This evergreen tree, which is a native of the West Indies, is of medium size, reaching a height of from 20 to 30 feet. It grows well in Hawaii, and is found at an elevation of 2000 feet. It is propagated from seed, as well as from cuttings of the ripe wood. The leaves are lanceolate, acuminate, thick and shiny. The large, fluffy flowers which appear from January until April, are produced freely, and are a beautiful creamy-white. The fruit is a somewhat compressed, globular shell, varying in size from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, and with a large cavity, containing generally one seed. This shell, which is the edible portion of the fruit, is a light creamy-yellow, with a tinge of pale-pink on one side; it requires from 2 to 2½ months to mature. It is firm, crisp, and has a delicious flavor, somewhat resembling an apricot, and with a rose odor. The season for the fruit varies according to the elevation, but generally ends about August or September.