What is Wal Ehela in English?

Wal Ehela is the Sri Lankan common name for Pterocarpus indicus. In Southeast Asia the timber from this tree is widely sold under the names narra or Amboyna. It belongs to the legume family Fabaceae.

Is Pterocarpus indicus found in Sri Lanka?

Yes, Pterocarpus indicus occurs in Sri Lanka, typically along forest edges in lowland and intermediate zones. It is not as prominently documented on the island as the closely related Pterocarpus marsupium (Gammalu), which is more frequently referenced in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic traditions.

What is Pterocarpus indicus used for medicinally?

Across its Southeast Asian range, various parts of Pterocarpus indicus — particularly the bark and resinous sap — have been used in traditional medicine as astringents and anti-inflammatory remedies. The genus is well known in Ayurveda, though the more frequently cited medicinal species in Sri Lanka is the related Pterocarpus marsupium.

How tall does Pterocarpus indicus grow?

Mature Pterocarpus indicus trees can reach heights of around 30 to 40 metres under suitable tropical forest conditions. The tree develops a wide, buttressed base and a broad spreading crown, making large specimens quite imposing in the landscape.

What does Pterocarpus indicus fruit look like?

The fruit of Pterocarpus indicus is a flat, circular winged pod — technically a samara — that begins brown and darkens to near-black as it matures. Each pod typically contains one or two dark brown seeds enclosed within the papery wing, which helps carry the seed on the wind.

What countries is Pterocarpus indicus native to?

The species is native to a wide region encompassing Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and the southernmost parts of China. It also extends into parts of northern Australia and the western Pacific islands.

What is the difference between Pterocarpus indicus and Pterocarpus marsupium?

Pterocarpus marsupium (Gammalu) is the Ayurvedic medicinal species more closely associated with Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent, particularly noted in traditional diabetes management. Pterocarpus indicus is more widespread across Southeast Asia and is primarily valued as a timber tree, though both share similar morphological traits including winged pods and compound leaves.

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Pterocarpus indicus

Pterocarpus indicus is a species of Pterocarpus native to southeastern Asia, northern Australasia, and the western Pacific Ocean islands, in Cambodia, southernmost China, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam. A deciduous tree with a wide base. Densely hairy and yellowish-green when young, the fruit turn from brown to blackish with maturity, and contains one or two dark brown seeds inside.

Common Name In Sri Lanka: Wal ehela (??? ????)
Scientific Name: Pterocarpus indicus
Habitat: Forest edges
Average Height: 30 - 40 cm