62 



G. p. W. Collection. PlatE XXIX. 



Diirio aibefhiniis. 



DURION. 



This fine tree attains a height of from 60-80 feet; it derives 

 its name from the Malay word dury, a thorn, in reference to the 

 prickly covering of the fruit. The leaves, which are a light glossy 

 green on the upper surface, are alternate, entire, elliptical and 

 acute. The yellowish-white flowers are large. The fruit, which 

 is either globular or oval, sometimes measures 10 inches in length. 

 It has a hard rind, covered with thornv warts or spines, and 

 externally looks not unlike a breadfruit. When ripe, it is brown- 

 ish-yellow, and, when opened at its lower end, shows 5 longi- 

 tudinal sections or cells, each containing from 1-4 seeds about 

 the size of a pigeon's egg. The edible pulp surrounding the seeds 

 is firm and cream-colored. The Durion is remarkable for its com- 

 bination of an absolutely dehcious flavor, and an abominably 

 offensive odor. To my knowledge there is but one tree in bear- 

 ing in the Hawaiian Islands ,and that is growing in private 

 grounds at Lihue, Kauai. 



