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Wildlife & Animal Art

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Botanical & Floral 2025

Notanical art of mangosteen by Maria Abeyesekere

GARCINIA MANGOSTANA (Mangosteen /මැංගුස්ටින් )

The Garcinia mangostana, a member of the Clusiaceae family, elevated to the prestigious title of the "queen of fruits" by European colonizers and ancient explorers, boasts a rich history of cultivation in tropical Asia dating back to ancient times, its exact place of origin shrouded in mystery. Sri Lanka has deep roots with the mangosteen plant, with records dating back to the 1800s when it found its initial home along the roadsides of rubber and coconut planters' bungalows. Presently, the primary variety of mangosteen stands distinguished though there might be untapped, wild variations waiting to be discovered. The fruit's cultivation thrives in the wet zone of the country, showcasing its adaptability to local climatic conditions. Mangosteen is celebrated not only for its fresh consumption but also as a versatile ingredient in jams, desserts, ice creams, and traditional medicinal purposes. With high nutritional value and touted health benefits, including treatment for various ailments, such as abdominal pain and chronic ulcers, the potential for expanding Mangosteen cultivation in Sri Lanka is ripe, with exports already reaching selected Arabic countries, hinting at a promising future for this regal fruit.

Gooseberry illustration by Maria Abeyesekere

DOVYALIS HEBECARPA (Ceylon Gooseberry / කෙටැඹිල්ල and පුස්බේරිය)

The Dovyalis Hebecarpa (Ceylon Gooseberry), a member of the Salicaceae family, is a plant native to Sri Lanka and southern India. The fruit are often eaten fresh, or made into jam. It is a good source of vitamin C and protein. The juice from its berries is of intense red color and makes excellent jelly, jam and beverage. The skin of the fruit is bitter and has to be removed before processing.

Jackfruit illustration by Maria Abeyesekere

ARTOCARPUS HETEROPHYLLUS (Jackfruit / කොස්)

The Artocarpus heterophyllus, a member of the Moracea family, with its roots entrenched in Asia, holds a rich history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological findings in India illuminate its cultivation over 3,000 to 6,000 years ago, showcasing its deep integration into the region's heritage. Sri Lanka's embrace of jackfruit was propelled by Arthur V. Dias' introduction in 1918 from Malaysia, evolving to earn the prestigious status as Sri Lanka's national fruit, found abundantly in local backyards. Distinguished by various varieties, including the 'Vela' and 'Waraka' cultivars, characterized by the texture of their flakes, jackfruit's versatility shines through as almost every part proves consumable throughout its ripening stages. From Ayurvedic medicinal uses to a myriad of culinary applications globally, such as signature dishes in diverse cultures, jackfruit's nutritional potency is undeniable, enriched with an array of micronutrients fostering plentiful health gains. Sri Lanka's proud exportation of jackfruit products bears testimony to its esteemed position in the global market and its enduring appeal to health-conscious consumers worldwide.

Botanuical art of Brindleberry by Maria Abeyesekere

GARCINIA QUAESITA PIERRE (Brindleberry /ගොරකා)

Garcinia quaesita Pierre, a member of the Clusiaceae family, is a notable flowering plant that boasts a rich history in Sri Lanka. Revered for its dried fruit, locally known as goraka, this endemic spice has found its place not just in culinary traditions but also in the realm of traditional medicine as an antidiabetic agent. With roots tracing back to ancient times, goraka has been woven into the fabric of both daily cuisine and holistic practices in Sri Lanka. Its versatility doesn't end there, as various parts of the Garcinia quaesita Pierre tree is also utilized for different purposes. Recently, the global spotlight has turned towards goraka as its potential as a dietary supplement for weight loss and appetite control gains recognition. While not typically cultivated as a fruit tree, goraka thrives in the wet and intermediate zone home gardens of Sri Lanka, often cultivated as a cash crop. The rise of Garcinia quaesita in international markets is a testament to its multifaceted benefits and the growing interest in harnessing its properties beyond traditional boundaries.

Botanical art of Potcher plant by Maria Abeyesekere

NEPENTHES DISTILLATORIA (Pitcher plant / බාඳුරා) SOLD

Pitcher plant! Nepenthes Distillatoria, the only Nepenthes species found in Sri Lanka, is truly a hidden gem. It thrives in waterlogged open scrub, forest areas, and even along road embankments, showcasing its adaptability. It is not just a fascinating botanical wonder but also a valuable natural remedy that has a long history of being utilized in traditional healing practices in Sri Lanka. For centuries, the liquid within its pitcher has been cherished for its medicinal properties, especially for common ailments like whooping cough. Even before the lid of the pitcher opens, the precious liquid is collected for its healing benefits. Not only that, but the leaves and liquid of the pitcher plant are also prized for their effectiveness in managing oedema of the foot and treating abscesses. It's quite a multitasker. The locals have been using its stems for making cords and baskets. However, the sad truth is that this incredible plant is in danger of disappearing from its natural habitat.

This botanical illustration captures a rare young plant with purple pitches basking in the sunlight, spreading its leaves on the ground before using its tendrils to climb up. In this particular young plant, the leaves are generally shorter and a bit wider in the middle and more closely packed together. Scientifically, these young pitcher plants may react to direct sun by altering their leaf shape.

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"Jenny" hyperrealism portrait painting by Maria Abeyesekere