PI. 218. 



r 



A FRUIT AND SEED OF THE ANAY. 



(PERSEA SP., 8. P. I. NO. 43432.) 



A wild relative of the avocado, with smooth, glossy black fruits, 4 to 

 6 inches long, having a very thin, membranous skin which adheres 

 closely to the firm, oily flesh. The latter has a rich, bland flavor 

 like that of a good avocado, but with a suggestion of sweetness. 

 If the flesh of the anay was more abundant, its flavor would 

 make it of great value. The fruits do not ripen on the tree, but 

 fall to the ground while still hard and require two or three days 

 to soften. This may prove of value for breeding purposes. (Pho- 

 tographed by Wilson Popenoe at Mazateiiango, Guatemala, Sep- 

 tember 23, 1916; P16806FS.) Natural size. 



