THE SAPOTACEOUS FRUITS 347 



some asexual means of propagation in order to perpetuate as 

 varieties any choice kinds which originate. Budding will 

 probably prove satisfactory. It is reported that cuttings can 

 be grown, if they are made from well-ripened shoots and placed 

 over strong moist heat. Seeds retain their viability for several 

 months, are easily transported through the mails, and should 

 be sown in light sandy loam. 



Some trees yield heavy crops of fruit, while many others 

 are shy bearers. The ripening season in the West Indies is 

 April and May. The fruits are not good unless allowed to re- 

 main on the tree until fully ripe; if picked when immature 

 they are astringent and contain a sticky white latex. 



Two races are common, one green-fruited and the other 

 purple-fruited. They are not known to differ in flavor or other 

 characteristics except color. 



THE CANISTEL 

 (Lucuma nervosa, A. DC.) 



Opinions differ regarding the value of the canistel. By some 

 it is considered a delicious fruit ; others find it too sweet and its 

 musky flavor unpleasant. It is popular among residents of the 

 Florida Keys and in Cuba. In the opinion of the author it is 

 certainly not so good as the green sapote, the star-apple, or the 

 abiu. 



The tree, which reaches 15 to 25 feet in height, is commonly 

 slender in habit, but sometimes broad and stiffly erect. It is of 

 handsome appearance and for this reason is often planted in 

 dooryards. The leaves are oblong-obovate to oblanceolate 

 in outline, 4 to 8 inches long, glabrous, and bright green in 

 color. The small flowers are produced upon the young wood 

 in clusters of two to five. The fruit is round to ovoid in form, 

 frequently pointed at the apex, orange-yellow and 2 to 4 

 inches long. The skin is membranous and the bright orange 



