from 30 to 50 feet. Its leaves are smaller than those of other
chestnuts, generally from 3 to 7 inches long, and are either rounded at
the base or reduced to a long, bristle-like point. The monoecious
flowers are arranged in long catkins. The small burs have a thin, papery
lining, and short, widely-branching spines. The nuts are large and
glossy, usually three in a bur. They are somewhat inferior in quality,
but are palatable when cooked.
To my knowledge there is but one tree of this variety growing in these
Islands, and it is to be found on the slopes of Tantalus, where it was
planted by the Department of Agriculture.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXVI.--_Japanese Chestnut._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXVII
_Inocarpus edulis._
TAHITIAN CHESTNUT.
This tree, which is said to be a native of the Moluccas, is an evergreen
of very rapid growth. Its straight trunk, with smooth, ashen-grey bark,
its spreading branches, with their dense green foliage, make a very
ornamental as well as useful tree. Its leaves are alternate and simple.
The small, fragrant, pale yellow flowers are very numerous. The drupe is
obliquely oval, and about the size of a goose egg, containing a large
kernel which is edible when roasted, but is not especially palatable.
The only trees of this variety growing in Hawaii are to be found at
Ahuimanu Ranch, Oahu, where they fruit regularly, and the seeds
germinate after being in the ground some months.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXVII.--_Tahitian Chestnut._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXVIII
_Canarium commune._
CANARY NUT.
This medium-sized nut-bearing tree is found growing in Java, Guam and
the Philippines, and from any one of those countries may have been
introduced to Hawaii. A fine specimen may be seen at the Government
Nursery, Honolulu. Its leaves are alternate, odd pinnate. The small
flowers come in terminal panicles. The fruit or nut is ellipsoidal. The
thick skin, which is purple-colored when ripe, covers a hard,
three-lobed stone, which differs from a pecan nut only in that it is
sharp at each end. The kernel is small, sweet and edible. Trees
propagated from the mature nuts.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXVIII.--_Canary Nut._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXIX
_Canarium commune._
CANARY NUT (round variety).
Few trees of this round variety are to be found in Hawaii. Its leaves
are smaller than those of the preceding variety, and it is a very poor
bearer.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXIX.--_Canary Nut_ (_round var._)
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXX
_Macadamia ternifolia._
QUEENSLAND NUT.
This sub-tropical Australian tree sometimes grows to a height of 60
feet, but in Hawaii is of medium size. It is symmetrical and handsome,
having dark green, shiny foliage, and long tassel-like white flowers.
Its glabrous leaves are sessile, oblong, lanceolate, serrate, with fine
prickly teeth, and come in whorls of 3 to 4, varying in length from a
few inches to a foot. Flowers small; fruit has a thick, very hard shell,
which when ripe is a smooth, shiny brown. The kernel is white, crisp and
sweet, and has the flavor of hazel nuts. It may be eaten either raw or
roasted. The tree matures its fruit in the Fall months, and is easily
propagated from the fresh nuts.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXX.--_Queensland Nut._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXI
_Macadamia sp._
This variety of the Queensland nut has leaves and fruit larger than
those of _Macadamia ternifolia_.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXI.--_Macadamia sp._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXII
_Aegle Marmelos._
BHEL OR BAEL FRUIT.
This small spinose tree is a native of tropical Asia, and although not
commonly grown in Hawaii, specimens may be found in several gardens. It
has alternate trifoliolate leaves, and flowers, which grow in clusters,
are small and fragrant. The gourd-like fruit, with its hard shell, is
from 2 to 4 inches in diameter, and is either round or pear-shaped, and
although heavy and solid, it will float in water. The rind, when ripe,
is a yellowish-brown color, and is studded with oil cells. The interior
surface of the skin is lined with open-mouthed cells, which pour their
gummy secretions into the interior of the carpel, filling it and bathing
the seed. The pulp is sweet and aromatic, and is esteemed for making
conserves, and also as a cooling drink.
In India, the roots and leaves are used medicinally. Bael gum is a
sticky, astringent substance soluble in water. The fruit contains
several large, flat, woolly seeds, which germinate readily, and the
plant is also very easily propagated from root cuttings.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXII.--_Bhel or Bael Fruit._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXIII
_Diospyros decandra._
BROWN PERSIMMON.
This is an evergreen tree rarely found in Hawaii. It has alternate,
irregular, long, narrow leaves, shiny dark-green on the upper side, a
velvety light-green on the underside, and has a long petiole. The
branches are brittle, light-green, smooth and shiny when young, and
after the leaves shed become woody and inclined to dry back.
The trunk and bark of the tree is covered with warty excresences. The
solitary flowers are four-petaled. The edible fruit ripens in December,
is round, depressed, about 2½ inches in diameter, in color light-green
dotted with numerous white spots. When quite ripe the thin skin turns to
a shiny-brown. The soft chocolate colored pulp is sweet and contains
from 1 to 8 large flat seeds.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXIII.--_Brown Persimmon._
Natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXIV
_Lucuma Rivicoa._
EGG FRUIT.
