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Common Name : Indian Cadaba     -       Scientific Name : Cadaba trifoliate (Capparaceae)       -       Other Name : Irawara (S)
Kokkare Villu Junction
06/23/2013
Kokkare Villu Junction
06/23/2013
Kumutu Villu
09/20/2013
Kumutu Villu
09/20/2013
Tala Wila to Pomparippu
01/13/2014
Kollan Kanatta
01/12/2014

This species belongs to the family Capparaceae and is found in South India and Sri Lanka. It is a tall shrub, which can grow up to a high of about 10-15 feet. It is traditionally a valuable plant and many studies conducted in India have revealed the possibility of extracting substances from the leaves of this plant, valuable in treating ailments such as diabetes. This species grows in dry evergreen and dry deciduous forests.

Most books on Sri Lankan flora do not contain information on this plant. This is one of the species of used as a host plant by the Pioneer, a species of butterfly, found in the dry and the intermediate zone of the country.

In Wilpattu this is not a commonly seen species. I have observed flowers in June and September on the Kumbuk Wila uda para, Kumutu Villu and between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila. The striking white petals of these flowers last only during the day and whither away by early evening.