The Bell Apple

Luscious Fiji Fruit

Should Command Wide

Sale

THERE is no greater delicacy among all the tropical fruits that grow in the Fiji Islands, than the de lectable bell apple.

As the name signifies, the shape of this fruit is not unlike a bell, as it hangs suspended from the vine. Origi nally introduced from the West Indies, it is now growing wild all over Viti Levu, and it is a prolific bearer.

Though not intensely cultivated, it has been proved, when nurtured, to give a yield beyond all expectations.

The fruit closely resembles a passion fruit, as it grows under similar con ditions, on a vine, and the flower is much the same. The fruit, itself, is exactly the same size as the ordinary passion-fruit; but, when ripe, it is of a rich yellow, with a soft, leathery skin, smooth, and like velvet. In its green state, it can hardly be distinguished from the passion-fruit.

The contents of this yellow case are identical with that of the passion fruit; only, with the bell apple, the flavour is very much more rich, and sweeter, and more juicy. The flavour has more of the richness of the grena dilla, and is a fruit salad on its own.

So attractive are these little yellow pods to the eye of ubiquitous Indian larrakee that, even in their wild state, where the vines climb all over the trees, they are continually assailed, and are pulled off and eaten almost as fast as they ripen. It is a difficult matter to ever find a vine with fruit hanging from it.

This fruit is rarely seen in the Suva shops, on account of its scarcity, and it has been selling in Suva for 3d. each.

It is only gathered in its wild state, and the demand for it for local con sumption gives some indication of its possible marketable value in Australia and New Zealand. If there is a de mand for the passion-fruit banana, or the grenadilla, then the bell apple would excel, if readily obtainable.

It is a hardy vine, and grows in Fiji under conditions which suggest that under cultivation it would flour ish. It is not a soft fruit, and, with proper care, should be capable of be ing transported tor a considerable distance from its tropical home.