136 TROPICAL AGRICULTURE 



and y* to I inch in thickness. The jujube is generally prop- 

 agated by seed and the fruit is borne in October or Novem- 

 ber. It is much liked by the natives in India and elsewhere, 

 but Europeans and Americans do not acquire a liking for the 

 fruit except as a deliberately cultivated habit. This is due to 

 the peculiar and somewhat offensive odor of the fruit. The 

 jujube is grown somewhat sparingly in California, Florida, 

 and other Southern States. It is used in the preparation of 

 sirups, confections, and lozenges. The dried fruit of Z. vul- 

 gar is is also an article of commerce. 



SAPODILLA 



The sapodilla (Achras sapota) is a tree 25 by 30 feet high 

 with thick, leathery, shiny leaves and native of Central America 

 and the West Indies. It bears two crops of fruit annually, in 

 August and February. The gum and tannin are quite abun- 

 dant in the green fruit which in appearance resembles the 

 potato, but the ripe fruit is edible. The fruit contains in the 

 ripe condition a brown, juicy pulp surrounding the black seeds. 

 The sapodilla is propagated by seed or grafting and thrives 

 up to an altitude of 3,000 feet. The tree makes a very slow 

 growth. The latex of the fruit and stem is the source of chicle 

 which is discussed under rubbers and gums. The sapodilla 

 thrives in Florida as far north as Palm Beach. Fruit varies 

 greatly in size and flavor. It appears on the markets of 

 Florida and other Gulf States and occasionally in Washington 

 and New York markets. 



CARAMBOLA 



The carambola (Averrhoa carambola) is a small tree, native 

 of the Molucca Islands. It bears a pointed fruit about 4 inches 

 long with three pronounced wings or angles. The flavor is 

 sweet, acid, and very agreeable. The fruit is used in jelly- 

 making and in sherbets and cool drinks or may be eaten out 



