Fruits of the Hawaiian IslandsWilder, Gerrit Parmile
Science
Fruits of the Hawaiian Islands
Wilder, Gerrit Parmile
Fruit-culture -- Hawaii
This spreading tree is a native of the West Indies; and although it is
seen in several gardens of our Islands, it is not common. The first tree
of its kind was planted by Mr. Henry Davis in his grounds at Punahou.
The tree grows to a height of from 15 to 20 feet. The light-green,
leathery leaves are oval and rough, its pink flowers have a peculiar,
strong fragrance. The fruit consists of two distinct parts; the
heart-shaped nut or seed and the fleshy, pear-shaped receptacle to which
it is attached. This receptacle is from 2 to 4 inches long, is either
red or yellow, and is very juicy and astringent. The nut or seed is
edible when roasted. It is much appreciated in the West Indies. While
being roasted the fumes are said to be poisonous.
[Illustration: PLATE XCVI.--_Cashew Nut._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XCVII
_Ziziphus Jujuba._
"JUJUBE."
This tree, which grows to a height of from 15 to 20 feet, is a native of
China, from which country it was probably introduced to these Islands.
Its branches are usually prickly; the leaves, which are from 1 to 3
inches in length, are alternate, ovate to oblong, obtuse, and are dark
green and glabrous above, and tawny and nearly white beneath. The
flowers are axillary. The yellow fruit, which ripens in March, is about
the size of a cherry. When eaten raw, it has a bitter flavor, but it
makes an excellent preserve.
[Illustration: PLATE XCVII.--"_Jujube._"
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XCVIII
_Phyllanthus emblica._
There is but one tree of this species that has ever fruited in Honolulu.
It is to be found growing in the grounds of the Royal Mausoleum, Nuuanu
Valley. It is of medium height, having a crooked trunk, and its thin,
scattered branches grow irregularly. The numerous alternate leaves are
pinnate, the obtuse leaflets growing close together, and are from
one-half to three-fourths of an inch in length. Its minute flowers are
greenish-yellow. The round, six-striated fruit is smooth and fleshy, and
three-fourths to one inch in diameter. The seeds are enclosed in three
or more obovate cells, each cell containing two seeds. The pulp is hard
and bitter, but when cooked makes an excellent preserve.
[Illustration: PLATE XCVIII. _Phyllanthus emblica._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XCIX
_Phyllanthus distichus._
OTAHEITI GOOSEBERRY.
This is a low-growing tree having large pinnate leaves with acute,
alternate leaflets, which are about one to two inches in length. Its
flowers grow on separate branches below the foliage. The fleshy, green
fruit, which is borne in long clusters, is acid and astringent, but when
made into preserves or pickles is palatable. The root and seeds have
medicinal qualities. There is but one tree of this species in Honolulu.
It is growing in the garden of Mr. Wm. Wolters.
[Illustration: PLATE XCIX.--_Otaheiti Gooseberry._
One half natural size.]
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