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Trees & Plants

Trees & Plants

Native and naturalised vegetation, timber species and medicinal plants.

267
entries
NameDhivehiScientificSummary
Adament creeper
Kashikafa
Cissus quadrangularis L.Grown in homesteads and agricultural areas A well known bone setter. The plant i…
Air potato
Assidhakattala
Dioscorea bulbifera L.Occasional in natural habitats The plant is high in diosgenin, a steroid sapogen…
Alexandrian laurel
Funa of
Calophyllum inophyllum L.Common in most of the islands A multipurpose tree. The wood which is hard and st…
Alligator apple
Kalhuthumeyvaa
Annona glabra L.Common in most of the islands, gregarious growth is not observed. The fruits are…
Alligator weed
Rai vina, Kan vina
Alternanthera philoxeroidesFairly common in water logged areas and lakes (Mart.) Grisb. NARAHDISAS NARAHDIS…
Alyce clover
Vihafilaa
Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC.Occasional in open areas The plant is mainly grown as a forage or cover crop. In…
Alysicarpus
Maathakkara
Alysicarpus monilifer (L.) DC.Fairly common in open areas of some northern islands As fodder. DC. NARAHDISAS .…
Amboyna wood
Ofiealy gas
Pterocarpus indicus Willd.Common. Planted as an avenue tree. The wood is hard and durable and used for con…
American elderberry
Hikan dhu
Sambucus canadensis L.Grown as an ornamental plant. EUQEEFAR .M/OAF Leaves and inner bark are used as …
Apluda
Maakaasinjee
Apluda mutica L.Common in open areas 2 The whole plant is used to cure gonorrhea and as a diuret…
Areca palm
Fen-foah
Areca catechu L.Planted in some of the inhabited islands Seed kernel (either raw or cured) is wi…
Artillery plant
Mariyan hui
Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm.Common in the moist and shady locations, epiphytic on walls The plant has antiba…
Ash coloured fleabane
Fenkumburuvaani, Kambulic
Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H.Common in open areas The plant is used to treat intermittent fever, filariasis, …
Asiatic snake wood
Raarohi, Raaruhi
Colubrina asiatica (L.) Brongn.Fairly common in most islands The leaves are alterative and cooling and a decoct…
Asiatic yam
Bileiy kattala
Dioscorea alata L.Cultivated in homesteads Apart from its food value, the tubers are used as a rem…
Asthma herb
Kiruthona
Euphorbia hirta L.Very common in open areas The plant decoction is used for the treatment of asthm…
Avocado pear
Huiy jahaamuguri
Persea americana Mill.Cultivated in homesteads Widely cultivated for its nutritious fruit. The fruit p…
Babloos
Banbulhabos
Citrus maxima (Burm.) OsbeckCultivated in homesteads Fruits are rich in Vitamin C and eaten fresh. The juice…
Bacopa
Veppilaa
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.Occasional in marshy areas. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat e…
Banyan tree
Nika, Kirigas
Ficus benghalensis L.Very common in most of the islands The tree is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists an…
Basil
Ocimum tenuiflorum L.In homesteads Aromatic plant grown for religious and medicinal purposes and for …
Basna
Feerumuranga
Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers.In homesteads Leaves, flowers and fruits are all used as vegetable. The plant is…
Bat plant
Hiththala
Tacca leontopetaloides (L.)Common in open areas, especially in sandy soil The tuber is an important food so…
Bat tree of
Laami, Laamiaa
Ficus amplissima Sm.Common in most of the islands The wood has moderate strength and durability. The…
Bay cedar
Halaveli
Suriana maritima L.Very common in coastal habitats The plant is used as a hedge or border plant in …
Beach launaea
Kulhafila
Launaea sarmentosa (Willd.)Very common along the seashore and nearby areas of most islands A dietary plant …
Beach moon flower
Andaapool
Ipomoea violacea L.Occasional in natural habitats The root is used as a diuretic, laxative, expecto…
Beach plum
Magoo, Geraa
Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.)Very common among coastal vegetation Roxb. The shrub is often planted to prevent…
Beach sunflower
Merihi
Wollastonia biflora (L.) DC.Forms dense thickets in open coastal vegetation Pounded leaves are used as a pou…
Beefwood tree
Fithuroanu
Casuarina equisetifolia L.Common in most of the inhabited islands The wood is used for boat building, fenc…
Bell fruit
Jan buroalu
Syzygium aqueum (Burm. f.)Cultivated in homesteads rst Fruits are edible. In traditional medicine, the fru…
Benjamin tree
Faiy kudhi nika
Ficus benjamina L.Widely planted An ornamental plant suitable for diverse climatic conditions. Roo…
