Fruits of the Hawaiian IslandsWilder, Gerrit Parmile
Science
Fruits of the Hawaiian Islands
Wilder, Gerrit Parmile
Fruit-culture -- Hawaii
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE C
_Olea Europea._
OLIVE.
The Olive, which is a native of Southwestern Asia, is not a tree of any
great height, but is very longlived, and yields prolifically. Although
not cultivated to any extent, the Olive has been growing in Hawaii for
many years. However, it has fruited only in a few favorable localities,
and nothing has ever been done to test its value commercially.
The tree thrives best in a warm, dry atmosphere, where the soil is rich
and well drained. Long-continued droughts so detrimental to most plants
will affect the Olive but slightly. The tree requires judicious pruning
immediately after the fruit is gathered, when the sap is comparatively
at rest. The small, thick leaves are lanceolate, opposite, and usually
entire; they are dull green above and silvery beneath. The small white
flowers, which come in panicles, are usually imperfect. The fruit is a
small, ellipsoid drupe, which is bluish-black when ripe. Its oil is an
important product. The Olive may be propagated from seeds, cuttings,
layers, suckers and pieces of the old stumps. The seeds require some
time to germinate, and the growth of the young plant is slow.
[Illustration: PLATE C.--_Olive._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CI
_Vitis Labrusca._
"ISABELLA GRAPE."
This variety of grape was early introduced to these Islands, and has
become very popular. It is a hardy vine, variable in productiveness, and
is practically the only grape grown in any quantity in Hawaii. The
leaves are of medium size, often roundish and thick; their upper surface
is dark-green, the under surface is whitish-green. The Isabella is an
attractive blue-black grape, bearing in large, well-formed clusters,
having a thick bloom. The muskiness of the thick skin is somewhat
objectionable.
[Illustration: PLATE CI.--"_Isabella Grape._"
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CII
_Pyrus Sinensis._
SAND PEAR.
This tree is a vigorous and clean grower, having strong, thick shoots,
beautiful foliage, and very ornamental fruit. The dark-green leaves are
broadly ovate, and long-pointed, with their margins thickly furnished
with very sharp, almost bristle-like teeth. The large white flowers
appear rather in advance of the leaves. The fruit is hard and rough,
about 2½ inches in diameter, with generally a depression about the stem.
The flesh is tough and gritty, but is very delicious when baked.
Propagation is by cuttings.
[Illustration: PLATE CII.--_Sand Pear._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CIII
_Passiflora quadrangularis._
GRANADILLA VINE.
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