Two thirds natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CVIII
_Cereus triangularis._
NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS.
Although this plant with its wonderful nocturnal blossoms may be found
growing almost everywhere in the Islands, the best specimens of its kind
may be seen on the stone walls of Oahu College. The beautiful creamy
flowers with their yellow centers are large, about a foot long, and when
in full bloom about the same in diameter. The tube is covered with
large, leaf-like green scales. The fruit, which is about 3½ inches long
and 2 inches in diameter, is covered with persistent, large, fleshy
scales which are scarlet colored when ripe, and the interior pulp is
edible and refreshing. Fruit, however, upon the night-blooming cereus in
Hawaii is rather rare, although a few fine specimens have matured.
[Illustration: PLATE CVIII.--_Night-blooming Cereus._
Two thirds natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CIX
_Kigelia pinnata._
SAUSAGE TREE.
This medium-sized and very handsome shade tree is a native of tropical
Africa. It was probably introduced to Hawaii by Dr. Hillebrand. A fine
tree of this species is growing in Mrs. Foster's garden, Nuuanu avenue.
It has large pinnate leaves, and panicles of purple flowers. The
peculiar rough, grey, oblong fruits hang from a long stem, and present
an odd appearance. This tree and also one other of the same variety
growing in the grounds of the Queen's Hospital, very rarely set their
fruit. Because of the difficulty of obtaining seeds, the sausage tree
has not been widely distributed.
[Illustration: PLATE CIX.--_Sausage Tree._
One fourth natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CX
_Phoenix dactylifera._
THE DATE PALM.
The date, which is a native of North Africa, Arabia, and Persia, is a
noble palm, often growing to a height of from 80 to 100 feet. It is of
remarkable longevity, and will continue to produce fruit even at the age
of a hundred years. The neighborhood of the sea is considered
unfavorable to their production, although they will luxuriate in saltish
soil and bear well when brackish water is used.
Many varieties of dates exist, the fruit differing in shape, size and
color. They will grow from seeds, although the superior varieties can be
continued only from off-shoots of the root. These will commence to bear
in five years. In Asia, the growers of the commercial date find it
necessary to pollinate artificially by hanging sprays of the male
flowers in the branches of the fruit-bearing trees. There are no
imported trees bearing in Hawaii, and although there are many date trees
in Honolulu, artificial pollination would doubtless greatly increase the
yield and the quality of the fruit.
[Illustration: PLATE CX.--_The Date Palm._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXI
_Phoenix dactylifera._
DATE (red and yellow variety).
The accompanying cut shows fruit from two of the best date trees in
Honolulu, and it is curious to note that both of them were grown from
seeds taken from packages of dried dates purchased from a local grocer.
[Illustration: PLATE CXI.--_Date_ (_red and yellow var._)
One third natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXII
_Acrocomia sp._
This interesting palm is seldom seen in Hawaii; there being but two
specimens of its kind that have produced fruit in Honolulu. Its stem is
capitately thickened at the persistent bases of the armed petioles. The
glaucous leaves are pari-pinnate with narrow, lanceolate, accuminate
segments, having a prominent mid-rib.
The inflorescence is simple and branching. The fruit is arranged similar
to that of Cocos, each about three-fourths of an inch in diameter,
sub-globose with a pointed apex. When ripe, it is a bright yellow, and
its juicy, edible pulp has the flavor of apricots.
[Illustration: PLATE CXII.--_Acrocomia sp._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXIII
_Cocos nucifera._
COCOANUT PALM.
"NIU."
The original home of this widely-diffused tree is not positively known.
Some writers say it is indigenous to the islands of the Indian Ocean;
others show that in all probability it is of American origin. On account
of its buoyant husk and impervious shell, it was enabled to drift across
the oceans without losing its germinating power, and in this manner was
widely dispersed. It is strictly a tropical plant, and grows naturally
on the seashore, or in its immediate vicinity.
