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FLORA

Introduction

Wilpattu National Park has over 623 species of flowering plants scattered around the varying landscapes and habitats across the park. From introduced species from Africato endemic species of orchids, or mangroves in the coast, these plants provide homes and sustenance to many species of wildlife. Significant differences can be observed in the types of trees encountered in the different ecosystems at the park.

Kumbuk-Tree

Plants at Wilpattu

The Wilpattu National Park hosts a variety of rich biodiversity.

Explore to find out more about the top 5 species of plants at the park.

Plants at Wilpattu

The Wilpattu National Park hosts a variety of rich biodiversity.

Explore to find out more about the top 5 species of plants at the park.

Aliyagaha--Baobab-Tree

Baobab

(Adansonia digitata)

The exotic African-native Baobab Tree is a peculiar sighting at the Wilpattu National Park indicating its history associated with Arab traders. A smaller tree is found in Kollankantha, while to see the much larger Baboab at Kuburawa one has to take a boat from the lagoon end. Also known as the Aliyagaha in Sri Lanka, this tree is known for its stout bark that resembles the wrinkled skin of the elephant (called “Aliya” in Sinhalese). The Baobab Tree is also said to appear like a tree planted upside-down, with root-like branches that spring out in a
disarray.

Weera

(Drypetes sepiaria)

The Weera tree can be seen across the park’s landscapes with fruit that turns from green to a bright red when ripened. These juicy fruits attract birds and large mammals including the Sloth Bear, who relish on it. The tree grows up to 20 meters in height and its trunk is often twisted and branched giving a specific character to each tree, while providing spaces for many animals to live .

Kumbuk-Tree

Kumbuk

(Terminalia arjuna)

The Kumbuk Tree is known for its ability to purify water and is found growing abundantly near river banks of Kala Oya and Modragam Aru as well as in larger villus such as Kubukvila. This tree is easily identifiable by the significant reddening of older leaves on the tree. Its fruit is wood-like and has five ridges. The tree grows to about 20–25 meters tall and usually has a buttressed trunk.

Noblevmy / CC BY 2.5

Blue mist

(Memecylon umbellatum)

This bushy small tree, which is about 4 meters in height. Flowers in May - June adding colour to the forests and villu habitats. The flowers of this shrub are a brilliant blue and virtually cover the whole tree. The leaves are known to contain a yellow dye, a Glucoside, which is used for dyeing the robes of Buddhist monks and for colouring reed mats. Medicinally, the leaves are said to have antidiarrheal properties. It's bark and branches are very hard and therefore this tree is also known as Ironwood.

Anuradhapura-Orchid

Anuradhapura Orchid

(Vanda tessellata)

The Anuradhapura Orchid is endemic to Sri Lanka and is one of the few varieties of orchids found at the Wilpattu National Park. With a beautiful ashy tone and purple highlights on its petals, these orchids can be more commonly observed during its two peak flowering seasons; January to March and August to December.

Facts

The Aliyagaha / Baobab is an exotic African-origin tree that resembles a tree planted the wrong side up.
Mangroves are vital for the sustenance and protection of some coastal and lagoon fish species.
The Kumbuk Tree is known for its ability to naturally purify water through its roots.
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Aliyagaha--Baobab-Tree-lg
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