolium.

Tabacon aspero. See Solanum asperum.
Tabaiba. See Plumeria alba.:

Tabamuco.

This may be only another way of spelling Tabonuco. It grows to be a large
tree, with coarse wood, which is hard to work and very long in drying; generally
used for timber, also in constructing road canoes, or ‘‘ stone boats,’’ for hauling
in the hills. It exudes a resinous substance used to make torches. Captain Han-
sard gives its specific gravity as 0.66.

Tabebuia rigida. Rosie.

Family Bignoniaceae; a fine tree, 20 meters high, recently described from the
Luquillo mountains. (Urban, 1: 404.)

Tabebuia schumanniana. ROBLE COLORADO.

A species recently discovered near Utuado and claimed by its describer to be
one of the most beautiful of the indigenous trees of the island. It attains a height
of from 10 to 15 meters and has blood-red flowers about an inch long. (Urban,
Symb. 1: 404.)

Tabeiba. See Maba sintenisii, Plumeria krugii, and P. portoricensis.
Tabernaemontana citrifolia. PEGOGE.

Family Apocynaceae; a wild tree, 3 meters high; grows in the mountains,
flowering in the spring. Found in the Antilles and Mexico. Reported from the
mountains of Luquillo. (Stahl, 6: 71.)

Some species of Tabernaemontana have been reported as producing rubber, par-
ticularly T. crassa,an Africantree. It has not been found possible, however, to coag-
ulate the latex into serviceable rubber; it forms instead an extremely sticky gum.

Tabloncillo. See Dipholis montana.

A tree from the interior of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters);
diameter, 30 to 35 inches (45 to 62 centimeters). Wood, white, hard; specific
gravity, 0.837; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 414.)
Tabanuco. See Dacryodes hexandra.

A tree from theinterior part of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters);
diameter, 35 to 40 inches (87 to 100 centimeters). Wood, white, rather hard;
specific gravity, 0.671; used for lumber and resin. (Exp. 1857.)

Tachuelo. See Pictetia aristata, also note under ‘‘ tochullo.’’

A wild tree abundant in the mountains, 40 feet (12 meters) in height, with a
trunk reaching 10 or 12 inches (25 or 30 centimeters) in diameter. Furnishes a
very hard, yellow wood that is very strong and durable. Used for shingles,
fences, shelving, etc. When the tree is old it is burned, the wood becoming
so hard as to resist all woodworking tools. (Grosourdy, 2: 414.)

Tachullo.

A tree from the interior part of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14
meters); diameter, 9 to 10 inches (22 to 25 centimeters). Wood, yellowish, hard;
specific gravity, 0.945; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.)

This is apparently the same as ‘‘ tachuelo.”’

Tachulo blanco.

Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of 1.12 for this wood.

Tafetan. See Palicourea barbinervis.

948 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Tagua-tagua. See Passiflora foetida.
Talantala. See Herpetica alata.
Talantron. See Casearia bicolor.

Talauma plumieri. MAGNOLIA.
Family Magnoliaceae: a tree 20 meters high, rarely cultivated in gardens for
its fragrant white flowers; native in the French islands. (Stahl, 2: 21.)

Talaumo.

This appears as a common name in fiill’s list of trees of the mountains, and
probably conceals a reference to the genus Talauma, a species of which, according
to Eggers, furnishes a wood called *‘sabino.’’ This Talauma turns out, however,
to be a Magnolia, and has been described by Urban as I. splendens.

Talinum racemosum.
Family Portulacaceae; a coarse fleshy herb, collected by Sintenis at Anasco;
our specimens from Rio Piedras were called ** verdolaguilla.”’

Tallote.—See-Sechiwm edacle. . era :
This name is doubtless a local corruption of *‘tayote,’’ the tendency among
the lower classes being to interchange y and (1, which they pronounce much alike.

Tallow tree. See Sapiwm sebiferum.
Tamarind. See Tamarindus indica.
Tamarindillo. See Chamaecrista glandulosa.
Tamarindo. See Tamarindus indica.

Tamarindus indica. TAMARIND. TAMARINDO.

A large fine-leaved leguminous tree, very common in Porto Rico and widely cul-
tivated in the Tropics for the fleshy edible pods, which have a pleasant, decidedly
sour taste, due to the presence of several vegetable acids, including citric and tar-
taric. According to the Treasury of Botany the tamarinds of the East differ from
those of Porto Rico and the other West Indies. in that the pods havea brittle brown
shell and contain from 6 to 12 seeds instead of from 1 to 4. Considerable quanti-
ties of tamarinds are imported into Europe and America, either dried or preserved
in sirup. They are largely used in the preparation of acid cooling drinks, and
are believed to have a beneficial laxative effect on the system. To the tamarind
are also ascribed numerous other virtues, which have been well summarized in the
work mentioned above.

In addition to their cooling qualities they act as gentle laxatives, and are useful
in some forms of sore throat. The pulp mixed with salt is used as a liniment in
rheumatism by the Creoles of the Mauritius. Theseedsareemployed medicinally
by the natives of Bengal in dysentery, and they are also used by the Cingalese as
food in times of scarcity, the dark outer skin being removed by maceration.
Powdered, the seeds are employed as a poultice to boils; this powder also is mixed
with thin glue to form a very strong cement for wood. The flowers of the tree
are used in Ceylon in cases of liver disease. Medicinal virtues are also ascribed to
the leaves, which are used internally in jaundice, and externally as an application
to sore eyes or ulcers. An infusion of the leaves is employed to furnish a yellow
dye. In Mauritius a decoction of the bark is used in asthma and as a tonic
and astringent in dysentery. The timber is valuable for building purposes, and
furnishes excellent charcoal forthe manufacture of gunpowder. Tamarinds form
an important ingredient in Indian cookery, especially in curries; and they are
also used in western India in preserving or pickling fish, which under the name
of tamarind-fish is considered a delicacy.

Tt is said that no plants will grow under the shade of the tamarind, hence it is
considered unsafe to sleep under the trees. It is also said that the acid moisture
they exhale does really affect the cloth of tents, if they are allowed to remain
under the trees for any length of time.

The wood is of good weight and more than ordinarily hard. The texture is
rather compact and the grain fine. In color it is a dirty white or yellowish. It
is not used. Specific gravity, 0. 948. (Grosourdy, 2: 414.)

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 249

Tamonea. CAMACEY.

A large genus of shrubs of the family Melastomaceae. In the National Her-
barium, under Miconia, are Porto Rican specimens representing the following
species: Cubensis, foveolata, fulva, guaranensis, impetiolaris, laevigata, prasina,
rubiginosa, sintenisii, tetranda, and thomasina.

Tamonea fothergilla. CAMACEY BLANCO.

Family Melastomaceae; a shrub 3 to 4 meters high, in mountain woods. (Stahl,
A: 100.)

Tamonea impetiolaris. CAMACEY COLORADO. -

A shrub 3 to 4 meters high, found in cool, wet places. (Stahl, 4: 104.)
Tamonea integrifolia. CaMacEy. ALMENDRO.

A shrub 3 to 5 meters high, from the high mountains; bears flowers and fruit
at the same time. (Stahl, 4: 115.)

Tamonea laevigata. CAMACEY DE PALOMA.

A shrub 3 to 4 meters high. in sandy soil over clay. (Stahl, 4: 106.)
Tamonea racemosa. CAMACEY RACEMOSO.

A shrub 3 meters high, in waste places. (Stahl, 4: 110.)

Tamonea thomasiana. Camacrey. TOMASO.

A shrub 3 meters high, in waste places. (Stahl, 4: 108.)

Tapa-camino. See Vernonia arborescens.
Tapioca. See Manihot.

The name tapioca is used with us only for the shot-like preparation of cassava
starch, but it is also applied in Brazil and other countries to the starch in the
granular form and even to the roots or to the whole plant.

Tarantala. See Herpetica alata.

This is evidently intended for the same as ‘‘ talantala.”’
Taro. See Colocasia esculenta.

The better known Polynesian name for the plant called ‘‘ yautia’’ in Porto Rico.
Tartago. See Jatropha curcas.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 12 to 15 feet (3.5 to 4.5 meters); diam-
eter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity 0.317;
used in medicine. (Exp. 1857.)

Tayote. See Sechiwm edule. z
Té. See Capraria biflora.

Té del pais. See Capraria diflora.

Tea.

Successful experiments have been made in Jamaica, and there appears to be no
reason why tea could not be grown on the mountains of Porto Rico.
Téa. See Amyris maritima and A. silvatica.

