In the temperate regions few of the fruit trees or shrubs are particularly ornamental but in tropical and subtropical parts of the world many of these are very fine for foliage or flowers and in some cases the fruit is peculiar or handsome. Thus the orange, lemon and grapefruit are often cultivated in the north in pots for ornament and certainly most of the citrus trees are very beautiful where they flourish in the open.

Achras Sapota, Sapodilla

This tree has been loaded down with a number of scientific names but they have not spoiled its beauty. It puts out its branches in whorls after the manner of the conifers and these bear rosettes of elliptical, thick, shining leaves which are closely penninerved. It has almost globular fruit which has a russet rind and very sweet, brown pulp with shining black seeds. The milky juice abounding in the whole plant is called "Chicle" in Mexico, its native country, and is the base of chewing gum, hence the classical name "Chiclets".

Artocarpus Incisa

Bread Fruit, is a noble tree with immense, incised, shining leaves which bears great fruits something like those of an Osage Orange. I have never succeeded with it and I believe it has not done well in lower Florida. A. integrifolia is the Jak Fruit which has handsome entire leaves and bears still larger fruits. There is a magnificent bearing tree in the grounds of Mr. Wm. Matheson at Cocoanut Grove.

Cupania Sapida, Akee Of Tropical Africa

A beautiful pinnate-leaved tree whose foliage reminds one of a glorified hickory. Its pear-shaped, triangular fruits are brilliant red and very attractive. When ripe the thick outer covering splits open after the manner of a hickory nut and reveals a cream-colored kernel in which are imbedded three large, protruding, shining seeds. Mixed up with this kernel is a sort of pink integument. Now, the kernel is much like that of a very rich nut and is wholesome and the integument is poison, but when I get ready to eat one of these fruits I can't remember to save me which part is wholesome and which is poison and I have to go to the book to find out, for it is rather important that one should be sure. The tree will grow on well-fertilized pine land but it is tender.

Carica Papaya, Tropical Papaw

When well grown the cultivated form is one of the finest of ornamentals but in order to have it do well it should have good soil; pine land will do but it must be well fertilized. It likes lots of water.

Carissa

The different species of this genus bear good fruits and the bushes are decidedly ornamental when well grown. They all have thick, glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers; the fruits are generally red. C. grandiflora has quite large flowers with the fragrance of a tuberose; C. acuminata has small flowers in clusters with a peculiar fragrance and pretty berries like those of a barberry; C. carandas has slightly variegated leaves and blackish fruits. They are from Africa and rather tender.

Ceratonia Siliqua, St. John's Bread, Carob Tree

A large tree in the Mediterranean region; I have seen a specimen not far from Nice that was eighty feet high with a large top. It has shining pinnate leaves and bears pods having a sweetish pulp. It is hardy and is quite ornamental.

Citrus

It is not necessary to comment on the various species and varieties of this genus. One of the most attractive of the lot is the Kumquat, and the Bergamot Berry (Triphasia trifoliata) with its trifoliate, shining leaves and reddish berries is also beautiful.

Coffee

There are several species of coffee in cultivation and all are handsome. They should be grown in good soil in partial shade; all are quite tender.

Cecropia Palmata

Cecropia Palmata is a small tree from the Caribbean Islands, with immense lobed peltate leaves, green above and silvery beneath. C. peltata has great leaves which are not so deeply lobed, a native of the West Indies. Both are dioecious and the female bears long, edible finger-like fruits. Both do well in lower Florida in any good soil and are very striking.

Chrysophyllum Cainito. Star Apple

One of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen, much like our native species. The upper sides of the leaves are deep green; the lower surfaces are a yellowish silky brown. Kingsley says of it: - "And what is the next, like an evergreen peach, shedding from the underside of every leaf a golden light, - call it not shade? A Star-apple." When the wind tosses up the leaves the effect is indescribable. The beautiful purple fruit shows a dark star when cut across, and when grown in our sandy soil with plenty of fertilizer it is quite good.

Dillenia Indica

Dillenia Indica, mentioned with ornamental trees, bears an edible fruit.

Eriobotryajaponica, Loquat

Eriobotryajaponica, Loquat, is a handsome tree, hardy throughout the state, and bearing delicious subacid fruits. Its large, evergreen, serrated leaves are very ornamental and it will grow on any fairly good soil.

Eugenia Jambos, Or Rose Apple

Eugenia Jambos, Or Rose Apple, is a fine tree with long, leathery, glossy leaves something like those of a Mango. In late winter and early spring it bears large flowers consisting of masses of long, creamy white stamens, which are followed by fruits with a decided flavor of roses. It is a charming sight to pull open the dense foliage and see the glorious blossoms hidden within, shining like great stars in the semi-darkness. E. malaccensis has broader leaves and larger fruits. Both are from the Oriental Tropics and are tender.

Mammea Americana, Mammee Apple