96 ON THE VEGETATION OF MALAYSIA, 



Finally, though somewhat out of place, Averrhoa caramhola and 

 A. hilimhi, the Carambola trees of the Encrlish and the Blimbinoj 

 and Bainan of the Malays, bear an odd-looking winged green fruit, 

 containing an acid pulp which is somewhat insipid ; but the trees 

 themselves are very ornamental. 



In this list some omissions have been necessary to bring it 

 within reasonable limits ; but none of the more important fruits 

 have been passed over. The different varieties of Plantains and 

 Bananas would require a separate treatise, while the Cocoa-nuts 

 are identified more with the vegetable products. Nanas, as the 

 Malays call the Pine-apples (Ananassa sativa, Lindl.), is of course 

 widely diffused amongst them. Their name is identical with the 

 Brazilian oije, obtained through the Portuguese, who introduced it 

 into India in 1594. Altogether it is not a favourite fruit in 

 Malaysia, since it is certainly not seen in its perfection in those 

 regions. A peculiar variety introduced by Sir Hugh Low is 

 commonly seen as an ornament upon the table. It is called the 

 Hen and Chickens on account of the odd mode of growth which 

 it manifests. There is a tall conical central pine, and, at its 

 base, four or five small pines spring forth, but the fruit is for 

 ornament only. 



Horticulture. — The English and Dutch colonists have always 

 been remarkable for the cultivation of flowering plants. This 

 peculiarity has resulted in the ornamental or neat and beautiful 

 appearance which roads and streets, gardens and enclosures 

 invariably bear in the colonies of the above nations. The 

 taste thus manifested is of ancient date ; but it has grown, and 

 probably has never previously attained such activity in the 

 cultivation of native flowers, and the introduction of new ones as 

 at present. Yet in the Straits Settlements and Dutch colonies 

 acclimatisation has not progressed as it should have done. 

 Persons who possess every advantage, and might have gardens 

 of pre-eminent variety and beauty, confine their attention to a 

 few common and easily grown species, so that one sees the same 

 things over and over again. Masses of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, 



