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Common Name : Flame of the Woods - Scientific Name : Ixora coccinea (Rubiaceae)
- Other Name : Rath Mal (S), Rthambala (S)
Eranapala Mottai
07/20/2013
Lunu Wewa
08/29/2013
Thora Wila
07/20/2013
Thora Wila
07/20/2013
This is a flowering plant in the Rubiaceae familiy which is native to Myanmar, Southern India and Sri Lanka. It is commonly found in the wet and dry zone forested areas of the country excluding the arid zones and the higher hills. It is a bush that grows to about 10-12 feet.
This is the host palnt of a species of butterfly referred to as the Monkey- puzzel which is seen at Wilpattu. The small green coloured catterpiller larva of this butterfly feeds on the flowers of this palnt.
In Wilpattu this species can be observed throughout the park mostly in open habitat around the Villus and the other water bodies. I have observed flowers of this species throughout the year.