A tree from the northeastern part of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8
meters); diameter, 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 centimeters). Wood white, soft; spe-
cific gravity 1.208; used for torches. Also called ‘‘ teo.’’ (Exp. 1857.)

Tea, Spanish. See Pentarhaphia longiflora.
Tecoma barterii. ROBLE PRIETO.

Family Bignoniaceae; a wild tree 5 meters high, usually found along the coast.

Flowersin May. (Stahl, 6: 176.)
Tecoma haemantha.
An indigenous shrub or tree attaining a height of 10 meters, with large purple

or red flowers. Known from the vicinity of Coamo, Pefiuelas, Utuado, Maricao,
Sabana Grande, and Mayaguez.

elon

250 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Tecoma leucoxylon.

A shrubby, erect species with small leathery leaves. Grows near the sea, on the
south side of the island; Guanica and Ponce. (Sintenis.)
Tecoma pentaphylla. ROBLE BLANCO.

A wild tree 10 meters high, wood white and strong. Common to all parts of the
island and occurring in all the Antilles. Said by Stahl to flower in May, but our ~
specimens collected in the Plata Valley above Cayey had handsome pink flowers
in November. (Stahl, 6: 175.) j
Tecoma stans. ROBLE AMARILLO.

A tree 4 meters high, cultivated in gardens for its yellow flowers. (Stahl,
6: 278.)
Tecomaria capensis.

Family Bignoniaceae; a climber, native of the Cape of Good Hope. Culti-
vated at Ponce.

Fig. 13,—Almendra, fruit of Terminalia catappa.

Temporana. See Suriana maritima.
Teo.
Probably the same as téa.
Tephrosia. See Cracca.
Teramnus uncinatus. CRESTA DE GALLO BLANCO.
Family Viciaceae; a vine with twining branches. (Stahl, 3: 64.)
Terminalia buceras. See Bucida buceras.
Terminalia catappa. ALMENDRO. INDIAN ALMOND.

PuaTte LVII and Fieure 13.

This is the large beautifui large-leaved tree so commonly planted for shade at
San Juan and along the military roads, and called ‘‘almendro.”’ It is believed
by many Porto Ricans to be the genuine almond tree on account of the close

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE LVII

ALMENDRO (TERMINALIA CATAPPA).

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 251

similarity of the nuts. It is scarcely necessary to add that the almond is a close
relative of and very similar to the peach, while the Porto Rican ** almendro”’ is
a member of the tropical family Combretaceae, to which belongs the ‘* mangle
blanco,’ or white mangrove, Laguncularia racemosa, forming a large part of the
mangrove swamps behind Catafio and probably elsewhere in Porto Rico. The
present species is, however, a native of the East Indies, though widely known in
the Tropics.

While similar in shape and texture to almonds the nuts of Terminalia have not
the characteristic flavor. though generally considered quite palatable. There
seems to be no published account of experiments with their keeping qualities or
of other efforts at placing them upon the market. We saw none in the dried
condition, but while green the somewhat fleshy husk shows no tendency to sepa-
rate from the shell of the nut proper. ‘As with other species of Terminalia a
black dye may be obtained from the bark and leaves of the tree. A silkworm is
also raised upon the leaves inIndia. The fruitsof other species are also astringent
and have a place in commerce among dyestuffs under the name ‘* myrobalans.”’

A photograph of Terminalia has been published in Mr. Wilson’s paper (Pl. V)
over the title ‘* Bent mango trees, San Juan.”’

Grosourdy (2: 360) states that the wood is brownish with a specific gravity
of 0.699 and has no use. He gives the name Almendro de Indias.

Ternstroemia elliptica. See Ternstroenia stahlii.

Ternstroemia heptasepala.
A specimen is in the National Herbarium from the Sierra de Luquillo.

Ternstroemia luquillensis. PALO COLORADO.
A tree 6 to 20 meters in height, known only from the Luquillo region. This is
also true of T, heptasepala, a smaller tree or shrub of 2 to 8 meters.

Ternstroemia stahlii. Mammy DEL CURA.

A small tree of 12 to 15 feet (3.5 to 4.5 meters) common in thickets ia sandy
soil near the sea, in the vicinity of Bayamon. TJ. peduncularis stenophylla, from
Fajardo, and 7. pachyphylla, from El Yunque, are related species without local
names yet reported. T. elliptica, of Stahl’s Flora, is a synonym of 7. stahlii.

Tetade burro. See Hirtellatriandra and H. rugosa; also Chrysophyllum mono-
pyrenum.

Teta de curra.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters); diam-
eter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters); wood pinkish, hard; specific gravity,
0.816; not used. (Exp. 1857.)

Tetragastris balsamifera. Masa.

Family Burseraceae. A common forest tree, 10 meters high, yielding balsam.
(Stahl, 4: 50.) ;

Grosourdy gives this species the name Tabanuco and describes it as a wild tree
growing in the center of the Antilles, reaching 45 to 60 feet (13 to 18 meters) in
height, with a long straight trunk 5 hands (‘‘ cuartas’’) in diameter, more or less.
From the cracks in the bark and cuts made for this purpose exudes a white,
very aromatic resin. The wood is rather light, moderately hard, fibrous in tex-
ture, with a rather fine grain, rose-colored or gray tinged with a light flesh color
and yellow. It is rather strong, resistant, and much appreciated because of its
beauty and durability. It is also free from the attacks of insects, because of the
resin which it contains. It is used for the interior work of houses and other fine
carpenter work. (Grosourdy, 2: 363.)

Tetrapteris citrifolia. Brsuco DE PARALEJO.
Family Malpighiaceae; a high, trailing climber.

252 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Tetrapteris paniculata. BEJUCO DE PARALEJO.

A vine-like biennial shrub; growsin various parts of theisland. (Stahl, 2: 151.)
Tetrazygia elaeagnoides. CENIZO.

Family Melastomaceae; a much-branched shrub 4 to 5 meters high, frequent-
ing limestone hills. Bello calls this *‘ verdeseco.”’ (Stahl, 4: 3.)
Tetrazygia stahlii. CENIZO.

A shrub 3 meters high, with cinnamon bark, grows cn rocks at an elevation of
1,500 feet. (Stahl, 4: 113.)

Thalia geniculata.
Family Marantaceae: has very large. abruptly ovate, closely veined leaves and
peculiar zigzag flower stalks: known from Anasco. (Sintenis.)

Theobroma cacao. Cacao.

The cultivation of cacao is becoming one of the major industries of the Tropics,
and as such is reasonably safe from the commercial side, although market prices
will undoubtedly be subject to fluctuation, as with all staple articles. A great
objection to the extensive cultivation of cacao in Porto Rico is the danger of wind

storms, which may shake the entire crop from the trees. Cacao is unusually

susceptible to this danger, since the large fruits are borne on very slender stems
which come directly out of the inflexible wood of the larger branches or even from
the trunk itself.

Cacao was introduced into Porto Rico by refugees from Venezuela in the early
part of the century, and the culture flourished for a considerable period,
although the amount produced was never very large and has of late years
declined, perhaps owing to the fact that the exports of other countries were more
prominent in the markets and had easier access to the commerce of Europe and
the United States. In some of the West Indian islands, not subject to hurricanes,
cacao is, however, already recognized as an important product. In many parts
of the island of Porto Rico it might be made a valuable adjunct to mixed farm-
ing. The processes are not complicated nor costly, but some skill is required,
and a mistake may render the beans of little or no value.

A new cacao disease has recently appeared in Trinidad which forbids the
importation into Porto Rico of new stock from that island without expert precau-
tions or quarantining in a locality where no cacao trees now exist, so that plants
which proved to be infected might be carefully destroyed before the disease could
spread.

Superintendent Hart of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Trinidad secured some
years since from Nicaragua a species of cacao (Theobroma pentagona) not pre-
viously cultivated in that island. Trees of this species have recently fruited and
are found to be more vigorous and resistant to disease than the varieties of
Theobroma cacao hitherto used. The fruits of 7. pentagona differ from those of
T. cacao in having five prominent ridges or angles. In Nicaragua it is said to
yield beans of high grade for manufacturing purposes. Successful attempts at
grafting cacao by the method of inarching have also been made at the Trinidad
Gardens, an achievement of vast importance to this industry, since it renders
possible the formation of plantations of trees of uniformly high vigor and pro-
ductiveness, which will yield a product of uniform quality, able on that account
to command special prices in the market.

