G. r. W. Collection. Plate XXXIX 



Citrus Japonica. 



KUMQUAT. 



The Kumquat is a native of Cochin-Cliina, and is also culti- 

 vated in Japan, Florida, and California. It is a low-growing bush 

 or shrub, having smooth, angular branches, and in both the round 

 and oval varieties the dark foliage is dense and beautiful. It is 

 a very prolific bearer. Its leaves are small, lanceolate, slightly 

 serrate, pointed or blunt and wedge-shaped at the base. The 

 small, white flowers come solitary or in clusters, the fruit varies 

 in size from a large gooseberry to that of a pigeon's egg, and is 

 either ovate, oblong, or spherical. It is 5 to 6 celled, has very 

 little pulp, and contains many seeds. The pulp is somewhat sour, 

 especially in the round varieties ; and the smooth, thick, yellow 

 rind is aromatic and sweet ; the Kumquat is generally preserved 

 whole, and those prepared by the Chinese are very delicious. 



This ornamental citrus tree is not often seen in our gardens, 

 for it is subject to scale, and to the mealy bug, which destroy the 

 flowers and stunt the fruit. The Kumquat comes true to seed, 

 and may also be propagated by grafting and budding. 



