Top 20 Most Common Plants in Sri Lanka

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, you can find Asian Rice, Pepper, Golden pothos, Guava, Garden croton, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

Asian Rice

Asian Rice is one of the world's most important staple crops. This annual grass, which was first domesticated in China centuries ago, accounts for a significant portion of the diet of half of the world's population. Aside from food, this plant is grown for use in wines, medicines, and cosmetics. It is also used in crafts and religious ceremonies worldwide.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Golden pothos

3. Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

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Guava

Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.

Garden croton

5. Garden croton

The garden croton is a showy tropical display that does well indoors or in warm climates. Known for its attractive foliage, this plant can have both color and structural variations in its leaves. Leaf colors can include orange, yellow, scarlet, white, and green, and many times all are present on one plant.

Painted-leaf begonia

6. Painted-leaf begonia

Painted-leaf begonia (Begonia rex) is a flowering perennial native to tropical climates in Central America and South America. Painted-leaf begonia is cultivated inside as a houseplant in temperate climates and grown outside in cooler climates.

Bird's-nest fern

7. Bird's-nest fern

Bird's-nest fern (Asplenium nidus) is a fern species native to tropical Southeast Asia. The common name bird's-nest fern refers to the plant's central rosette where the fern's fronds unfurl. This part of the plant resembles miniature bird eggs.

Golden shower tree

8. Golden shower tree

Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a plant that is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is at its peak during the middle of the summer. Golden shower tree is both the national flower and tree of Thailand. The Latin name "Cassia" comes from "Kassia", which means "fragrant plant." It holds a sacred place in scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Yellow butterfly palm

9. Yellow butterfly palm

Yellow butterfly palm (Dypsis lutescens) is a flowering plant that originated in Madagascar. Other common names for yellow butterfly palm are golden cane palm and yellow palm. In tropical regions it's grown as an outdoor plant for ornamental horticulture. In temperate regions its grown indoors as a houseplant.

Common asparagus fern

10. Common asparagus fern

Common asparagus fern is not a true fern but does resemble one. This perennial clumping herb gets its Latin name, *Asparagus setaceus*, from the Latin '*seta*', which means hair or hairy. The leaves of the common asparagus fern are often described as hairy or lacy. The flowers are greenish-white and bell-shaped.

Geranium aralia

11. Geranium aralia

The geranium aralia is a shrub plant native to tropical Asia. Without pruning, these plants can grow very tall, with stiff, spreading branches. They take well to shaping, so they have been used to create both bonsai trees and hedges. The green leaves sometimes have white or yellow outlines.

Jewels of Opar

12. Jewels of Opar

Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum) is a succulent shrub species native to North and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands. After its introduction, though, it became culturally important in some East Asian regions. The jewels of Opar grows and spreads quickly because any part of its root can sprout into a full plant once it's in the soil.

Xanadu

Xanadu (Philodendron xanadu) is often called "Winterbourn," and is cultivated for indoor use. It thrives in brighter conditions compared to most other philodendrons. However, it grows best in direct artificial light or direct sunlight. This species will turn yellow if it is kept too moist.

Arrasa con todo

14. Arrasa con todo

Arrasa con todo (Gomphrena serrata) is a low-growing, mound-forming plant native to Central America and the southern states of the USA. It flowers all year round and grows in open sandy areas, on roadsides, in dry, disturbed sites, in lawns, and in open woods and can be considered a weed.

Carambola

Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) is a tree that’s indigenous to lush and steamy regions of Southeast Asia. Another name for it is star fruit. People call it this because when you slice it in half, you’ll see an unmistakable star shape. Not only is the fruit tasty, but it also reportedly has health benefits.

Tamarind

Tamarind is a monotypic perennial tree grown for its timber and edible fruits. Tamarind trees yield brown seed fruits with a sweet, acidic pulp used in various varieties of cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish.

Sessile Joyweed

17. Sessile Joyweed

The sessile Joyweed (Alternanthera sessilis) is an aquatic plant that spreads vigorously from a prominent, very deep taproot. It is listed as a noxious weed in the United States and can devastate small ponds with its aggressive foliage growth. The sessile Joyweed is so dense, it can, in fact, block drainage canals with vegetation and clog irrigation lines!

Four o'clock flower

18. Four o'clock flower

Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent species native to the Arabian Peninsula. The thick leaves are filled with gooey flesh that stores water for survival in its native desert territories. Aloe vera has become a popular houseplant and is also incorporated into a wide range of cosmetics and skin-care products.

Avocado

Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.

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More Plants in Sri Lanka

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Sri Lanka's moist and warm climate coupled with rich and varied ecosystems, ranging from dense rainforests to misty highlands, creates a fertile ground for a diverse flora, including , , and . These conditions also contribute to the prevalence of toxic plants in the region. The country's unique biodiversity heightens the concern of encountering such poisonous species amidst its lush greenery.

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Most Common Flowers

Sri Lanka's tropical climate and fertile soil create an ideal environment for an array of native flowers to flourish. Within this vibrant ecosystem, three specific blossoms stand out for their visual beauty, cultural symbolism, and ecological importance. , , and add a burst of color to the landscape, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka. These flowers serve as a testament to the country's natural beauty and are cherished by both locals and visitors alike.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Sri Lanka embraces Spring, the environment awakens, catalyzing a spectrum of floral life. The iconic unfurls, symbolizing renewal; blossoms herald the season's vibrancy, while the precious adds a touch of unique beauty to the landscape. These flowers are not just visually arresting but culturally significant, enriching the island's Spring aura.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Sri Lanka unfurls in a burst of vibrant hues and gentle warmth, breathing life into an array of fruit plants that thrive under the nourishing sun. During this season, , with its succulence, stands as a refreshing symbol of the seasonal transformation. Meanwhile, the rich, flavorful reaches peak ripeness, and the exotic is eagerly anticipated for its unique taste. These fruits, emblematic of Lankan fertility, celebrate the island's natural abundance and the unmistakable freshness of springtime harvest.

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Most Common Fruits

Sri Lanka's tropical climate and fertile soil contribute to the thriving of many local fruit plants. The monsoon rains, coupled with warm temperatures, create a hospitable environment for species such as , , and . These plants not only hold a significant place in Sri Lanka's agriculture but are also deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, representing the island's rich biodiversity and tradition in local cuisine and medicine.

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Most Common Trees

Sri Lanka is blessed with a tropical climate and fertile soil, providing an ideal environment for a rich variety of native trees. Among them, , , and stand tall as emblematic representatives of the region. These trees hold great significance both culturally and ecologically, serving as symbolical landmarks and supporting the local ecosystem. Their presence in Sri Lanka's landscape underscores the country's natural diversity and the importance of preserving its unique flora and fauna.

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Most Common Weeds

Sri Lanka's warm, humid climate and abundant rainfall create an ideal environment for a variety of garden weeds to flourish. Among the most common, , , and are particularly prevalent, posing challenges for gardeners and landscapers in managing their growth and spread. These pervasive weeds compete with cultivated flora for resources, making their control a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy and aesthetically pleasing gardens.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Sri Lanka's lush, tropical climate and diverse terrains are conducive to the growth of colossal trees, reaching high into the sky. Prominent giants of this verdant isle include , , and , each standing as a testament to the country's rich ecological tapestry. These towering species are not only ecological marvels but also bearers of great historical significance, silently narrating tales of the island's natural heritage.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Sri Lanka may bring a serene cold, but it is also a time when certain flowers bravely bloom. Despite the frosty environment, , , and thrive, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers add a touch of color and symbolic depth to the otherwise chilly landscape in Sri Lanka.

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