TROPICAL FRCITS 157 



thrives in the moist low-country of Ceylon up to 2,000 ft., and 

 prefers deep rich soil. Though indigenous to parts of India, it 

 does not seem to be commonly cultivated there, for neither 

 FIRMIXGKR nor CAMERON mentions it. Easily propagated by seed, 

 but the best varieties should be increased by gootee or grafting. 



Davidsonia pruriens (Saxifrageae). A medium-sized tree, 

 with handsome serrate leaves, native of Queensland. The fruits 

 are of the size of plums, bright pink when ripe, with a reddish 

 Hesh. In its native country the fruit is made into jam and preserves. 

 The tree has been introduced to Peradeniya, where, however, it 

 has not yet flowered or produced fruit (1913). 



Dialium ovoideum (Leguminosae). Velvet Tamarind; " Gal- 

 si yambala " S. " Kallupullium " T, " Kanji " (Malay). A tall tree 

 with pinnate leaves, indigenous to the semi-dry region of Ceylon. 

 From near the ends of the branches the dark brown velvety fruits 

 are produced in clusters, each fruit being about the size of a small 

 filbert and slightly compressed. The thin brittle shell encloses a 

 seed surrounded by farinaceous pulp, which has an agreeable acid 

 taste and is considered a delicacy by the Natives, who use it in the 

 preparation of a fine chutney. When in season (chiefly October 

 to December) the fruits are collected from the forests, and sold in 

 the markets and bazaars in considerable quantities. The tree affords 

 a handsome dark red timber ; thrives at Peradeniya. Propagated 

 by seeds. 



D. Guineense. West African Velvet-tamarind. A tree 

 similar to the preceding species, but easily distinguished by its 

 larger leaves. The genus is characterised by the flowers having 

 only two stamens, most leguminous plants having ten. 



Dillenia indica (Dilleniaceae). " Hondapara " S. A medium- 

 sized tree with large leaves, native of Ceylon and tropical Asia 

 generally. It produces a profusion of large round green fruits, each 

 about 3 inches in diameter, being juicy and very acid. The fruit 

 is formed by the much enlarged, closely imbricate fleshy sepals ; 

 it is used for making jelly and a cooling drink, also sometimes as a 

 vegetable in curries. The tree is often cultivated both for orna- 

 ment and for its fruit. Propagated by seed, which, being small, 

 should be sown in a pot under cover. 



Diospyros discolor (Ebenaceae). Velvet Apple. A small 

 slow-growing tree of the Ebony and Persimmon family, native of 

 S. India and the Philippines. The beautiful bright pink, velvety- 

 looking fruit is of the size of an apple and is considered edible, but 



