126 JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XVIL 



be turned into account for rope, sacking, or binding-cloth. 

 The Order contains twelve Genera in Ceylon : Sida, Abut- 

 ilon, Wissadula, Urena, Pavonia, Julostylis, Dicellostyles, 

 Hibiscus, Thespesia, Bombax, Eriodendron, and Cullenia. 



65. — Hibiscus iiliaceus. 

 Beli-patta, S. ^©go©0. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. I., p. 157. 



A small tree with cordate leaves on long pubscent stalks* 

 Flowers handsome, yellow, with crimson centre. 



Very common near water up to 1,500 feet. Wood purplish? 

 handsome. Weight, 35 lb. 



Affords an excellent fibre for string, 



[Low-country, chiefly near coast.] 



66. — Thespesia populnea (Tulip Tree). 

 Siiriya, S. gSce ; Puvaravu, T. t^«a/jr<a;. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. I., p. 158. 



A smallish tree with rough bark, and generally much 

 contorted trunk. Well known for its handsome — when fresh 

 — yellow flowers. The leaf has " a glandular pore between 

 the bases of the veins beneath." 



Commonly found near the sea and in the dry zone, 

 probably because of its being a favourite with the Dutch. 



An excellent timber, hard, smooth, close-grained, and 

 taking a fine polish. Red or red-brown. Weight, 50 lb. 

 per cubic foot. 



The timber is in great favour for carriage-building and for 

 gun-stocks. 



[Trincomalee abundant, Batticaloa, Kalpitiya, Jaffna, 

 Mannar.] 



67. — Bombax malabaricum. 

 Katu-imbul, S. «5§$§c!? ; Parutti, T. uq$s$. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. I., p. 160. 



A very large tall straight deciduous tree, much buttressed 

 at the base, and more or less protected with strong conical 



