NO. 42. — 1891.] SINHALESE PLANT LORE. 



119 



Most of the trees which grow to large dimensions, such as 

 the Erabadu (Erythrina indicd), Diwul (Feronia elephan- 

 tum), &c, are believed by some to be the abodes of certain 

 Devatavo andYakkhu, both good and evil spirits. Villagers 

 often light lamps and burn fragrant substances under these 

 trees to invoke the aid of the supernatural beings who are 

 supposed to inhabit them* 



There is a belief that certain plants exist in the abodes of 

 the gods. Among these are mentioned the Parasaiu and the 

 Kusa. 



The Parasatu is said to be a heavenly tree which pro- 

 duces most beautiful and sweet-scented flowers, and many a 

 story is related of the Devas offering or presenting the 

 flowers from this tree as a mark of respect. We read in the 

 Kusa Jdtaka (a Buddhist birth story) that among the presents 

 received by the Queen Silavati from Sakra Deva was the 

 " sweetly-blossomed flower from the tree that grows in 

 heaven," 



The other heavenly plant, the Kusa grass, is held 

 in great veneration, and the belief is that the grass is 

 found both here and in the heavens. It is mentioned that 

 Gautama Buddha was presented with Kusa, grass by a 

 Brahmin, which he spread under the Bo tree to serve as a 

 seat. Kusa grass is also one of the presents which Queen 

 Silavati brought from heaven along with the Parasatu 

 flowers. 



Mythological Trees. 



Coming to the mythological trees, some of those commonly 

 spoken of are the Kapruka, Kalu-nika, Visa-kumbha, and 

 Damba. 



Now the Kapruka is a tree which is supposed to come 

 into existence once in a kalpa, or millenium, during a happy 

 period of the world's existence. 



This tree is said to produce any and everything which one 

 may desire to possess, be it the most valuable jewels or the 