This small evergreen tree, which is a native of Brazil, is found only in
one or two gardens in Honolulu. Its leaves are elliptic-obovate,
resembling those of the mango. The yellow flowers are single, the fruit
is the size and shape of a hen's egg, and has the flavor of the yolk of
an egg sweetened with sugar. It has from one to three large seeds, which
are easily germinated.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXIV.--_Egg Fruit._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXV
_Eriobotrya Japonica._
LOQUAT.
The Loquat has been for many years a familiar fruit in our gardens, and
is a native of China and Japan. It is a low evergreen tree with thick
foliage, and in congenial climates is a profuse bearer. Its leaves are
thick, oblong, and remotely toothed and grow near the ends of the
branches. The white flowers grow in clusters, are very fragrant, and the
fruit, which also ripens in clusters, about Christmas time, is
pear-shaped, and has an agreeable acid flavor. The seeds are large, and
germinate readily. Fine grafted and budded varieties have been
introduced by local horticulturalists.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXV.--_Loquat._
One fourth natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXVI
_Litchi Chinensis._
"LICHEE."
This tree, with its dense foliage, is a native of Southern China. The
first tree of this variety was brought to Hawaii by Mr. Afong, and
planted at his residence in Nuuanu avenue, Honolulu, in the year 1870.
The leaves are alternate, and abruptly pinnate; the oblong leaflets are
not quite opposite. Flowers pale green, small and regular, producing
bunches of reddish-colored fruits, each about the size of a small
walnut. They are covered with a parchment-like skin having many soft
spines. The interior consists of a large seed covered with a whitish
pulp of a sweetish acid flavor; this pulp when dried in the shell
becomes somewhat shriveled, brownish in color, and very sweet.
The fruiting season is in July, and as there are but few trees here that
bear, high prices are obtained for this rare fruit, which is much prized
by the Chinese. Fresh seeds will germinate, but it requires so many
years for these seedlings to bear that grafted and budded plants are
imported from China.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXVI.--"_Lichee._"
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXVII
_Euphoria Longana._
LONGAN.
This tree is a native of India and Southern China. It produces its
flowers and fruits at about the same time of year as does the Litchi,
which it somewhat resembles, although its fruits are somewhat smaller
and less palatable. The tree grows to a height of about 20 feet. It has
large, alternate, pinnate leaves, and the oblong leaflets are not quite
opposite; they are glossy on the upper surface, and a dusty-brown on the
underside. The small flowers come in terminal panicles; and the fruit,
which is borne in clusters, has a thin, brittle, somewhat rough shell.
There is one large, smooth, hard seed; around which is a thin layer of
sweetish, aromatic pulp. The best fruits raised here are those grown by
the Chinese.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXVII.--_Longan._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXVIII
_Morus nigra._
MULBERRY.
This low-growing tree is a native of southwestern Russia and Persia. It
has rough, dark-green leaves, usually not lobed. The thick, fleshy fruit
is variable in size. The mulberry grows readily from cuttings.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXVIII.--_Mulberry._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE LXXXIX
_Garcinia mangostana._
MANGOSTEEN.
This tree is a native of Sumatra and of the Islands of the Eastern
Archipelago. It is of medium size, the stem rising to a height of about
20 feet; and its branches coming out in regular order give the head of
the tree the form of a parabola. The leaves are about 8 inches long and
4 inches broad at the middle; they are a beautiful green on the upper
side and a delicate olive on the under side. The flowers resemble a
single rose with dark-red petals. The fruit is round, about the size of
a small orange, and has a characteristic persistent calyx. The shell is
at first green, and when ripe changes to purplish-brown marked with
yellow spots. The Mangosteen is called the queen of fruits, and the tree
upon which it is produced is most graceful and beautiful.
Those who have tasted this fruit in its perfection declare it to be
indescribably delicious. The Mangosteen must have a hot, moist, and
fairly equable climate throughout the year.
Many Mangosteen trees have been brought to Hawaii, and have received
intelligent care, but they have not thrived well; and have eventually
died. Only two have ever produced fruit; one in the garden of Mr.
Francis Gay of Kauai, which bears its fruit annually, and the other tree
at Lahaina, Maui, in the garden formerly the property of Mr. Harry
Turton.
[Illustration: PLATE LXXXIX.--_Mangosteen._
Two thirds natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XC
_Garcinia Xanthochymus._
This handsome tree is a native of India, and was first introduced to
Hawaii by Mr. Albert Jaeger. It has long, narrow, leathery leaves of a
bright, glossy green. The flowers, which have four petals, appear at the
axil of the leaves, and the fruit, which is about the size of a small
quince, has a smooth, thin skin, which is yellow when ripe. The firm
pulp is golden yellow, very juicy, and sour, and the seeds are large.
This variety is common in the Islands, and has often been mistaken for
the Mangosteen. It ripens its fruit in October and November. This
variety has been used to inarch the garcina mangostana upon.
