TREES. 479 



above the ground, giving the specific name of Gymnorliiza 

 to the tree ; those of a single individual sometimes ex.- 

 tend in a complicated series of loops and arches over a 

 considerable space of ground, offering secure retreats for 

 myriads of Gelasimi, jumping fish, mosquitoes, and other 

 animals that love to frequent the low swampy banks of 

 rivers. This species ordinarily affects fresh water ; but 

 near the sea, and often fringing the low islets that extend 

 along the coast in many parts is another kind, the Rhizo- 

 phora Mangle, which is a much lower tree, with smaller 

 leaves and a fruit differently shaped, which by means 

 of its twisted matted roots forms excellent break -waters, 

 binding together the loose soil and shingle, and thus 

 effectually preventing the encroachments of the sea among 

 these low islands. 



The Aquilaria Agalloclia is one of the most common 

 trees in the forests skirting the sea. It is a very large 

 showy-looking tree, with the veins of the oval polished 

 leaves running from the mid-rib to the margin, like those 

 of some Endogens, so that there can be no difficulty in 

 distinguishing it. The wood is frequently used by the 

 Chinese, but is not very durable ; it yields the Lignum 

 Aloes of commerce, and has faint medicinal qualities.* 

 Another very common plant is the Coculus cordifolius, 

 with its long filiform pendent stems, which hang sus- 

 pended from the tops of the high forest-trees, producing 

 a singular effect when they are numerous. The Malays 

 employ some of the species of the genus Coculus in the 



* The Agila wood, the produce of this tree, enters extensively into 

 the composition of the -Toss-sticks employed by the Chinese in their 

 religious ceremonies. 



