TROPICAL FRUITS, FOR LOW ELEVATIOXS 137 



planting out when large enough. Plants may also be propagated 

 from the leaves, these being laid in a bed of light sandy soil and 

 kept moist and shaded. (See illustrations). 



VARIETIES. A large number of varieties occur in cultivation, and differ- 

 ent names are given in different countries to the same varieties. One of the most 

 distinct and best variety is the "Smooth Cayenne," known in Ceylon as the 

 "AVtt- Pint'." This bears large, luscious and juicy fruits, often weighing from 

 10 to 15 Ib. ; sometimes 20 Ib. or more. This variety has the additional merit of 

 having spineless leaves. It is said to be the chief variety cultivated in Hawaii, 

 Florida, and Azores, and commands the highest price in the London market. 

 In the West Indies the " Red Spanish " is perhaps the most popular kind, the 

 " Riplcy Queen " or " Black Antigua" being also highly spoken of. "Mauritius" 

 C* Ri'Plcy Ouccn") is the variety most commonly grown for market in Ceylon ; 

 it is of a hardy nature, thriving in comparatively poor soil. " Gal-anassi" is a 

 variety naturalised in Ceylon, distinguished by small yellow, rather insipid 

 fruits. The following are amongst the best varieties cultivated in the West 

 Indies: "Ahbaka" "Black Antigua," "Sugar-loaf" Monstcrat" "Egyptian 

 Queen" " Pcrnambnco" "Porto Rico," " Bracomorensis." 



Anona muricata (Anonaceae). Sour-sop; "Katu-anodo" S. ; 

 "Seetha" T. A small, quick-growing shrubby tree, 15 to 20 ft. high, 

 with fragrant laurel-like leaves, native of the West Indies and com- 

 monly grown in the Eastern Tropics for its fruit as well as for 

 ornament. The large green fruit, usually weighing from 4 to 6 Ib. 

 (sometimes 10 Ib. or more), varies in form from kidney-shaped to 

 oval or ovate, and is covered with soft green prickles. The white, 

 rather wooly pulp, amongst which the large black seeds are scattered, 

 is juicy and sweet, suggesting the flavour of Pine-apple, and is 

 sometimes used for flavouring ices and in the preparation of a 

 pleasant cooling drink. The fruit, though of an agreeable flavour, 

 is not generally popular. There is, however, much difference in 

 the produce of different trees, and the fruit of some has been de- 

 scribed as "lusciously sweet and of a delightful acidity." Propagated 

 from seed or cuttings. Thrives up to 2,000 ft. (Sec illustration). 



A.- reticulata. "Bullock's Heart; "Anoda" S. ; "Ramsita" 

 T. A small bushy tree of Tropical America and the West Indies, 

 commonly met with in native gardens in the low-country of 

 Ceylon. The fruit is usually heart-shaped, sometimes round, 3 to 

 4 inches across, and varying in colour from brownish-red to yellow. 

 It contains several large dark-brown seeds interspersed among the 

 sweet custard-like granular pulp. Some Natives in the low- 

 country are, I am informed, prejudiced against this fruit, owing to 

 a supposition that it causes leprosy. Propagated from seed, which 

 may be sown in nursery beds. Will thrive up to 3,000 ft. or higher. 

 (See illustration) 



