TROPICA L FRUITS, FOR LOW ELEVA 77O.Y.S 149 



cross-fertilisation for its reproduction by seed. Therefore the 

 varieties become much mixed, the fruit varying from globose to 

 long and narrow, with many, few, or no seeds. Occasionally, 

 however, bisexual flowers are produced by either male or female- 

 trees which are normally unisex mil ; thus "male" trees sometimes 

 bear fruit, which only differs from that of "female" trees by 

 being smaller and perhaps less palatable. Propagated from seed, 

 which germinate readily. These are of the size of small peas ; 

 about 250 when fresh go to an ounce, or 1,260 when dry. Sow 

 thinly in nursery beds. Suited to the moist low-country, and thrives 

 best in rich well-drained soil. (See Mountain Papaw). 



Carissa Carandas (Apocynaceae). "Maha-karamba" S. ; 

 "Perunkila" T. A small tree or large shrub, with sharp, rigid, 

 forked thorns and oval le.ives, native of the dry region of Ceylon, 

 also of India and Malaya. It blossoms chiefly in February to 

 March, and ripens its fruits in August and September. The fruit 

 when ripe much resembles a damson, both in size and colour ; but 

 in the interior are a number of small seeds. In India it is made 

 into a pickle just before it is ripe, and is also used in tarts and pud- 

 dings, being considered to resemble gooseberries in flavour. For 

 these purposes it is said to be "superior to any other Indian 

 fruit.'' When ripe it makes a very good jelly. The plant is 

 commonly employed for barrier hedges, for which purpose it is 

 well suited. Propagated from seed. Suited to dry districts at low 

 elevations. 



Caryocar nuciferum (Ternstroemiaceae). Butter-nut ; 

 Souari-nut. A handsome lofty tree, attaining a height of over 

 100 ft., with large lanceolate, trifoliate leaves, native of Brazil and 

 British Guiana. It bears a large roundish, woody fruit, about the 

 size of a child's head, containing when ripe four large kidney- 

 shaped seeds, which have a very hard woody, warty, and reddish 

 shell. The latter is so hard that it needs an axe to break it open. 

 The kernels have a pleasant nutty taste, and are esteemed in 

 England for confectionery and fruitarian dishes. They yield by 

 pressure a valuable oil. Souari-nuts are imported into England, and 

 may usually be seen in Covent Garden, or sometimes retailed in 

 London at about 3d. or 4d. each. The tree flourishes in the moist 

 low-country of Ceylon, and prefers rich deep or alluvial soil. The 

 two trees in the Peradeniya collection, introduced in 1891, grow 

 luxuriantly and have flowered freely since 1910, but not yet fruited. 

 Propagated by seed (Sec illustration). 