The best cacao of Mexico from the region of Socomusco in the State of Chiapas
does not come from 7’. cacao, but is believed to be derived from 7. angustifolia,
a very different species, now placed in a distinct subgenus. Several other species
are also cultivated in Central and South America, and those doubtless have more
or less different requirements in the way of climate and soils. A careful canvass
of the subject would be logically the first step in the direction of reestablishing a
cacao industry in Porto Rico.

ose .

PLATE LVIII. -

sonora NTS

NEAR PONCE.

ANTA MARIA (THESPESIA POPULNEA).

r, Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII.

4
rd

Con

iter:

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE LIX.

SANTA MARIA (THESPESIA POPULNEA), SHOWING FRUIT.

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 253

The area well adapted to cacao culture in Porto Rico is relatively small, since
thoroughly tropical conditions are necessary, including moisture, warmth, and an
elevation under 500 feet. Moreover, exposure to sea breezes is also detrimental,
so that the suitable situations are mostly restricted to the more sheltered valleys
and the region of the foothills. Partial shade is also considered desirable, but as
in the case of coffee the happy effects may prove to be due to the prevention of
drought and to the maintenance of the fertility of the soil by the ‘‘ madres de
cacao’’ or ‘‘ mothers of cacao,”’ as the trees of Hrythrina wmbrosa are commonly
called in South America. It is certain, at least, that the tree thrives and the
foliage remains entirely uninjured in the open sun at sea level, particularly when
judicious pruning encourages the growth of lateral branches to shade the trunk
of the tree and the ground underneath. The use of the Para rubber tree Hevea
and also of Castilloa for shade of cacao plantations has been suggested, but it is
not known that this plan has been found successful in practice.

To open a plantation of cacao is more difficult than to start one of coffee,
since the young seedlings are much more delicate and seldom survive transplanting
by the methods followed with coffee. Insome countries the seed is planted in small
baskets which can be buried in the ground without disturbing the seedlings. A
second, but less desirable plan, is to sow the seeds in the place where the tree is
to grow. In both cases it is considered wise to dig large holes 2 feet square and
2 feet deep, which are allowed to remain open for a month or two before piant-
ing. The fine earth and vegetable débris which collects in the holes and the
surface soil which should be used in filling them up provide the young plants
with conditions favorable for vigorous growth. In direct seeding three or four
plants are sprouted in each hole. all but the strongest being afterwards removed.
Baskets suitable for cacao plants can be made very inexpensively in most tropical
countries, but flowerpots have also been advised where these are obtainable at a
cheap rate, or where they can be manufactured readily. In Porto Rico the local
potteries would undoubtedly be able to supply ample quantities at low prices.
Twelve feet seems to be the preferable distance between the trees, which are per-
mitted to reach no more than equal height, although in nature or where crowded
with other vegetation they sometimes run up to 20 or 380 feet. While cacao is
young other crops, such as bananas, indian corn, and sweet potatoes, are planted
between the rows to give partial shade and assist in keeping the ground clear of
weeds.

Thespesia grandiflora. Maaar.

Family Malvaceae; a wild tree, 10 to 15 meters high, occurring in all parts of
the island; the large red flowers are produced all the year. Wood excellent for
furniture. The species appears to be peculiar to Porto Rico. Beautiful trees
said to be ‘‘ magar’’ were pointed out to us between Manatiand Arecibo. (Stahl.
2 Vie)

A wild tree not very abundant that should be planted for ornament as well as
for its useful wood. The tree is 50 feet (15 meters) high and the straight. rather
long trunk reaches the diameter of 30 inches (75 centimeters). The wood is rose-
colored when fresh, black when old. It is strong and breaks with a vertical frac-
ture. Its common use is for shelving. It is used also for making flutes, pegs of
guitars. and other work of this class; also for furniture. Placed in the earth it
lasts for a long time and is considered the best wood for foundations. Specific
gravity, 0.677. (Grosourdy, 2: 397. The native name is here spelled ‘‘ maga.’’ )
Thespesia populnea. Santa Maria. PALODEJAQUECA. PLATES LVIII, LIX.

A wild tree 3 to5 meters high, found by Stahl near the central part of the
northern coast. Flowers all the year. The uses are similar to those of ‘‘ emaja-
gua.’ Several of these are detailed in the Treasury of Botany:

“T. populnea, the best known species, is an extremely common tree on the sea-

954 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

shores of most eastern tropical countries, and also in western Africa, the West
Indies, South America, and the Pacific islands. It forms a tree 40 or 50 feet (12
or 15 meters) high, and has a dense head of foliage, on account of which it is
called the umbrella tree in some countries, and is planted in many tropical
districts for the sake of its shade and for forming avenues. Its leaves are large,
roundish, heart-shaped, and pointed; and its flowers, which like those of many
mallowworts are large and showy, are at first yellow with a purple central spot.
but change altogether to purple before they die off in the evening. Several parts
of the tree are applied to useful purposes. The inner bark of the young branches
yields a tough fiber, fit for cordage, and used in Demerara for making coffee bags,
and the finer pieces of it for cigar envelopes. The wood is considered almost
indestructible under water, and is therefore used for boat building; besides
which its hardness and durability render it valuable for cabinetmaking and
building purposes, while in Ceylon it is employed for gunstocks. The flower
buds and unripe fruits yield a viscid, yellow Juice, useful as a dye, and a thick
deep red Coles ed oil is expressed from the seeds.’
The name ‘Santa Maria’’ was used near Ponce.

Thevetia neriifolia. CABALONGA.

Family Apocynaceae; a shrub, 3 meters high, but green throughout. The
flowers are large and saffron-colored, causing it to be cultivated for an orna-
mental. The milky juice is said to be a dangerous poison; also the fruits, while
the bark has been used as a febrifuge. (Stahl, 6: 68.)

A small tree, 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) high, rather dense, with a trunk about
6 feet (1.8 meters) long, 5 to 6 inches in diameter. The wood is not hard, rather
light, fibrous in texture, with « rather fine grain. Specific gravity, 0.813.
(Grosourdy, 2: 367.)

Thibaudia portoricensis.

Family Ericaceae; known from Sierrade Luquillo. This genus contains several
ornamental shrubs, some of which have been introduced to hothouse cultivation.
Thouinia portoricensis. SERRA-SUELA.

A sapindaceous shrub of 3 to 5 meters; Yauco, Guanica, Cabo Rojo: called
also ** quiebra hacha,”’ i GueHEN GG and ‘‘ax breaker.’’ This species 7. striata
has very hard wood.

Thouinia striata. SEBUROQUILLO.

An indigenous tree, 8 to 20 meters high. Reported from numerous localities
on both sides of the island. (Urban, Symb. 1: 349.)

Thouinia tomentosa. CEBORUQUILLO.

A tree,5 to 8 meters high. growing on hills. Flowers in April and May. Bello
gives the the common name ‘‘ quebra hachas”’ or ‘‘ax breaker.’’ which doubtless
alludes to the very hard wood. (Stahl, 2: 158.)

Thringis laxa. YARAY.

Family Sabalaceae; a small slender fan palm said to be used in the neighbor-
hood of Vega Baja for the manufacture of hats and other articles in the same
way that Inodes causiarum is employed farther west.

Thuja occidentalis. ARBOR VITAE.

Though a native of northern latitudes this species seems to thrive in the Tropics,
while never attaining large size. It is occasionally planted for hedges and as
an ornamental in Porto Rico, and a specimen from Jayuya is in the National
Herbarium.

Thunbergia alata.

Family Acanthaceae; an ornamental vine introduced from India. This has
now escaped from cultivation in Porto Rico and is almost as common as Momor-
dica (‘‘cundeamor’’). (Stahl, 6: 253.)

ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 255

COOK AND COLLINS

There are two forms, one having the expanded part of flowers white or very
pale lavender. the other cream yellow, but both have the throat of the corolla
deep purplish. At Santurce this was called ** bejuco de puerco.”’

Thunbergia erecta.

From Yabucoa, cultivated in gardens. Our specimen (no. 359) is from Cagui-
tas and was called *‘ buenoces,’’ or something of similar sound.
Tibey.

As will be seen below, this name is applied to several herbaceous plants of dif-
ferent families, so that it is not evident to which applies the following statement
by Hill:

*-A small herb called the tibey, the flower of which resembles the lobelia, grows
in the meadows and pastures of the island. Its poison is said to be so active that
a horse or other animal eating of it dies in a short time. The natural instinct of
the animal teaches it to avoid this dangerous plant as soon as the odor reaches
him.”