It has pinnate leaves about 12 to 18 feet long, and the inflorescence
first appears in a cylindrical sheath, which splits length-wise,
exposing long sprays of male flowers, and near the base generally one
female flower, which is much larger, and eventually develops into a
fruit. The picture shows both forms of flowers, as well as a young nut,
and also a mature cocoanut. Propagation is by means of the nut alone,
which must be thoroughly ripe before planting. The outer husk must be
left on, germination taking place at the largest eye; sometimes two eyes
may sprout, and twin trees grow from these. Many varieties have been
imported from islands of the Pacific, Ceylon, West Indies, and Central
America. The cocoanut is not raised in Hawaii for commercial purposes.
[Illustration: PLATE CXIII.--_Cocoanut Palm_--"_Niu._"
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXIV
_Cordia collococca._
CLAMMY CHERRY.
This low tree, with its spreading branches, is a native of the West
Indies, and is rarely met with in these Islands; there being but two
trees of its kind known to me, one growing at the Old Plantation,
Honolulu, the other at Honouliuli Ranch, Oahu. The whitish branches are
very brittle. The leaves are obovate, oblong, glabrous above and shiny
beneath. The subsessile flowers are whiteish-purple. The fruit, which is
half inch in diameter, is bluntly pointed and smooth. The fleshy pulp is
sticky, and adheres to the single seed. This plant may be grown from
seeds and from cuttings.
[Illustration: PLATE CXIV.--_Clammy Cherry._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXV
_Flacourtia cataphracta._
This tree, which is a native of the Malay Islands and China, was
introduced to Hawaii by Mr. Albert Jaeger. There is but one tree which
has borne fruit; this is growing at the Old Plantation, Honolulu, Oahu.
The tree, which is about 25 feet high, has dense foliage; the leaves are
small, oblong, lanceolate, glabrous, having short petioles. Flowers very
small, dioceous; the fruit about the size of a common grape, is purple
when ripe, and has a pleasant sub-acid flavor. It contains a few flatish
seeds.
[Illustration: PLATE CXV.--_Flacourtia cataphracta._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXVI
_Atalantia buxifolia._
This small tree of dwarfish habit is from tropical Asia. It is closely
related to the orange, and has large thorns. Its simple leaves are
alternate, coriaceous, emarginate, and from 1 to 1½ inches in length.
The petioles are short. The small, solitary flowers have five petals.
The berry is globose and three-quarters of an inch in diameter. When
ripe, it is a shiny black, and has a thick skin. The pulp has somewhat
the flavor of a lime, and the seeds are generally 1 to 5 in number. The
only specimens of this tree in Hawaii are growing in the garden of Mrs.
Foster; they, presumably, were introduced by Dr. Hillebrand, as these
gardens formerly belonged to him.
[Illustration: PLATE CXVI.--_Atalantia buxifolia._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXVII
_Bumelia sp._
This large shrub is a native of India. Its alternate, entire, obovate
leaves have short petioles; they are glabrous and are about 4 to 8
inches in length. The small flowers are light pink. The small, globose
fruits grow in bunches; these are purple when ripe, but are not edible.
The only tree of its kind in Honolulu is growing in the grounds of the
Queen's Hospital.
[Illustration: PLATE CXVII.--_Bumelia sp._
Natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXVIII
_Ochrosia elliptica._
This plant grows in the Pacific Islands, Malay Peninsula, Ceylon, and
Australia; and on account of its handsome scarlet fruit is cultivated as
an ornament, as the fruit is not edible. The tree is a small evergreen,
having alternate, glabrous, coriaceous leaves which are crowded at the
ends of the stout branches. The small, white flowers have five petals.
The fruit consists usually of two, rarely one, spreading scarlet drupes,
each containing a large seed. The first specimen of its kind in Hawaii
was planted at the Government Nursery, Honolulu, where it is still
growing.
[Illustration: PLATE CXVIII.--_Ochrosia elliptica._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXIX
_Ananas sativus._
PINEAPPLE.
