MYSORE ANDOOORO. l47 



of the species enumerated in tlie "Flora of British. 

 India." 



It possesses a hard wood, which has, in the Hassan 

 t)istrict especially, a good reputation for durability. 



The species is not uncommon in the dry jungle 

 about Closepet, where, however, it never seems to 

 grow beyond a stunted shrub and is not distinguish- 

 ed by a vernacular name. Although small, the wood 

 is exceedingly hard and difficult to work, in fact 

 inasmuch so that it has been called iron wood amd 

 is mentioned as a possible substitute for box. 



When trained, it forms an attractive garden bush 

 with glossy foliage and thick clusters of small blue 

 flowers growing on the woody hmbs behind the 

 leaves. But growth is slow even under the best treat- 

 ment. Memecyhn Heftieomiim, Benth. is also indi- 

 genous to the mixed jungle skirting the hills. 



XXXIV. LYTHRAOM^ 



299 Lawsonia alba, Lamk. Kctm,-. Groranti, Got^tiu. 

 Ti^'—Bot. Plates Lal-B(ii^% Collection. Wight 111 

 t.87. 



References— Diet, of Bern. Prod, of Ind'.; Drury 

 v. PL 



The Henna shrub. This important dye plant is 

 not very abundant in Mysore, but the Muhamma- 

 dans are fond of it and often cultiv'ate it, carefully 

 within their garden or house enclosures. Ladies of 

 the harem manufacture henna for domestic use, while 

 the leaves and flowers are much esteemed in medi- 

 cine ; the flowers are also sweetly fragrant. When 

 correctly pruned, the Lawsonia dlhd forms a useful 

 privet-like hedge. 



Cultivation.— Propagate from seed, and^ plant in 

 any ordinary soil where there is means of occasional 

 irrigaition while the plahts are youh'g; The shrub 



