388 Other Semttropical Fruits. 
This tree endures slight frosts unharmed. It is indigenous in north- 
west Mexico and is remarkable among the Aurantiacea, producing green 
colored flowers, and superficially bears little resemblance to an other- 
wise well-marked order of plants. The fruits are the size of apples, and 
are esteemed in that portion of Mexico where it is common; according 
to some botanical authorities it is not considered altogether wholesome, 
possessing narcotic properties. The pulp is described as possessing a 
delicious, melting, peach-like taste. 
THE TREE TOMATO. 
This plant (Cyphomandra betacea) was brought to general 
notice by Mr. Cammack, of Whittier. It is a native of Central 
America and is of shrubby habit, growing five or six feet high, 
with large, shining leaves, often a foot long. The flowers are 
fragrant, of a pale flesh color, with yellow stamens, and are tol- 
lowed by fruit the shape and size of a duck’s egg, at first of a 
purple tint, but gradually assuming a warm, reddish color as it 
ripens. When ripe the fruit may be used raw as a tomato is. 
If the skin is removed and the fruit stewed with sugar, it has 
a slight sub-acid flavor which is very refreshing. It makes a 
fine jelly. The plants bear the second year from the seed and 
the fruit ripens continuously for several months. The seeds 
should be started just as are those of the common tomato, and 
the plants set out eight or ten feet apart. 
THE KAI APPLE. 
The name is applied to the fruit of Aberia Caffra, a native 
of Natal and Kaffraria, a tall shrub, yielding an edible fruit of a 
golden yellow color, about an inch in diameter. It is com- 
mended as a hedge plant, as it is densely clothed with strong 
dry spines. The leaves are small and of a rich green hue. The 
fruit, which is produced freely in the warmer parts of the State, 
is chiefly used for making preserves. 
OTHER FRUITS. 
The foregoing enumeration does not include all the exotic 
fruits which have found a place on Californian soil. There are 
many more, some of which will probably demonstrate their fit- 
ness to add to the graces or the gains of our horticultural life. 
