Shorea megistophylla
P. S. Ashton
Beraliya
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
gbif· cc-by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
Description
A tree. It grows about 40 m tall. The leaves are 13-23 cm long by 5-15 cm wide. They are large and oblong and thickly rough. The flowers are in a group 13 cm long and 3 mm wide. This is branched with side branches 3 cm long with 6 flowers. The flowers are white. The fruit stalk is 8 mm long and stout.
Edible Uses
The fruit is dried and ground into flour for use in a dish called pittu.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are dried and ground into flour and used in a dish called pittu.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in the rainforest in Sri Lanka.
Where It Grows
Asia, Sri Lanka*,
Propagation
We have no specific information for this species - the information below is a general guide for the genus. Seed - best sown as soon as possible. It does not require pre-treatment, but it is recommended to soak the seed for 12 hours prior to sowing. The seeds are sown in seedbeds, where they are covered with a mixture of sand and soil (1:1) or with a thin layer of sawdust. Germination of fresh seeds is usually good and rapid. About two weeks after germination, when the seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, they are potted up into individual containers about 15 x 23cm with good drainage holes at their base. It is normally recommended to use a mixture of forest soil and sand (at a ratio of 3:1) as the potting medium in order to introduce the appropriate mycorrhiza to the roots. The seedlings are placed in 50 - 60% sunlight and watered twice daily. Seedlings can be planted out when 30 - 40cm tall - harden the seedlings off in full sunlight for one month prior to planting.
Other Uses
A good quality yellowish-white resin is obtained by tapping the trunk. A good quality wood, suitable for construction.
Production
Plants flower between February and April.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Honda beraliya, Kana beraliya, Mahaberaliya
References (2)
- Ashton, M. S., et al 1997, A Field Guide to the Common Trees and Shrubs of Sri Lanka. WHT Publications Ltd. pdf p 171
- Rajapaksha, U., 1998, Traditional Food Plants in Sri Lanka. HARTI, Sri Lanka. p 194
