Inventory of tropical fruit trees in Central America and the West Indies.

Abstract

Many different tropical fruit species were brought to the non-French West Indies from India, Indonesia, and Central and South America during the colonial period. Although some of these species have only curiosity value, others are now of economic importance. Many of the important fruit crop species are considered and their adaptation, diversity, and pest and disease resistance are discussed: mangoes (Mangifera indica), cashews (Anacardium occidentale), Spondias spp., Annonaceae including soursop (Annona muricata) and custard apple (A. squamosa), Guttiferae including mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), avocado (Persea americana), Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) and similar nuts (Lecythis spp.), Malphighiaceae, breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis), jackfruits (Artocarpus heterophyllus) and chempedak (A. integer), Myrtaceae including guava (Psidium guajava), Oxalidaceae including carambola (Averrhoa carambola), Rhamnaceae (jujube Ziziphus jujuba [Z. mauritiana]), Rubiaceae, Rutaceae including Citrus, Sapindaceae including rambutans (Nephelium lappaceum), and Sapotaceae.