Nature displayed in the heavens, and on the earth, according to the latest observations and discoveries Volume 6

by Simeon Shaw

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1823 ... flowering in June, and continues till October. Both species are propagated by layers of the young branches, in autumn. LECTURE LXXIX. TROPICAL TREES AND PLANTS, (Continued.) THE BREAD-FRUIT TREE, (ArtOCCirpuS,) Has a cylindric amentum, or catkin, which thickens gradually, and is covered with flowers; the male and Female are in a different amentum. In the male, the calyx is two-valved, and the corolla is wanting. In the female, there is no calyx nor corolla; the stylus is one, and the drupa many-celled. There are two species, viz. the incisus, with gashed leaves; and the integrifolia, with entire leaves. There is also another distinction, into that which bears fruit with stones or seeds, and that in which the fruit has none. The parts of fructification of that tree which bears the fruit without stones, are defective. The amentum, or catkin, which contains the male parts, never expands. The styli, or female part of the fruit, are likewise deficient; hence there can be no stones or Seeds, and therefore this tree can be propagated only by suckers, or layers; although it evidently must have proceeded from the seed-bearing bread-fruit tree. Dr. Solander was assured, by the oldest inhabitants of Otabeite and the adjoining islands, that they well remembered there being formerly plenty of the seed-bearing bread-fruit; but it had been neglected through the preference given to the bread-fruit without seeds, which they propagate by suckers. Captain Cook observes, that this fruit not only serves as a substitute for bread among Ibe inhabitants of Otaheite and the neighbouring islartds, but also, variously dressed, composes the principal part of their food. It grows on a tree, the size of a middling oak; ils oblong leaves are frequently eighteen inches long, deeply situa...

106 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2012