about 2,762 species, of which comparatively few come into
actual use in forestry. Of this large number of species
about 745 are endemic, or nearly 27 per cent. of the total,
The distribution of useful trees and plants is, however, small,
as out of 2,762 species only 250 come into use in forestry
apart from fuel supply ; 310 find their way into food and
medicinal use ; 63 in arts or commercial purposes ; and 103
in agrienltural work and religious rites.

FLORA OF CEYLON,

109

A LIANA (WOODY CLIMBER)

Of the 149 natural orders, those richest in genera and
Species are : first, the Grasses, which embrace 237 species in
81 genera; next, the Leguminoses with its army of 207
species and 64 genera ; followed by the Orchides, which is
represented by 61 genera and 160 species ; while the Rubiaces
with its 47 genera and 138 species brings up a large fourth.
In forestry the most valuable orders in Ceylon are the
Meliaces, Dipterocarpace®, and Ebenaces, these yielding
ornamental, cabinet, and building timbers in large proportion.
