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grows to the height of from fifteen to twenty feet, and though classed as 

 an evergreen is not absolutely one. The fruit is of no value, but the 

 fleshy flower stalks are edible, and have, when fresh, a sweet and some- 

 what luscious flavour. When dried, these stalks taste somewhat like 

 raisins, hence the common name. The Chinese Raisin may be grown 

 with success in the semi-tropical parts of Australia, and in other regions 

 where the winters are mild and frosts not troublesome. It will adapt 

 itself to any ordinary good soil, and requires but little care after it has 

 become fairly established, In congenial climates, this tree makes a good 

 ornamental plant, and may be used with advantage for that purpose. 

 Plants may be obtained from layers which should be put down in the 

 spring, or cuttings of the ripened wood, which strike readily in sand 

 under a glass. 



CHOCO. 



HISTORY AND USES. 



This is the native name for a perennial trailing plant belonging to the 

 order Cucurbitacese, or the Cucumber family, which is indigenous to 

 Central America. It is also known as Chayota, and Portuguese Squash. 

 Botanically it is known as Sechium while. In growth it is similar to the 

 Vegetable Marrow, bears a yellow flower, and fruit in appearance some- 

 what like a Quince, but much larger. The plant is very prolific, and one 

 will yield over one hundred fruits in a season. The fruit has but a 

 single seed, which often germinates before the former has fully matured. 

 The fruit is turned to account for both man and beast, but the plant is 

 cultivated chiefly for its large fleshy roots which often weigh over twenty 

 pounds. They contain a large proportion of starch, and have a flavour 

 somewhat similar to the Chestnut, These roots are used extensively by 

 the negroes in the West Indies, also as food for stock, and more especially 

 to fatten hogs. 



CULTIVATOR AND PROPAGATION. 



The Choco can only be cultivated successfully in the warmer parts of 

 Australia, but it is well worthy of attention in congenial localities, as a 

 valuable economical plant for stock. Like other plants of the Cucumber 

 family it requires a rich soil, as strong and rapid growth is essential. As 

 regards planting, and after cultivation, the treatment in every respect is 

 required as for the Vegetable Marrow. In localities where there are slight 

 frosts the stems will die back, but they will shoot from the roots again. 

 Propagation is most usually effected by seeds or young plants that have 

 started in the fruits, but cuttings of the current season's growth will 

 strike in sand under a glass or in a frame. 



CHUPA. 



Chupa is the native name of the fruit of Matisia cordata, an evergreen 



