ORXAMEXTAL FOLIAGE TREES 



309 



Mesua ferrea. Gnttifenv. Iron-wood Tree; " Na-gaha " S., 

 " Xaka " T. A moderate-sized much-branched tree of pyramidal 

 shape and very handsome appearance, native of the moist low- 

 country forests of Ceylon. The young leaves are of a deep 

 crimson, passing through delicate shades of pink into the dark- 

 green of the adult growth. The tree is a slow grower. (See under 

 Flowering Trees). 



SAUSAGE TREE. Kigclid piuiltlttl. 



Myroxylon Balsamum. Lcgiiminosae. Balsam of Tolu. A 

 large handsome erect tree, of Tropical America, attaining a height 

 of 70 to 100 feet, with small pinnate, dark-green leaves. Good 

 for roadsides, timber, and fuel. Thrives in rather dry districts, as 

 at Anuradhapura. The fruit, consisting of a lance-shaped one- 

 seeded pod, is produced usually in June and December. Introduced 

 into Ceylon in 1870. 



Ostodes zeylanica. Eiiphorbiaccac. " Wal-kekuna " or 

 "Olupetta" S. A very handsome tall tree with smooth bark and 

 large numerous leaves, the latter being 6 to 12 inches long; 



