98 



JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVII,, 



taking a fine polish, and becoming very handsome when 

 varnished. Light ; weight, about 44 lb. per cubic foot. 

 [Moist low region, ascending to its upper limit.] 



4. — Dillenia indica. 



Honda-para, Wam-para, S. &&.@ed, S©oc5. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. I., p. 12. 



A small tree, generally with rather crooked stem, of a light 

 reddish-brown colour of bark. The leaves are large, 

 15 inches, oblong-lanceolate, with strong, numerous, parallel, 

 lateral veins. Flowers large and very handsome, often 

 eight inches in diameter. 



The wood is hard, close-grained, and has been used for 

 sleepers, but owing to the irregular shape of the stem is not 

 in much demand. Weight, 45 lb. per cubic foot. 



The large fruits, with their conspicuous envelope of 

 thickened sepals, are much used as a substitute for soap and 

 as a hair wash. 



Probably introduced, but nowhere particularly common. 



[Low-country up to 2,000 feet ; common.] 



5.— Dillenia retusa. 

 Goda-para, S. <^cs»£ed. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. I., p. 13. 



A small tree, with grayish-brown bark and abundant dark- 

 green leaves. 



The fruits much resemble the last, but are only about 

 two inches in diameter, and usually of an orange colour. 



A common tree up to 1,500 feet, except in the dry zone. 

 Occurs plentifully in the Hewagam Korale and the greater 

 part of the Kalutara District. 



The wood is close-grained, fairly hard, reddish-brown, and 

 in much favour for house-building, especially for rafters 

 and wall-plates. Weight, 45 lb. 



It is a durable wood, and with careful seasoning before 

 use is much improved. 



[Moist low-country ; rather common.] 



