N. 0. AN0NACE/E. 47 



Stamens 12-18 ; anther-cells contiguous, outer stamens sometimes 

 without anthers. Ripe Carpels nearly sessile, 1 in. diam., 

 globose, glabrous usually containing about 2 matured seeds. 



Uses. — In the Konkan the leaves are used for fomentation 

 by the natives. They have a pungent, astringent and bitter 

 taste. (Dym. Pharm. Ind. Vol. I. P. 46). 



37. Polyalthia lo?igifolia, Benth and HK f. 

 h.f.br. i., i. 62. Roxb 455. 



Syn. — Gualteria longifolia, Wall. 



Vern. — Asok ; Debdari, Devadaru, Deodar (H). Devdaruy 

 Devada V B). Devdaru (Uriya). Asok, Asoka, Asopular, Asiipal 

 (Bomb) ; Ashopulo (Guj) ; Devadaru, Asoka, Asokam (Tel) 

 Assothi (Tain) ; Asoka, putrajiva (Kam) ; in Ceylon Tamil it is 

 Mara-illupai. 



Habitat. — Cultivated throughout India, as an avenue tree in 

 Tan j ore and the Western Peninsula. Common in Ceylon 

 and in Bombay Gardens. It is also found as a roadside tree 

 in Bombay, much used in decorations of houses on festive 

 occasions. 



A large erect tree, very handsome with shining wavy- 

 margined leaves on slender long branchlets. Bark thick, rather 

 smooth, young parts glabrous. Wood yellowish-white, rather 

 soft, medullary rays conspicuous. Lea vcs long, 6-9 in. shortly 

 stalked, oblong or ovate-oblong, very gradually tapering into 

 long attenuate apex, acute or rounded base, finely undulate, 

 glabrous, thin, pellucid-dotted. Flowers greenish-yellow in 

 axillary umbels on very short racemes mostly from the old 

 wood, 3-10 or more together. Pedicels I in. or more long, slender, 

 pubescent, with a hairy bractlet half way up. Sepals ovate- 

 triangular, obtuse, tomentose. Petals ^ in. or more, lanceolate-, 

 linear, tapering, undulate, pubescent, the inner rather broader. 

 Carpels about 8, ovoid, 1 in. long, glabrous, on stalks \ m. lung.. 



Use. — It is used as a febrifuge in the Balasore District of 

 Orissa (vSir W. W.. Hunter). 



