TROPICAL FRCITS. FOR LOW ELEVATIONS 143 



VARIETIES. -Jak-fruit occurs in several varieties, the two most distinct 

 in Ceylon being : (1) " Waraka." distinguished hya firm fruit, which the Natives 

 recognise by the sound when flicked with the fingers ; (2) "Vela," characterised 

 by its softer rind, through which the finger may be thrust when approaching 

 ripeness, the pulp being less sweet than that of the former variety. Of these 

 there are several sub-varieties as " Kuru-waraka " (with small and almost round 

 fruit), and " Peni-waraka " (=honey-jak), which has a sweetish pulp. A variety 

 called " Johore Jak," with hairy leaves and a small oblong fruit with a most over- 

 powering odour, is greatly esteemed by those who eat the fruit. 



A. nobilis. Wild Brend-fruit ; "Wai-del" S. ; " Asini- 

 pillakai T. A noble tree, usually 40 to 50 ft. high (but sometimes 

 attaining an enormous size), with large leathery, crimpled or wavy, 

 undivided leaves, peculiar to the moist low-country of Ceylon. 

 The fruit is cone-like, 5 to 8 inches in length by lj to 2 inches in 

 diameter ; it is similar in texture, though inferior, to the Bread-fruit 

 proper, and is eaten by the poorer classes, being cooked and used 

 us a vegetable with curries. It contains several round white seeds, of 

 the form of large peas, which are roasted and eaten. The tree 

 thrives in a wild state up to 2,000 ft. in the moist low-country of 

 Ceylon, where it is endemic. Propagated by seed. 



Averrhoa Bilimbi (Geraniaceai). Cucumber-Tree; "Blim- 

 bing;" "Biling" S. ; "Bilimbi-kai" T. A small fine-foliaged tree, 

 native of the Moluccas, and commonly cultivated in the Eastern 

 Tropics for its fruit. The latter is about 3 inches long, resembling 

 a small green cucumber, and produced in clusters on the trunk 

 and oldest branches ; it is esteemed in pickles and preserves, and 

 is sometimes used for making jam and cooling drinks. As an 

 ingredient in curries, the fruit is also much relished. The tree 

 thrives up to medium elevations, and is propagated from seeds or by 

 layering. The seed, being small, should be sown in pots under 

 cover. 



A. Carambola. Karambola ; "Kamaranga" S. ; "Tamarta" 

 T. A small tree, similar to the preceding species, but more orna- 

 mental in habit. It is a native of the Moluccas, and has long been 

 in cultivation in the East. The curious oval-shaped, winged fruit, 

 borne in great profusion, gives the tree a striking effect. When 

 ripe the fruit is semi-transparent, of a fine rich amber colour, very 

 juicy, and of a sweet acid taste. Its principal culinary use is for 

 making jelly, for which it is esteemed. The juice removes stains 

 from linen, and is also commonly used for burnishing brass. The 

 degree of acidity of the fruit varies in different varieties. I have 

 tasted some at Shows which were agreeably sweet and well worth 



