306 MANUAL OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS 



The tree is hardy in southern California and throughout the 

 southern and central parts of Florida. It succeeds equally well 

 in warm, moist, tropical regions and in the cool and dry sub- 

 tropics. In Florida it is esteemed as an ornamental plant. The 

 fresh fruit is fragrant and attractive, but owing to its peculiar 

 character it is not pleasant to eat unless in small quantities; 

 yet as a preserve or crystallized it is delicious. On account of its 

 beauty it is often used for table decoration. Its enticing per- 

 fume, strikingly similar to that of rose-water, makes it unique 

 among fruits. 



According to an analysis made in Hawaii by Alice R. Thomp- 

 son, the ripe fruit contains : Total solids 15.85 per cent, ash 

 0.29, acids 0.03, protein 0.79, total sugars 11.73, fat 0.18, and 

 fiber 0.98 per cent. 



The plant thrives on soils of diverse types. While a rich 

 loam perhaps best suits it, the shallow sandy soils of south- 

 eastern Florida have proved altogether satisfactory. It is of 

 slow growth, and comes into bearing when four or five years old. 

 When in bloom it is highly ornamental as it is also when the 

 yellow fruits are ripe. It does not bear heavily, but fruiting 

 extends over a long season. 



Propagation of the rose-apple is usually by seed. Like the 

 mango it is peculiar in that its seeds are polyembryonic ; thus 

 a single seed may give rise to seven or eight plants. P. J. 

 Wester has found that the species lends itself to bud-propaga- 

 tion. The method is the same as that used with the avocado 

 and mango. Wester says : " Use greenish to brownish and 

 roughish, well-matured budwood ; cut the buds an inch and a 

 quarter long. The age of the stock at the point of insertion 

 is unimportant." Large-fruited varieties, or those otherwise 

 desirable, may be propagated by this means. 



No named varieties of this very interesting fruit have been 

 disseminated. 



