454 Account of the Edible Fruits of Sierra Leone. 



of an Orleans Plum, but still rounder than it, and of a yellow 

 colour, with a stone half its size, the flesh being very soft 

 and juicy, the flavour having much resemblance to that of 

 Noyau. Neither specimens of the plant nor of the fruit were 

 received. The tree has a striking similitude in appearance to 

 the common Lime ( Citrus Limonum), it grows very plentifully 

 on the sea shore, not only at Sierra Leone, but in the other 

 parts of the western coast of Africa, visited by Mr. Don. 



Sugar Plum. 



This fruit is sold in great quantities in the markets of 

 Sierra Leone during the months of March and April ; the 

 tree which produces it is lofty, its stem is quite clear of 

 branches to the height of sixty feet and upwards, where 

 it terminates in a fine head. The leaves are of conside- 

 rable size, obovate, attenuated at the base, and supported 

 on long footstalks. The fruits grow singly in the axilla? of 

 the leaves, and are supported by short, thick woody pedun- 

 cles j they are the size of a Bullace Plum, round, rough on 

 the outside with scattered warts, and half filled by three 

 or four hard, oval, flattened seeds ; they are sweet, of an 

 agreeable flavour, and may be considered as one of the best 

 fruits of the country. It is difficult, from the absence of 

 materials, to decide upon the affinities of this plant ; the 

 specimens which were sent home being without blossoms, 

 though plenty of the fruits were preserved in spirits. No 

 name consequently is attached to it beyond that by which it 

 is known in the markets of Sierra Leone. In one remarka- 

 ble respect it is similar to some other plants, to which it 

 however bears no further resemblance ; it is stated by Mr. Don, 

 that it throws out roots from its stem from the height of 



