THE ISTAVEL OEANGE OF BAHIA. 27 



feet, the trunk branching freely close to the ground. The leaves 

 are persistent, opposite, ovate-elliptical to lanceolate, acute at the 

 apex, generally glabrous, with the margins entire. In length they 

 vary from three- fourths of an inch to over 3 inches, their size being 

 one of the principal characteristics by which the natives distinguish 

 the different horticultural forms which are cultivated in the gardens. 

 The flowers (PL XIII) are small, white, produced singly and in 

 clusters on the bark from the base of the trunk to the ends of the 

 small branches, sometimes so thick as almost to hide the trunk, 

 limbs, and small branches from view; in form they resemble those 

 of the myrtle, having four small white petals and a prominent clus- 

 ter of white stamens. The season of flowering varies greatly with 

 the different species and in different localities. 



The fruit (PL XIV) develops very rapidly and is ripe two or 

 three months after the appearance of the flowers. In form it is round 

 or slightly oblate, half an inch to an inch and a half in diameter, 

 deep, glossy maroon-purple in color, crowned with a small disk at 

 the apex. While sessile in Myrciaria cauliflora, in M. jaboticaba the 

 fruits are produced upon slender stems about an inch in length. 

 Those of M. cauliflora are considered the largest, frequently averag- 

 ing an inch or more in diameter as seen offered for sale in the mar- 

 kets. The skin is thick and rather tough; besides coloring matters 

 it contains a large amount of tannin. The translucent, juicy pulp, 

 white or tinged with rose, is of a most agreeable, vinous flavor, 

 suggestive of the Scuppernong or Muscadine grape {Vitis rotundi- 

 folia) of the Southern States; the whole appearance and character 

 of the fruit so suggest a grape, in fact, as to earn for the jaboticaba 

 the name of "the grape of Brazil." One not infrequently finds a 

 jaboticaba with the disagreeable resinous twang common to a num- 

 ber of myrtaceous fruits. This may be due in many instances to 

 the condition of the fruit at the time of eating or to the inferiority 

 of the particular variety. A good jaboticaba is so thoroughly enjoy- 

 able as to tempt one to keep on picking and eating the fruits indefi- 

 nitely. Brazilians are wont to yield to this temptation, especially 

 the children, who spend hours searching out and devouring the ripe 

 fruits, their only complaint being that it is impossible to satisfy 

 one's appetite with jaboti cabas. 



The seeds, which vary from one to four in number, are not easily 

 separated from the pulp. In form they are oval to almost round, 

 compressed, and about a quarter of an inch in length. 



A number of named varieties are known to the Brazilians, some 

 of which are probably true species, otliers liorticultund forms origi- 

 nating through se<Mlling variation. The name jaboticaba, without 

 any qualifying word, is considered to be properly applied only to 



