The Tropical Fruit program of Fairchild Tropical Garden carries on with the pioneering work of Dr. David Fairchild, founder of the Seed and Plant Introduction Division of the United States Department of Agriculture nearly a century ago. We remain committed to his lofty goals for the collection, conservation, curation and distribution of superior tropical fruit from tropical America and Asia. With our roots firmly anchored in traditional horticultural methods, we apply the latest cutting-edge techniques to achieve a sound scientific structure and approach to the world of exotic fruit. The exotic tropical fruit, the mango, jackfruit, lychee, longan, durian, mamey sapote, and sapodilla to name a few, remain far from household names; however, by staying our current course in research and development, we hope to tempt those deprived of their seductive pleasures. These tropical treasures are most definitely not akin to the common apple, but are the true forbidden fruit of paradise, worthy of increased attention and systematic development. Fairchild Tropical Garden celebrates in its commitment to tropical fruit; bringing to the world stage the best that science, and nature have to offer. - Back cover.