Part 3

Jambosa sp. (Solomon Island variety).

WATER APPLE.

This low-growing tree is very rare in the Hawaiian Islands. It was introduced here, from the Solomon Islands, by Mr. A. Jaeger. The foliage and crimson flowers resemble those of the Jambosa malaccensis, but the drupe is not so highly colored, and is, in shape, much more elongated. Specimens of this sweet, edible fruit have measured 5 inches in length.

One fourth natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE X

Jambosa sp. (white variety).

WATER APPLE.

This tree is a native of the Malay Islands. The foliage is symmetrical, and its opposite, shiny leaves are broad, lanceolate, and obtusely-acuminate. The pure white flowers, which bloom from March until June, are about ½-inch in diameter, and are produced in bunches on the naked branches. The fruit, which is also produced in bunches, ripens in October. It is transversely oval in shape, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter at its largest end. It contains from 1 to 3 seeds. Even when quite ripe, the fruit remains pure white in color, and has a tart, insipid flavor.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XI

Jambosa sp. (red variety).

WATER APPLE.

This low-growing tree with its bright evergreen foliage, is not common in Hawaii. The flowers are small, deep crimson, and appear on the branches either singly or in bunches. The contrast between these brilliant flowers and the fresh green leaves makes a very beautiful sight when the tree is in full bloom. The fruit, which ripens in July, appears in clusters; it is the same shape as that of the preceding variety, but in color it is a bright scarlet. It contains from 1 to 3 seeds, which are somewhat difficult to germinate. The fruit is crisp, watery, and has a sub-acid flavor.

One third natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XII

Eugenia Jambos.

ROSE APPLE.

This evergreen tree, which is a native of the West Indies, is of medium size, reaching a height of from 20 to 30 feet. It grows well in Hawaii, and is found at an elevation of 2000 feet. It is propagated from seed, as well as from cuttings of the ripe wood. The leaves are lanceolate, acuminate, thick and shiny. The large, fluffy flowers which appear from January until April, are produced freely, and are a beautiful creamy-white. The fruit is a somewhat compressed, globular shell, varying in size from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, and with a large cavity, containing generally one seed. This shell, which is the edible portion of the fruit, is a light creamy-yellow, with a tinge of pale-pink on one side; it requires from 2 to 2½ months to mature. It is firm, crisp, and has a delicious flavor, somewhat resembling an apricot, and with a rose odor. The season for the fruit varies according to the elevation, but generally ends about August or September.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XIII

Eugenia brasiliensis.

BRAZILIAN PLUM, OR SPANISH CHERRY.

This evergreen shrub, or low-growing tree, which in many countries is said to reach a height of but 6 feet, in Hawaii attains a height of 20 feet; and although it thrives in comparatively high altitudes, it bears best below the 200-foot elevation, and requires considerable moisture. The bluntish, dark, shiny leaves, which are scale-like along the branches, are obovate, oblong, and about 3 inches in length. The blossoming season varies according to the location; however, the tree generally has flowers and fruit from July until December. The fruit is the size of a cherry, is deep purple in color, and the persistent calyx is very prominent. The sweet pulp has a very agreeable flavor.

Probably the first plants of this variety were brought here by Don Marin, about a century ago. Some fine trees may be found in Pauoa and Makiki valleys, and also in Nuuanu, in the garden which formerly belonged to Dr. Hillebrand.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XIV

Eugenia uniflora.

FRENCH CHERRY.