542 ORD, XXIX. Hesperidece. MYRTUS PIMENTA, 
Ess.Gen. Ch. Cal. 5-fidus, superus. Petala.5. Bacca, 2.s.3-sperma. 
Sp. Ch. M. floribus trichotomo-paniculatis foliis oblongo-lance-~ 
olatis. Hort. Kew. 
Varietates, « foliis oblongo-lanceolatis acuminatis; acumine obtuso. 
& foliis ovalibus obtusis. Hort. Kew. 
THIS handsome myrtle grows above thirty feet in height, and 
two in circumference; the branches near the top are much 
divided, and thickly beset with leaves, which by their continual 
verdure always give the tree a beautiful appearance; the bark is 
very smooth, externally, and of a grey colour; the leaves vary 
in shape, and in size, but are commonly about four inches long, 
veined, pointed, elliptical, and of a deep shining green colour ; 
the flowers are produced in bunches, or panicles, and stand upon 
subdividing or trichotomous stalks, which usually terminate the 
branches; the calyx is cut into four roundish segments; the 
petals are also four, white, small, reflex, oval, and placed opposite 
to each other between the segments of the calyx; the filaments. 
are numerous, longer than the petals, spreading, of a greenish 
white colour, and rise from the calyx and upper part of the 
germen ; the anther are roundish, and of a pale yellow colour; 
the style is smooth, simple, and erect; the stigma is obtuse ; the 
germen becomes a round succulent berry, containing two kidney- 
shaped flattish seeds. This tree is a native of New Spain and the 
West-India islands. In Jamaica it grows very plentifully, and in 
June, July, and August puts forth its flowers, which, with every 
part of the tree, breathes an aromatic fragrance.* 
The Pimento tree was first introduced and cultivated in this 
country by Mr. Phil. Miller in 1739, and the figure we have 
annexed was drawn from a recent specimen, obtained from the 
* “ The leaves and bark are full of aromatic particles, which make them 
(the planters) extremely cautious of fire in all Pimento Walks; where, if it should 
once catch, it runs with great fury.” Browne, 1. c, 
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