Page images
PDF
EPUB

G. P. W. Collection.

PLATE XCV

Monstera deliciosa.

The Monstera deliciosa, one of the grandest of arid plants, is a native of the mountainous regions of Guatamala and Brazil. It climbs to a height of 12 or more feet, and its leaf stalks are often 3 feet long. It obtains nourishment from the tree upon which it attaches itself. Its leaves are huge and perforated. As the plant climbs, the stems emit aerial roots, many of which never reach the ground. The fruit which has the appearance of an elongated pine-cone, grows to a length of from 6 to 12 inches, and is about 21⁄2 inches in diameter.

The rind is composed of plates which may be detached when the fruit is quite ripe. It is green in color until it ripens, when there appears a slight tinge of yellow. The creamy-white pulp has a most declicious flavor, somewhat resembling the banana, and also like the pineapple. It requires 18 months to mature the fruit. Propagation is by cuttings.

[graphic][merged small]

G. P. W Collection.

Anacardium occidentale.

CASHEW NUT.

PLATE XCVI

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.

[graphic][merged small]

G. P. W. Collection.

Ziziphus Jujuba.
"JUJUBE."

PLATE XCVII

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.

« PreviousContinue »