214 



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



A large unevenly -growing tree, with pale smooth rather 

 thin bark. 



Leaves three- and sometimes five-foliate with distinctly 

 stalked leaflets. Leaflets about three and a half inches long, 

 ovate-oblong, tapering to base, rather stiff, smooth above, 

 slightly downy below, with inconspicuous pellucid veining. 

 Terminal leaflet much the largest. 



Flowers rather large, white with purplish tint inside, 

 arranged in rather long axillary cymes. Fruits rather olive- 

 like, smooth, dull purple. 



I have only found this species at Barrawa forest near 

 Hanwella, where it is common near water. 



The wood is a dull purplish-brown, close, even-grained, 

 hard, and rather heavy. Weight, 48 lb. per cubic foot. 

 Suitable for furniture, cart frames, &c. The root affords an 

 astringent. 



[Dry country ; common near tanks.] 



NEPENTHACE/E. 



This remarkable Family of plants is represented by a 

 solitary species in Ceylon, and is well known by its familiar 

 name of Pitcher Plant. 



221— Nepenthes distill atoria. 



Bahdura-vel, S. ©>gdbe>icf. • 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. III., p. 420. 



A creeping plant, ascending into bushes and trees often 

 to a height of 50 feet by means of its leaf -stalks. It can be 

 so easily distinguished by its curious pitcher-shaped 

 appendix to the leaf that further description is super- 

 fluous. 



