'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎306] (485/524)

306
REPORT ON DHUR YAROO
which runs through the plateau, is said to have been introduced by a
Fakeer, and is not to be met with elsewhere in these ranges.
The common fig {Ficus Carica) grows wild, and yields a small and
eatable fruit. Acacias, {Arabica and Spicigera) “ Babul, and Kendi”
grow abundantly in the Kertch Valley, but are very stunted and only
fit for firewood. The white stemmed or Cabul Acacia may be also seen
higher up.
Salvadora Indica and Persica, the former to be found in the middle
ranges, produces an edible berry (Peloo) about the size of a red cur
rant, and not unpleasant to the taste. The wood is hard, resists the
attack of white ants, and is much prized. The latter (Kusseer) is only
to be met with in the very lowest hills and near torrent beds. The
berry is highly aromatic and disagreeable, and the outer part or bark
of the roots raises blisters. It is supposed to be the mustard tree of
Scripture. There is another undetermined variety of Salvadora (Was-
naoo) which grows in the very highest and most inaccessible places.
The greenish red berry is acrid, and the leaves and red-leaf stalks con
tain follicles of essential oil which yield a heavy aromatic smell on
pressure. It gives out in burning a powerfully offensive and sicken
ing odour, and should be carefully avoided as firewood. The wild
almond, Badam-jofoetah {Termanelia Catappa) never attains a service
able size—fruit small and useless, the young stems make handsome
walking sticks, and resemble the Hazel wood. “Khow” {Olea Cus-
pidata) grows extensively through the hills. Its dark-coloured and
finely grained heartwood is much esteemed for turning purposes.
“ Loheroo 55 or iron wood {Tecoma TJndulata) is the hardest wood
known. This tree may be considered a fair mark of altitude, and
will be hardly ever found growing at any point below two or above
four thousand feet. It bears abundant and handsome orange flowers.
A wild variety of “ Phalsa” {Grewnia Asiatica) and the small “Leso-
ree” {Cordia Myxa) afford eatable berries, as do likewise the “ Cap-
paris Aphylla” anti. Galeata (Kurreel and Kulvery). The former is
to be met with below ; the latter all over the mountains. A stunted
and shrubby vairety of the Indian Coral tree “ Mandar” Eryslrina
Indica grows In the ravines.
The flowers of the mountain u Kip” {Periploca Aphylld) are eaten,
but unlike the variety found in the plains of Sind, it is not used as a
fibrous plant.