296 WILLIS : THE FLORA OF RITIOALA: 



Eracum zeylanicum, var. Pitigalense.— -Seeds very small, 

 probably carried in mud attached to birds' feet. The variety 

 appears to be endemic to Ritigala. 



Strobilanthes viscosus (?). — Seeds probably carried by jungle 

 fowl or other birds, which eat them greedily. 



S. stenodon, var. — This species is extremely rare in the main 

 mountain mass, and is represented on Ritigala by a distinct 

 variety, having probably only been carried there on one 

 occasion. 



Coleus clongatvs. — A very distinct species, so distinct that 

 it is quite uncertain from which Ceylon species it can have 

 been derived, or from what common ancestor with which 

 species. It may even possibly be descended from a Plectran- 

 thus, and would thus make the genus Coleus polyphyletic. 



Peperomia pseudorhombea , var. tenuis. — Seeds or rather 

 fruits very small and probably carried attached to birds' feet. 

 The type of the species is rare in the montane zone, and the 

 Ritigala form is endemic. 



P. Wigktiana, var. Bitigalense. — Seeds as in the last. The 

 type form is extremely rare, and is only known from the 

 far south of the montane zone, and the Ritigala form is 

 endemic. 



P. confusa. — Seeds as before. Common in the mountains, 

 and occurs on Hantane, which is far north. The Ritigala 

 form does not differ appreciably from the type. 



P. dindigulensis. — Seeds as before, but sticky, and so 

 perhaps carried attached to the feathers of birds. Common 

 in the mountains, and found on Hantane The Ritigala form 

 agrees with the type. 



Cleistanthus patvius. Capsule over .} inch in diametei 

 with large seeds. Sow this was carried must remain doubtful. 

 bal it is worth noting thai it is a l<>w country species only, 

 and jo probably arrived by easy stages, using the damp ground 

 ondei the tank bunds as intermediate resting places, 



