Fruits of the Hawaiian IslandsWilder, Gerrit Parmile
Science
Fruits of the Hawaiian Islands
Wilder, Gerrit Parmile
Fruit-culture -- Hawaii
This tree is a native of the West Indies, and although not common in
Hawaii, there are good specimens to be found in many gardens. It has
large irregular spreading branches, grows to a height of from 10 to 25
feet, and has rather thick foliage. Propagation is ordinarily effected
by seeds, which germinate readily, when fresh. It can also be grown from
cuttings of the ripe wood. The tree derives its name from the words
"chrysos," gold, and "phyllon," a leaf; referring to the golden-russet
color of the underside of the beautiful, glossy green leaves. The small
flowers, which appear from June until October, are solitary at the nodes
or in fascicles. The fruit, which ripens in April, is round, about 3
inches in diameter, has a smooth, tough rind, about 1-16th inch thick,
which is a deep purple in color. A cross-section of the fruit shows the
edible pulp with its numerous black seeds, and the star-shaped core,
from which the fruit derives its common name of Star Apple. Unless the
fruit is thoroughly ripe, its milky juice is remarkably astringent.
[Illustration: PLATE XXII.--_Star Apple._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XXIII
_Chrysophyllum Cainito_ (white variety).
STAR APPLE.
This tree, which bears its fruit in from four to five years, has about
the same characteristics as that of the preceding variety. The fruit is
somewhat larger, and is not quite so sweet. In color it is pale green,
shaded with purple.
[Illustration: PLATE XXIII.--_Star Apple._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XXIV
_Chrysophyllum monopyrenum._
This small tree, which is indigenous to the West Indies, is also a
native of Southern Florida, and is to be found as an ornamental plant in
many localities of tropical America. In Jamaica it is called the "Damson
Plum." Its small, single, white flowers are highly perfumed. The fruit,
which matures from August until December, is small, ovoid-oblong, and
when ripe is purplish-black; when bruised it emits a white, sticky
juice. It contains one large seed. Specimens of this tree are to be
found growing in the grounds of the Queen's Hospital and at the
Government Nursery, Honolulu.
[Illustration: PLATE XXIV.--_Chrysophyllum monopyrenum._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XXV
_Mimusops Elengi._
This handsome evergreen tree, with its bright, glossy leaves, is very
suitable for hedges and for windbreaks. It has alternate, elliptic
leaves 3 to 3½ inches long. The small, solitary flowers, have many
creamy-white petals, and are very fragrant; from them perfume is
obtained by distillation. The yellow fruit is about the shape and size
of a small olive, and contains a dry, mealy pulp which is edible, and
the large, flat, brown seed yield an oil.
[Illustration: PLATE XXV.--_Mimusops Elengi._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ Plate XXVI
_Spondias dulcis._
"WI."
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