Tibey amarillo. See Rhytidophyllum stipulare.
Tibey blanco. See Jsotoma longiflora.

Tibey de cresta.. See Alloplectus cristatus.
Tibey parasito. See Columnea hispida.
Tibey-Tupa. See Lobelia acuminata.
Tillandsia.

A large genus belonging to the Bromeliaceae or Pineapple family. It includes
the Spanish or Florida moss of our Southern States and numerous Porto Rican
species, most of which resemble small pineapple plants and are called pinuelas.
Two of the more common species in Porto Rico are 7. fasciculata and T. recurvata,
the latter abundant everywhere on the south side of the island, and by reason of
its small size resembling tufts of *‘ Florida moss,”’ 7%llandsia wsneoides, which
was not seen.

Tintillo. See Randia aculeata.

Tobacco. See Nicotiana tabacum.

Tomate. See Lycopersicon humboldtii.

Tomate amarillo. See Lycopersicon cerasiforme.
Tomate grande. See Lycopersicon lycopersicum.
Tomato. See Lycopersicon lycopersicun.
Torchwood. See Amyris elemifera.

A name used in Florida and the Bahamas. In Porto Rico torches are also said
to be made from tabanuco, supposed to be Dacryodes hexandra.

Toro.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters);
diameter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood red, rather hard; specific
gravity. 0.845; used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.) (Grosourdy, 2: 416.)

Toronja. See Citrus decumana and C, medica.

The Spanish name of the true citron and the shaddock.

In Porto Rico this name is applied not only to the pomelo, but to several other
citron-like fruits, varieties of C. medica.

Tortera.

In the market of Ponce large brown sea beans, said to be good for piles, were
being sold by an herb dealer et 15 centavos apiece. By placing in water in a
cocoanut sheil a pair of beans are selected, called male and female. the female
sinking and the male floating. Drink the water and then carry the two beans

256 CONTRIBUTIONS #ROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

about in the pocket. A similar charm is exerted by a combination of ared bean, —
‘‘mato colorado,’’ with a gray or white bean, **mato amarillo,” of Caesalpinia —
bonducella.
Tortuguillo. See Antirrhoea obtusifolia.

Enumerated by Hill among forest trees yicldin ey timber and fuel.

Tortuguillo amarillo.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diam-
eter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood yellowish, hard; specific
gravity, 0.806; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.) rey

At Yauco a light-colored, fragrant wood. Also called ‘‘bartolillo” and
‘‘aceitillo.”’ The best comes from the vicinity of Guanica.

Tortuguillo blanco.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diam-
eter, 12 to 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters). Wood white, hard; specific gravity,
0.814; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.)

At Yauco thought to be the same as *‘ bartolillo.”’

Tortugo.

Perhaps the same as ‘*tortuguillo.”* Captain Hansard gives a specific gravity of
1.25 for this wood.

Tortugo alba.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 50 to 60 feet (15 to 18 meters);
diameter, 20 to 25 inches (50 to 62 centimeters). Wood yellowish, hard; specific
gravity, 0.894; used for cabinetwork. (Exp. 1857.)

Apparently the same as *‘ tortugo blanco.”

‘Tortugo blanco.

Anabundant wild tree, 50 to 60 feet (15 to 18 meters) high, with a trunk 24 inches
in diameter. Furnishes a yellow wood. commonly used for shelving and the
framework of rude houses. (Grosourdy, 2: 416.)

Tortugo amarillo. See Sideroxylon mastichodendron.

Said by Grosourdy to be a variety of tortuga blanca. It grows to the same
dimensions and in the same localities, and differs only in having a compact wood
deep yellow in color. It is very strong, and is used in the manufacture of very
fine furniture. (Grosourdy, 2: 416.) Specific gravity, 1.051. (Exp. 1857).
Tortugo prieto. See Ravenia urbana.

Tostado. See Homalium racemosum.
Toston. See Boerhavia erecta.
Totumo. See Crescentia cujete.

The name ‘“‘totumo’’ is given by Hill, but seems to be uncommon in Porto
Rico; it is known, however, from Cuba, but * gitira’’ and *‘ gitira cimarrona”’
appear to be principally “age even there. Hill also gives ‘‘hachuelo’* and
‘*tachuelo’’ in connection with this species, but this is certainly erroneous.
‘**Hachuelo’’ seems to be entirely unknown, suggesting only hatchet (hachuelo)
to the Porto Ricans. Tachuelo is a leguminous tree. as appears elsewhere.

Touola. See Maranta arundinacea.
Tournefortia bicolor.

Family Boraginaceae; a shrub about 6 feet (1.8 meters) high, with greenish-
white flowers growing in thickets. Known from Lares.

Tournefortia foetidissima. Nricua FETIDA.
A shrub,5 meters high. In cool. shady places of the mountains. Common to all
the Antilles. (Stahl, 6: 102.)

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 25

Tournefortia gnaphalodes. NIGUA DE PLAYA.

A shrub 1 meter high, found on coastal plains. (Stahl, 6: 109.)
Tournefortia hirsutissima. NiIGuA PELUDA.

A reclining shrub, 1 to 3 meters. In hedges and waste places. At Juana Mata,
near Ponce, this species was called simply ‘‘ nigua,’’ while Bello writes *‘ mata de
niguas.”’

Tournefortia laevigata. NiGuira.

A shrub 2 meters high, found on steep cliffs. (Stahl, 6: 103.)
Tournefortia laurifolia. NiGuA-HOJA-LAUREL.

A woody biennial 2 meters high, found in waste places and at the base of moun-
tains. Known from Coamo. (Stahl, 6: 105.)

Tournefortia volubilis. NiGUA ENREDADERA.

A woody twiner 3 meters high, grows in waste places, running over trees and
shrubs. Known from Salinas de Cabo Rojo. (Stahl, 6: 104.)

Tovomita elliptica. MARIALVA ELIPTICA.

Family Clusiaceae; a much-branched shrub 2 meters high, found on the nerth
coast from Loiza to Manati. (Stahl, 2: 126.)

Tradeseantia discolor. See Rhoeo discolor.
Tragia volubilis. PRINGAMOSA.

A euphorbiaceous vine collected at Guayama (no. 539) and at Vega Baja (no.
1024). The leaves and stems are beset with poisonous hairs, which cause a burn-
ing sensation and raise blisters.

Tree fern. :

Three genera of tree ferns were reported by Eggers—Cyathea, Serra, and Also-
phila—but without reference to species.
Tree tomato. See Cyphomandra betacea,
Trema lamarkiana.

A tree or shrub known from Sabana Grande. The Index Kewensis places this
genus under the Urticaceae, while Engler assigns it to the Ulmaceae.

Trescabezas. See Ceplaelis triplocephala.

Tribulus cistoides. ABROJO.

Family Zygophyllaceae; found near Guanica by Bello. <A perennial herb com-
mon to seashores of all continents. Said to be cultivated for its flowers in Jamaica.
(Stahl, 2: 173.)

Tribulus maximus. ABROJO.

A fieshy herb, 50 centimeters high, found in sandy places near the sea, said to

be gathered in Jamaica for fodder. (Stahl, 2: 172.)

Trichilia diversifolia. CAaBo DE HACHA,
Family Meliaceae; a tree of medium size in mountain woods. (Grisebach.)
(Stahl, 2: 166, as Photacilia diversifolia. )

Trichilia havanensis. GUARAGUAO CIMARRON.
A specimen believed to represent this species was obtained near Toa Alta from
a bush 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters) high.

Trichilia hirta. Capo DE HACHA.

A forest shrub, 5 meters high, known from Guayama and Aguada. Specimens
were collected at Coamo Springs, with the common name ‘‘ guayavacan.’’ (Stahl,
2: 165.) 5
Trichilia pallida.

Known from Adjuntas, Luquillo, and Yabucoa. (Sintenis. )

258 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Trichilia simplicifolia. CABo DE HACHA.

(Stahl, 2: 166, as Photacilia diversifolia. )
Trichilia spondiodes. GUARAGUAO.

A large dense tree 60 feet (18 meters) high with a long, straight trunk 6 to 64
inches (15 to 16 centimeters) in diameter. It furnishes a wood that is neither
very heavy nor very hard. This wood is much appreciated and was used by the
military authorities of San Juan in the construction of heavy carts and for similar
works; it is also made into boards, canoes, boats, and farm implements. (@Gro-
sourdy, 2: 368.)

