1S8 



6. P. W. Collection. PlATE LXXVII 



Iiwcarpus cdulis. 



TAIIITIAN CHESTNUT. 



This tree, which is said to be a native of the Mokiccas, is an 

 evergreen of very rapid growth. Its straight trunk, with smooth, 

 aslien-gre}' bark, its spreading branches, with their dense green 

 fohage, make a very ornamental as well as useful tree. Its 

 leaves are alternate and simple. The small, fragrant, pale yellow 

 flowers are very numerous. The drupe is obliquely oval, and about 

 the size of a goose egg, containing a large kernel which is edible 

 when roasted, but is not especially palatable. The only trees of 

 this variet)' growing in Hawaii are to be found at Ahuimanu 

 Ranch, Oahu, where they fruit regularly, and the seeds germi- 

 nate after being in the ground some months. 



