THE KAKI AND ITS RELATIVES 373 



P. J. Wester has found that the species may be propagated 

 by shield-budding in much the same manner as the avocado and 

 the mango. Using this method it is possible to perpetuate 

 choice varieties which originate as chance seedlings. Wester 

 says briefly : "Use mature, but not green and smooth, petioled 

 budwood ; cut the buds about an inch and a half long ; insert 

 the bud at a point where the stock is green or brown before it 

 becomes rough." 



Seedling trees do not come into bearing until they are five or 

 six years of age. Even more time than this has been required 

 in Florida. Mature trees' usually bear regularly and heavily. 

 The ripening season in the Mexican lowlands is July to Septem- 

 ber, somewhat later in the tierra templada or region which lies 

 between 2500 and 4000 feet. If taken from the tree when 

 mature and shipped immediately, the fruit may be sent to dis- 

 tant markets; but once it has softened (usually three to six 

 days after it is picked), it is difficult to handle because of its thin 

 delicate skin and the large mass of soft pulp. 



No horticultural varieties have as yet been established. 

 Seedlings differ noticeably in the size and character of their 

 fruits, and it will be worth while to search out the best ones 

 and propagate them by budding. Fruits 1 pounds in weight 

 are seen at Tehuantepec, State of Oaxaca, Mexico. 



THE MABOLO 

 (Diospyros discolor, Willd.) 



Like the durian and the santol, the mabolo is a Malayan 

 fruit little known outside its native area. It is a medium-sized 

 tree with oblong-acute leaves 4 to 8 inches long, shining above 

 and pubescent beneath. The fruit is round or oblate in form, 

 about 3 inches in diameter, with a thin, velvety, dull red skin, 

 and whitish, aromatic, rather dry flesh which adheres to the 

 four to eight large seeds. P. J. Wester writes : "There is also 