Trichilia triacantha.

A recently described tree of 5 to 10 meters, known from limestone mountains
about Penuelas and Guanica. (Urban. Symb. 1: 329.) 3

This species has most peculiar cuneate leaves, with the midribs and lateral
corners produced into long, sharp spines. The texture and congested subdigitate
arrangement of the leaves are also entirely different from that of the species of
Trichilia and leave no doubt that Urban’s new section Acanthotrichilia should be
looked upon as a new generic type peculiar to Porto Rico. The present species
would probably make in cultivation a neat, handsome shrub. It is evidently
adapted to a dry climate.

Trinitaria. See Bougainvillea spectabilis.
Triopteris inaequalis. Brsuco DE PARALEJO.

Family Malpighiaceae; a vine found in waste places. (Stahl, 2: 150.)
Triopteris rigida. BryJUCO DE PARALEJO.

Stahl regards this as a doubtful species. (Stahl, 2: 150.)

Triphasia aurantiola.

Family Rutaceae; a shrub cultivated for its sweet fruit.
Triumfetta althaeoides. CaAbILLO ALTEA.

Family Tilaceae; a woody, herbaceous annual, 60 centimeters high, common to
all parts of the island. (Stahl, 2: 113.)

Triumfetta lappula.

A woody herb, 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 centimeters) high.
Triumfetta semitriloba. CapbILLO ALTEA.

A woody herb, 4 to 6 feet (120 to 180 centimeters) high, common to all tropical
countries. The bark is tough and strong, affording a fiber which has been used
for ropes.

Trophis americana.

Family Moraceae; a low tree from Utuado.
Trumpet tree. See Cecropia peltata.

Tulipa. See Schlegelia brachyantha portoricensis.

Tulip tree. See Paritiwm elatum.

Tuna brava. See Opuntia tuna.

Tuna mansa. See Nopalea coccinellifera.

Tupa acuminata. See Lobelia acuminata.
Tupaassurgens. See Lobelia assurgens.

Turkey berry. See Solanum torvum and S. mammosum.
Turma toro. See Eupatorium macrophyllum.
Turmeric. See Curcuma longa.

Turnera pumilea. Mari-Lopez.

Family Turneraceae; a much-branched annual herb, occurring in sand on the
north side of the island. (Stahl, 4: 160.)

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 259

Turnera ulmifolia. Mari-Lopez.

A much-branched, erect, woody shrub, 50 centimeters high, growing in the
sand. (Stahl, 4:159.)

Turpinia occidentalis.

Family Staphyleaceae; a tree 3 to 5 meters high, occurring in waste places;
flowers in summer. Secured by Sintenis from the vicinity of Adjuntas. (Stahl,
A: 24.)

Turpinia paniculata. AVISPILLO.

A shrub 3 to 5 meters high; flowers insummer. The common name is reported
by Bello. (Stahl, 4: 23.)

Typha domingensis. CatT-TAIL.

A familiar object in waste places is this West Indian cat-tail, different botan-
ically from our northern species, but appearing quite the same in nature.
Ucar. See Bucida buceras.
Ucare.

Given by Hill as a variation of *‘ ucar.’’
Ucare blanco.

The wood is described as follows:

Color, light ashy brown. Minute ducts very numerous, occurring singly and
evenly diffused between the medullary rays. Medullary rays minute, very numer-
ous, wavy, distinct. Wood fibers strongly interlaced. Remotely resembling
fine-grained heartwood of American elm. (Hill and Sudworth.)

Ucare negro.
The wood is described as follows:

Color, dark umber-brown. Conspicuous ducts occurring singly and evenly scat-
tered between. the medullary rays; the latter minute, distinct. Wood fibers
interlaced, but appearing to be straight-grained. Remotely resembles a very
fine-grained black walnut. (Hill and Sudworth.)

Una de gato. See Martynia diandra, Pisonia aculeata, and Pithecolobium
unguis-cati. ;
Uniola racemifiora.

A grass from Salinas de Cabo Rojo. A species of Uniola, growing on the shores
of the Gulf of California, having considerable economic importance as a cereal.
Uragoga grosourdyana. See Psychotria pendula.

Uragoga portoricensis. See note under Psychotria pendula.
Urena lobata. CapbiILLo.

Family Malvaceae; a shrubby annual 1 meter high; common to all parts of the
island. (Stahl, 2: 79.)

Urena sinuata. CADILLO PATA DE PERRO.

A shrubby annual 1 meter high; found in all parts of the island. (Stahl, 2: 81.)
Urera chlorocarpa.

Family Urticaceae; a shrub from Adjuntas.

Utricularia subulata. BLADDERWORT. GRASILLA.

Family Pinguiculaceae; a delicate aquatic herb. (Stahl, 6: 256.)

Urban has recently identified Utritularia gibba from Fajardo and U. spirandra
from Manati.
Uva. See Vitis vinifera.
Uva del mar. See Coccolobis wifera.
Uva de playa.

No. 84,

22 NOw Vill Pio 03 14:

260 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Uverillo. See Coccolobis laurifolia.
Uvero. See Coccolobis wifera.

A tree from the coast; height, 20 to 25 feet (6 to 8 meters); diameter, 8 to 10_
inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood pinkish, soft; specific gravity, 0.864; not
used. (Exp. 1857.)

Uvillo. See Coccolobis laurifolia and C. obtusifolia. 7

A tree from the coast; height, 12 to 15 feet (3.5 to 4.5 meters); diameter, 8 to 10 —
inches (20 to 25 centimeters.) Wood, dark, rather hard; specific gravity, 0.964; —
used in making furniture. (Exp. 1857.) :

Valerianodes. VERBENA.
A genus of Verbenaceae including several herbs reported from Porto Rico —
under the generic names Stachytarpha and Stachytarpheta. Stahl describes three —
species, jamaicense, cayennense, and strigosa. (6: 205-207.)
Bello gives the name bretonica for Stachytarpha jamaicensis.
Valerianodes dichotomum. VERBENA DE JAMAICA.
A woody herb, 50 centimeters high; common to all parts of the island. (Stahl,
6: 205, as Stachytarpheta dichotoma.)

Valerianodes strigosum. VERBENA BLANCA.
An herbaceous annual found along the coast, 50 centimeters high. (Stahl, 6:
207, as Stachytarpheta strigosa. )

Vanilla planifolia. VANILLA.

The ‘‘ vanilla beans’’ of commerce are the pods of orchids of the genus Vanilla.
Several species have been planted on a small scale or harvested in the wild state,
but Vanilla planifolia, a native of Mexico and Central America, is the only spe-
cies in general cultivation. Vanilla was used by the Aztecs and is still employed
in Mexico for flavoring chocolate, but since its introduction to Europe in the six-
teenth century it has been applied to many other purposes, and a large annual
production is now required to supply the demand. Although Mexico is the orig-
inal home of the plant, and still produces, in the State of Oaxaca, the highest
quality of commercial vanilla, the cultural industry has received its greatest
development in the islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans, particularly in the
French islands of Réunion and Tahiti. Nowhere in the East has it proved possi-
ble, however, to equal the quality of the Mexican product. Recent quotations
show $15 per pound for the Mexican pods against $3.50 for Tahiti, a difference
which seems to indicate that the natural conditions are not advantageous, the
methods of cultivation bad, or the variety inferior. If experiments are to be
undertaken in Porto Rico, no pains should be spared to secure correct propagating
stock, together with a knowledge of the conditions and processes required for the
production of the best grade of Mexican vanilla. Although stated to be a parasite
by so competent an authority as Semler, vanilla is in reality merely an epiphyte or
air-plant able to elaborate its food directly from theatmosphere. If a pieceof the
vine be hung up ina favorable situation, it will not die, but will continue to grow.
However, the plant is not completely epiphyte, and if tied to the trunk of a tree,
will send down roots to the ground in addition to others with which it clings to
the bark. The character of the soil is therefore of relatively little importance in
vanilla culture, the temperature and humidity being the chief factors. The
extreme equability of the climate of Porto Rico is admitted by all, and is one of the
points most insisted upon for thisculture. In the matter of humidity the greatest
variety of conditions can be found in Porto Rico, and there is every probability
that favorable situations can be found. Too great humidity is not desirable and
injures the aroma. * ;

In Mexico the Gulf region about Vera Cruz is more moist than the Pacific slope |

of Oaxaca, whence the best vanilla comes, and the East Indian and the Pacific

COOK AND COLLINS—-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 261]

islands where vanilla culture has been carried on have all a much more moist
climate than Mexico. A climate in which rain falls during the entire year is not,
however, desirable, since comparatively dry weather is necessary to check the
growth of the vines and cause them to flower. In the Seychelles two months of
dry weather are usual, but in Mexico four or five months are the rule. During
this time the vanilla plantations are, however, kept moist by the shade under
which the vines are at all times planted and by the surrounding growth of dense
vegetation which is necessary for thorough protection from the wind.

