SPECIES OP FLACOURTIA, AS FRUIT TREES. 
185 
size of red currants, to which both in flavour and in appearance they bear some resem- 
blance. They are much eaten by the natives, especially as preserves and in tarts, and are sold 
abundantly in the markets. The plant was introduced to this country in 1800, but is 
little known. 
The Canrew (. Flacourtia sepiaria) is also a native of the East Indies, and being 
dwarf and very thorny, it is used as a hedge plant in the same manner as our hawthorn, 
and which purpose it answers admirably. The bush grows compact, and seldom exceeds 
6 feet in height. The leaves are obovate, oblong, and repandly serrated. The fruit are 
small, red, of a pleasant flavour, and are sold in the public markets under the name of 
Canrew. The plant was introduced to this country in 1820. Besides the above, several 
other species bear eatable fruit, which are held in reputation in their native countries. 
Amongst these might be mentioned the 
Flacourtia rhamnoides, a half-hardy shrub, from the Cape of Good Hope, growing 
about 4 feet in height, and producing abundance of small, ovate, red berries, of a very 
good flavour when ripe. 
The Flacourtia cataphracta. A small thorny bush, reaching 7 or 8 feet in height, and 
bearing fruit about the size, colour, and taste of our Cluster or Whortle berry ( Vaccinium 
Myrtilhis, Vitis Idcea). It is a native of the East Indies, and was introduced to Britain in 1804. 
Flacourtia prunifolia. A native of New Granada, its fruit are small in size, but 
are said to be of a very pleasant flavour. With the exception of F. rhamnoides all the 
species require a good stove heat, and very similar treatment. 
In the selection and preparation of soil in which to grow them, it must not be forgotten 
that in their native countries all the species are found growing wild in mountainous stony 
districts, where the soil is light and somewhat shallow. If the plants therefore are to be 
grown in pots or tubs, a mixture of two parts light sandy loam, and one part peat, sand, 
and rotten manure, is the best composition, with abundance of drainage ; but if they are 
turned out into a prepared border, any light rich turfy loam, rendered open by an addition 
of sand, will answer every purpose; 
Nothing peculiar is requisite in their treatment ; when in vigorous growth or fruiting, 
water with weak liquid manure made from sheep’s droppings, or a very small portion of 
guano ; give air liberally, and keep moderately dry in winter. Propagation is effected by 
cuttings. 
a 
DESCRIPTION OF THE WOODCUT. 
S acm,rtia Rtwnontchi, or Madagascar Plum. I c, Fruit of Melicocca bijuga, or Honey-berry cut open. 
b, Flacourtia sapida, or Pedda Canrew, | d, Melicocca bijuga, showing tlie inflorescence and young fruit. 
VOL. 1. NO VI. 
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