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



The bark is used in native medicine, and possesses a 

 curious pungent smell. 



[Deltota, Hanguranketa, Kandy.] 



100. — Ghloroxylon Swietenia (Satinwood). 

 Buruta, S. § Jjco ; Mutirai, T. (Lp$&> ir. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. I., p. 253. 



A rather small tree with very rough grayish-brown bark 

 and fine drooping pinnate leaves, with abundant unequal- 

 bladed small leaflets. Flowers small, creamy-white. 



A characteristic tree in the dry zone, extending all through 

 the eastern and south-eastern parts of: Sabaragamuwa, from 

 the Walawe river to the foot of the Rakwana and Balangoda 

 hills up to about 1,000 feet. Does not occur in a wild state, 

 or very rarely in the Western Province. 



A most valuable wood. A striking example of its 

 durability is to be found in the magnificent one-arch bridge 

 at Peradeniya. Unrivalled for its durability. Used for 

 furniture, and in great favour for almirahs. Largely used in 

 Europe for brush handles. It is a fine golden-yellow with 

 a silk-like lustre. Sleepers mada of this wood have been 

 known to last for thirty years, indicating its value for that 

 purpose, especially as it is white ant proof. Not very heavy : 

 56 lb. per cubic foot. 



The so-called Flowered Satinwood is not a distinct species, 

 and cannot be detected in the living tree, the condition 

 known as " flowered " being probably due to arrested growth 

 at a certain stage of the plant's life. 



Affords a gum of a jelly-like consistency when freshly 

 formed. 



The finest Satinwood comes from the West Indies, and is 

 said to be from an unknown tree ! 



Captain G-illani, of the Central Timber Depot, affords the 



following particulars respecting the value of Satinwood 



sold in Colombo : — 



From 1892 to 1897 inclusive, 53,079 c. ft. sold for Rs. 123,779. 

 From 1898 to 1901 inclusive, 58,107 c. ft. sold for Rs. 124,930. 



