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TROPICAL FRUITS 



the author does not think it worth classifying with edible fruits, 

 unless other varieties are superior to that grown in Peradeniya 

 Gardens. 



Durio zibethinus (Malvaceae). Durian ; Civet-cat Fruit. 

 A very large, handsome pyramid- shaped tree, native of the Malay 

 Archipelago, and commonly cultivated in the Straits, Burma, Java, etc. 

 for the sake of its celebrated fruit. The latter, produced on the 

 older branches, varies somewhat from round to oval in shape, and 

 usually weighs from 5 to 7 lb., though sometimes as much as 



Dillenia indica. " HONDAPAKA." 



10 lb. It is armed with thickly set formidable prickles about ^ inch 

 long ; when ripe it becomes slightly yellow, and possesses an odour 

 which is intensely offensive to most people, especially on first 

 acquaintance with it. The cream-coloured pulp surrounding the 

 seed is the edible portion ; this is most highly prized by the Malays 

 and other Oriental races, and is also relished by Europeans who 

 acquire a taste for it. FIRMINGER described it as " resembling 

 blanc-mange, delicious as the finest cream," whilst MR. RUSSEL 

 WALLACE considered that "eating durians is a sensation worth a 

 voyage to the East." The large seeds may be roasted and eaten 



