91 Observations on the Flora of Courtallum. [April 



leading to that coast : neither have I met with Delima sar- 

 mentosa, a Ceylon plant ; but I think it may be expected on 

 the higher range of hills, which I have not yet been able to 

 visit. Roxburgh appears, from the Flora Indica, to have been 

 acquainted with only nine Indian species of this order, natives 

 partly of the Circars, Bengal and the Moluccas. Blume 

 describes 8 from Java alone. Two are natives of Senegam* 

 fcia, and six are natives of the Indian peninsula. 



In addition to their superior distinct carpels (seed vessels)., 

 the principal peculiarity of this Order consists in its seeds 

 having an arillus, or middle coat, if I may so call it, between 

 the capsule and testa or true covering of the seed, and by its 

 exstipulate leaves. Most of them are remarkable for their 

 handsome flowers, and some of them attain the size of large 

 timber trees. Roxburgh states that the wood of Dillenia 

 speciosa makes excellent gun stocks. 



A stringency is the most usual characteristic of the Order, 

 but the calyces of Dillenia scabrilla and speciosa have a 

 pleasant acid taste, and are used by the natives to season 

 their curries. Roxburgh adds, that they make a pleasant 

 tasted jelly. 



III. Magnoliacece. 

 Of this Order I have as yet only met with one tree, and 

 that a doubtful native, Michelia Champaca. It is an Order 

 nearly unknown on the plains of India. There are however 

 several Nepaul species, and no fewer than thirteen natives of 

 Java. 



It is remarkable for the showiness and fragrance of its 

 flowers, and for the bitter aromatic properties of the bark. 

 Some of the Himalayan species are very large trees affording 

 excellent timber. These Mr. Royle thinks might be ad- 

 vantageously introduced into the South of Europe for the sake 

 of their wood. 



IV. Anonaceee. 

 A large and strikingly tropical Order, few if any of its spe- 

 cies being known to extend above two or three degrees on 

 either side beyond that zone. India, so to speak, seems to 

 be its head quarters, Dr. Wallich's list of Indian plants, 

 presenting a catalogue of nearly 80 species ; a vast accession 



