MVRTACE.E. . 105 



lives chiefly of inter-tropical countries. The wood is 

 generally white and compact ; in some cases it is dark- 

 brown, hard, and heavy. 



The following exotic species have been introduced, and 

 have become in a great measure, naturalized in the 

 Island. 



1. Syzygium jambolanum. The Jambolana 

 Tree. 



This bears a fruit resembling the damson in form 

 and appearance ; is grateful to the taste, having, with the 

 sweetness, a pleasant sub-acid flavour, combined with some 

 ^stringency. It is a native of the East Indies. It is 

 common in gardens near Kingston, and is to be met with 

 in some of the hottest situations of the Island. 



2. Jambosa vulgaris. Rose jlpple* 



This is common in pastures in the cooler and more sea- 

 sonable districts. In such situations it may be found 

 completely naturalized. The fruit is strong/y impreg- 

 nated with the odour of the rose : but is otherwise insipid, 

 and is never made use of as an article of the dessert. 

 The young branches are long and undivided, and are 

 well- adapted for the handles of chaise whips. The bark 

 of the root has the credit of being a virulent poison. 

 This is, I am confident, a popular mistake. 



3. Jambosa purpurascens. The Otaheite 

 Apple. 



A low tree, seldom exceeding 25 feet in height, conical 

 in its form, having a handsome appearance, particularly 

 when its branches are covered with a profusion of crim- 

 son flowers, strewing the ground beneath, when they drop, 

 so as to form as it were a rich carpeting. The fruit is 

 pear-shaped, of a crimson hue, and occupies a higher place 

 than the rose apple as an edible fruit, though it is rather 

 watery and insipid. It thrives in the more seasonable 

 parts of the Island, especially at Bath, where an avenue 

 formed by them along the principal street is very orna- 

 mental. Like the preceding species it was introduced 

 from the East Indies. 



Vol. 2. g * 



