Trees & Shrubs ‹‹ Go Back

This species along with others of its genus are climbing shrubs and are found in the low country dry zone. Other than in Sri Lanka it is native to India, China and South-East Asia to New Guinea.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Near Threatened” (National Red list 2020).

Due to heavy harvesting this species can only be found within protected areas in Hambantota, Anuradapura, Pollonnaruwa, Monaragala, Kurunegala and Puttalam. The fruits of this species are edible and become orange red when ripe.

The existence of all species of this genus which include the famous “Kothala Himbutu” Salacia reticulata are threatened in their natural habitat due to the roots and stems being collected to be used for treatment of Diabetes in Ayurveda medicine. The conservation status of many species of this genus has been rated as “endangered” in the National Red List of 2020.

This species and Kothala Himbutu Salacia reticulata are the only known host plants for a rare species of butterfly called the Plane. The females deposit their eggs on the leaves of this species and the caterpillars feed on them on their way to become butterflies.

In Wilpattu I have observed the bright orange fruits of this species during the month of July. This is not a commonly seen species in the park.