|
 |
The star apple tree Chrysophyllum cainito is a native of the Caribbean and
Central America. It is a member of the Sapotaceae family which includes over 150 species
of tree found in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
In Jamaica, it is fairly common and well known for the luscious fruit and its use as a
shade tree. A mature tree attains a height of over 15 metres with a trunk of nearly a
metre in diameter.
A cross section of the fruit showing the characteristic seed pattern.
|
|
Ready for sale at the market.
The leaf is golden underneath and green on the top. (Will try to photograph a less dried out sample later!).
During the training session (22-24th April, 1996) on the use of the PE Lambda 19, the reflectance attachment was tested. A spectrum showing the reflectance of a piece of star apple skin is available in JCAMP-DX format. An acetone extract produced the following.
"The Star Apple- A Symbol of Meanness in Jamaica", by John Rashford, Jamaica Journal, 24/1, June 1991, p49.
Created 2nd April 1996. Last modified 21st April-98.
URL http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.jm:1104/lectures/psnfruit.html
