1A. & IB. KARNIKAR Pterospermum acerifolium Willd. (Order: Sterculiaceae).

Pterospermum a combination of two Greek words meaning winged seed. Acerifolium in allusion to the leaves resembling those of the MapleAcer. Description: A large handsome evergreen tree with large irregularly shaped leaves, green above and greyish white beneath. Leaves very variable in shape and size 10 to 14 in. by 6 to 12 in .orbicular, oblong, margins variously lobed and indented, cordate, or peltate (petiole arising towards the centre of the leaf below), smooth and shining above, whitish or rusty-coloured beneath with adpressed hairs. Flowers large, solitary or in pairs, in the axils of the leaves, fragrant; calyx composed of five thick, long sepals which curl backwards as the flower opens, 4-5 in. long; petals 5, at first arranged in a tubular form (when fresh), finally falling apart and withering early, slightly shorter than the sepals. Fruit a capsule 4 to 6 in. long by 2 to 3 in. oblong, five-angled, covered externally with a dense coating of woolly hairs. Seeds oblique with a large thin papery wing. Distribution: The sub-Himalayan tract and outer Himalayan valleys, and hills up to 4,000 ft, Bengal, Assam, Burma, N. Kanara. Gardening: Propagated by seed. Uses: The down on the leaves is used by the hill people to stop bleeding. The wood is used for making planking; it may also be used in the manufacture of furniture. It takes a good polish. The leaves are employed for packing. The cut branches and sepals exude a mucilage when put into water: The sepals are used medicinally.