PLANTS AND MAN 
being cultivated in Mexico and Peru. Introduced into 
Spain about 1600, it spread to India and other tropical 
and subtropical countries of the Old World. 
Date Palm ( Phoenix dactylifera) : This beautiful tree 
has flourished from prehistoric times in the warm, dry 
zone extending from the west coast of Africa to northern 
India. Since the days of ancient Egypt and Babylonia 
it has been cultivated, and its natural area has remained 
much the same. 
Pineapple ( Ananas satira) : This savory fruit is 
another American contribution to the tables of the world. 
Nana was the Brazilian name, which the Portuguese 
turned into ananas , the name by which it is still com¬ 
monly known in Europe. The Spaniards, however, called 
it pinas, whence the English name pineapple . It was in¬ 
troduced into Asia and Africa at an early date by Euro¬ 
peans. A specimen of the fruit was brought to Charles 
V, who mistrusted its strange appearance and declined 
to taste it. It has been found growing wild in the warmer 
regions of Mexico, as well as in the vicinity of Panama, 
in Guiana, and in the Brazilian province of Bahia. It 
probably was first cultivated in the subtropical districts 
of the United States in 1850. There are now immense 
plantations of pineapples in the Hawaiian Island. 
Lemon ( Citrus limonia) : This acid but valued fruit 
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