219 

 BARBADOES CHERRY 



This is the vernacular name for the fruit of Malpighia glabra, an 

 evergreen tree, and Maipighia punifolia an evergreen shrub belonging to 

 the natural order Malpighiacese. Both are indigenous to the West 

 Indies and tropical America, the former being cultivated to some extent 

 in those regions for the sake of its fruit, which in shape and size is 

 similar to the common Cherry. The fruit is juicy and refreshing, 

 and much appreciated in the' West Indies. As both species are- 

 indigenous to tropical regions they can only be cultivated successfully in 

 those parts of Australia where the climatic conditions are similar. They 

 would probably prove serviceable fruits in many parts of Queensland and 

 North Australia, and are also worthy of cultivation for ornamental 

 purposes, as their bright evergreen foliage is very attractive. Their 

 pretty rose coloured flowers are also a recommendation. Both species 

 thrive best in a light rich soil. Propagation may be readily effected by 

 seeds, layers, and ripened cuttings of the current seasons growth under a 

 glass. 



BEARBERRY 



HISTORY AND USES. 



The plant known under this name is A rctostaphylos Uva-nrsi, which 

 belongs to the natural order Ericaceae, or Heath family. Formerly it 

 was called A rbutus Uva ursi. It is an evergreen trailing plant having 

 white flowers, and it is indigenous to the alpine and northern regions 

 of Europe, Asia, and America. It is to be found growing in various 

 parts of Scotland, as also in Wales. The plant has leaves somewhat 

 similar to those of the Cranberry, and the same trailing habit of 

 growth. The fruit is red, and also somewhat similar but smaller and 

 more dry and mealy. In some localities the fruit is used in the same 

 way as Cranberries, but it is greatly inferior to them. The plant in 

 some parts of America is known as the Hog Cranberry, in others 

 Upland Cranberry, and also under the name of Grouseberry. As 

 the whole plant has astringent properties it is used to some extent 

 medicinally, and more especially the leaves, which are also some- 

 times utilized as a substitute for tea. Another species of this genus, 

 Arctostaphylos manzamta, is the Mexican Manzanita (Little Apple). 

 The fruit is a dull red, mealy, and pleasantly sub-acid. It is used 

 to some extent by the Mexicans, and is eaten freely by birds and 

 various animals. 



CULTIVATION AND PROPAGATION. 



The Bearberry grows naturally in poor dry heathy soils, and might 

 prove serviceable in some of the alpine regions of Australia 

 Tasmania and New Zealand. Though not nearly so valuable as the- 







