Fruits of the Hawaiian IslandsWilder, Gerrit Parmile
Science
Fruits of the Hawaiian Islands
Wilder, Gerrit Parmile
Fruit-culture -- Hawaii
This shrub, or bush, is a native of Brazil, but is naturalized in many
warm countries. It stands partially erect, reaching a height of from 1½
to 3 feet. Its pointed leaves, heart-shaped at the base, are very fuzzy.
The open, bell-shaped flowers are yellow in color. The fruit, which is
about the size of a cherry, is enclosed in a thin, yellow, paper-like
husk, which is quite hairy. When ripe, the fruit is yellow, and has a
delicious sub-acid pulp, filled with minute seeds. The Poha may be eaten
raw, but is much more acceptable when made into jam or jelly. The dried
fruit is said to be a substitute for yeast. In Hawaii, the Poha thrives
best in the cool elevations.
[Illustration: PLATE XXXIV.--_Cape Gooseberry._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XXXV
_Carica Papaya._
PAPAYA (fruit, female tree).
The Papaya is a native of South America; it is found in Florida, and in
many parts of tropical America; it was early introduced into Hawaii,
grows and bears well in almost any locality. It is a small tree, with a
hollow, branchless trunk; it is short-lived, and is suitable only to
regions free from frost, and requires perfect drainage. There are two
forms, the tall and the dwarf, but there are numerous variations as to
shape and quality of the fruit. The soft green leaves, often measuring
two feet across, are variously palmated, and have simple, long, hollow
stems. The Papaya is usually dioceous; the fruit-bearing tree is called
the female; it is claimed that trees of both sexes should be planted
near each other, in order to ensure a good yield. The female flowers,
which appear from the axils of the leaves, are yellowish-white, single,
or two or three together.
The fruit of the Papaya ripens successively. It is either round or
oblong, and sometimes weighs eight pounds. The skin is thin, and is
bright yellow when ripe. The firm, yellow pulp has a delicious flavor,
and the milky juice contains a digestive principle similar to pepsin.
The seed cavity is large, and is filled with many small seeds which are
enveloped in a loose, mucous coat, with a brittle, pitted testa. When
fresh these seeds germinate readily.
[Illustration: PLATE XXXV.--_Papaya_ (_fruit, female tree_).
One fourth natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XXXVI
_Carica Papaya._
PAPAYA (fruit, male tree).
The size, shape, foliage and general appearance of this tree is the same
as that of the preceding variety. Its flowers appear on long stems, are
funnel-shape, and have five lobes. The male tree sometimes produces
fruit, and it is of large size and fine quality. A good example may be
seen in the accompanying illustration.
I know of no method whereby one can, by any selection of seeds, produce
with any degree of certainty, plants of either male or female variety.
[Illustration: PLATE XXXVI.--_Papaya_ (_fruit, male tree_).
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XXXVII
_Carica quercifolia._
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