The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a Letter from Leyden. Mr. Adrian Steckhoven, a Gardener and Florist in the Neighbourhood of this City, having foreseen Two Years ago, that the Plant he has in his Garden, would blow this Year; the Thing happened accordingly, exactly as he foretold, for it has not only put out its Flowers, but also shows already its Fruit. This admirable Plant is called by the Indians Pican and Mufa; but in Holland it is commonly known by the Name of Adam's Apple, or the Apple of Paradise. Mr. Steckhoven, by his great Care, and the Observations he made in the East-Indies, has brought this Plant to a much greater Degree of Perfection than ever was known in this Country. It is actually 14 Feet high; and the Leaves, which are of a bright Green and Transparent, are Six Feet long, and 22 inches broad. The Fruit, which according to the Opinion of some learned Men, was what tempted our first Parents, is so inexpressibly beautiful, that it ravishes the sight, and raises the other Senses to an Extacy. Mr. Steckhoven proposes to publish his Remarks upon the Vegetation and Improvement of this wonderful Plant.