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Dark and sturdy, it stands tall
The Timbiri is a tall and well formed tree growing upto 60 feet. The roots and trunk are much buttressed and the stem is fluted. The tree is dark with a blackish bark that is rough and marked with numerous fine lines. It peels off in long strips. The leaves of the Timbiri are leathery and glossy. The new leaves are crimson while the old leaves become bright yellow. The flowers are also yellow and attract bees. The soft coated fruits are a rusty, red-orange. They are woody and have a four point collar-like protrusion on one end. Each fruit contains four seeds which are surrounded by a sweet pulp.

The fruits have tanning properties and are used in tanning fish nets. Fish lines are made durable by pulling them through the Timbiri fruits. Both the fruits and the flowers have medicinal properties. The wood of the Timbiri tree is fairly strong and is used for construction of wells and masts.

Timbiri is known as Panichchai in Tamil and its scientific name is Diospyros malabarica. It is a member of the same family as Ebony and similarities can be seen in the darkness of the tree and bark and in the form of the fruits. The Timbiri is found in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and Northern Australia. Here in Sri Lanka it grows best in the dry zone, particularly along river banks. A fine specimen can be seen (right) in front of the cottage in the IFS-Popham Arboretum in Dambulla.

Compiled by Ruk Rakaganno 2 554438 or rukraks@sltnet.lk

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