The seeds of vanilla are extremely small and seedlings are never used for start-
ing plantations, large cuttings from 6 to 12 feet long being found much more
advantageous, as they yield earlier and larger crops. Thus a beginning of vanilla
culture in Porto Rico would involve the importation of a large amount of stock
from Mexico, or there would be a delay of several years necessary to permit the
multiplication from a smaller quantity. Great care must also be exercised in such
an importation. In the Seychelle Islands vanilla culture was threatened with
extinction a few years since by a fungous disease, and although means of com-
bating it have been found it is still a menace and requires constant vigilance on
the part of the planter.

The details of planting, pollinating, and curing vanilla as practiced in the
Seychelle Islands have been described at length in Bulletin No. 21 of the Division
of Botany, United States Department of Agriculture, which should be in the
hands of any who may contemplate attempting vanilla culture in Porto Rico, and
it is accordingly unnecessary to include such directions here. I was informed by
Mr. J. D. Sulsona, of Mayaguez, that vanilla has been introduced in that vicinity
and found to thrive, but that the necessary artificial pollination had not been
practiced and consequently no fruit was obtained. The warm sheltered valleys
behind Mayaguez might be a favorable location for further experiments with this
crop, which would have the advantage of employing a proportionally large amount
of light labor, the work of pollinating the flowers being generally carried on by
women and children. It is also an industry which does not require expensive
machinery or other preliminary outlays, though considerable skill and experience
are necessary in the process of curing. It would seem also that the questions of
methods of shading and the employment of useful trees, or at least leguminous
trees, for shade and wind-breaks have not yet received proper consideration from
either the theoretical or the experimental side. From Mexico we have the
specious proposition that vanilla be grown on coffee trees shaded by rubber, a
proposition to which there would seem to be several serious objections overlooked
by the promoters.

Varital. See Bauhinia kappleri, Dipholis montana, and Drypetes glauca.
Varvazco.

A fragrant wood from the vicinity of Guanica. Used for closets because of its
pleasant odor, and also to keep insects away. Said to injure the eyes of those
who work with it.
Vega blanca. See Brunfelsia lactea.

Veldolaguilla. See Verdolaguilla.
Velvet bean. See Mucuna utilis.
Verbena.

A name used for a considerable number of small herbs, including Heliotropium
parviflorum, Bouchea ehrenbergii, and the species of Valerianodes.
Verbena urticifolia. VERBENA ORTIGA.

Family Verbenaceae; an herbaceous annual, 60 centimeters high, found in
stony, humid places. Common to the other West Indies and North America.
(Stahl, 6: 208.)

262 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Family Carduaceae; an erect, herbaceous annual, 50 centimeters high, found —
among rocks and around houses. (Stahl, 5: 131.)

Verde de saco.

A tree from the coast; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters); diameter, 8 to 9
inches (20 to 22 centimeters). Wood yellow, hard: specific gravity, 0.895; used
in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

‘Verdeseco. See Tetrazygia elaeagnoides.

Verdolaga. See Portulaca oleracea.

Verdolaguilla. See Talinum racemosum and Pilea trianthemoides.
Vernonia arborescens. TAPA-CAMINO.

A shrubby composite, 1 meter high. Three varieties are recognized by Stahl. 4
(Stahl, 5: 101.)
Vernonia longifolia. Santa Marta.

A shrubby composite from the south side of the island. Two vanenes sin-
tenisii and vahliana, have been described from Rincon and Guanica, respectively.
(Urban, Symb. 1: 456.)

Veronica. See Stemodia durantifolia.

Verbesina alata. CAPITANEJA. i
e:
i
+

Vibona. See Gilibertia arborea and G. laurifolia.
Vigna capensis. FRIJOL CIMARRON.

Family Viciaceae; an herbaceous vine, found in pastures, flowering in the rainy
months. Legume, 8 to 10 centimeters long. (Stahl, 3: 72, as Vigna vexillata.)
Vigna catjang. FRIJOLES.

The cowpea; it is not known that an agricultural use is made of this species in
Porto Rico. (Stahl, 3: 73.)

See note under F’rijoles.

Vigna luteola. FRIJOL MARRULLERO.

A rather slender leguminous vine congeneric with the cowpea of our Southern
States, but with smaller and more pointed leaves. From meadows along the
coast, near Manati. (Sintenis.) Our specimens are from Lecheria, near San-
turce. According to the Kew Index this species is a synonym of V, glabra.
(Stahl, 3: 71.)

Vigna vexillata. See Vigna capensis.
Vijao.
Enumerated by Hill among trees used for dyeing and tanning.
Vinagrillo. See Owalis corniculata, O. frutescens, and Rumex crispus.
Vinagrillo morado. See Oxalis corymbosa.
Vinga.
A typographical error for Vigna.
Vifia. See Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Vincetoxicum. PLATE LX.

A large genus of climbing asclepidaceous plants. Several species in addition to
the following are known from Porto Rico, but mostly without native names. A
specimen from Coamo (no. 750), not yet specifically identified. was called ‘* Guana-
bancilla cimarrona.”* :
Vincetoxicum pubescens. Gwvawtro.

A twining vine, 1 to 2 meters high, on clay soils. (Stahl, 6: 88, as Gonolobus
pubescens. )

Violeta. See Anoda hastata.

Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. VIII. PLATE LX.

GUANABANCILLA CIMARRONA (VINCETOXICUM SP.)

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 2638

Vitex divaricata. PENDULO BLANCO.

Family Verbenaceae; a tree 10 meters high, with strong wood and white bark;
found in the mountains, flowering in May. Common tothe Antilles. Bello gives
the common name “‘higuerillo.”’ (Stahl, 6: 217.)

Vitis acida. CARO AGRIO.

Family Vitaceae; an indigenous grapevine found on the east and south coasts;
flowers in autumn. (Stahl, 2: 181.) ©
Vitis caribaea. PARRA CIMARRONA. Also called ‘‘ bejuco de agua.”’

A vine covered with a white powder found in the mountains; flowers in March
and April. (Stahl, 2: 182.)
Vitis sicyoides. Caro.

An indigenous grapevine found in all parts of the island. Our specimens were
collected at Coamo Springs. Bello’s version of the name is ‘‘ bejuco de caro.”
(Stahl, 2: 179.)

Vitis trifoliata. CaRO DE TRES HOJAS.
A climbing vine found in the mountains. (Stahl, 2: 180.)

Vitis vinifera. GRAPE. UVA.

The European grapevine is cultivated with partial success on the drier southern
and western parts of the island. Several apparently thrifty grapevines were seen
about Ponce. This grape is quite different from our American stock in its cli-
matic requirements, being able to withstand long drought in very loose and
porous soil.

Viuda. See Distictis lactiflora.

Volatines de cinco. See Gynandropsis.
Volatines preciosos. See Gynandropsis speciosa.
Volatines punzantes. See Cleome spinosa.
Vomitel colorado. See Cordia sebestena.
Waltheria americana. See Waltheria indica.

Waltheria calcicola.
Family Sterculiaceae; a shrub 1 or 2 meters high, recently described from Talla-
boa. (Urban, Symb. 1: 475.) Also found near Penuelas.

Waltheria indica. BasoRa PRIETA.

A woody annual herb, found in dry, sandy places: flowers in spring. The com-
mon name was recorded by Bello, who gives, in addition, ‘‘malvabisco.’’ (Stahl,
2: 111, as Waltheria americana.)

Water lemon.

Mentioned by Ober in a list of fruits of Porto Rico. This is the common name
in the British West Indies for the fruit of the passion flower (Passiflora spp.).
Wax tree. See Sapium sebiferum.

Wedelia. See Stemmodontia.

West Indian mastic. See Bursera simaruba.

White mangrove. See Laguncularia racemosa and Avicennia nitida.
Wild cinnamon. See Amomis caryophyllata.

Wild clove. See Amomis caryophyllata.
A Jamaica name for the bay-rum tree.

