Carica quercifolia.
This species of dwarf Papaya is of recent introduction to Hawaii. It has a soft, hollow trunk, and low, spreading branches. The leaves are deeply lobed, of a light green color on the upper side, and whitish-green underneath. Flowers dioecious, yellowish-green, having five petals. Fruit the size of a large olive, green, and ribbed with five white stripes, changing to yellow when ripe. The yellow pulp, containing numerous seeds, has a strong pesin flavor that is quite agreeable.
One third natural size.]
G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XXXVIII
Citrus Japonica.
Var. "Hazara."
CHINESE ORANGE.
This familiar and highly ornamental tree, commonly known as the Chinese orange, was very early introduced to these Islands. It is well named Hazara (meaning thousand of fruit), as it is one of the most prolific of the citrus family, and both green and ripe fruit in great quantities may be found on the same tree at almost any season of the year. The tree is of medium size, and the small, shiny leaves have short petioles. It is generally thornless. The flowers are white and fragrant. The round fruit is a deep yellow, and its smooth skin is very loosely attached. The pulp is also a deep yellow and contains many seeds, and the sour juice is very plentiful. The tree is hardy and free from disease and scale. Propagation is by seed.
One half natural size.]
G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XXXIX
Citrus Japonica.
KUMQUAT.
The Kumquat is a native of Cochin-China, and is also cultivated in Japan, Florida, and California. It is a low-growing bush or shrub, having smooth, angular branches, and in both the round and oval varieties the dark foliage is dense and beautiful. It is a very prolific bearer. Its leaves are small, lanceolate, slightly serrate, pointed or blunt and wedge-shaped at the base. The small, white flowers come solitary or in clusters, the fruit varies in size from a large gooseberry to that of a pigeon's egg, and is either ovate, oblong, or spherical. It is 5 to 6 celled, has very little pulp, and contains many seeds. The pulp is somewhat sour, especially in the round varieties; and the smooth, thick, yellow rind is aromatic and sweet; the Kumquat is generally preserved whole, and those prepared by the Chinese are very delicious.
This ornamental citrus tree is not often seen in our gardens, for it is subject to scale, and to the mealy bug, which destroy the flowers and stunt the fruit. The Kumquat comes true to seed, and may also be propagated by grafting and budding.
Two thirds natural size.]
G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XL
Citrus Nobilis.
MANDARIN ORANGE.
This small tree or thornless shrub with its dense foliage is a native of Cochin-China, and fine specimens of this tree, with its golden fruit in season, can be found in many gardens about Honolulu, especially those of the Chinese. Its leaves are lanceolate, its petioles short. Flowers are white and fragrant. The fruit is compressed-spherical, apex depressed, a ridge about the stem. The thin peel is greenish-yellow, baggy, and separates readily from the sections. Pulp generally dry, sweet, juice scant, fruit containing many seeds. The characteristic odor of the leaves, twigs and fruit of all varieties of the Mandarin orange is easily recognizable.
Two thirds natural size.]
G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XLI
Citrus medica limetta.
LIME.
This small tree or bush thrives in Hawaii, and yields good crops. It requires a sandy, rocky soil, and does well in the shaded valleys. However, it is attacked by scale pests and root fungus, and many valuable trees are destroyed in this way. The dark green, shiny leaves are oval or elliptical, and emit an agreeable odor when bruised. The fragrant flowers are small, white, with an occasional tinge of pink. The fruit is small, varying in shape from round to elliptical. The light yellow skin is oily and very bitter, and the pulp is juicy and sour. The picture representing this fruit shows several varieties, forms and shapes: those on the left being the Mexican type, those on the upper right the Kusai lime, the latter much resembling a mandarin orange in shape, and has a loose skin, but the pulp is very juicy and exceedingly sour. This lime has become very popular in Hawaii, grows readily from seed, and produces true. To Mr. Henry Swinton is due the credit of introducing this variety in 1885 from Kusai, or Strong's Island, Micronesia.
One half natural size.]
G. P. W. Collection. PLATE XLII
Citrus medica limonum.
LEMON.
Fruits of the Hawaiian Islands · The Wunder Library — complete classics, free to read, with narration.