Part 15

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXXIII

Terminalia Cattapa.

TROPICAL ALMOND.

"KAMANI."

This deciduous tree, generally called Kamani by the Hawaiians, with its spreading branches in horizontal whorls or layers, is one of the familiar and useful shade trees of these Islands. Leaves large, opposite, broadly obovate-obtuse, very short petioled, and turning brilliant shades of red and yellow during the autumn. Flowers greenish-white on long spikes, upper ones staminate, the lower ones perfect. The almond-shaped fruit is a compressed hard, nut-like body 1 to 1½, inches long, with a thin outer covering which is sweet, and spongy. There is generally one, sometimes two, small, edible kernels found embedded in the hard body. These may be eaten raw, or roasted.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXXIV

Calophyllum inophyllum.

"KAMANI."

This Kamani is a large tropical tree, having shiny, leathery, evergreen foliage. Its leaves are obovate, usually marginate, and its white flowers are very fragrant. The fruit, which generally comes in clusters, is round, about the size of a large walnut, and has a thin, leathery skin which covers a boney shell, inside of which is a corky substance surrounding the seed or kernel. This tree was an early introduction to these Islands, and is commonly seen on our seacoasts.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXXV

Noronhia emarginata.

This tree is a native of Madagascar and also of Mauritius. A fine specimen may be seen at the Government Nursery, Honolulu. It is a handsome evergreen with entire, cuneate, coriacious leaves, having short petioles. The yellowish flowers come in clusters, and are quite fragrant. The fruit is a one-celled drupe, almost round, and about an inch in diameter. It is purple when ripe, and has a tough skin. The sweet, edible pulp surrounds a very large seed.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXXVI

Castanea sativa.

JAPANESE CHESTNUT.

This is a close-headed tree of slender growth, attaining a height of from 30 to 50 feet. Its leaves are smaller than those of other chestnuts, generally from 3 to 7 inches long, and are either rounded at the base or reduced to a long, bristle-like point. The monoecious flowers are arranged in long catkins. The small burs have a thin, papery lining, and short, widely-branching spines. The nuts are large and glossy, usually three in a bur. They are somewhat inferior in quality, but are palatable when cooked.

To my knowledge there is but one tree of this variety growing in these Islands, and it is to be found on the slopes of Tantalus, where it was planted by the Department of Agriculture.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXXVII

Inocarpus edulis.

TAHITIAN CHESTNUT.

This tree, which is said to be a native of the Moluccas, is an evergreen of very rapid growth. Its straight trunk, with smooth, ashen-grey bark, its spreading branches, with their dense green foliage, make a very ornamental as well as useful tree. Its leaves are alternate and simple. The small, fragrant, pale yellow flowers are very numerous. The drupe is obliquely oval, and about the size of a goose egg, containing a large kernel which is edible when roasted, but is not especially palatable. The only trees of this variety growing in Hawaii are to be found at Ahuimanu Ranch, Oahu, where they fruit regularly, and the seeds germinate after being in the ground some months.

One third natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE LXXVIII

Canarium commune.