188 



a. p. W. Collection. PLATE XCII 



Malpighia glabra. 



BARBADOS CHERRY. 



This small shrub is a native of the \\'est Indies. Its dull-green 

 leaves are opposite, ovate and glabrous, either entire or spiny- 

 toothed. The rose-colored flowers are axillary and five-petaled. 

 The bright red fruit is about the size of a cherry, and has a thin 

 skin, and its acid pulp is used for jam and preserves. The seeds 

 or stones are large, four-angled, and germinate readily ; plants 

 are also produced by cuttings. Though not common in these 

 Islands, there are, however, a few specimens of this plant to be 

 found in several of the private gardens of Honolulu. 



