PI. 224. 



FRUIT OF THE PATASHTE, A RELATIVE OF THE CACAO. 



(TRIBROMA BICOLOR (HUMB. AND BONP.) COOK.) 



According to Mr. O. F. Cook, this gourdlike elliptical pod contains large fleshy seeds which are used 

 in the same manner as cacao among the Indians of Guatemala. Though not considered the 

 equal of cacao in quality, the patashte is bought readily by the Indians and would undoubt- 

 edly find a place in commerce if it could be produced cheaply. The patashte tree grows much 

 more rapidly than cacao, develops into a much larger tree, and has been used experimentally 

 as a shade tree for cacao. Its rapid growth and adaptation to high altitudes make it promising 

 for trial as a stock for the cacao. (Photographed by Wilson Popenoe, at Escuintla, Guate- 

 mala, September 22,. 1916; P16793FS.) Slightly under natural size. 