Wild liquorice. See Abrus precatorius.
Wild orange. See Naranjo; also note under Orange, wild.
Wild plantain. See Heliconia.

264 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Willughbaeya. GuaAco. |

A genus of climbing composites, represented in Porto Rico by several species,
some of which are known to be called ‘‘ guaco.”’ Urban describes, under the
synonym Mikania, the new species M. pachyphylla, M. fragilis, M. odoratissima,
and M. porosa. (Urban, Symb. 1: 463-466. )

Willughbaeya cordifolia. Guaco.

A woody annual vine growing in hedges and waste places. (Stahl, 5: 115, as
Mikania gonoclada.)

Willughbaeya odoratissima.

This is the plant described by Stahl as Wikania convolvulacea. Sintenis’s speci-
men is from Maricao. (Urban, Symb. 1: 464; Stahl, 5: 116.)

Willughbaeya porosa. GUACO DE CABRA.

A very slender species, described by Urban (as Mikania), from the vicinity of
Lares. To this has now been referred Stahl’s plant, described as Mikania swart-
giana. (Urban, Symb. 1: 465; Stahl, 5: 118.)

Willughbaeya scandens. GUACO FALSO. é

A climbing, woody plant, found in hedges and waste places. (Stahl, 5: 117, as
Mikania scandens.) Mikania congesta is included in this species.

Winter cherry. See Physalis.
Wissadula rostrata. PICHANA.

Family Malvaceae; an annual or biennial shrub, 1 meter high, common on ine

south coast. (Stahl, 2: 70, as Abutilon periplocifolium. )

Xanthium canadense. BARDANA MAYOR.
A composite weed well known throughout eastern North America.

Xanthium macrocarpum. BarRDANA MAYOR.
A biennial shrub, 1 meter high, found near Bayamon. (Stahl, 6: 25.)

Xanthosoma. YAvTIA.

Family Araceae; in Porto Rico there are four kinds of taros, or ‘* yautias,”’ as
they are there called. Three of them are species of Xanthosoma, a genus of
aroids closely related to Colocasia, but having the leaves hastate—that is, the
basal lobes are not connected behind the insertion of the stalk, as in Colocasia.
The species of Xanthosoma are recognized as distinctively West Indian, and were. .
- cultivated by the Caribs when the Spaniards arrived, but curiously enough the
-taro is the only one which has retained a thoroughly native name. The Xanthoso-
mas are known, respectively, as ‘‘ yautia blanca,”’ ‘‘ yautia amarilla,’’ and ‘“‘ yautia
palma,”’ while the taro is called ‘‘ yautia malanga.’’

Xanthosoma violaceum.
Reported from Sierra de Luquillo.
Xanthoxylum. See Zanthoxylum.

Ximenia americana.

Family Olacaceae; a small tree bearing an edible drupe, of general distribution
in the Tropics of both hemispheres, but not yet reported from Porto Rico.
Xylosma schwaneckeanum.

Family Flacourtiaceae; reported from Sierra de Luquillo. Urban has recently
transferred Myroxylon schwaneckeanum to Xylosma, also Myroxylon pachyphyl-
lum. (Urban, Symb. 1: 371.)

Yagrume. See Didymopanax micans and Didymopanax morototont.
Yagrume macho. See Didymopanax morototoni.

Yagua. See Roystonea borinquena.
The usual name applied to the royal palm in Porto Rico, but more strictly that
of the large leaf bases used for roofs of houses and numerous other domestic pur-

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 265

poses. Hill writes under the erroneous impression that the yagua palm is differ-
ent from the royal palm.
Yaiti.

This is preferred to the spelling ‘‘jaiti.”’ This wood makes pretty walking
sticks, half black and half white. It is a small shrub, growing on stony calcare-
ous soil; specific gravity 0.94. (Captain Hansard.)

Yam. See Dioscorea.
Yam bean. See Pachyrrhizus tuberosus.
Yaray. See nodes causiarum and Thringis laxa.
Yautia. See Xanthosoma and Colocasia esculenta.
Yautia amarilla. See Xanthosoma.
Yautia blanca. See Xanthosoma.
Yautia palma. See Xanthosoma.
Yautia malanga. See Colocasia esculenta.
Yaya. See Oxandra laurifolia.

A hard wood; specific gravity, 0.74; not used much on account of its tendency
to split. (Captain Hansard. )
Yayajabico. See Sarcomphalus retusus.
Yellow yam. See Dioscorea cayennensis.

Yerba capitana. See Phoradendron chrysocarpum, P. quadrangulare, and P.
dichotomum.

Yerba de burro. See EHlephantopus.

Yerba de cabra. See Porophyllum macrocephalum.

Yerba de cancer. See Ammannia latifolia and A. humilis.
Yerba de clavo. See Jussiaea suffruticosa and Centella asiatica.
Yerba de clavo acuatico. See Jussiaea repens.

Yerba de clavo aguada. See Jussiaea linifolium.

Yerba de clavo palustre. See Jussiaea palustris.

Yerba de clavo peluda. See Jussiaea peruviana.

Yerba de contrabando. See Alysicarpus vaginalis.

Yerba de cotorra. See Heliotropium indicum.

Yerba de cuarto. See Hydrocotyle umbellata and H, hirsuta.
Yerba de culebra. See Bacopa monniera; also Heliotropiwm indicum.
Yerba de culebra amarilla. See Bacopa chamaedryoides.
Yerba de estrella. See Drymaria cordata.

Yerba de faja. See Sparganophorus vaillantii.

Yerba de guava. See Peperomia portoricensis and Coccocypselum repens.
Yerba de Guinea. See Panicum maximum.
Yerba de hicotea. See Polygonum acre and Castalia.

Yerba de hierro. See Alectra brasiliensis.

Yerba de lombrices. See Spigelia anthelmia.

Yerba de papagayo. See Blechum brownei.

Yerba de peo. See Porophyllum macrocephalum.

Yerba de plata. See Rolandra argentea.

Yerba de quarto. See Hydrocotyle wmbellata,

266 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Yerba de San Juan. See Pectis humifusa.
Yerba de San Martin. See Sauwvagesia erecta
Yerba guinea. See Panicum maximum.
Yerba graciosa. See Ilysanthes riparia.
Yerba lanuda. See Gnaphalium purpureum.
Yerba maravilla. See Ruellia coccinea.

Yerba mora.
In Cuba this name is applied to Solanum nigrum.

Yerba oldenlandia. See Oldenlandia corymbosa.
Yerba para. See Panicum molle.

Yerba parrera. See Gesneria portoricensis.
Yerba porosa. See Porophyllum ruderale.

Yerba rosario. See Aeschynomene.
Stahl applies this name to three species, sensitiva, americana, and glandulosa;
the last stands as a synonym of the second in the Index Kewensis.

Yerba veronica. See Gerardia domingensis.
Yuea. See Wanihot utilissima and M. aipi.

Yucca.

In books on Porto Rico this is usually an erroneous spelling for yuca, the cur-
rent name for the cassava, manioc, or mandioca plant, Manihot utilissima. The
name yucca belongs to a genus of liliaceous plants of which the Spanish bayonet,
Yucca baccata, is perhaps the best-known example.

Yuquilla. See Waranta arundinacea.
In Cuba this name is applied to Curcwma longa and, in combination, to several

species of Zamia, presumably because employed in the production of starch, but

in Porto Rico we heard it also in connection with Maranta. It is the diminutive

of yuca, doubtless in allusion to the similarity of the thickened rootstocks to the

roots of cassava.

Zagrumo hembra.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters); diame-
ter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity,
0.513; not used. (Exp. 1857). .

Zagrumo macho.

A tree from all parts of the island: height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters); diame-
ter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters). Wood white, soft; specific gravity,
0.243; not used. (Exp. 1857).

Zaiti.

A tree from the eastern part of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters);
diameter, 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50 centimeters); wood yellow, very hard; specific
gravity, 0.983; used in making furniture. (Exp. 1857.)

Zaiti negro.

A tree from the east end of the island; height, 25 to 30 feet (7 to 9 meters);
diameter, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters); wocd dark yellow, very hard;
specific gravity, 1.200; used in making furniture. (Exp. 1857.)

Zambumbia.

According to Ober, a Porto Rican drink made by diluting cane juice.
Zamia portoricensis. MAruNGuUAY.

Family Cycadaceae; a narrow-leaved species recently described by Urban from
the vicinity of Guanica. (Urban, Symb. 1: 291.)

