PLANTS ACCLIMATISATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18763, 17 July 1924, Page 5

PLANTS ACCLIMATISATION.

LUCERNE FROM AMERICA.

QUEENSLAND SCRUB NUT.

Among seeds recently received by the plants branch of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society are thoso of an exceptionally fine variety of asparagus, pronounced by the officials of the Bureau of Plant Industry in Washington to bo one of tho finest in existence. Also received are some seeds of a very hardy and luxuriant strain of lucerne, called alfalfa in America,, which has bean growing on a particular area in the County of Peel, near Ontario, for 30 years, and is still giving good results. it stands extreme cold, and should be suitable for tho climato of Otago, and the higher altitudes of both islands. The value of this splendid forage plant is so ■well known that it needs no recommendation. Some kinds, however, do not nourish in a cold place and an impression exists that cannot be grown unless in a warm climate. There is no reason whyit should not be a success anywhere where farming is carried on in New Zealand if the right, sort is tried. In addition to the above, the society has received two parcels of the Queensland nut (Macadama Turnifolia), known as the scrub nut, over one inch in diameter,' spherical in shape, with smooth kernel, and with the taste of a Brazil nut It grows on a tree about 2Crit. high and is a promising source of commercial nuts. It is being planted extensively in South Africa, and although a fine nut in its present condition is 'capable of much improvement.