This shrub is very common every where in the pastures of Jamaica, and rises generally from eight to twelve feet in height. It bears a round fruit of a moderate size, which is much esteemed among the natives: this, while immature, is astringent, like all the other parts of the tree; but when it ripens, it is rather laxative, and then much used both in jellies and cream-dishes; tho' in these cases, the inner pulp and the rind is thrown away, and the fleshy part of the fruit only used: this is boiled, and when brought to a sufficient degree of tenderness, it is set to cool, and afterwards served up with cream, as we do strawberries or rasp-berries in many parts of Europe. The wood is very tough, and generally used for bows in cattle-yokes.
The Latin names and synonyms printed above the English heading are not transcribed.