COOK AND COLLINS——-ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO, 267

Zamia erosa. MARUNGUAY.

What appears to bea previously undescribed cycad was found in the forests
covering the rough limestone hills to the south of Vega Baja. It is peculiar in
having but one or two fronds with distant, broad, apically erose-dentate leaflets.
The large fleshy root is hidden in crevices of the jagged rocks, but is dug out by
the natives and used in the manufacture of starch.

Zanthoxylum acuminatum. Espino.

A shrubby tree reported from Ponce. (Stahl, 2: 177.)
Zanthoxylum aromaticum. See Fagara caribaea.
Zanthoxylum caribaeum. See Fagara caribaea.

(Stahl; 2: 177.)

Zanthoxylum clava-herculis. See Fagara martinicensis.
Zanthoxylum microphyllum. See Fagara spinifex.
Zanthoxylum ochroxylum. See Fagara monophylla.
Zapote. See Achras sapota.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 40 to 45 feet (12 to 14 meters); diam-
eter, 12 10 15 inches (30 to 37 centimeters); wood red, hard; specific gravity, 1.150;
used for cabinetmaking. (Exp. 1857.)

Zaragoza mangrove. See Conocarpus erectus.
Zarza. See Mimosa cerutonia.

Zarza de cercas. See Caesalpinia sepiaria.
Zarzabacoa.

A name used for numerous species of Meibomia and Lespedeza.
Zarzabacoa cola de escorpion. See Meibomia scorpiurus.
Zarzabacoa comun. See Meibomia incana.

Zarzabacoa de dos hojas. See Zornia diphyllu.
Zarzabacoa de monte. See Meibomia axillaris.
Zarzabacoa de tres flores. See Meibomia trifloru.
Zarzabacoa dulee. See Meibomia mollis.
Zarzabacoa enana. See Stylosanthes procumbens.
Zarzabacoa espiral. See Meibomia spiralis.
Zarzabacoa galana. See Meibomia adscendens.
Zarzabacoa peluda. See Meibomia barbata.
Zarzabacoa torecida. See Meibomiu tortuosa.
Zaya.

A tree from all parts of the island; height, 45 to 50 feet (13 to 15 meters); diam-
eter, 9 to 10 inches (22 to 25 centimeters) ;- wood light, soft; specific gravity. 0.733;
used in building houses. (Exp. 1857.)

Zeamays. Corn. Mais.

In Porto Rico and, in fact. throughout the West Indies corn is a mucl. less
important crop than in other parts of Spanish America, its place being taken to a
great extent by root crops. The samples which were seen were all poor.

Captain Hansard states that no selection is practiced, and the varieties thus
deteriorate, although the crop grows in almost any part of the island, preferably
on sandy loam. Clay is to be avoided.

It is marketed by the hundred ears or by the fanega of 600 ears. It is very use-
ful as a catch crop and to shade young trees, such as coffee.

Zerrezuela.
Enumerated by Hill among forest trees yielding timber and fuel.

222i Ol, Vili, Ten 2 == ()3 15

268 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE NATIONAL HERBARIUM.

Zingiber officinale. GINGER. GENGIBRE.

Ginger consists of the fleshy rootstocks of a plant with somewhat erass-like
leaves but related to turmeric, arrowroot, and cardamon. Ginger is one of the
comparatively few tropical export crops from which returns can be expected
within a single year. The question of quality is, as elsewhere, one of great
importance, as shown by the fact that Jamaica ginger is quoted in the American
wholesale market at 19 to 20 cents, while African and Calcutta command only
74 to 9 and Cochin China 9 to 15. Under favorable conditions ordinary ginger
can be produced as low as 2 cents a pound, and if marketed at 3 or 4 cents is a
profitable crop unless the expense of transportation is too great. The high price
of Jamaica ginger does not represent a proportional profit on account of the loss
in weight and because of the additional labor of peeling and scraping the root-
stocks, a process which permits better curing and more rapid drying. Some of
the inferior grades of ginger are marketed just as dug from the ground, although
a more or less thorough process of washing is general.

In Jamaica, however, each piece is carefully peeled, an operation requiring con-
siderable experience and dexterity for rapid work between the ** fingers” or
branches of the rootstock. After peeling, the ginger is washed in water, in which
it is usually allowed to remain overnight. The peeling and soaking in water
remove a part of the oils and resins which give the pungent and aromatic quality,
the ranker elements of which are said to be located in the skin. Artificial bleach-
ing by means of sulphur or other chemicals is seldom practiced by the planters,
but importers may resort to it for the improvement of the appearance of low-
grade ginger, though said to injure the flavor.

The peeled ginger dries in a week or ten days, while the unpeeled requires three
weeks or more, and experiments in Jamaica showed that the color is darker and
the flavor distinctly inferior.

The superiority of Jamaica ginger is also probably due in part to the cultivation
of a special variety, though this is a matter not yet well understood. In the gin-
ger cultivated in Liberia and probably in Sierra Leone a height of 2 feet is seldom
exceeded, and blossoming rarely, if ever, occurs; but the Jamaica ginger is described
as reaching 5 feet and is said to flower regularly in September. There are two
varieties, the white, yellow, or flint, and the blue or turmeric ginger, the latter
being distinctly inferior both in texture and flavor. In one the fresh rootstock is
yellow, in the other bluish; but the leaves and other features are quite the same.

Most of the ginger of Jamaica is grown at altitudes above 2,000 feet, in districts
where a heavy rainfall is the rule, the general average for the ginger districts for
several years being over 7 feet, though in one place a maximum of 281 inches,
over 23 feet, is said to have been recorded. Limestone soil with a generous admix-
ture of humus is considered best, though other conditions may give good results.
Stiff clay or light sand is not favorable, and there must be adequate drainage or
the ginger will rot in the ground. Semler advocates the planting of ginger on
ridges thrown up between furrows made with a shovel plow. That this would be
an advantage on moist, level ground is evident, but in other situations it may not
be equally desirable.

Nearly all of the ginger of Jamaica is grown by small cultivators, and it is esti-
mated that from 25,000 to 50,000 people are dependent upon this industry. Little
attempt is made at maintaining the fertility of the soil, and as ginger is an
exhausting crop the ginger grower frequently changes his ginger bed toa new
clearing in the forest. Very small ginger farms are the rule, much of the total
crop being assembled from little patches of a few square feet or rods, while five
or six acres is considered a maximum effort. The possibility of profitable culture
on a large scale has been considered by many cultivators, but the opinion is prey-

alent that organized effort can not compete with the desultory methods of the

/
i
f

COOK AND COLLINS—ECONOMIC PLANTS OF PORTO RICO. 269
Jamaican natives until machines can be invented to replace the hand labor
required in peeling andcuring. Abrasion in arotary drum is described by Semlar
as in use in the West Indies, but there is no indication of any general adoption of
this method of curing.

Planting takes place in Jamaica in March and April, the ends of the “‘ fingers ”’
bearing the terminal buds being buried in holes or trenches 2 or 3 inches (50 to
75 millimeters) deep, and 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart. Shade is not
necessary. and all weeds should be removed, though it is considered bad policy to
disturb the ground after the plants have reached any considerable size. Blossoms
appear in September, and harvest extends from December to March. The root-
stocks should not be dug until the plant has withered, and they can without det-
riment be left in the ground for a considerable period after ripening.

Zingiber zerumbet. BITTER GINGER. GENGIBRE AMARGO.

The different species and varieties of ginger have given systematic botanists no
little difficulty, and there is still much uncertainity and confusion. There seems,
however, to be no reason why the plant called ‘‘ gengibre amargo’”’ or “‘ bitter
ginger’ by the Porto Ricans should not be referred to Z. zerumbet, although no
flowers were seen. - The rootstock is much larger, thicker, and more cylindrical
than the genuine ginger; the taste is rank and bitter, with but little of the true
ginger flavor. The Porto Ricans look upon it as a medicine rather than as a spice
and use it mostly in the form of a tincture with rum, both as an external and as
an internal remedy.

Zizyphus reticulata. AZUFAIFO.

Family Rhamnaceae; a smooth shrub, 2 2 to 3 meters high, found in limestone
rocks. (Stahl, 4: 32.)

Zornia diphylla. ZARZABACOA DE DOS HOJAS.

Family Viciaceae; an herbaceous annual, reclining or diffuse, in sandy pas-
tures. Common to all tropical America. (Stahl, 3: 84.)

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Economic steals - Porto Rico,

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