11'^ 



G. P. w. Collection. Plate LIV 



Anona Chcrimolia. 



CHERIMOYER. 



The Cherimoyer, a well-known fruit of the tropics, is said to 

 be a native of Peru. It is naturalized in Central America, is 

 hardy in the mildest coast regions of Spain, and in Jamaica is 

 cultivated up to an elevation of nearly 5000 feet. It thrives on 

 the Florida Keys, and is also grown to a limited extent in South- 

 ern California. The tree grows to a height of from 10 to 20 feet ; 

 its branches are spreading, and the dark, shiny leaves are either 

 ovate or oblong, and are sparsely hairy above and velvety be- 

 neath. 



The single petaled, velvety-green flowers are very fragran'.. 

 The fruit, which is about the size of a large orange, is heart- 

 shaped and slightly flattened at the stem end. When ripe, the 

 skin is a greyish-green, and is covered with slightly-raised semi- 

 circular markings. The white pulp, which is soft and rich, is 

 divided into cells, each containing a black seed about the size of 

 an ordinary bean. The Cherimoyer comes true to seed and bears 

 in about three years. It is one of the most delicious fruits, and 

 its delicate, slightly-acid flavor is very characteristic. The 

 Cherimoyer was one of the earliest fruits introduced to these 

 Islands, and the best specimens of its kind are grown in Kona 

 and Kau, Hawaii, where it continues to propagate itself naturally 

 from seed. 



