Part 7

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XXXII

Coffea liberica.

LIBERIAN COFFEE.

This species is a tall grower, is highly ornamental in foliage, and is a rich bearer. Its leaves are from 6 to 12 inches long. The white flowers come in dense clusters, and are more robust and productive than are those of the Arabica. The berries are nearly spherical, and in color are a dull crimson. The pulp is large in proportion to the size of the seeds. Although this variety has not become popular in Hawaii, it is claimed that it will grow at a much lower elevation than will the Arabica, and the flavor is said to be very fine.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XXXIII

Clausena Wampi.

WAMPI.

This odorous tree is a native of China. It is a symmetrical evergreen with dense foliage. The light, mossy-green leaves are imparipinnate, the leaflets ovate-repand, and they are rough on the under surface. The flowers, which are borne in clusters, on the new wood, are small, yellow, and very fragrant. The fruit ripens from June until October; it is about the size of a gooseberry; the skin is yellowish-brown, shaded with green. The pulp is sub-acid with a balsamic fragrance. It contains one large seed about the size of a kernel of corn. There are two varieties, the sweet and the sour; both may be eaten raw, and are very highly prized by the Chinese. I know of but two trees of this kind in the Hawaiian Islands; they are of the sour variety, and are growing in private gardens in Honolulu.

One half natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XXXIV

Physalis peruviana.

CAPE GOOSEBERRY--"POHA."

This shrub, or bush, is a native of Brazil, but is naturalized in many warm countries. It stands partially erect, reaching a height of from 1½ to 3 feet. Its pointed leaves, heart-shaped at the base, are very fuzzy. The open, bell-shaped flowers are yellow in color. The fruit, which is about the size of a cherry, is enclosed in a thin, yellow, paper-like husk, which is quite hairy. When ripe, the fruit is yellow, and has a delicious sub-acid pulp, filled with minute seeds. The Poha may be eaten raw, but is much more acceptable when made into jam or jelly. The dried fruit is said to be a substitute for yeast. In Hawaii, the Poha thrives best in the cool elevations.

One third natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XXXV

Carica Papaya.

PAPAYA (fruit, female tree).

The Papaya is a native of South America; it is found in Florida, and in many parts of tropical America; it was early introduced into Hawaii, grows and bears well in almost any locality. It is a small tree, with a hollow, branchless trunk; it is short-lived, and is suitable only to regions free from frost, and requires perfect drainage. There are two forms, the tall and the dwarf, but there are numerous variations as to shape and quality of the fruit. The soft green leaves, often measuring two feet across, are variously palmated, and have simple, long, hollow stems. The Papaya is usually dioceous; the fruit-bearing tree is called the female; it is claimed that trees of both sexes should be planted near each other, in order to ensure a good yield. The female flowers, which appear from the axils of the leaves, are yellowish-white, single, or two or three together.

The fruit of the Papaya ripens successively. It is either round or oblong, and sometimes weighs eight pounds. The skin is thin, and is bright yellow when ripe. The firm, yellow pulp has a delicious flavor, and the milky juice contains a digestive principle similar to pepsin. The seed cavity is large, and is filled with many small seeds which are enveloped in a loose, mucous coat, with a brittle, pitted testa. When fresh these seeds germinate readily.

One fourth natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XXXVI

Carica Papaya.

PAPAYA (fruit, male tree).

The size, shape, foliage and general appearance of this tree is the same as that of the preceding variety. Its flowers appear on long stems, are funnel-shape, and have five lobes. The male tree sometimes produces fruit, and it is of large size and fine quality. A good example may be seen in the accompanying illustration.

I know of no method whereby one can, by any selection of seeds, produce with any degree of certainty, plants of either male or female variety.

One third natural size.]

G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XXXVII