256 GARDEN PLANTS. PART II. 



EBENACE^L v 

 Diospyros kaki. 



DATE-PLUM. 



Bildetee Gab. 



A large tree, native of China, with large-leaved handsome 

 foliage; unsuited for gardens except of great extent; thrives 

 well, and bears abundantly in the neighbourhood of Calcutta. 



The fruit ripens during the month of August, and is about the 

 size of a large Apple, with twin almond-like stones in the centre. 

 The rind is of a rich ruddy crimson colour, in texture somewhat 

 resembling, but rather rougher than, that of the Peach. It has 

 rather a disagreeable odour. In flavour it is suggestive of an 

 over-ripe and very mellow Apple, of which the flesh possesses 

 something of the same consistency, with a little of the taste 

 of a Melon. Though not unpalatable, it is a fruit which few 

 perhaps would . care to partake much of. A fine preserve is 

 said to be made from it by the Chinese, for which indeed it 

 seems well adapted. 



Easily propagated by sowing the stones. 



APOCYNACE^E. 



Carissa carandas. 

 Kuronda. 



A small shrub, with dark shining leaves, and most formidable 

 thorns ; native of India, and common in all parts of the country. 

 Don describes it as a tree of fifteen to twenty feet high ; but I 

 have never met with it more than at most four or five 

 feet high. It is in blossom in February, and the fruit is 

 in season in August and September. A milky juice exudes 

 from the wounded part of the fruit when gathered, which is 

 very adhesive and difficult to remove if allowed to fall upon 

 the hands. 



The fruit when ripe, in shape, size, and colour bears a strong 

 resemblance to a Damson ; but bears within it a number of small 

 seeds. It is of great value for making preserves of. In its un- 

 ripe state, moreover, it may be used from about the middle of 



