54 



G. P. ]V. Collect ion. PlATE XXV. 



Spoiidias diilcis. 



WI. 



This deciduous tree is said to be a native of the Society Islands, 

 and is common to the tropics of both hemispheres. It is a large, 

 spreading and graceful tree, reaching a height of from 30-50 

 feet. Its pinnate leaves are green and glossy ; the leaflets are 

 oval-oblong and opposite . The foliage is shed from December 

 until April. The flowers are paniculate, small, and greenish- 

 white. The fruit, which ripens from November until April, is 

 a fleshy drupe, oval in shape, from 1-3 inches in diameter; it 

 has a thin, smooth golden-yellow skin, which has a rather sour 

 disagreeable odor. The fleshy pulp is light yellow, is mellow 

 when quite ripe, and has a sub-acid delicious flavor, compared 

 by some to the pineapple. Within this pulp is embedded a 1-5 

 loculed bony endocarp, which contains generally one seed. This 

 endocarp is covered with fibres which penetrate the pulp. 



The first \\\ tree in Hawaii was planted at the residence of 

 John S. Walker, Xuuanu Valley. 



