43 , 



by the natives of that region. The latter will be met with 

 later. Tabebuia pentaphylla, one of the finest flowering trees 

 in the Garden, will be observed on the right at the entrance to 

 this avenue. Further in, and bordering the carriage drive, is 

 the native Coconier, Ormosia dasycarpa, a tree which yields 

 a useful wood for all kinds of house construction work. 

 Shingles made from this timber are said to be equal in 

 durability to Wallaba. The seeds are hard, round, and of a 

 bright scarlet colour with a jet black spot at one end. They 

 are much in request for making necklaces. 



A number of noteworthy plants are grown on the opposite 

 lawn to the left of the avenue, amongst which is the velvet 

 Tamarind of West Africa, Dialium guineense, whose small pods 

 are covered with black velvet-like down. The pulp which 

 surrounds the seeds has an agreeable acid taste. Next is 

 Colvillea racemosa, a very showy flowering tree from 

 Madagascar ; and further in are beds of Ptychosperma 

 Macarthurii, an Australian palm of bushy habit ; Excoecaria 

 discolor, the under surface of whose leaves is of a dark red 

 colour ; and Kleinliovea hospita, a handsome Malayan tree 

 bearing coral pink flowers. On the lower portion of the lawn 

 are three specimens of the Coco-de-mer, or double Coco-nut, 

 Lodoicea sechellarum, only native to the Seychelles. This 

 rare palm is now being established in several West Indian 

 Botanic Gardens. The rate of growth is slow, one leaf only 

 being produced each year: The palm in its native habitat 

 does not flower until about thirty years old ; the fruits, 

 which weigh from 40 to 50 lb., take ten years to ripen. The 

 hard shell of the nut, which is often carved and ornamented, 

 is highly prized. Prior to the discovery of the Seychelles in 

 the year 1743, the fruits had been picked up by mariners, and 

 fabulous stories were told respecting their origin. Next is a 

 small collection of African rubber-yielding plants, Landolphias, 

 and plants of Strychnos, which may be seen climbing 

 over the mahogany trees. 



From this point onwards the path is bordered by a hedge 

 of Burning Bush, Acalypha Wilkesiana. The tall palm 

 growing just where the hedge commences is Raphia taedigera, 

 previously mentioned. The Bauhinia growing close by is 



