This evergreen shrub, or low-growing tree, which in many countries is said to reach a height of but 6 feet, in Hawaii attains a height of 20 feet; and although it thrives in comparatively high altitudes, it bears best below the 200-foot elevation, and requires considerable moisture. The bluntish, dark, shiny leaves, which are scale-like along the branches, are obovate, oblong, and about 3 inches in length. The blossoming season varies according to the location; however, the tree generally has flowers and fruit from July until December. The fruit is the size of a cherry, is deep purple in color, and the persistent calyx is very prominent. The sweet pulp has a very agreeable flavor. Probably the first plants of this variety were brought here by Don Marin, about a century ago. Some fine trees may be found in Pauoa and Makiki valleys, and also in Nuuanu, in the garden which formerly belonged to Dr. Hillebrand. [Illustration: PLATE XIII.--_Brazilian Plum, or Spanish Cherry._ One half natural size.] _G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XIV _Eugenia uniflora._ FRENCH CHERRY. This shrub is said to be a native of Brazil. In Hawaii, it is a common garden plant, sometimes reaching a height of 10 feet. Its glossy leaves are ovate-lanceolate, and its peduncles short. It has small, single, white fragrant flowers. The mature fruit, which resembles a cherry, is about 1 inch in diameter, and is ribbed longitudinally. It has a delicious, spicy, acid flavor. There is generally one large, round, smooth seed. [Illustration: PLATE XIV.--_French Cherry._ One third natural size.] _G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XV _Eugenia sp._ This is a small Malayan tree which is rare in Hawaii. It has regular, opposite, large, broad leaves; with the stems and branches four-sided. The purplish-white flowers are produced in clusters. The waxy light-green fruits, with a persistent calyx, resemble a small guava. These fruits have a very tough, pithy skin and pulp combined, which is edible, but too dry to be agreeable. The seed is large in proportion to the size of the fruit. [Illustration: PLATE XV.--_Eugenia sp._ One half natural size.] _G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XVI _Syzygium Jambolana._ JAVA PLUM. This tall, hardy tree is a native of Southern Asia. In Polynesia it grows well, up to an elevation of 5000 feet. It is a very common tree in the Hawaiian Islands. Its leaves, which are from 4 to 6 inches long, and from 2 to 3 inches broad, are opposite, obtuse or shortly-acuminate. The flowers, which bloom in June, July and August, are white and quite fragrant, and are especially attractive to the honey-bee. The oblong fruit grows in large clusters, ripens from September until November, and varies in size from a cherry to a pigeon's egg. It is purplish-black in color, and is edible only when thoroughly ripe. It contains one large, oblong seed. [Illustration: PLATE XVI.--_Java Plum._ One half size.]