SOME BEAUTIFUL TROPICAL TREES. 891 



Plumeria acutifolia (Apocynaceaf).— "Temple tree"; "'Pagoda tree" 

 sometimes called " Frangi-pani" ; " Everiya " or " Arahya," S.— A low, spread- 

 ing succulent tree or shrub, introduced from Tropical America and now 

 naturalised in Ceylon, India, &c. It is a familiar tree in the Eastern tropics at 

 low elevations, and in the low-country of Ceylon generally, especially near tem- 

 ples. It is bare of leaves throughout the dry weather, when it bears large 

 corymbs of white and highly fragrant flowers. 



Plumeria rubra (Red). — A tree similar to the latter but of a less spreading 

 habit, bearing bright crimson flowers. Very showy. 



PoiNClANA recua (Legnmluosa;). — " Flam-boyante ; " " Flame tree;" " Gold 

 Mohur." — A gorgeous tree when in full flower, bearing during the months of 

 March to May immense panicles of scarlet or orange and yellow flowers. It is 

 a very striking object in and about Colombo at this time of year. The tree 

 grows from 50 to 60 feet in height, and has handsome fine feathery leaves. 



Posoqueria longiplora (Rub/aceas).—A. moderate-sized, quick growing tree, 

 with large deep-green leaves, native of Tropical America It produces long 

 tubular white and sweet-scented flowers, borne in pendulous clusters, during 

 May and September. Suited to moist districts up to 2,000 feet. 



Pterocarpus echinatus (Leguminoso'). — A moderate sized spreading tree, 

 native of the Philippines, introduced at Peradeniya in 1882; bears large 

 racemes of pale yellow flowers at the end of the branches during April and 

 May. Very ornamental when in blossom. Suited to the low-country. 



Saraca declinata (Leguminoscc). — A small tree, native of Sumatra, intro- 

 duced at Peradeniya in 1870. It forms a beautiful sight when bearing its huge 

 heads of bright orange yellow flowers, produced on the stems and older bran- 

 ches during February and March. Thrives best in partial shade in the moist 

 low-country. 



Saraca indica (Indian) — " Diya-ratmal" or " Diya-ratambala," S. ; " Asoca 

 Britsch," Hind. — A small spreading tree, native of Ceylon and South India. 

 On the stems and branches are produced in January to March large sessile 

 clusters of sweet-scented flowers, which change from yellow to orange and red. 

 The young leaves are pendulous as in Brownea and Amherstia. Thrives in shady 

 situations, especially near water, in the wet or semi-dry districts below 1,800 feet. 



Schizolobium excelsum (Leguminosiu\ — A very large quick-growing tree, 

 with fine bi-pinnate feathery leaves, native of Brazil. Introduced in 1872 at 

 Peradeniya, where it luxuriates, blossoming and producing fruits regularly. 

 The flowers are borne in enormous erect racemes, of a bright yellow colour, 

 during February and March, when the tree is quite bare of leaves. The flowers 

 are at once followed by beautiful feathery young foliage. Thrives up to 1,500 

 feet in the moist region. 



Solanum macranthum (Solanacece). — " Potato tree." — Amedium-sized quick- 

 growing and soft-wooded tree of Brazil, reaching a height of 30 to 50 feet 

 introduced to Ceylon hi 1884. It is a handsome object on account of its large 

 und rather spiny leaves but is particularly ornamental when in full blossom. 



