188 



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



92. — Canarium zbylanicum. 

 Kekuna, S. ao* 

 Trim. Cey. Flop., vol. I., p. 239. 



A very large tree with deep web-like far-reaching but- 

 tresses, large trunk, and wide-spreading head. Easily 

 identified by its pale bark, that smells strongly of myrrh 

 when wounded. 



The fruits when ripe are narrowly ovoid, purplish-ashy, 

 and extremely hard. 



Leaves compound, and in young plants have conspicuous 

 clasping lobes at their bases in the place of stipules. 



The wood is very soft, pale white or brownish-white, and 

 full of balsamic resin, so that it is easily passed off by 

 unscrupulous traders as Hora. Is in much favour for tea 

 boxes owing to its lightness : about 27 lb. per cubic foot. A 

 quick-rotting wood. 



Common in wet forests up to about 1,500 feet, often found 

 on rock where the soil is shallow. Abundant near Rakwana. 

 Seeds eaten, and resemble Brazil nuts in flavour. 



The resin is often burned for fumigation purposes, and is 

 said by natives to be of great value as a specific against cobras. 



[Batticaloa (!)] 



93. — Filicium decipiens. 

 Pihimbiya, S. ScS^co. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. I., p. 240. 



A well-known ornamental tree, and used as such about 

 the Colombo and Kandy streets. Easily recognized by its 

 somewhat fern-like leaves and shapely head. 



Moderately common in both Provinces up to 2,000 feet, 

 but does not attain so fine a size as in parts of Uva, particularly 

 near Wellawaya. 



Wood very hard, red, close, durable, and well suited for 

 beams and building purposes generally. Weight, 65 to 

 70 lb. per cubic foot. Used by natives in the manufacture 

 of their wooden ploughs, for which purpose the buttress 

 is generally used. 



