Part 13

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXIV

Mangifera indica.

MANGO.

The mango, which is a native of South Asia, is extensively cultivated throughout India, the Islands of the West Indies, and somewhat in Florida. In Hawaii it has become thoroughly naturalized, and is one of the most common trees; growing from the sea level up to about 1,000 feet.

A hot, rather dry, climate, with well-drained soil suits it best. It is an evergreen, shady tree of quick growing habit, sometimes reaching a height of 70 feet, and having a round, dense top. All parts of the mango tree have a resinous fragrance, that suggests turpentine. Its thick, shiny leaves are from 6 to 10 inches in length. The greenish, scented flowers are borne in large terminal panicles; and these are followed three or four months later by the fruit, which is large and kidney-shaped, having a smooth, rather soft, pale-green skin, with tints of yellow and red. The large seed is nearly as long as the fruit, its shell is rough and fibrous, and the kernel is shaped like a bean. In the inferior varieties of mangoes the pulp is full of fibre and tastes strongly of turpentine. There are numerous varieties of the mango cultivated in Hawaii; the fruit of which varies much in point of flavor, juiciness, as well as in the size and shape of the seed.

Within the past ten years improved varieties have been imported; notably the Alphonse, Cambodiana, Pirie, and many others. These have thrived well and have borne delicious fruit; from them many grafts have been made and the finer grades of mangoes have been disseminated. Propagation is effected by seed, by grafting or inarching, and by budding. The mango as a rule does not come true to seed; also seedlings take much longer to fruit than do the grafted trees.

The illustration on the opposite page is that of the so-called common mango, which was brought to Hawaii from Mexico.

One third natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXV

Mangifera indica.

MANINI MANGO.

This tree is supposed to be the first mango tree brought to the Hawaiian Islands. It was planted in the early part of the nineteenth century by Don Marin, whom the Hawaiians familiarly called "Manini." He brought to Hawaii many useful trees and plants; among the number was this mango, which he planted in his vineyard, then known as "Ka Pa Waina," and there it may be found today; a venerable tree standing about 80 feet high, having a spread of over 100 feet, and its trunk measuring 15 feet in circumference. Although a prolific bearer, its fruits, which are borne in large clusters, are small, and of an inferior quality, having a thick skin and a large, hairy seed.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXVI

Mangifera indica.

NO. 9 MANGO.

This mango, with its distinctive shape, is one of the few types that comes true to seed. The first and original tree, which was planted at the Government Nursery, Honolulu, was brought from Jamaica by Joseph Marsden, Esq. This tree is a prolific bearer, and its seeds have been widely distributed throughout these Islands. The fruit is large and regular in size, having a thick skin which is of a light-green color. The pulp is pale yellow, very juicy, and slightly acid. There is a very large, hairy seed.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXVII

Musa varieties.

BANANA--"MAIA."

The banana, which has been cultivated from the most remote times, is a plant of great importance in tropical and sub-tropical climates, where its highly nutritious fruit is used as food. It is a large herbaceous, slightly shrubby, plant of very easy growth, having immense, gracefully-arching, undivided leaves. There are numerous varieties, the fruit of which differs in shape, color and flavor.

As decorative plants in landscape gardening, few subjects equal the choice species of the banana; and on account of its utility, combined with its beauty, it is considered one of the most valuable of tropical products. Propagation is by off-shoots or suckers. When a stalk is cut, the fruit of which has ripened, sprouts are put forth which in time bear fruit. The enormous flower stalk issues from the center of the crown of leaves, and curves over with its own weight.

The flowers are arranged in a dense terminal panicle; they alternate with large, reddish scales, which drop off as the fruit stalk develops, and the finger-like fruits are in clusters. The Hawaiians seem to have possessed the banana from the earliest times, and about fifty varieties were known to the older natives. However, since the year 1855, the so-called Chinese banana (Musa Cavendishii), which was at that time introduced from Tahiti, has crowded out the native varieties, many of which are now extinct.

The accompanying cut shows a few of the different forms and sizes of the banana grown in Hawaii.

One half natural size.

Moa Largo Popoulu Red Cuban Lele Chinese]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXVIII