124 THE AMERICAN BOTANIST 



in late spring. The stamens are numerous and about 1 inch 

 long, erect in a large cluster of many series. The filaments are 

 showy, filiform, deep purple or crimson red. The anthers are 

 globular and yellow. The style is longer than the stamens, 

 filiform, and with a capitate stigma. The flower as a whole is 

 very attractive, with plentiful nectar, pollen and aroma; a bush 

 in full blossom is handsome to a marked degree. 



It has been demonstrated that the flowers of the pineapple 

 guava are largely self-sterile, and although isolated plants are 

 not infrequently productive, it is good horticultural practice to 

 plant two or more bushes together so as to permit cross-pollina- 

 tion. For a detailed statement of these investigations see EC. A. 

 Ryerson, in University of California Journal of Agriculture 

 2 (1914) no 2, pp 51-53. 



The fruit is a berry, oblong or oval, 2 inches long and 1.5 

 inches in diameter (there is considerable variation in size), 

 with 4 many-seeded locules. When mature, it is characterized 

 by a delicious penetrating odor. The surface is at first tomen- 

 tose, then smooth. The fruit is crowned by the thick disk and 

 cupped sepals of the persistent calyx. The skin is much in- 

 dented, slightly and unequally furrowed, but upon maturity 

 becomes smooth. In color it is dull green sometimes flushed 

 with crimson on one side. The green color is retained at 

 maturity. The flesh comprises a firm, whitish, granular layer 

 which surrounds the central pulp. This pulp is thick, creamy 

 yellow or translucent, and melting. It possesses a delicious 

 flavor, strongly resembling that of the fully matured pineapple, 

 with a rich heavy bland perfume. In the pulp are 20-30 very 

 small oblong seeds, so small as to be unnoticed in eating the 

 fruit, and contrasting with the seedy interior of the common 

 guava. 



The fruit should not be picked until it is fully mature. It 

 ripens in autumn and early winter, and falls to the ground upon, 

 maturity. The ripe fruit should be laid in a cool place until 



