MYRTACEyE. 
105 
lives chiefly of inter-tropical countries. The wood is 
generally white and compact ; in some cases it is dark- 
brown, hard, and heavy. 
The following exotic species have been introduced, and 
have become in a great measure, naturalized in the 
Island. 
1. Syzygium jambolanum. The Jambolana 
Tree . 
This bears a fruit resembling the damson in form 
and appearance ; is grateful to the taste, having, with the 
sweetness, a pleasant sub-acid flavour, combined with some 
astringency. It is a native of the East Indies. It is 
common in gardens near Kingston, and is to be met with 
in some of the hottest situations of the Island. 
2. Jambosa vulgaris. Hose Apple , 
This is common in pastures in the cooler and more sea- 
sonable districts. In such situations it may be found 
completely naturalized. The fruit is strongly impreg- 
nated with the odour of the rose : but is otherwise insipid, 
and is never made use of as an article of the dessert. 
The young branches are long and undivided, and are 
well-adapted for the handles of chaise whips. The bark 
of the root has the credit of being a virulent poison. 
This is, I am confident, a popular mistake. 
3. Jambosa purpurascens. The Otahcite 
Apple . 
A low tree, seldom exceeding 25 feet in height, conical 
in its form, having a handsome appearance, particularly 
when its branches are covered with a profusion of crim- 
son flowers, strewing the ground beneath, when they drop, 
so as to form as it were a rich carpeting. The fruit is 
pear-shaped, of a crimson hue, and occupies a higher place 
than the rose-apple as an edible fruit, though it is rather 
watery and insipid. It thrives in the more seasonable 
parts of the Island, especially at Bath, where an avenue 
formed by them along the principal street is very orna- 
mental. Like the preceding species it was introduced 
from the East Indies. 
Vol, 2. g * 
