164 FOBBST fnwss. 



Fig -Bedd. Fl. Syh. f. 333. Wight Ic. t. 711. 



References. — iJict. of Econ. Prod, of Ind,; 

 Brand. For. Fl. ; Fl of Brit. Ind. 

 This is the well known torch tree of the Malnad 

 and Coorg. There are two varieties, differing some- 

 what in form and size, but they are both evergreen, 

 resinous trees of rather stunted dimensions. The 

 green wood burns so well that torches of it are 

 commonly carried by travellers and tappal runners 

 to light the way in dark nights. The white honey- 

 scented flowers are produced in great abundance 

 during the months of March and April, when they 

 exhale a strong perfume in the forests. They are 

 supposed to be very efficacious in the treatment of 

 whooping cough, when pounded in milk and taken 

 internally. Although rather small, the wood is said 

 to be hard and even-grained. "Weight 57 — 66 lb. 

 per cubic foot. The tree is ornamental and should 

 find a place in private grounds. It is reported that 

 the small black berries are eaten in some parts. 



Cultivation.— Easily raised from seed and can be 

 successfully grown in any soil of ordinary fertility. 

 In dry tracts it should be confined to the sides of 

 channels or tanks. 



332 Ixora cocci nea, Linn. 



A woody shrub cultivated in gardens for its 

 handsome crimson flowers. It is known to a few 

 Europeans as the " flame of the forest" and "jungle 

 geranium." The species is sacred to Shiva and is 

 said to possess medicinal virtues of some import- 

 ance. Several alhed species exist in the scrub tracts 

 and skirting the evergreen belts, especially I. Ban- 

 dhuca, I. alba, and I. acuminata. These are all good 

 border shrubs with pretty flowers. 



Cultivation.— Propagate from seed, layers and 

 cuttings. All the species require a deep retentive 

 soil with an open aspect and moderate rainfall. 



