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Common Name : Ceylon Swamp Lily     -       Scientific Name : Crinum zeylanicum (Amaryllidaceae)       -       Other Name : Goda Manel (S) Beautiful Crinum (E)
Ochchappukallu
10/27/2013
Ochchappukallu
10/27/2013
Maha Wewa
10/26/2013
Maha Wewa
10/26/2013
Maha Wewa
10/26/2013
Maha Wewa
10/26/2013
Kombansanchi Pooval
11/12/2012
Palu Kola Wala
10/26/2013

This is an indigenous species that is also native to western India. When in bloom the pink and white flowers of this species are quite striking in appearance.  There are three other species of Crinum, which are native to Sri Lanka. They are Crinum asiaticum, C. defixum, & C. latifolium.
The conservation status of the species under reference is regarded as Vulnerable (National Red List 2012).

C. zeylanicum and C. latifolium both look similar in the field. However these two species can be separated based on the leaf characters, undulation of the leaf margin and size of the leaves. Other than at Wilpattu I have observed this species at Ampara, Kadakaduwa, Somawathiya National Park, Anuradhapura, Gal Oya National Park, Kandy, Kurunegala and Polonnaruwa.
Parts of this species are used in native medicine. Leaf extract is used as a treatment for vomiting and for ear-aches. The bulbs are crushed and applied on to piles and abscesses to cause suppuration.

 

In Wilpattu I have observed the flowers of this species in September, October and November. Even though they are known to grow on sandy soil close the sea, in Wilpattu I have observed them at many localities on firm ground as well. At Kombansanchipooval, Kanjuran Villu and Illanda Mottai I have seen them in sandy soil. However at Palu Kola Wala, Ochchappukallu and Maha Wewa they were seen on firm ground.