Notes on the Brazil Nut Tree in Ceylon. 



BY 



T. FETCH, B.A., B.Sc. 



IN November, 1880, three plants of the Brazil nut tree were 

 received at Peradeniya from the Royal Botanic Gardens, 

 Kew, under the name Bertholletia excelsa. One of these was 

 planted out in the Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya (elevation 

 about 1,500 ft.), and the other two in the Botanic Garden at 

 Henaratgoda, in the low-country, where it was expected they 

 would be more likely to flourish. 



In 1887 Dr. Trimen recorded that they had not grown very 

 fast, the largest tree at Henaratgoda being then 20 ft. 6 in. 

 in height, with a girth of 11 in. at 3 ft. from the ground. 

 The solitary tree at Peradeniya was much smaller, but had 

 twice been eaten down by cattle. In 1895 there was apparently 

 only one tree surviving at Henaratgoda. The growth of this 

 Henaratgoda tree was carefully recorded during Dr. Trimen's 

 directorship, and the following figures are available : — 



Girth at 



The Henaratgoda tree flowered in March, 1894, and in June, 

 1895, but did not produce any fruit. There are unfortunately 

 no subsequent records for Henaratgoda, but the tree is known 

 to have blossomed on several occasions since then. It is said 

 to have fruited several times, but the number of fruits has been 

 very small, and none have been produced during the last 

 three years. No fruits are now available. The tree flowered 

 in September, 1913. 



Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, Vol. V., Part Vl., November, 1013. 



