46 



G. F. w. Collection. Plate XXI. 



Chrysopliylhnn Cainito (purple variety). 



STAR APPLE. 



This tree is a native of the West Indies, and ahhough not com- 

 mon in Hawaii, there are good specimens to be found in many 

 gardens. It has large irregular spreading branches, grows to, a 

 height of from 10-25 feet, and has rather thick foliage. Propaga- 

 tion is ordinarily effected by seeds, which germinate readily, when 

 fresh. It can also be grown from cuttings of the ripe wood. The 

 tree derives its name from the words ''chrysos," gold, and 

 "phyllon," a leaf ; referring to the golden-russet color of the un- 

 der-side of the beautiful, glossy green leaves. The small flowers, 

 which appear from June until October, are solitary at the nodes, 

 or in fascicles. The fruit, which ripens in April, is round, about 

 3; inches in diameter, has a smooth tough rind, about 1/16 inch 

 thick, which is a deep purple in color. A cross-section of the 

 fruit shows the edible pulp with its numerous black seeds, and 

 the star-shaped core, from which the fruit derives its common 

 name of Star Apple. Unless the fruit is thoroughly ripe, its 

 milky juice is remarkably astringent. 



