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378 



OITICICA. 



[append. 



only from having attempted to introduce into this cap- 

 taincy the cultivation of some useful exotic plants, but 

 from the curious and philosophical examination which 

 he has made respecting the wonderful phenomenon of 

 the manner of the fructification of the mangabeira plant, 

 which will be found in my Centuria Plant. Pern. 



Oiti Coroia, Pleragina rufu : — Arrud. Cent, plant. 

 Pern. 



Oiti da Praia, Pleragina odorata: — Arrud. Cent. 

 Plant. Pern. 



Oiticica or Catingueira, Pleragina umbrosissima. 



The first species of this genus {oiti coroia) produces 

 an irregular drupe, of which the kernel is covered with 

 a sweet fecula, somewhat aromatic, pleasant, nutritive. 

 It is large enough to satisfy one person. It is sold in 

 the markets, and by some individuals it is now culti- 

 vated. 



The second species {pita da praia) produces an oval 

 or oblong drupe, very little smaller than a hen's egg ; it 

 is yellow at the period of maturation ; the kernel is co- 

 vered with a sweet, aromatic, and nutritive pulp. 



The third species {oiticica) is peculiar to the Sertoens, 

 where it grows upon the borders of rivers and rivulets. 

 It rises to the height of 50 or 60 feet; its branches are 

 so diffuse, and double so much, that they nearly reach 

 the ground, forming a spacious cope. The fruit is an 

 oblong drupe of two inches or more in length, and of 

 half an inch in thickness ; it always retains its green co- 

 lour, even when ripe. The kernel is not hard like the 

 kernels of the two preceding species, but it is ligneous 

 and flexible, and can easily be broken ; flfis covered 

 with a layer of astringent pulp. The almond is a seed 

 composed of two oily cotyledons of a disagreeable taste, 



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