44 



G. P. IV. Collection. PlATE XX. 



PriDiiis Persica. 



PEACH. 



The Peach-tree is said by some authorities to be indigenous ta 

 Persia, while by others it is claimed to be a native of China. It 

 is a hardy tree, and has been known to bear fruit precociously 

 even in the second year after planting. If allowed to do so, the 

 Peach will grow to a height of about 15 feet; but it should be 

 pruned annually, in order to secure a good crop. Its leaves are 

 lanceolate and coarsely serrate. The flowers are solitary, pink in 

 color, and appear before the leaves. The fruit is soft and 

 pubescent at maturity. The stone is deeply pitted and very 

 hard. There are two well-marked varieties, the cling-stone and 

 the free-stone. 



Ulupalakua and Makawao, Maui, once had the reputation of 

 growing finely flavored seedling peaches ; however, many of these 

 trees have been injured by cattle, and others have been destroyed 

 by root-fungus and insect pests. In several localities in Hawaii 

 good peaches have been grown from imported varieties. 



