13. Schima wallichii (de Candolle) Korthals THEACEAE

An evergreen tree that can reach a height of 30 metres; the generic name may be derived from the Greek skiasma, on account of the shade that its dense foliage casts. It is native to warm broad-leaved forest from Nepal eastwards to South-West China at altitudes of up to 2000 metres. The timber, when seasoned, is hard and in Bhutan it is used for house-building and making ploughshares. The bark can cause itching when in contact with human skin.

Watercolour by Claire Banks