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



225 



A characteristic patana tree, often found standing alone 

 on the crest of some wind-blown patana ridge. 



Common in such places in both Provinces, but more 

 abundant in Sabaragamuwa. 



The fruit is a powerful astringent, and affords a good 

 preserve. Wood rarely used, though durable. Weight, 

 about 50 lb. per cubic foot. 



238. — Glochidion zeylanicum. 



Hunu-kirilla, S. gg^gsSft^O- 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. IV., p. 28. 



A small or moderate-sized tree, with smooth brownish 

 bark and perfectly smooth twigs. Leaves oval, or oval- 

 oblong, about six inches, often unevenly lobed, rounded or 

 sub-cordate at base, on short stalks. 



Leaves a bright green, usually much paler below. Flowers 

 pale greenish, in small clusters of male and female together. 



Fruits about half an inch, lobed, with style persistent. 



Very common in all wet, boggy land in both Provinces up 

 to about 1,500 feet. Abundant in the Ratnapura District. 



Wood little used, as it is not durable, and suitable only for 

 temporary pit props. Pale, soft, easily split. 



[Moist low-country up to 2,000 feet ; common.] 



239. — Hemicyclia sepiaria, 



Vira, S. §db ; Viyarai, T. s&ajff<ss>n % 

 Trim. Cey. Flor., vol. IV., p. 36. 



A tree, often thirty to forty feet high, not a shrub as stated 

 by Trimen. 



Stems deeply fluted, pale grayish, with thin bark. Leaves 

 about one and a half to three inches, oblong or oval, stiff, 

 smooth, rounded at base, with faint veining. Flowers, male 

 in axillary clusters, female on short stalks on rather elongated 

 pedicel. Fruits small, round, crimson-red, much eaten by 

 the natives. 