This variety of the pineapple plant was grown at an early date in these
Islands, and until the new and spineless forms were introduced was the
only quality offered in the fruit markets. It is now cultivated but
little, and is often found growing wild. The rosette at the head of the
fleshy fruit has numerous thorny leaves. The fruit is much smaller than
those of the thornless varieties, but it has a very sweet flavor.
[Illustration: PLATE CXIX.--_Pineapple._
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXX
_Opuntia Tuna._
PRICKLY PEAR--"PANINI."
This erect, wide-spreading plant was early introduced to these Islands
from Mexico. It thrives well in arid lands, and in times of drought its
succulent, fleshy leaves and juicy fruit are eaten by cattle. The
plants, when old, become hard and woody, having many stout spines. The
large flowers are reddish-yellow, and the obovate, truncate fruit is a
purplish-red, having a thick fibrous skin, which is covered with fine
bristles. The edible pulp is reddish-purple and contains numerous
seeds.
[Illustration: PLATE CXX.--_Prickly Pear_--"_Panini._"
One half natural size.]
_G. P. W. Collection._ PLATE CXXI
_Prosopis juliflora._
ALGAROBA--"KIAWE."
The Kiawe deserves a special mention in this book, as it is, in my
opinion, one of the most valuable and beautiful trees that grows in the
Hawaiian Islands. Perhaps on account of its very general dissemination,
and because of the ease with which it spreads spontaneously, even in the
driest districts, it has received less consideration than has been
accorded to other plants more difficult of propagation.
The Kiawe is the foundation of all the beauty of our lowlands, and
provides a delicate background for other plants. Under favorable
circumstances, it reaches to a height of 50 feet. It has wide-spreading
branches and delicate-green foliage. The flowers yield a delicious
honey, and the seed-pods furnish a valuable fodder, and, finally, when
the tree is cut down, its wood makes the very best of fuel. The Algaroba
is a native of Central and South America. Ordinarily it is a
moderate-sized tree of quick and easy growth. Its branches in most cases
are covered with stout, cylindrical, axillary spines, and in other cases
they are unarmed.
The abruptly bi-pinnate leaves have from 6 to 30 pairs of linear
leaflets about one-fourth to one inch in length. The small, pale-yellow
flowers come in cylindrical spikes. The straight or sickle-shaped
seed-pod is sweet, and is eaten by stock. Propagation is by seed.
The first Algaroba tree of Hawaii was brought to Honolulu in 1828 by
Father Bachelot, founder of the Roman Catholic Mission in the Islands.
It was planted in the Mission garden, where the venerable tree is
standing today.
[Illustration: PLATE CXXI.--_Algaroba_--"_Kiawe._"]
Detailed Transcriber's Notes.
General Notes.
The relative size of items noted in the captions of the Plates relates
to the original book, not to this document. Scaling of the images in
preparation of this e-book and the size and resolution of the media on
which the e-book is read make general statements about the relative
size of the pictured items impossible.
The "Index" was completely reworked so that it reflects the titles
and captions within the body of the book. The original style was
maintained. Details of changes to the "Index" are omitted. The page
number indicates the Plate, not the text preceding it.
The text of the book varies from the original in that obvious
misprints have been fixed. Where the intent of the misprint was not
obvious, it has been left in place and noted below. Use of archaic and
unusual words, spelling and styling has been maintained. Inconsistent
hyphenation has been retained. Capitalization of botanical names is
maintained as in the original. Details of the changes follow.
Details of the Changes.
Frequently used archaic spelling and styling which have been maintained:
anona (annona), cocoanut (coconut), Guatamala (Guatemala) and Nuuanu
avenue (Nuuanu Avenue). Others occur less frequently.
Both the spellings preceding and preceeding were used throughout the
book. They have been standardized to preceding, as noted below.
In the caption of Plate III, to match the text title--changed to:
Guatamala Avocado (in original book: Avocado).
