G. P. TV. ColUcHon. PlATE VIII 



Jambosa malacccnsis. 



MOUNTAIN APPLE, "oHIA AI." 



This tree is found on all the large islands of the Polynesian 

 groups, and in the Malaysian Archipelago. In the Hawaiian 

 Islands it confines itself almost entirely to the moist, shady val- 

 leys, and thrives well, up to an elevation of 1800 feet. It is gen- 

 erally gregarious, and on the north side of East Maui it forms a 

 forest belt. It attains a height of from 25 to 50 feet. Its dark, 

 shiny, glabrous leaves are opposite, elliptico-oblong, and from 

 6 to 7 inches long, and from 2j/^ to 3 inches broad. The flowers 

 are crimson, fluffy balls, appearing in March and April, on the 

 naked branches and upper trunk of the tree. The fruit, which 

 ripens from Jvdy until December, generally contains one seed, is 

 obovate, about 3 inches in diameter. The skin is so thin as to be 

 barely perceptible, and the fruit is very easily bruised. In color, 

 it is a deep, rich crimson, shading into pink and white ; the pulp 

 is firm, white, and juicy, with a very agreeable flavor. 



