176 TIMBER TREES 



18. FlCUS BENGALENSIS, LlNN. 



The Banyan tree. 



Vernacular. —Ala, Tarn. ; Peria-ala, Mai. ; Ala, Goli, 

 Kan. ; Marri, Tel. ; Bori, Oriya. 



Habitat. — Probably not indigenous in the Madras Presi- 

 dency, but widely planted especially as an avenue tree. 



Description. — A large shady tree, throwing down numerous 

 serial roots from the branches. Wood grey, moderately hard, 

 not durable but lasts well under water, wood of the aerial 

 roots stronger than that of branches. Weight 36 lb. 



Chief uses.— Door panels, boxes, cheap furniture, well 

 curbs, pestles, the wood of the aerial roots is used for tent- 

 poles, cart-yokes, and shafts and shoulder poles. 



19. Artocarpus integrifolia, Linn, f. 

 The Jack tree. 



Vernacular. — Pilla, Tarn. ; Pilavu, Mai. ; Alasu, Kan. ; 

 Panasa, Tel. ; Ponaso, Oriya. 



Habitat. - Indigenous in the forests of the Western Ghats 

 up to 4,000 feet, much cultivated elsewhere. 



Description. — A large evergreen tree, heartwood bright 

 yellow, darkening on exposure. Moderately hard. Weight 

 401b. 



Chief uses. — House building, boats, masts, oars, carts 

 (yokes, naves, spokes and felloes), rice-pounders, cooper's 

 work, well-construction, furniture, boxes and turnery. 



By-products. — Yields the well-known jack fruit. 



20. BORASSUS FLABELLIFER, LlNN. 



The Palmyra Palm or Toddy Palm, 



Vernacular.— Pane, Tarn. ; Pana. Mai. ; Pani, Talimara 

 Kan. ; Tadi, Tel. : Talo, Oriya. 



Habitat.— -Not indigenous in India, but cultivated and run 

 wild throughout the Madras Presidency. 



Description.— & large erect palm. Wood light-brown and 

 soft inside, outside black and handsomely streaked, hard 

 strong, very durable under water. 



Chief Uses.— Posts and rafters, water-pipes and gutters, 

 troughs, dug-outs, well-construction, turnery, buckets. * 



By -products. — The sap is tapped for toddy and jaggery. 

 The leaves are used for thatch, umbrellas, mats, fans, hats, 

 sandals, buckets, basket work, writing tablets, etc. The 

 pulp of the fruit is edible. The fibres are used for brushes. 



