FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8,1948
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN, LAWRENCE, KANSAS
PAGE FIVE
Tropical Plants On Campus Vary From Cactus To Bananas
There's a widely-publicized tree in the meadow, but a banana tree, an orange tree, and two cocoanut palms are growing on the grounds of the University.
These and about 50 other varieties of tropical plants may be found in the smaller of the two greenhouses situated directly south of Fowler shops.
The plant conservatory was started in 1940 by James Reiter, head gardener, "to display tropical plants that students in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Missouri don't ordinarily see," he said.
Obtained in 1940, the banana tree of the lady finger species, stands 23 feet high and has leaves from 6 to 10 feet long. Currently it is bearing one bunch of bananas which are edible but not of the kind usually marketed. A dwarf banana is also included in the conservatory. It yields no fruit and is but 8 feet tall.
A small plant is the dwarf orange It is only 3 feet high and bears fruit too small to help with the grocery bill. The oranges are yellow and seldom reach $1\frac{1}{2}$ inches in diameter. The seeds for the coconut trees were sent from Hawaii at the request of Chancellor Deane W. Maolt in 1945. Neither tree is old enough to bear coconuts.
Ken Hoeschen, florist, said that the plant that causes him the most worry is one which neither he nor Mr. Reiter can identify. It is a small nondescript plant.
"I thought I might be able to identify it if it bloomed or bore fruit," Mr. Hoeschen said. "We put the plant in the greenhouse and watched it. The thing doesn't bloom; it doesn't bear fruit; it doesn't even die. It doesn't do anything."
Perhaps the most interesting plant from a Kansan's point of view is the Agava, or century plant. Tequila is made from it. It is a cactus-like plant with thick, narrow, sharp-pointed leaves lined at each side with tiny barbs. The leaf is green with a yellow border.
"By squeezing out the juice and allowing it to ferment, the Mexicans make their liquor from this plant," Mr. Reiter said. "Rope is also made from the fiber of the leaves and candy is made by boiling the juice which becomes sugary," he continued.
"A century plant will bloom every 20 to 50 years," he said "The stalk grows to a height sometimes reaching 50 feet and then blooms." Mr. Reiter is wondering when he will have to move his greenhouse. It is only 20 feet high.
The oldest plant in the botanical garden is a 60-year-old Christmas cactus. The florist from whom Mr. Reiter obtained the plant claimed that his grandmother kept it in a loa bin.
Some other plants in the garden are the Bougainvillia vine, which will climb up an iron pole, the passion flower, the Mexican Love Chain, the Redbird's cactus or Devil's Walking stick, and the Norfolk Island pine.
Mr. Reiter gives this reason for starting the tropical collection. He
was reading a book about botanical gardens in the United States and found one listed at the University of Kansas. This was in 1940.
Knowing that there was no such garden, he began to build one. The University bought a greenhouse in Kansas City and Mr. Reiter and his crew moved the building to its present location in 1941.
By purchasing a plant occasionally with his own money, and receiving contributions, he gradually filled the greenhouse. Now his problem is not how to get more plants but how to keep those he has trimmed down.
The larger greenhouse to the north of the botanical garden is used to raise plants for University gardens, window boxes, and botany and biology classes.
New Fencing Club Meets Champion
the first meeting of the K.U. Fencing club was attended by William Schwarz, Los Angeles Athletic club junior champion of 1945, C. B. Francisco, member of the Edinburgh fencing team in 1947, N. C. Ellis, member of the saber team of Harvard university, and Dave Davidson, instructor of fencing at Wichita East High school in 1937 and 1938.
Mr. Raymond Garcia, assistant instructor of physical education and sponsor of the club, outlined plans for the club's organization. Twenty-one students attended the meeting in Robinson gymnasium. The club will meet next Tuesday, Oct. 12, in room 101 of the gymnasium.
"All those interested who were unable to attend this meeting are invited next Tuesday," Mr. Garcia said.
Camera Club Elects,
Plans Picture Contest
Ted H. Crane, engineering sophmore, was elected president of the Lawrence Camera club Thursday in the Community building. Others elected were William Miller, secretary-treasurer and Robert Blank, program committee chairman. The University Camera club is merging with the Lawrence club.
Various types of cameras were demonstrated and discussed, and a contest for the best pictures taken by club members were planned for a later meeting.
--to the first Thursday of the month. Lucille Walsh, who transferred from Tulsa university and Irvin Rock, who transferred from New York City college, have become members of the organization. Mrs. Grace M. Heider, assistant professor of psychology, is faculty advisor.
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Vets Should Know Their "C" Numbers
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Veterans with "C" numbers are urged to memorize them and always include them in communications with the Veterans Administration, a V.A. statement said today. Here's why.
There are 24,000,000 veterans' names on file. There are 217,000 Smiths, 12,500 of them named John. Also, there are 38,500 Adams, 960 of whom are named John Quincy; 7,000 John Brown;s; 9,000 William Brown;s; 12,000 Bradley;s and 102 Eisenhower's.
Psi Chi Outlines Fall Activities
Psi Chi, honorary psychology fraternity, plans to recognize beginning psychology students by essay contests or by honors at the Honors convocation, it was announced at a noon luncheon Wednesday.
Kermit Phelps, assistant instructor of psychology and president of the fraternity, said the fall honorary initiation usually held in October has been postponed and will be at the annual Christmas party.
The meeting date was changed to the first Thursday of the month.
Call K.U. 251 With Your News.
Zoology Department Adds Five Doctors One Received Doctorate At Kansas
Dr. Rollin H. Baker has been added to the zoology department along with four other new faculty members, Dr.E.R.Hall said today.
Dr. Baker received his Ph.D. from the University last spring. He will be assistant curator of mammals at Dyche museum in addition to teaching.
One of the new faculty member Dr. Charles W. Sibly, will arrive this month. Dr. Sibly will be assistant curator of birds at the museum, in addition to teaching. He received his Ph.D. at the University of California.
A third faculty member, Dr. Kenneth M. Taylor has been teaching at the University of California, where he received his Ph.D.
The fourth faculty member, Dr. Frank E. Peabody, spent the past year with the University of California field expedition in South Africa. He received his Ph.D. from the University of California.
Dr. Kenneth M. Fitch was for-
merly with the U.S. Fish and Wild-
life service at Leesville, La. He will be superintendent of Robinson farms. University land used for the study of animal life and habits. Dr. Fitch will instruct upperclass students and graduates. He received both his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of California.
Legal Fraternity Elects New Roster Of Officers
Green Inn, of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, elected officers Wednesday at a meeting in Green hall lounge. Those elected were; Joseph D. Lysaught; magister; Robert D. Buchler, clerk; George A. Robb, exchequer; and Milo M. Unruh, historian.
The fraternity is planning a rush party in Clinton park at 5 p.m. Friday.
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