SALMALIA MALABARICA. Sch. and E. Bombax Malabarieum, D.C.; B. heptaphyllum, Boxb. Rakto shimul, . BENG. MGI elETG, . . DIALEAL. Lai, Let-pan, . Buam. Salmali, Shalmali, SANSIC. Saur, • . . . DUKII. Katu-imbul-gas, SINGH. Red cotton tree, . Exc. Elavam, Pula maram,Tmt. Itakta-sembal, . HIND. Buraga TEL This is a large tree, with flowers of a beautiful red colour, cominon in the warmer parts of Ceylon, and from one end of India to the other, paiticularly along the foot of the Ifinalaya moun tains, and is one of the most abundant of the forest trees of Tenasserim. The tree grows rapidly, and is occasionally found 30 to 40 feet in girth. The tree is sometimes called S. penta phyllum, 'when the lobes of the leaves are 5 instead of 7, but there is no difference in species, for the trees frequently carry both kinds of leaf. When very large, their appearance is magnificent; the thick stem spreads out towards the base at intervals into butt resfi-like projectiona, strengthen ing and supporting the main stem ; and in the spring SCUM] the tree is covered with huge mag nolia-shaped scarlet blossoms. The silky down
that envelopes the seed is used to stuff mattresses and pillows, and has occasionally been made into cloth ; the young trees and branches have short flat thorns. The young flower-buds aro cooked and eaten in some places; its white, soft, light, brittle wood, though not strong, is used for boxes, scabbards, doors, and water-conduits; white ants readily attack the wood. Leaves used as fodder ; its gum is the mooche-ms of the bazar, and the roots of young trees produce the safed musli, which is used to make a cooling beverage.