24 



G. P W. Collection. ' PlatE X. 



Eugenia alba (white variety). • 



WATER APPLE. 



This tree is a native of the Malay Islands. The foliage is 

 symmetrical, and its -opposite shiny leaves are broad, lanceolate, 

 and obtusely-acuminate. The pure w^hite flowers, which bloom 

 from ]\Iarch until June, are about ^2 -inch in diameter, and are pro- 

 duced in bunches on the naked branches. The fruit, which is 

 also produced in bunches, ripens in October. It is transversely 

 oval in shape, about i-i^ inches in diameter at its largest end. 

 It contains from 1-3 Leeds. Even when quite ripe, the fruit re- 

 mains pure white in color, and has a tart, insipid flavor. 



