Shining bright

This small tree growing up to about 8 m has a brownish-grey bark. The dark green, leathery leaves are large and obovate to oblong with a tapering base. The margins of the leaves are serrated and the petiole is swollen at the base. Both surfaces of the leaf are shiny.

The tree can be easily recognised during the flowering season between May and August when the large white flowers are prominently displayed. The flowers have pinkish purple stamens. The fruits of the Goda para are orange and spherical, and when they split open they look like a flower revealing the seeds. Each seed is covered in pulp, which is a favourite with some birds. The fruits have medicinal value, and are used as an ingredient in making poultices for treating fractures.

The wood of the Goda para is reddish-brown, hard and durable. It is used to make furniture and in light construction.

The Goda para is endemic to Sri Lanka. It is known as the Saddachi in Tamil, and Dillenia retusa is its scientific name. It can be seen growing in the scrub and in wet lowlands.

Compiled by:
Ruk Rakaganno, The Tree Society of Sri Lanka