34 



G. P. ir. Collection ' PlATE XV. 



Eugenia Jaiiiholana. 



PORTUGUESE PLU^E. 



This tall, hardy tree is a native of Southern Asia. In Polynesia 

 it ^rows well, up to an elevation of 5000 feet. It is a very com- 

 mon tree in the Hawaiian Islands. Its leaves, which are from 

 4-6 inches long, and from 2-3 inches broad, are opposite, obtuse 

 or shortly-acuminate. The flowers, which bloom in June, July 

 and August, are white and quite fragrant, and are especially at- 

 tractive to the honey-bee. The oblong fruit grows in large 

 clusters, ripens from September until November, and varies in 

 size from a cherry to a pigeon's egg. It is purplish-black in 

 color, and is edible only when thoroughly ripe. It contains one 

 large oblong seed. 



