This medium-sized and very handsome shade tree is a native of tropical Africa. It was probably introduced to Hawaii by Dr. Hillebrand. A fine tree of this species is growing in Mrs. Foster's garden, Nuuanu avenue. It has large pinnate leaves, and panicles of purple flowers. The peculiar rough, grey, oblong fruits hang from a long stem, and present an odd appearance. This tree and also one other of the same variety growing in the grounds of the Queen's Hospital, very rarely set their fruit. Because of the difficulty of obtaining seeds, the sausage tree has not been widely distributed. Plate CIX. |