20 



G. P. H\ Collection. PlaTE VIII. 



Eugenia inalacccnsis. 



MOUNTAIN APPLE, ''OHIA AI." - 



This tree is found on all the large islands of the Polynesian 

 groups, and in the Alalaysian Archipelago. In the Hawaiian 

 Islands it confines itself almost entirely to the moist, shady val- 

 leys, and thrives well, up to an elevation of 1800 feet. It is gener- 

 ally gregarious, and on the north side of East ]\Iaui it forms a 

 forest belt. It attains a height of from 25-50 feet. Its dark, 

 shiny, glabrous leaves are opposite, elliptico-oblong, and from 

 6-7 inches long, and from 2^-3 inches broad. The flowers are 

 crimson flufify balls, appearing in ]\Iarch and April, on the naked 

 branches and upper trunk of the tree. The fruit, which ripens 

 from July until December, generally contains one seed, is obovate, 

 about 3 inches in diameter. The skin is so thin as to be barely 

 perceptible, and the fruit is very easily bruised. In color, it is a 

 deep, rich crimson, shading into pink and white; the pulp is firm, 

 white, and juicy, with a very agreeable flavor. 



