158 



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



by boring flies. Seeds afford a medicinal oil said to be used 

 in skin diseases. 



[Low-country, especially near coast ; common.] 



129.-— Pericopsis Mooniana. 

 Nedun, S. cngatf. 



Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. II., p. 97, plate XXXI. 



A magnificent tree, often attaining an immense size. 

 Stems when young pale pinkish-brown, becoming a gray- 

 brown in old trees ; rather thin. Leaves pinnate, but 

 alternately arranged on a rather long rachis. When fresh 

 and crushed the leaves emit a rather offensive smell. 

 Flowers very handsome, dark purple, on stout stalks attached 

 to large often terminal panicles. Pod rather wide, with two 

 to six seeds of a dull red colour. 



This valuable wood has a curious distribution for a water- 

 loving plant, but possibly owing to its great value it has in 

 places been exterminated. 



Occurs in a wild state in the valley of the Kelani river 

 up to Kitulgalla, and occasionally in a few branches of that 

 stream. Again in the valley of the Kalu-ganga up to about 

 1,200 feet altitude, and in the larger branches of this river in 

 the Nawadun Korale. Once common in Hangomuwa 

 valley. No better property could be left as an inheritance 

 than a plantation of Nedun, as the tree runs the risk of 

 extermination. 



The wood is particularly handsome, and is well known, 

 under its incorrectly pronounced name of "Nandoon," as a 

 common furniture timber, for which purpose it is in all 

 ways adapted. 



Rather heavy. Weight, about 70 lb. per cubic foot. 



I would add for the encouragement of those desirous of 

 preserving this most admirable wood that it is easily grown 

 from seed and moderately fast growing. 



Its preservation is greatly to be desired, especially as it is 

 found in no other part of the world. 



[Formerly common, but becoming rare.] 



