This is a strong, vigorous vine, very suitable for arbors and trellises. It is not commonly found in Hawaii; however, a very fine specimen of its kind is growing in Dr. St. D. G. Walter's garden in Honolulu. The leaves are oval to ovate, the petioles having two glands. The fragrant purple flowers are about two inches in diameter. The ovoid-pointed fruit has a tough, leathery shell which, when green, is six-striated, with white stripes; when quite ripe the fruit is a dull orange-yellow. The numerous seeds are imbedded in the juicy, scented pulp, which is aromatic and delicious. Propagation is by seed and by cuttings. Plate CVI. |