Part 20

Olea Europea.

OLIVE.

The Olive, which is a native of Southwestern Asia, is not a tree of any great height, but is very longlived, and yields prolifically. Although not cultivated to any extent, the Olive has been growing in Hawaii for many years. However, it has fruited only in a few favorable localities, and nothing has ever been done to test its value commercially.

The tree thrives best in a warm, dry atmosphere, where the soil is rich and well drained. Long-continued droughts so detrimental to most plants will affect the Olive but slightly. The tree requires judicious pruning immediately after the fruit is gathered, when the sap is comparatively at rest. The small, thick leaves are lanceolate, opposite, and usually entire; they are dull green above and silvery beneath. The small white flowers, which come in panicles, are usually imperfect. The fruit is a small, ellipsoid drupe, which is bluish-black when ripe. Its oil is an important product. The Olive may be propagated from seeds, cuttings, layers, suckers and pieces of the old stumps. The seeds require some time to germinate, and the growth of the young plant is slow.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE CI

Vitis Labrusca.

"ISABELLA GRAPE."

This variety of grape was early introduced to these Islands, and has become very popular. It is a hardy vine, variable in productiveness, and is practically the only grape grown in any quantity in Hawaii. The leaves are of medium size, often roundish and thick; their upper surface is dark-green, the under surface is whitish-green. The Isabella is an attractive blue-black grape, bearing in large, well-formed clusters, having a thick bloom. The muskiness of the thick skin is somewhat objectionable.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE CII

Pyrus Sinensis.

SAND PEAR.

This tree is a vigorous and clean grower, having strong, thick shoots, beautiful foliage, and very ornamental fruit. The dark-green leaves are broadly ovate, and long-pointed, with their margins thickly furnished with very sharp, almost bristle-like teeth. The large white flowers appear rather in advance of the leaves. The fruit is hard and rough, about 2½ inches in diameter, with generally a depression about the stem. The flesh is tough and gritty, but is very delicious when baked. Propagation is by cuttings.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE CIII

Passiflora quadrangularis.

GRANADILLA VINE.

This tall, strong climber is a native of tropical America. Its leaves are broadly ovate, and the strong stems are purplish in color. The large, interesting flowers are from 3 to 5 inches across. The sepals are linear and violet shaded, the petals are very narrow and lilac. The many rows of filaments in the crown are violet with bars of white below the middle, the inner and shorter set being deep violet. The oblong fruit attains a size from 5 to 9 inches in length, and in color is a pale, yellowish green. The succulent, edible pulp of its hollow center has an agreeable sub-acid flavor, and contains many flat seeds. This vine bears well where there are bees; artificial fertilization also increases the number of its fruits.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE CIV

Passiflora edulis.

PURPLE WATER LEMON.

"LILIKOI."

This strong, woody vine is native of Brazil, and is naturalized in most tropical countries. Its first introduction to these islands was at Lilikoi, district of Makawao, Maui, whence its native name. Its serrate leaves are large and deeply three-lobed; the white flowers are tinted with purple. The fruit is oblong, globular, and when ripe is purple in color; its shell-like skin is thick and crisp. The orange-colored edible pulp is very fragrant, and is filled with small seeds, which germinate readily.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE CV

Passiflora laurifolia.