72 The Philippine Journal of Science ww 



MANGOSTEEN 



GARCINIA MANGOSTANA L. Plate X, fig. 2. Mangostan; MAnggis, 

 Jolo. 



A medium-sized tree with oblong, coriaceous leaves and axil- 

 lary flowers. Fruits globose, 5 to 6 centimeters in diameter; 

 the persistent calyx reflexed ; the pericarp rather brittle, purple ; 

 the pulp free, white or translucent, in about 5 nearly free seg- 

 ments usually only one of which contains a seed. Malaya. 



The mangosteen thrives only in the southern islands, and the 

 fruit reaches the Manila market in small quantities. It is 

 famed as one of the most delicious fruits grown in the Tropics, 

 perhaps in the world. The very juicy white pulp has a flavor 

 partaking of strawberry or grape, and is the only edible part. 

 It is easily removed from the thick purple rind, and resembles 

 in shape a small tangerine orange. Unfortunately, it cannot 

 be transported even with modern cold storage or when coated 

 with wax, as the white pulp rapidly melts and turns brown. 

 The seeds contain about 3 per cent of a valuable oil known as 

 "cocum" or "kokam butter," which is used extensively in India. 

 The thick purple rind contains tannin, resin, and mangostin, the 

 last a yellow crystalline compound with medicinal properties. 

 The dried rind or entire fruit is included in the pharmacopoeia 

 of India, and is much used as an astringent. 



IBA 



CI CCA DISTICH A L. Plate XI, fig. 1. Iba, T; Otaheite or Star goose- 

 berry. 



A small tree, the pinnately arranged leaves borne at the ends 

 of the branches, the flowers very small, racemose, the racemes 

 fascicled along the branches below the leaves. Fruits globose, 

 pale green, about 1.5 centimeters in diameter, the pulp firm, acid, 

 surrounding the hard stone. Tropical Asia. 



The small fruits of the iba are very juicy, and, are eaten raw, 

 pickled, or cooked with sugar. When properly preserved, they 

 resemble the gooseberry. Of slight importance. 



GUAVA 



PSIDIUM GUAJAVA L. Plate XI, fig. 2. Guayabo, Sp.; Bayabas, II. T. 

 A shrub or small tree with ovate leaves and axillary, pedicelled, 

 medium-sized white flowers. Fruit ovoid or globose to pyri- 

 f orm, smooth, green to pale yellow, 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter ; 

 the pulp pink or yellowish, containing numerous, small hard 

 seeds. Tropical America. 



