124 POBEST TSEE9. 



For permanent growth, plant at 30 to 35 feet 

 apart. 

 253 Albizzia odoratissima, Benth. Kan. Bilivara, 



Bilwara, Silvarada. 



'Fig.— Bot. Plates Lal-Bagh Collection. Bedd. 

 Fl. Sylv. t. 54. 



Heferences.— Gram&. Man. Timb. ; Brand. Fm: 

 Fl.; Diet, of Econ. Prod, of Ind. 



TMs is commonly known as the raiyat's tree. A 

 tall erect tree, attaining in good situations to 80 feet, 

 with an unforked trnnk of 80 — 40 feet. Leaves 

 deciduous in March and April. Flowers succeed- 

 ing the young leaves in June, in ample terminal 

 panicles, greenish-white, apricot-scented. 



Plentiful in the forests of "Western Mysore and 

 Coorg. Cultivated m the east and more or less self' 

 sown nearly aU over the country. Heartwood rich 

 brown, tough and strong ; seasons well, takes a good" 

 polish andisdurable whenkeptdry. Weight 50 — 551b. 

 per cubic foot. Of indigenous trees, this is one of 

 the best to coppice for fuel, while the seasoned timber 

 is of a kind that lends itself to nearly every domestic 

 purpose. It is largely used for buildings, agricuU, 

 tural implements, oil and cane mills, naves of wheels 

 and such like. The bark has medicinal properties 

 and the green leaves are nibbled by cattle. This isj.' 

 altogether, a most useful tree, and one that should 

 be encouraged. 



Cultivatioia-— In the neighbourhood of Bangalore 

 it is diflBcult to obtain good seed, from the fact that 

 the latter is largely consumed in the pod by small 

 maggota, and perhaps other insects too. On this 

 account local sowings are not very productive, while,, 

 as with the Bage, self-sown seedlings are always the 

 strongest. Topes of Bilivara should be raised in the 

 vicinity of every important village, the trees being' 

 planted and cared for by the village authorities in 



