THE ECONOMIC HOUSE 55 
about the size and shape of an apricot, is fragrant and edible. It 
has the flavor of roses, and is valued in jelly and preserve making, and 
in confectionery. In the Conservatory the fruit ripens in September. 
Eugenia Malaccensis, or LARGE-FRUITED RosE APPLE, or MALAY 
APPLE, is a related species from Polynesia. The tree is a handsome 
one, bearing quantities of scarlet flowers, followed by quince-shaped 
fruit with the smell and flavor of apple. The natives call the tree 
Kavika, and hold it in veneration as the symbol of all that is lovely 
and beautiful. 
Eugenia uniflora, or SURINAM CHERRY, is a related species from Brazil 
that has been successfully introduced into California and Florida. It 
produces berries that resemble tiny tomatoes. It is much grown as an 
ornamental pot plant. The berries are edible, of a spicy flavor, and 
much esteemed in jelly-making. 
Fatsia papyrifera (Aralia papyrifera, or Tetropanax papyrifera), or 
RicE-PAPER TREE, is a native of Formosa that belongs to the Araliaceae, 
the family to which our wild sarsaparilla belongs. The plant rarely 
exceeds 10 feet in height. In California it is valued as an ornamental 
shrub—it is easily grown, a half-inch of root will grow and produce a 
good plant in one season. The pith of the stem is used by the Chinese 
for making a delicate lovely substance known as rice paper. Upon 
the rice paper they paint exquisite small pictures. Cheaper grades of 
the paper are used in manufacturing artificial flowers. Until 1850 
scientists were at a loss as to the nature of rice paper, the Chinese 
having guarded carefully the secret of its source. 
Feijoa Sellowiana, or PINEAPPLE GuAVA, is a native of South America 
that belongs to the Myrtaceae, the family to which the eucalyptus 
and eugenia belong. It is much grown in France, Italy, California, 
and other countries of similar climates. It reaches a height of about 
15 feet. The fruit has the flavor of pineapple, and is most delicious 
when thoroughly ripe. It is eaten raw, made into jelly or jam, or 
crystallized as a confection. The fruit can be shipped for a long dis- 
tance. In the Conservatory this species blooms in February, bearing 
great masses of showy flowers with henna stamens. 
Ficus. This genus, which includes more than 600 species, scattered 
throughout the warmer regions of the world, belongs to the Moraceae, 
the family to which our mulberry belongs. The genus includes the 
edible fig, the creeping fig, the India rubber plant, and the banyan 
tree. Excellent specimens of the creeping fig and the rubber plants 
are to be seen in the Palm House. Large specimens of the fruiting 
fig are to be found outside the main entrance of the Conservatory in 
the summer and in the Bay House in the winter. Smaller specimens 
are on exhibition here, and a brief description of the plant follows: 
Ficus Carica, or Fic, appears to be a native of the region around 
Smyrna, but has been cultivated since the most remote times, and has 
established itself throughout the Mediterranean region. During the 
days of the Greeks and Romans, figs were the chief food of slaves. 
They are still a most important article of commerce. Many different 
varieties of figs are grown. Several varieties are hardy in our southern 
