146 FRUIT CULTIVATION 



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simple, leathery leaves, native of the mountainous parts of Coro- 

 mandel, Malabar, Mysore, etc. The kernels of the fruit are of the 

 size of small pears, and are said to be passed as a general substitute 

 for almonds, being considered superior and more agreeable to the 

 taste than either the Cashew-nut, Country-almond, or Ground-nuts. 

 They are sometimes sold in the bazaars in India at 4 to 6 annas, 

 per Ib. The tree is not known in Ceylon, but might be found 

 suited to medium elevations in the Uva Province. Propagated by 

 seed. 



Canarium commune (Combretaceas). Java Almond ; Pili- 

 nuts ; "Ratakekuna" S. A large handsome Malayan tree, charac- 

 terised by a remarkable buttressed trunk and latterly compressed 

 aerial basal roots ; the latter develop enormous erect flanges of uni- 

 form thickness, so that solid circular pieces may occasionally be cut 

 out from them to form ready-made cart wheels. The tree is much 

 cultivated for shade or ornament in Java. It bears in great abun- 

 dance large pendant clusters of dark-purple fruits, which are of the 

 size of small plums; these are produced all the year round, but 

 chiefly in June. The kernel of the fruit is edible, being similar in 

 flavour to Sweet Almonds ; it yields by expression an oil used for 

 burning in lamps and for cooking purposes. A considerable quan- 

 tity of the " nuts," collected from wild trees, is said to be exported 

 from the Philippines. A desirable tree for planting in avenues,' etc. 

 It thrives in hot and moist districts up to about 1,500 ft. elevation, 

 and prefers deep, well-drained soil. Propagated by seed, which 

 may be sown in nursery beds and kept moist and shaded until 

 germinated. 



Carica Papaya ( Passifloraceae). Papaw; Tree-melon; 

 "Pepol" S. ; "Pappali" T. A fast growing, small, herbaceous, 

 branchless and dioecious tree, attaining a height of about 15 to 

 20ft., indigenous to Central America and the West Indies. It bears 

 a crown of very large palmate leaves, at the base of which the 

 large green fruits are produced. The latter vary from round to 

 oval or oblong in shape, but are usually 8 to 14 inches long by 4 to 

 6 inches in diameter, not unlike green melons or gourds, each weigh- 

 ing from 5 to 8 Ib. or more. The fruit has a central cavity, to the 

 walls of which the olive- coloured seeds are attached, usually in 

 great abundance, but are sometimes entirely absent. The succulent 

 flesh, which varies in colour from a slight pinkish to an orange tint, 

 is very refreshing and agreeable to the taste, especially on first 

 acquaintance with it. It is commonly used for dessert, and is. 



