196 



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



specific may be found to be only varieties. In view of a 

 monumental work on the Ceylonese Ebenacese being already 

 in hand, under the exhaustive investigations carried on 

 by Mr. H. Wright of Peradeniya, I shall not refer to any but 

 the better-known species in this Paper, more especially 

 as in most cases native names are particularly unreliable 

 in the case of this Order. It frequently follows that the 

 presence or absence of the characteristically coloured heart- 

 wood in examples of this Family is sufficient to change its 

 local native name, and hence it is desirable to establish the 

 identity of each species by its anatomical characteristics — a 

 labour beyond the scope of this particular Paper. 



194. — Maba buxifolia. 



Kalu-habariliya, S. a»£aoQ#<gc6 ; Irumpalai, T. ^K^iauir^ 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. III., p. 89* 



A bush-like tree with dark gray bark and many small 

 irregular branches. 



Leaves usually small, ovate, with rather reflexed margin, 

 u often emarginate, " smooth shining green above, finely 

 veined below, on short alternate stalks. Flowers pale white, 

 in leaf axils, frequently solitary. Fruits small, rather glossy, 

 red. 



A dry-country plant, extending on the east of Sahara- 

 gamuwa up to Rajawaka and Wikkiliya (1,400 feet altitude). 

 Very common near the Walawe east of Timbolketiya, 

 and again north of Rambukkana. 



The wood is pale grayish, occasionally with black heart, 

 close, rather hard, durable. Suitable for posts, rafters, and 

 wall-plates. The fruits are eaten. 



195,—Diospyros Emhryopteris. 



Timbiri, S. £S§58" ; Panichchai, T. u6oB<F&s)ff. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. Ill,, p. 93. 



A small tree with dark, thick, fairly smooth bark, often 

 flaking off in large pieces. Branches rather wide-spreading. 



