Part 19

ROSELLE.

This bush or shrub is a showy annual growing to a height of from 5 to 7 feet. The stems are reddish, and the pale yellow flowers solitary. The leaves are palmate and of a light-green color. It is widely cultivated in the tropics, in Florida, and in Southern California; and also thrives in Hawaii. The dark crimson calyces are very fleshy and make excellent jelly, which has somewhat the flavor of the cranberry.

One third natural size.]

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 2½ 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 delicious flavor, somewhat resembling the banana, and also like the pineapple. It requires 18 months to mature the fruit. Propagation is by cuttings.

One fourth natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XCVI

Anacardium occidentale.

CASHEW NUT.

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.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XCVII

Ziziphus Jujuba.

"JUJUBE."

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.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XCVIII

Phyllanthus emblica.

There is but one tree of this species that has ever fruited in Honolulu. It is to be found growing in the grounds of the Royal Mausoleum, Nuuanu Valley. It is of medium height, having a crooked trunk, and its thin, scattered branches grow irregularly. The numerous alternate leaves are pinnate, the obtuse leaflets growing close together, and are from one-half to three-fourths of an inch in length. Its minute flowers are greenish-yellow. The round, six-striated fruit is smooth and fleshy, and three-fourths to one inch in diameter. The seeds are enclosed in three or more obovate cells, each cell containing two seeds. The pulp is hard and bitter, but when cooked makes an excellent preserve.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XCIX

Phyllanthus distichus.

OTAHEITI GOOSEBERRY.

This is a low-growing tree having large pinnate leaves with acute, alternate leaflets, which are about one to two inches in length. Its flowers grow on separate branches below the foliage. The fleshy, green fruit, which is borne in long clusters, is acid and astringent, but when made into preserves or pickles is palatable. The root and seeds have medicinal qualities. There is but one tree of this species in Honolulu. It is growing in the garden of Mr. Wm. Wolters.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE C