The Fruits are 3-angled capsules, elongated pear-shaped, with prominent bulges opposite the seeds. They are ¾ inch long and the stigma remains are present. The capsule splits into three and the small seeds are released, each with a sharp spike at the top end.
Uses.—The gum-resin, being scented, is used for burning in houses, or fumigating clothes, and as an ingredient in medicine.
BRIDELIA FERRUGINEA Benth.—Kisni, Kirni. EUPHORBIACEAE.
A small tree of the Tree and Bush savannahs which does not extend very far north and will not grow away from fairly good soils. It is rather shapeless, except occasionally in closer forest, where it may reach a height of 30 feet with a girth of 3-4 feet. This species and B. scleroneura are similar in habit, with open, formless crowns, straggling, drooping limbs covered with numerous, slender, erect twigs which are apt to be burnt back repeatedly by fires and show the position of leaves and flowers as prominent clusters at frequent intervals. The distinguishing features are larger leaves of this species and the absence of the marked crenate edges.
The Bark is dark grey, covered with small, close-fitting, prominent scales. That of the branches is lighter and covered with rectangular scales, clearly cut in rows. That of the smaller branches is almost white with vertical, wavy ridges of cork. The slash is crimson.
The Wood is brown and the sapwood is dull white. In transverse section the rings are clear, fine light lines, the pores are very small, single, double, or in small festoons, the soft tissue not well developed. The rays are fine, close, fairly straight and evenly spaced. In vertical section the grain is coarse, and not very straight and the wood is easily sawn but hard to plane, picking up in patches. The weight is 60 lbs. a cubic foot.
The Leaves are alternate, assuming one plane. They are 4-5 inches long and 2¼-2½ inches broad, with slightly waved edges, the nerves reaching the edge. They are dark green above, olive green beneath, with the venation very prominent and covered with brownish hairs, especially on the short stalk and mid-rib.
The Flowers, male and female on the same tree are in small, compact clusters in the leaf axils from March to June. The male flowers have a calyx of 5 sepals, 5 minute petals and 5 radiating stamens, joined at the base into a short column. The female flower has the same calyx, longer, narrower petals and two styles which are forked. The male flowers have a shiny yellow disc.