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Common Name : Veldt Grape - Scientific Name : Cissus quadrangularis (Vitaceae) - Other Name : Devilâ€™s Backbone (E), Heerassa, Sirassa (S)

Ochchappukallu

10/27/2013

This is a very common species found in scrublands of the dry lowlands. It is native to tropical Asia, Arabia, Madagascar and most of tropical Africa.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This plant has been recognized from ancient times for its medicinal use. It is used in Ayurveda and Sidda medicine to treat broken bones, relive pain, injured ligament, Hemorrhoids ect. The high contents of vitamin C and many antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, tannins and phenols found in this plant is said to be the reasons for its healing abilities.

This is a common species is Wilpattu. It produces flowers in October and November.

The author visits Wilpattu National Park regularly and will update this website with his field notes and photographs of individual leopards as well as other species of fauna & flora observed in the park. His primary goal in launching this website is to create awareness among the general public of the fascinating bio diversity of the park and to highlight the importance of protecting it for generations to come. The author’s study of the leopards will be of importance for anyone who may be keen to identify the leopards they photograph in Wilpattu and learn more about them.

Anyone who may be interested in using the information or the photographs contained in this website for any educational, research or commercial purpose is kindly requested to contact the author and obtain his consent prior to doing so. ( Email : kithsiri@wilpattu.com )