BLAKE; REVISION OF THE AVOCADOS 21 



Grove, Florida.^ As might be expected from the method of propaga- 

 tion, they have remained very constant in their characteristics, and 

 specimens from different trees throw no Hght on the possible origin of 

 the species. It is of the so-called West Indian race, with smooth, 

 leathery, thick-skinned fruit and seed commonly loose in the cavity. 

 Whether it really is a long-distinct wild species, a native of Cuba or 

 more probably brought there from other regions, whose wild original 

 is extinct or awaits rediscovery, or whether it is a comparatively recent 

 mutant under cultivation, or perhaps even a hybrid, are questions 

 which at present can receive no answer. It is possible that the seedlings 

 now being grown in South Florida may throw light on the question when 

 they flower. On the basis of our present information, however, and in 

 view of its striking and constant technical characters, the species must 

 be considered one of the most distinct in the genus. 



^ The name "Trapp avocado" was given by Prof. R. H. Rolfs (Bur. PI. Indus. 

 Bull. 97: 119. 1907) in honor of "Mrs. Trapp, Cocoanut Grove, Fla., who owns the 

 original txee." 



