Untitled - Library

The
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persimmon) ;
its fruits remain withered on the branches, even after
ripen.
197. d- Diospyros lotus, ., Jap. Skinanogaki, Mamegciki
; a species of persimmon with smallest fruits, being as large as
h'ngerheads. They are round or oblong in form. They are gathered
in winter and dried to eat. As the preceding, they also dry up
on the branches. From the young fruits Kaki-shibu (an astringent
juice) is obtained.
198. Punica granatum, Z., Jap. Zakuro, Jakuro ; a
iduons shrub of the order Myrtaeeae, attaining a height of
8-9 fts., growing in group, but sometimes being tall as a large
tre . flowers bloom during the rainy season of summer.
There are many varieties with single or double, and light red,
dark red or white variegated flowers, but only the variety with
single and dark red flowers produce fruits in late autumn. The
fruits are light red and round, and have thick skin with sepals at
the top. "When ripe, the skin bursts and exposes red seeds with a
pellucid pulpy coating. There are two sorts, one with aciduous
and the other with sweet pulp.
198. b. Punica granatum, L., var., Jap. Shiro-sakuro;
its
pulp is almost white, slightly shaded with pink, and the taste
i>
very delicious.
199. Vitis vinifera, L., Grape, Jap. Budo ; a deciduous
climber of the order Titaceae. The stems of some large vines are
-.'nil inches round. It is cultivated in gardens and extended
over trellis. In early summer it
produces small yellowish green
flowers disposed in panicles from the axils of the leaves, being
sur-ceeded with the bunches of grapes which ripen in autumn.
The grapes are \-^ inch in size. There are at least 6070 grapes
in each bunch. The fruits are generally ovate, but some are
round. The fruit-skin is
green shaded with purple. The variety
produced in province Kai is beautifully shaded with purple.