s. m, The name of a tree (Bombax heptaphyllum, Nat. Ord. Bombaceæ) which grows to a very large size, and, about March, is a striking object with its immense buttressed trunks, and its large showy red flowers, six inches in breadth clustered on the leafless branches. The latter generally leave the trunk in sixes or sevens radiating from about one level. The tree occurs wild in the Siwalik tract. It furnishes a whitish, coarse-grained, weak, brittle wood, which is very subject to the attacks of white ants. It is thus for the most part used only for planks, doors, boxes, and is said not even to be good fuel. Like some other woods of similar texture, moisture seems to render it more durable, and it is a favourite for well curbs, water conduits, triangles and bridges. It is also made into scabbards in Kangra and Yusafzai. In some places near Kangra, the leaves and twigs of the tree are severely lopped for fodder. The flower buds are eaten as a pot-herb, and the cotton of the pods is occasionally used to stuff pillows; it is too short-stapled and smooth to be useful for textile purposes. The gum, which exudes from the bark is often given with Bael for dysentery and diarrhœa. The root furnishes one of the kinds of Músalí, and is considered cooling, astringent, and aphrodisiae, and is given in gonorrhœa.