CHAP. TI.' DESSERT FRUITS. 197 



pressed into a five or six-sided shape. It is of a deep dull purplish 

 chocolate colour. In flavour it is suggestive of something better 

 than a Sloe, but worse than an indifferent Plum. The usual 

 plan before eating it, whereby it is rendered softer and more 

 agreeable, is to turn it round between the thumb and forefinger, 

 gently pinching it at the same time, and then roll it between 

 the palms of the hands. By this means it becomes much sweeter 

 in flavour, losing that austerity it before had. It affords an 

 exceedingly nice compote when cooked with sugar. The tree 

 seems to be unknown in the Punjab. 

 Plants are propagated from seed. 



Flacourtia inermis. 



TOMI-TOMI. 



This tree, which is easily distinguished from the foregoing by 

 its being entirely thornless, and by its large handsome leaves, 

 bears a somewhat similar but very inferior fruit a month or two 

 later in the season. 



PASSIFLORACE^E. 

 Passiflora. 



GKANADILLA. 



There are about four or five varieties of Passiflora described 

 as bearing edible fruits, called Granadillas. 



1. P. quadrangularis COMMON GRANADILLA, bears a fruit of 

 an oblong form, about as large sometimes as a child's head. The 

 flavour is sweet and slightly acid, very grateful to the taste, and 

 refreshing in a hot climate, where it is usually eaten with wine 

 and sugar. 



2. P. maliformis APPLE-FRUITED GRANADILLA or SWEET 

 CALABASH. 



3. P. laurifolia WATER-LEMON, is most extensively cultivated 

 in the tropics, being agreeable to most palates. 



4. P. edulis PURPLE-FRUITED GRANADILLA, produces fruit of 

 the size and shape of a hen's egg, green at first, but when ripe 

 of a beautiful plum colour. 



5. P. incarnata FLESH-COLOURED GRANADILLA. 



