NO. 53. — 1902.] TREES AND FLOWERING PLANTS. 



211 



at the base of the leaf below the last pair of veins. Leaf- 

 stalks long. 



Flowers large, the upper lobes being a pinkish-orange, 

 with one yellow lobe appearing with the fresh leaves. 

 Calyx segments five. 



Not uncommon ; frequently found in a semi-cultivated 

 state in both Provinces up to 3,000 feet. Common near 

 Yatiyantota. Absent in the dry zone. 



The wood is yellowish, often grayish-white, smooth, 

 glossy, even-grained, fairly durable, about 30 lb. per cubic 

 foot. Suitable for windows, panels, and dadoes. 



Both bark and fruit used medicinally. 



[Moist region up to 5,000 feet.] 



216. — Gmelina asiatica. 



Demata, S. ; Kumil, T. <§l&&>. 



Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. III., p. 355. 



A bush, with yellowish-white or pale brown bark, much 

 branched, often spinous. 



Leaves very small, ovate, acute at base, smooth on both 

 sides, dotted beneath with glandular spots. Stalks very 

 short, rarely exceeding half an inch. Flowers large, bright 

 yellow, arranged in terminal racemes. Calyx segments four. 



R'ather common, and frequently found cultivated in native 

 gardens in both Provinces for the sake of its medicinal roots 

 and bark. 



The wood rarely attains sufficient size for general use, 

 but it is suitable for turning. It is close, even-grained, and 

 polishes well. 



217. — Vitex Negundo. 



Nil-nika, S. *3£f*Sao ; Vennochchi, T. QeusssrQ^)^. 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. III.,, p. 357. 



A small slender tree, with finely pubescent twigs and 

 branches. Leaves palmate, in three or five lobes, the lowest 



