256 NATURAL HISTORY OF HAWAII. 



Native Raspberries. 



There are at least three, and probably more species of the native raspberry, 

 or akala. They prefer the high altitudes and have been found growing 

 on all of the high islands with the exception of Oahu. In the deep woods on 

 Molokai, at the head of Pelekunu Valley, I have found the spineless Hawaiian 

 raspberry - growing under ideal wild conditions, as a perennial, attaining a 

 height of twelve to fifteen feet, with stems three or more inches in diameter at 

 the ground. While the fruit is neither abundant nor of especially good quality, 

 the few berries that it produces are of large size and attractive appearance. 

 The species is worthy of propagation by horticulturists, on account of the im- 

 portant characteristics possessed by it that might be developed through cross- 

 fertilization. 



In the mountains of Hawaii and ^Maui is found a low-spreading, prostrate 

 shrub with long, stiff, trailing branches that bear round, black fruit about a 

 half inch in diameter known to the natives as kukui neenee.^ The fruit is not 

 pleasant to the taste, but the wild Hawaiian goose feeds voraciously upon it. 

 They are common in the open country about the Volcano House. 



The Ohelo. 



( )f more importance and general interest than the foregoing are the beauti- 

 ful and delicious ohelo berries ■* found especially abundant about Kilauea. They 

 belong in the same genus with the familiar bog-cranberry of commerce. The 

 berry is like the cranberry in size, shape and color. It is slightly astringent, 

 but not enough to render it impleasant to the taste, when eaten out of the hand. 

 It also makes excellent pies and preserves, and being a very prolific bearer is 

 worthy of attention by those interested in the production of new fruits. Tlie 

 berries vary greatly in color from almost white, through various shades of yel- 

 low and red to almost purple, and are covered with a waxy bloom. They grow 

 crowded together along the branching stems of the low erect shrub, which at- 

 tains a height of from one to two feet. The bush grows more or less in patches, 

 often covering considerable areas. In former times it was used as a propitiatory 

 offering to the goddess Pele, and a century ago no Hawaiian would approach 

 her abode without first making a suitable offering of these berries to the far- 

 famed goddess of the volcano. The Hawaiian islands have two distinct species 

 and several recognized varieties, though the berries of the taller species, fairly 

 common in the highest mountains of the different islands of the group, are 

 seldom eaten. 



JIouNTAiN Apples. 



An important native fruit tree, or at least one that must be considered as 

 of early native introduction, is the mountain apple, or ohia ai."' The tree attains 

 a heiglit of from twenty-five to fifty feet, and usually forms a clump or grove 



