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Common Name : Caustic Vine - Scientific Name : Sarcostemma viminale Sub sp. brunonianum (Apocynaceae)
- Other Name : Caustic Bush, Milkbush (E) Muwakeeriya (S)
Kumbuk Wila Pitiya
01/11/2014
Kumbuk Wila Pitiya
01/11/2014
Panikkar Villu
12/24/2012
This is a bush with fleshy dark green stem but often takes the structure of a leafless vine, which is indigenous to the country. It is also found in Australia, India and Malaysia.
The conservation status of this species is regarded as Near Threatened. (National List 2012).
I have seen this species at many dry and arid zone localities such as Mannar, Arippu, Jaffna, Bundala and Yala National Parks.
It is often found on other small plants and shrubs and the leaves are reduce d to small scale like formations, which are usually not visible.
This is a common species at Wilpattu and I have seen it in bloom during the months of January and December at Kumbuk Wila and Panikkar Villu.