162 



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



Wood hard, close, seemingly much charged with tanning, 

 pinkish-brown when freshly cut, becoming dull on seasoning. 

 Heavy, weight about 56 lb. per cubic foot. Suitable for 

 beams, struts, and posts. 



136. — Saraca indica. 

 Diya-ratma], S. ^codaf©^. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. II., p. 114. 



A small water-loving tree, with ruddy-brown bark and 

 spreading branches that terminate in drooping pale tassel- 

 like pinnate leaves. Leaves when mature stiff, smooth, 

 arranged in four or six pairs of variable length. 



Flowers exceedingly handsome and sweet-scented, growing 

 in dense heads. When freshly open the flowers are pale 

 yellow, passing with maturity to red ; very ornamental. 



Occasional, more abundant on the banks of streams in the 

 dry forests. Occurs in parts of the Kegalla District and 

 again towards Uva. 



Wood reddish-brown, soft, not durable, about 58 lb. 

 weight per cubic foot. 



Suitable for cabinet work. The whole plant is beautifully 

 ornamental. 



[By streams in forests of the drier regions.] 



137. — Tamarindus indica (Tamarind). 

 Siyambala, S. Sc6®c ; Puli, T. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. II., p. 114. 



This magnificent tree is too well known to require any 

 special description, as it is a familiar cultivated plant. 



Some of the finest specimens in the Western Province are 

 to be found in the Railway Avenue at Maradana. 



Wood yellowish-white, streaked with red, and occasionally 

 in very old trees black-hearted, slightly mottled ; very close, 

 hard, smooth, and durable. 



Well suited for large pieces of furniture, almirahs, 

 wardrobes, and the like. The wood is heavy, being from 70 

 to 80 lb. weight per cubic foot. 



