TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS IN CALIFORNIA. 336 



The Papaya [Carica Papaya Linn.). 



The Papaya is one of the tropical fruits which CaHfornians seem 

 most anxious to grow, and many seedHngs are annually planted. 

 Most of these succimib during the cold rains of winter, but in favoured 

 locations, with well-drained soil, the plants sometimes reach maturity 

 and bear fruit. Old plants exist at Holl5Avood which bear regularly, 

 but the summers are not hot enough in this locality to mature the fruit 

 perfectly. Further inland, in locations practically free from frost, 

 better success is attained. The whole subject, however, is in an 

 experimental stage as yet. 



The Kaffir Plum (Harpephyllum caffrum Bern, ex Krauss). 



This South African tree, introduced about eight years ago, is chiefly 

 valuable as an ornament. Although it has fruited in several localities, 

 it does not produce regularly or abundantly, and the fruit itself is of 

 little value. It seems hardy enough for ordinary locations, and has 

 been planted to a small extent as a street tree. 



The Ceriman (Monster a deliciosa Liebm.). 



Fairly common as an ornamental plant in ferneries and pergolas, 

 its fruit does not ordinarily ripen sufficiently to be eatable, although 

 it is freely produced and attains good size. 



The Banana (Musa sapienium Linn.}. 



In favoured locations in southern California good bananas have been 

 produced, one grower at Santa Barbara even going so far as to cultivate 

 a small commercial plantation for several years. The banana is one of 

 the commonest ornamental plants to be seen in dooryards and gardens 

 but in ordinary locations the fruit does not ripen perfectly and is 

 of no value. In addition, the varieties cultivated are practically all 

 inferior ones. 



The Chinese Raisin [Hovenia dulcis Thunb.). 



Although usually listed as a fruit, this species as grown in California 

 has no economic value whatever, and, although offered by several 

 nurserymen, is rarely planted. 



The Queensland Nut (Macadamia iernifolia F. v. M.). 



The drought-resisting qualities of this tree make it of value for 

 semi-arid regions, while its ornamental appearance commends it for 

 culture in every garden. While very few trees are yet in bearing in the 

 State, several thousand young plants have been disseminated by the 

 nurserymen within the last few years, and the tree promises to become 

 popular, not only for the home garden or orchard, but commercially as 

 well. 



