15 



We have in the Botanic Gardens three or four speci- 

 mens of this tree, which are growing luxuriantly, and bear 

 seeds in abundance. Numerous plants have been reared and 

 sent out to different places ; amongst others, some were sent to 

 be planted in the Cemetery at Eshowe, where we hear that they 

 are doing remarkably well ; but it is only from the article 

 quoted that I hear of the medicinal properties of the plant. It 

 appears in the " Guide to the Trees in the Garden" as Litsea 

 sebifera, which, according to the " Index Kewensis," is the 

 correct name, L. chinensis being a synonym. It is dioecious, 

 and one at least of our trees is a staminal one. 



Artocarpus integrifolia " Jack." — We have in the Botanic 

 Gardens two trees of this species, but they are growing in 

 rather poor soil, and do not bear very well. The fruits, or such 

 of them as reach maturity, are fairly large ; in better soil they 

 would no doubt yield more plentifully. The Indians seem to 

 like the fruit, but Europeans in Natal do not seem to have 

 acquired the taste for it, so I quote a portion of an article from 

 the " Tropical Agriculturist," and I may add that I have myself 

 several times eaten the boiled seeds as a vegetable, and relished 

 them. As a number of trees have been sent out from here, 

 some of which should be now in bearing, the article may not 

 be without interest, it is as follows : — 



" The fruit is distinctly palatable, and is wholesome and 

 nutritious. The smell, however, is apt to prejudice one against 

 it on tasting it for the first time, and if, in ignorance, an over 

 ripe fruit is opened, not only is the smell intensified and 

 rendered disagreeable, but the fruit is not so nice flavoured, for, 

 like the Durian, to which it is sometimes likened, it must be 

 taken at the right degree of ripeness to be appreciated." 



If these over-ripe fruits are removed or buried, the smell is 

 really no stronger than that of the Mango, and not as disagree- 

 able. To jndge a ripe Jack fruit, however, needs a little prac- 

 tice, for one cannot judge by colour. The usual method is to 

 tap the fruit, or flip it with the finger, when the hollowness of 

 the sound denotes the degree of ripeness. 



The white milky, juice, which is very sticky, renders an 

 unripe fruit uneatable, and in an over-ripe one, the stringyness 

 as well as strong smell, makes it equally unpalatable. An ideal 

 fruit should have the pulp firm, but neither soft nor hard, and 

 a pale yellow colour, when it will be found sweet and of a most 

 agreeable flavour. 



In its native countries the fruit is considered a delicacy ; 

 natives will pay Is. to 1/4 each for them, and Europeans become 

 exceedingly fond of them. The pulp may also be cooked in 



