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Pomona College Journal of Economic Botany 



One of the greatest differences between the several varieties here described is 

 in regard to the seeds, their number, form and development. While the number is 

 given as five in all botanical works, in one of the local varieties I have been unable 

 to find even a trace of more than three; in another variety six is not uncommon. 

 In many fruits the seeds do not all attain full size, there sometimes being only 

 one fully developed, while the others are all more or less undeveloped. I have ob- 

 served this same peculiarity in some of the fruits grown in Mexico. Dr. Franceschi 

 informs me that he has never been able to find any perfect seeds at all in the fruits 

 of the old tree at Santa Barbara. Only one variety which I have seen, the Gillespie, 

 is normal in this respect. In this variety the seeds are invariably well developed, 

 uniform in size, and of good germinating power. In the Parroquia two normal 

 seeds are common, and only one is of not uncommon occurrence, there being but a 

 small, thin husk to show the presence of the other seeds. 



There are several other points in which variation is usually shown; in form 

 there is considerable difference, and while the majority of the fruits are round, 

 there are also oval varieties and many trees which produce malformed or abortive 

 fruits, of practically no value. In color there is also considerable variation, and 

 as the highly colored fruits are naturally the most attractive, these would be the 

 most desirable for market purposes. The finer varieties grown in Mexico all 

 possess fairly good color, and in this respect the Harvey is all that could be desired. 



There is much difference in the quality of the fruits produced by different trees, 

 and this is, of course, one of the most important points, if not the most important 

 of all. 



Much could be done to improve this fruit by selection and crossing; the number 

 of seeds could be reduced, or the seeds eliminated entirely; the flavor could be im- 

 proved, and a fruit could be produced combining the good points of several varieties 

 and eliminating the bad ones. It is to be hoped that the White Sapote will be 

 given more attention in the future; it certainly merits a more general cultivation, 

 and to the plant breeder it presents very attractive possibilities. 



Description of Varieties 



Of the numerous trees now fruiting in Southern California, the following are 

 some of the best, and show sufficient differences to warrant being considered dis- 

 tinct varieties. 



As has been previously noted, there is considerable variation among fruits on 

 the same tree, and this fact has made it impossible to give a description of a variety 

 which will fit every fruit produced by that tree. Especially is this true in regard 

 to size, there being a great range in this respect on almost every tree. In the fol- 

 lowing descriptions the dimensions of an average, well developed fruit are given. 



Synopsis of the Varieties 



A. Form round; diameter three to three and a half inches; cavity shallow to 

 medium ; apex more or less extended, five furrowed. 

 B. Skin smooth, very thin. 

 C. Color yellowish green, with bright orange cheek. 

 D. Flesh cream color to pale yellow. 



