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A blue beauty when in bloom
The Kora kaha is a shrub or small tree commonly found growing in secondary forest patches. It grows upto about 4 m and is branched a lot. The bark is smooth and whitish and the twigs are cylindrical. The leaves of the Kora kaha are oval to oblong and are slightly pointed. They are bright green and turn ochre yellow as they get older.

The flowers of this shrub are what make it stand out. They are a brilliant blue and virtually cover the tree during the flowering season. This season differs depending on the area. For example in the Dambulla Arboretum the Kora kaha comes into bloom in April-May and October - November. In other areas it could be from March to September.

The fruits of the Kora kaha are small and purplish black and are edible. They appear from July to October. The Kora kaha has medicinal value. A decoction of the roots is used to treat irregular menstruation. An infusion of the leaves is used as an astringent for ophthalmia. These leaves also provide a yellow dye. The wood of this shrub is not widely used but has been made into handles for tools. The plant has great ornamental value because of its beauty when in bloom.

The Kora kaha is native to Sri Lanka, India and Burma. Here in Sri Lanka it grows well in the dry lowlands and in intermediate forests. When in bloom it presents a wonderful sight at the Arboretum in Dambulla. The Kora kaha is also known as the Dedi kaha or Dodan wenna. In Tamil it is Kaya or Pandi kaya. The English name is appropriate, it being referred to as the Blue Mist Bush. The scientific name is Memecylon umbellatum. The species Memecylon augustifolium is also known as Kora kaha but it has purplish blue flowers and the leaves are long and slender. These two characteristics help differentiate it from the Memecylon umbellatum.

Compiled by: Ruk Rakaganno - 2554438; email: rukraks@sltnet.lk

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