A BOTANICAL STRONGHOLD OF THE WET ZONE

Sinharaja is characterised by tropical lowland rainforest and wet evergreen vegetation, with dominant trees rising approximately 35 to 50 metres above the forest floor. The forest is especially notable for its high level of plant endemism, particularly within the Dipterocarpaceae family, where more than 90% of recorded species are unique to Sri Lanka. Its vegetation is arranged in distinct layers, from towering canopy trees to dense ground flora, creating habitats for countless other species. This section explores Sinharaja’s plant diversity, ecological adaptations, medicinal value and the immense genetic importance of its rainforest flora.