In the text with Plate IV, changed to: elevation (in original book:
elevtaion); and inserted period after the fruit-bearing stems.
In the text with Plate V, changed to: successful (in original book:
ssuccessful).
In the text with Plate XI, changed to: preceding (in original book:
preceeding).
In the text with Plate XVII, changed to: soil (in original book: sosil);
and to: preceding (in original book: preceeding).
In the text title with Plate XX, changed to: edulis (in original book:
eduiis).
In the text with Plate XXII, for clarity, changed to: 1-16th (in
original book: 1-16); and changed to: underside (in original book:
under-side) for consistency with elsewhere in the book.
In the text with Plate XXIV, changed to: small (in original book:
samll).
In the text with Plate XXXI, changed to: leaves (in original book:
laves) and changed to: who (in original book: whos).
In the text and captions associated with Plates XXXV through XXXVII, the
spellings papaya and papaia were both used. They have been standardized
to papaya.
In the caption of Plate XXXVI, moved the period (".") outside the
parentheses, to match chapter heading.
In the text with Plate XXXVII, the word pesin is probably a printing
error, however it is unclear whether the intended word was resin or
pepsin. The error has been left as in the original.
In the text with Plate XXXVIII, changed to: generally (in original book:
generaly).
In the caption of Plate XXXVIII, italicized Chinese Orange for
consistency with other caption formatting.
In the text title and caption of Plate XLI, changed to: lime (in
original book: limes) for consistency with rest of the book.
In the title of the text with Plate XLV, changed to: WASHINGTON NAVEL
ORANGE (in original book: WASHINGTON NAVEL).
In the text with Plate LVI, changed to: protuberance (in original book:
portuberance).
In the text title and caption of Plate LVIII, changed to: Sweet Red
Guava (in original book: Sweet red).
In the text with Plate LVIII, changed to: preceding (in original book:
preceeding).
In the title of the text with Plate LXIV, changed to: LXIV (in original
book: LXVI).
In the text with Plate LXIV, changed to: followed (in original book:
folowed); and changed to: so-called (in original book: socalled) for
consistency with elsewhere in the book.
In the title of the text with Plate LXVII, changed to: varieties (in
original book: varities); and in the text, changed to: center (in
original book: centre) for consistency with the elsewhere in the book.
In the text with Plate LXX, I suspect that 100 to 40 should have been
10 to 40.
In the text and caption of Plate LXXII, changed to: candlenut (in
original book: candle nut, candle-nut and candlenut) for consistency
within this page.
In the text with Plate LXXIX, changed to: preceding (in original book:
preceeding).
In the text with Plate LXXXVI, changed to: consists (in original book:
consistss).
In the text with Plate LXXXIX, changed to: parabola (in original book:
parobola).
In the text with Plate XCI, changed to: yellow (in original book:
yelow).
In the text with Plate XCV, changed to: delicious (in original book:
declicious).
In the title of the text with Plate XCIX, changed to: Phyllanthus (in
original book: Phllanthus).
In the title of the text with Plate CII, changed to: Sinensis (in
original book: Sinense).
In the title of the text with Plate CIII and in the caption:
Granadilla Vine (in original book: Grenadilla).
In the text with Plate CIII, changed to: climber (in original book:
climer); and changed to: succulent (in original book: suculent).
In the caption of Plate CVIII, changed to: Night-blooming (in original
book: Night-Blooming) for consistency in caption formatting.
In the text with Plate CX, changed to: considered (in original book:
considereed); and changed to the archaic word: saltish (in original
book: satlish).
In the text with Plate CXIII, changed to: American (in original book:
Ameriican).
In the title of the text with Plate CXIV, changed to: collococca (in
original book: colloccoca).
In the text with Plate CXVII, changed to: Honolulu (in original book:
Honolulue).
In the text with Plate CXVIII, changed to: where it is (in original
book: where is is).
In the caption of Plate CXIX, for consistency changed to: Pineapple (in
original book: Pine apple).