Sri Lanka is a lush, verdant country in which plant growth flourishes. The diversified climate allows for tropical and temperate trees. Vegetation varies widely from the tropical thorn forest in the driest regions of the southeast and northwest to the montane temperate forest of the Central Highlands and then to mangroves of some stretches of the coast. Half of Sri Lanka’s endemic flowering plants and more than 34 percent of its endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are restricted to the diverse montane forests.

Some of the common trees found in Sri Lanka are; coconut palms found along the coastal best and the Kurunegala district and the sago or fish-tail palm locally known as ‘kitul’ which is widely used for example in making foods, alcoholic beverages and bristles in brushes. Sri Lanka is abound with myriad flowering tress, quite a few of which are planted along the roadside. The beautiful flowering Rhododendrons trees are commonly found in the Highland regions. Mango, Jackfruit, Banana, Papaya, Cashew Nut and Avocado Pear are some fruit trees found in Sri Lanka bearing delicious fruits and very popular among locals and tourists alike. Many flowering plants are cultivated in parks, gardens and on roadsides. The Frangipani flowers are sweet-smelling waxy flowers usually white, pale yellow or pink and are deeply intertwined in Sri Lankan culture. The omnipresent Bougainvillea, brilliant Hibiscus and exotic Orchids are also found in abundance in Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes.

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