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Common Name : Jaman     -       Scientific Name : Eugenia bracteata (Myrtaceae)       -       Other Name : Thambiliya (S)
Kuda Boralu Wala
10/27/2013
Thimbiri Wila to Mahapatessa
08/04/2013
Thimbiri Wila to Mahapatessa
08/04/2013
Thimbiri Wila to Mahapatessa
09/20/2013
Thimbiri Wila to Mahapatessa
09/20/2013
Mana Wila to Kali Villu
10/27/2013
Mana Wila to Kali Villu
10/27/2013
Mana Wila to Kali Villu
10/27/2013
Mana Wila to Kali Villu
10/27/2013
Mana Wila to Kali Villu
10/27/2013

This is an indigenous species, which is also found in peninsular India and other tropical areas of the world.

In Sri Lanka this small tree is found in forests of the dry coastal areas, dry lowlands and the intermediate zone of the country. It is common in forested areas along the coast but is found in-land as well. On most occasions this species takes the appearance of a bush but some times grows to become a small tree. In India it is known from altitudes close to 1000 meters.

Jaman is known to have antibacterial antifungal and hypoglycemic properties.

In Wilpattu this species is found throughout the park but is usually overlooked unless it is in bloom. During the flowering season these bushes or small trees become covered with pretty white flowers creating very pleasing site.

I observed this species in bloom for the first time on the 4th of August 2013 on the road from Thimbiri Wila to Mahapatessa and photographed the flowers. Thereafter on the 20th of September I photographed the same bush having many green, orange and red fruits.

On the 27th of October 2013 when I visited the park this species was in bloom at many locations including the main road between the park entrance to Maradanmaduwa and thereon to Borupan Wila. The most spectacular site was between Mana Wila to Kali Villu where one stretch of about hundred meters had mostly these trees and bushes on either side of the road.  All of them were covered with these pretty flowers. I stopped the vehicle for a few minutes to enjoy the beauty of this setting. The stillness of the forest and the white sandy road decorated with these flower laden trees against the clear blue sky created a lasting impression in my mind.