The figure of this Eugenia was made from the finest plant in this country in the hot-house of G. Hibbert, esq. where we were in hopes it would have perfected its fruit; but were disappointed, as in a very forward state towards ripening it fell off. But, as far as it was advanced, we have represented it, as in this climate it might probably never arrive at greater maturity, unless a larger house were constructed for it: otherwise the degree of heat necessary to preserve the smaller tropical plants would always be subject to injure those of a large size, from the natural extension of their roots approaching too near the flues. But although so much care is required for it in this clime, in the warmer regions of Macassar, Amboyna, and the Moluccas, where it is indigenous, not the least attention is necessary; for, such is the extreme indolence of the natives, that it is imagined, if any care had been requisite for its preservation, it would soon have been lost for want of it. In the Hortus Malabaricus of Rheede there is an uncoloured figure of it, with descriptions, in which it is said to be a fruit-tree of great general utility to the country from its extreme abundance, grateful taste, and salubrious quality, flowering twice in the year. The fruit in an unripe state is of a bitterish and rather astringent character; but, when ripe, of a fine flavour, exceedingly wholesome, and beneficial as an allayer of inflammation in feverish habits. The flowers are by the Dutch at Amboyna preserved, and frequently eaten by way of salad. It is said to form a tall umbrageous tree, and when in fine bloom must certainly be an object of great beauty.[Pg 53]
PLATE CCCCLIX.
LASIOPETALUM QUERCIFOLIUM.
Oak-leaved Lasiopetalum.
CLASS V. ORDER I.
PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. Five Chives. One Pointal.
ESSENTIAL GENERIC CHARACTER.
Calyx triphyllum, tomentosum, persistens. Corolla monopetala, lanuginosa, 5-fida. Filamenta 5, germinis basi affixa. Germen superum. Capsula 3-locularis, 3-valvis.