Fruits of the Hawaiian IslandsWilder, Gerrit Parmile
Science
Fruits of the Hawaiian Islands
Wilder, Gerrit Parmile
Fruit-culture -- Hawaii
This Kamani is a large tropical tree, having shiny, leathery, evergreen
foliage. Its leaves are obovate, usually marginate, and its white
flowers are very fragrant. The fruit, which generally comes in clusters,
is round, about the size of a large walnut, and has a thin, leathery
skin which covers a boney shell, inside of which is a corky substance
surrounding the seed or kernel. This tree was an early introduction to
these Islands, and is commonly seen on our seacoasts.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXIV.--"_Kamani._"
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXV
_Noronhia emarginata._
This tree is a native of Madagascar and also of Mauritius. A fine
specimen may be seen at the Government Nursery, Honolulu. It is a
handsome evergreen with entire, cuneate, coriacious leaves, having short
petioles. The yellowish flowers come in clusters, and are quite
fragrant. The fruit is a one-celled drupe, almost round, and about an
inch in diameter. It is purple when ripe, and has a tough skin. The
sweet, edible pulp surrounds a very large seed.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXV.--_Noronhia emarginata._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXVI
_Castanea sativa._
JAPANESE CHESTNUT.
This is a close-headed tree of slender growth, attaining a height of
from 30 to 50 feet. Its leaves are smaller than those of other
chestnuts, generally from 3 to 7 inches long, and are either rounded at
the base or reduced to a long, bristle-like point. The monoecious
flowers are arranged in long catkins. The small burs have a thin, papery
lining, and short, widely-branching spines. The nuts are large and
glossy, usually three in a bur. They are somewhat inferior in quality,
but are palatable when cooked.
To my knowledge there is but one tree of this variety growing in these
Islands, and it is to be found on the slopes of Tantalus, where it was
planted by the Department of Agriculture.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXVI.--_Japanese Chestnut._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXVII
_Inocarpus edulis._
TAHITIAN CHESTNUT.
This tree, which is said to be a native of the Moluccas, is an evergreen
of very rapid growth. Its straight trunk, with smooth, ashen-grey bark,
its spreading branches, with their dense green foliage, make a very
ornamental as well as useful tree. Its leaves are alternate and simple.
The small, fragrant, pale yellow flowers are very numerous. The drupe is
obliquely oval, and about the size of a goose egg, containing a large
kernel which is edible when roasted, but is not especially palatable.
The only trees of this variety growing in Hawaii are to be found at
Ahuimanu Ranch, Oahu, where they fruit regularly, and the seeds
germinate after being in the ground some months.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXVII.--_Tahitian Chestnut._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXVIII
_Canarium commune._
CANARY NUT.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account