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21. Pi NAN ON A 



Monstera deliciosa 



The fruit of the pifianona vine is good to eat raw only when 

 fully ripe. Caution: The immature fruit contains needlelike 

 crystals that irritate the mouth. The large green fruit is the size 

 and shape of a corncob. When the small, six-cornered scales 

 begin to drop off the fruit and the deep green color lightens, it is 

 a sure sign of ripeness. The stem of the plant may be placed 

 in water to hasten ripening. This evergreen plant, a native of 

 Mexico, grows in wet forests of many of the regions of tropical 

 America. It is a vigorous climbing vine with large perforated 

 leathery leaves. The flowers are waxy white with a green cen- 

 ter. The large fruits are sweet and very juicy. 



