ON THE FLORA OF CEYLON. 8381 
are here mingled with many mountain plants of the East which 
do not occur in Western Temperate Regions, as species of Osbeckia, 
Sonerila, Hedyotis, Exacum, and Strobilanthes. 
distinction from the low-country vegetation, this hill-flora 
shows no special affinity with Malaya, whilst it is really very closely 
allied to that of the Nilgiri Mountains of 5S. India; though this 
affinity is shown in a highly remarkable and instructive manner. 
Less than 400 miles separates the summits of Pidurutaliga, the 
highest mountain in Ceylon, and Dodabetta in the Nilgiris (and 
malais). Yet the 
belong to the same genera, which are almost identical for both 
regions. It is thus possible to make the contradictory assertions 
that the floras are very similar and very different. . 
t us take some illustrative examples. Of the genus Strobi- 
ianthes, consisting of the ‘ Nilus” just mentioned, the Ce lon hills 
possess twenty-two peculiar species, and the Nilgiris, &c., about 
two are found in both regions; of the 
The vegetation consists mainly of large coarse grasses, PER tne = 
rarnott drun 
the genera Andropogon, Anthistiria, Pollinia, 
and dangerous and fatiguing ; 
walkin : 
however, a multitude of delicate and beautiful flowers spring up 
and blossom with the tall grass. 
terrestrial Orchids,—of which the beau 
