298 MANUAL OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS 



investigations of K. A. Ryerson and the author indicate that 

 self-sterility may be to blame in many instances. 



In its native home, the feijoa is believed to be pollinated by 

 certain birds that visit the flowers in order to eat the fleshy 

 sweet petals. The stamens and style project to a considerable 

 height in the center of the flower; they brush against the 

 breast of the visiting bird and pollen-grains adhere to its 

 feathers. When it visits the next plant some of these pollen- 

 grains are likely to come in contact with the stigmas of other 

 flowers and remain upon them. Cross-pollination is thus 

 effected. 



In the United States the birds which do this work in the 

 habitat of the feijoa are not present; consequently the plant 

 must depend on other pollinating agencies. In some instances 

 feijoa plants are self-fertile, and abundant fruits are produced 

 when the flowers are self -pollinated. In other instances, it 

 has been found that they are self-sterile, and can develop fruits 

 only when pollen is brought from a different plant. The pollen 

 of self-sterile feijoas has been found potent, when applied to 

 flowers of other individuals. 



To avoid the dissemination of self-sterile feijoas, varieties 

 known to be self-fertile should be propagated by vegetative 

 means. Seedlings, even if grown from a self-fertile variety, 

 may nevertheless be self -sterile. 



Grafted or layered plants begin bearing two or three years 

 after they are planted. Seedlings may not bear until the 

 fourth or fifth year. Self-fertile varieties often yield regularly 

 and abundantly. The ripening season in California is October 

 to December. The fruits fall to the ground when mature, 

 and must be laid in a cool place until they are in condition 

 for eating, which can be known by their becoming slightly 

 soft, and by their perfumed aroma. They spoil quickly in a 

 hot, humid atmosphere, but if stored in a cool place they may 

 be kept a month in good condition. They can be shipped long 



