TROPICAL FRUITS, FOR LOU' ELEl'ATIOXS 



141 



the sea-coast. Propagated by suckers from the roots, by Bootee or 

 layering. (S^'c illustmlion). 



A.-integrifolia. Jak-fruit ; " Kos " S. " Pilla-kai " T. A 

 very large tree, native of South India and Malaya, introduced and 

 cultivated in Ceylon, where it has become semi-naturalised. The 

 enormous fruits, one of which may weigh up to 100 Ib. or more, are 

 borne on the trunk and older branches, sometimes at the base of the 



JAK-FRUIT. A rtocarpns iutcgrifolia. 



trunk or even under-ground. It is usually oblong and irregular in 

 shape (sometimes almost round), being always green, with the rind 

 consisting of somewhat hexagonal knobs. This fruit forms a very 

 important article of food with the Natives of the Eastern Tropics, 

 while some Europeans also relish it, especially the seeds when 

 cooked and served in curries. When ripe, the fruit has an over- 

 powering odour, and the stronger the latter is, the better apparently 

 the quality of the fruit. With the exception of the rind and core, 

 the whole of the fruit is eaten, the white or cream-coloured 