[Illustration: PLATE XC.--_Garcinia Xanthochymus._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XCI
_Bunchosia sp._
This tree was doubtless introduced to Hawaii from South America. There
are only two specimens of its kind growing in Honolulu. Its fruits are
edible, but not especially palatable. It is a small tree having terete
branches, and its opposite leaves are oblong-elliptical, dark-green
above and a lighter, somewhat glossy-green beneath. The petioles are
short. The axillary inflorescence comes in long, slender cymes, and the
five-petaled flowers are yellow. When ripe, the obovate fruit is a
purplish-yellow, having usually two seeds, and but one seed when
abortive.
[Illustration: PLATE XCI.--_Bunchosia sp._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XCII
_Malpighia glabra._
BARBADOS CHERRY.
This small shrub is a native of the West Indies. Its dull-green leaves
are opposite, ovate and glabrous, either entire or spiny-toothed. The
rose-colored flowers are axillary and five-petaled. The bright red fruit
is about the size of a cherry, and has a thin skin, and its acid pulp is
used for jam and preserves. The seeds or stones are large, four-angled,
and germinate readily; plants are also produced by cuttings. Though not
common in these Islands, there are, however, a few specimens of this
plant to be found in several of the private gardens of Honolulu.
[Illustration: PLATE XCII.--_Barbados Cherry._
Natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XCIII
_Theobroma Cacao._
CHOCOLATE, COCOA.
In Hawaii this tropical tree grows to a height of from 10 to 30 feet. It
has large, pointed leaves, and the new growth is wine-colored. The
flowers appear on the trunk and mature branches, and the fruit which
follows is about 8 to 12 inches long, and is called the pod; inside of
this pod are beans or seeds, from which the commercial product called
cocoa is made, through a process of drying and curing. Chocolate is the
term used for the sweetened preparations of the roasted and ground
beans, with a large proportion of the original fat retained. Cocoa
preparations are the same material in fine powder, sweetened and
unsweetened, with a greater part of the fat extracted.
Cacao cultivation has never been successfully attempted in Hawaii.
However, a few isolated trees can be found at Ahuimanu Ranch, Oahu,
where they were planted by the Catholic brothers as an experiment some
years ago.
[Illustration: PLATE XCIII.--_Chocolate, Cocoa._
One fourth natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE XCIV
_Hibiscus Sabdariffa._
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.
[Illustration: PLATE XCIV.--_Roselle._
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.
[Illustration: PLATE XCV.--_Monstera deliciosa._
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.
[Illustration: PLATE XCVI.--_Cashew Nut._
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.
[Illustration: PLATE XCVII.--"_Jujube._"
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.
[Illustration: PLATE XCVIII. _Phyllanthus emblica._
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.
[Illustration: PLATE XCIX.--_Otaheiti Gooseberry._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE C
_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.
[Illustration: PLATE C.--_Olive._
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.
[Illustration: PLATE CI.--"_Isabella Grape._"
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.
[Illustration: PLATE CII.--_Sand Pear._
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.
[Illustration: PLATE CIII.--_Granadilla Vine._
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.
[Illustration: PLATE CIV.--_Purple Water Lemon_--"_Lilikoi._"
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CV
_Passiflora laurifolia._
YELLOW WATER LEMON.
This strong-growing, glabrous vine, climbing by tendrils, is a native of
tropical America. The date when it was introduced to Hawaii, and by
whom, is not known; but in the Hilo and Hamakua districts of Hawaii this
variety grows wild. Its thick leaves are oval, oblong and entire, and
have a short, sharp point. The flowers are about 2½, inches across, are
white, with red spots on them. The fruit is slightly oblong, 2 inches in
diameter, and very regular in size and shape. When ripe, it is yellow
spotted with white. It has a medium-hard shell or skin, and the edible
pulp is whitish-yellow, and contains many flat, black seeds.
[Illustration: PLATE CV.--_Yellow Water Lemon._
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CVI
_Passiflora alata._
This is a strong, vigorous vine, very suitable for arbors and trellises.
It is not commonly found in Hawaii; however, a very fine specimen of its
kind is growing in Dr. St. D. G. Walter's garden in Honolulu. The leaves
are oval to ovate, the petioles having two glands. The fragrant purple
flowers are about two inches in diameter. The ovoid-pointed fruit has a
tough, leathery shell which, when green, is six-striated, with white
stripes; when quite ripe the fruit is a dull orange-yellow. The numerous
seeds are imbedded in the juicy, scented pulp, which is aromatic and
delicious. Propagation is by seed and by cuttings.
[Illustration: PLATE CVI.--_Passiflora alata._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CVII
_Passiflora, var. foetida._
This strong and hardy vine grows well on arbors and trellises. Its
leaves are three-cleft, and have long petioles; and spiral tendrils
spring from the axils. The single, pale-green flowers are surrounded by
a green, lace-like covering. The fruit is nearly globular, and slightly
pointed; it is about three-fourths of an inch in diameter, and when ripe
is a bright scarlet.