3. THE TREE MALLOW or BELAPATA Hibiscus tiliaceus Linn. (Order: Malvaceae).

Hibiscus is the Latin name for a Mallow; tiliaceus is derived from Tilia, the generic name of another tree in allusion to its close resemblance to one of the members of that genus. Description: A moderate-sized semi-deciduous tree reaching 35 to 45 ft. in height. Leaves 4 to 5 in. long, heart shaped, suddenly ending in an acuminate tip, margin entire or crenulate; petiole 1.5 to 2.5 in. long. Flowers in racemes at the ends of the branches. Pedicils short, stout. Calyx of five separate sepals. Below the calyx are 10 bracts (involucral bracts) forming a ring round it. Corolla 2-3 in. across composed of 5 crinkly petals. The stamens are arranged on a central column surmounted by the stigma. Fruit a capsule, round, with a short beak, and enclosed in the persistent calyx. Distribution: All tropical regions, particularly near the sea. Gardening: Propagated by seed. Uses: The bark is used as medipine. The root is said to be a febrifuge, and is employed in the preparations of embrocations. The wood is used for fuel in India, but in Tahiti planking is prepared from it. A useful fibre is obtained from the bark which is employed in the manufacture of cordage, mats, and possibly paper. Note: The flowers resemble those of the Bhendi Tree in colour and texture, but they do not assume the bell-shape of the latter. When faded the petals open wide (flat) and turn red-purple and finally blackthe petals of the Bhendi do not open in this manner. The flowers appear during the cold season November to January