Ben oil tree
Muranga gas
Moringa oleifera Lam.Very common in home gardens. Fruits and leaves are nutritious. The leaves are ri…
Bigarade
Naaringu
Citrus aurantium L.Cultivated in homesteads Fruits are edible and is used widely 2 to make marmalad…
Big-leaf mahogany of
Dharu gas
Swietenia macrophylla KingPlanted in some of the islands The quality wood has a wide variety of uses. The …
Bilimbi
Bilamagu, Bilimagu
Averrhoa bilimbi L.Common in homesteads The fruit is used for making pickles and fish curry. It is …
Birch leaved acalypha
Vaffofalhi
Acalypha fruticosa Forssk.Fairly common in open areas Leaf decoction is used for the treatment of swelling…
Bird’s cherry
Jeymu an
Muntingia calabura L.Very common as an avenue tree. Also, naturalised in many islands Wood is fine-gr…
Bird’s nest fern
Handifangivah
Asplenium phyllitidis D. DonRare. Found only in a few uninhabited islands in the north and south The plant i…
Bitter orange
Lunboa
Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.)Cultivated in homesteads The edible fruit, which has a sour and acidic flavour, …
Black henna
Kudhihithi, Vihafilaa, Valu muranga
Indigofera tinctoria L.Occasional in open areas and homesteads The plant was the main source of the ind…
Black mangrove
Burevi
Lumnitzera racemosa Willd.Restricted to some islands; patchy growth in specific micro-habitats. Stem exuda…
Black plum
Dhanbu gas
Syzygium cumini (L.) SkeelsCommon in homesteads in most of the islands A multipurpose tree suitable for ave…
Blinding tree
Thela
Excoecaria agallocha L.Rare. Occurs in some of the northern islands. Used as a fish poison and as an ad…
Blistering ammania
Karanfui
Ammannia baccifera L.Fairly common in marshy areas Leaves or the ashes of the plant mixed with oil is…
Blue trumpet vine
Kulhandhilimaa
Thunbergia grandifloraGrown as an ornamental plant in home gardens ex Rottl.) Roxb. NARAHDISAS .N/OAF …
Boat lily
Raiykandholhu
Tradescantia spathacea Sw.Grown as ornamental plant in gardens The decoction of the flowers and leaves is …
Bonduc nut
Kashi kaburan
Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb.Occasional in some of the islands Seed and the root-bark are used to treat inter…
Boniato
Kattala
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.Cultivated in homesteads An important tuber crop. The tuberous roots are sweet, …
Bougainvillea
Boaganvilla
Bougainvillea spectabilisCommon in homesteads as an ornamental plant Willd. NARAHDISAS .N/OAF Apart from …
Bowstring hemp
Ruvaa
Calotropis gigantea (L.)Common in open areas The root bark is a substitute for ‘ipecacuanha’ a drug cont…
Brazilian stylo
Kudhimugu It
Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.Common in open areas, especially in inhabited islands The plant is used as a lon…
Brazil wood
Beys fathangu
Caesalpinia sappan L.Occasional in homesteads The heart wood yields a quality dye and decoction of th…
Breadfruit
Ban bukeyo
Artocarpus altilis (ParkinsonVery common in homesteads Breadfruit is a staple component in the Maldivian diet…
Broomjute sida
Maa dhiggaa
Sida rhombifolia L.Occasional in open areas The stem composed of high quality fibre is used as cord…
Brown hemp
Vihagiguni
Crotalaria juncea L.Common in open areas The plant is used as a fibre crop, green manure and cover c…
Bullet wood
Moonimaa
Mimusops elengi L.Widely planted as an avenue tree The flowers are sweet-scented and m used to mak…
Butterfly flower
Nanreethimaa
Clitoria ternatea L.Grown as an ornamental plant Its flowers contain the natural antioxidant blue pr…
Butterfly ginger lily
Karankaa
Hedychium coronarium J.Grown as an ornamental plant to The plant is mainly grown for ornamental purpose…
Butterfly tree
Javvahiru
Bauhinia purpurea L.Occasional in home gardens A beautiful evergreen ornamental tree. Plant parts ar…
Button sedge
Kunahui
Fimbristylis cymosa R. Br.Occasional along the marshy areas Used as a ground cover in some countries. Also…
Candle bush
Ranauraa
Senna alata (L.) Roxb.Grown as an ornamental plant to The leaves are used to treat ringworm infections…
Cardinal vine
Sathaavareemaa
Ipomoea quamoclit L.In homesteads An ornamental plant. Pounded leaves are applied to bleeding piles …
Castor oil plant
Aamanaka
Ricinus communis L.Common in disturbed forest areas and in homesteads Seeds are the source of casto…
Cedar mangrove
Marugas
Xylocarpus rumphii (Kostel.)Rare. Occurs in a few northern islands along the mangrove habitats The wood is h…
Cemetery tree
Dhebudhaaru
Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.)Planted as an avenue tree in some of the islands The plant possesses antimicrobi…
Chaste tree
Dhunnika
Vitex negundo L.In homesteads The leaves yield an essential oil which possesses insecticidal pro…
Chickenweed
Maahiruhui
Euphorbia thymifolia L.Occasional in marshy areas The fresh plant is considered as vulnerary and galact…
Chiku
Sabudheli
Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Cultivated in homesteads Cultivated for its edible and nutritious fruit. The woo…
Chinese mat grass
Bahui
Cyperus malaccensis Lam.Occasional along the sides of marshes and seacoast Culms used to make baskets, m…
Chinese wedelia
Kudhimerihi
Sphagneticola calendulaceaOccasional along the marshy areas The leaves are considered useful against cough…
Choy root
Kotharu kaa vina
Oldenlandia umbellata L.Common in open land and farming areas Plant decoction is used to treat bronchial…
Circassian tree
Madhoshi
Adenanthera pavonina L.Fairly common in most of the inhabited Islands The wood is hard and is used for …
Climbing lily
Vihalagondi, Vehathan
Gloriosa superba L.Fairly common in both forests and open areas. or Has high ornamental value becau…
Climbing ylang-ylang
Champaapool A
Artabotrys hexapetalus (L. f.)Grown as an ornamental plant The fragrant flowers are used to treat vomiting, it…
Coastal morning-glory
Thaalhafili
Ipomoea littoralis BlumeOccasional in open areas Leaves are used in treating pain after child birth and …
Coat-button
Maavina
Tridax procumbens (L.) L.Common in open areas The plant is hepato-protective, anti- inflammatory, wound h…
Cocks crow
Rubbudufilaa
Psilotum nudum (L.) P. Beauv.In coconut groves The spores are used as a laxative.
Coconut
Dhivehi ruh
Cocos nucifera L.Very common in natural habitats as well as homesteads A multipurpose palm which …
Coffee-senna
Dhiguthiyara, Dhikathiri
Senna occidentalis (L.) LinkFairly common in open areas The roots are a remedy for diabetes, inflammation, r…
Common derris
Thelaviyo
Derris trifoliata Lour.Fairly common in some northern islands in the mangrove habitats Leaves are used …
Common purslane
Gedha, Gandhaa fellaa
Portulaca oleracea L.Common in open at areas Commonly eaten fresh or cooked or used in salads, soups,…
Congo pea
Mugu tholhi
Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.Grown in homesteads Pigeon pea is a popular food in tropical countries. It is us…
Cook Pine
Thurravaas gas
Araucaria heterophyllaPlanted in office premises and homesteads An excellent ornamental tree. Wood is …
Copper pod tree
Peltophorum pterocarpumWidely planted as an avenue tree The wood is durable and suitable for furniture.…
Coral bush
Ardisia elliptica Thunb.Currently of rare occurrence in some of the southern islands An ornamental plant…
Coral plant
Badikulhi
Russelia equisetiformisIn homesteads and gardens The plant has anti-microbial and antiinociceptive prop…
Cordia
Kaani, Kauni
Cordia subcordata Lam.A common tree in natural habitats The wood is soft, durable, easily worked and r…
Cork wood tree in
Dhunburi
Ochrosia oppositifolia (Lam.)A common tree in natural habitats The wood which is yellowish-white, is used for…
Corky-stem passion flower
Ranguveyo, Kulavelau
Passiflora suberosa L.A common climbing herb in coastal habitats The fruits are a source of food for b…
Couch panicum
Kudhihui
Panicum repens L.Common in open areas of marshy habitats Widely used as a forage species. Being t…
Country mallow
Maabbelhau
Abutilon indicum (L.) SweetFairly common in open areas Infusion of leaves and roots are prescribed as a diu…
Crab grass
Huibinbi
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.Common in open areas The seeds, when cooked, are edible and sometimes used as a …
Curry leaf tree
Hikandhi gas, Hikandhi faiy
Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.Widely planted in home gardens Widely used for culinary and flavouring purposes.…
Custard apple
Dhandigandu of atha, Vilaathu athu
Annona reticulata L.Common in most of the inhabited islands The fruits are edible. It is a good sour…
Desmodium
Binhama
Desmodium heterophyllumCommon in open moist areas Valued as a ground cover and fodder. Twigs and leaves…
Devil’s backbone
Kalhukalhlha
Euphorbia tithymaloides L.Common in homesteads An ornamental plant. The latex can cause skin irritation, i…
Ding ding
Vihagiguni
Crotalaria pallida AitonFairly common in open areas The flowers are used as vegetable. The plant is used…
Dog-bane
Boadhumburi
Cerbera odollam Gaertn.Fairly common in some of the islands All parts of the plant, especially fruits, …
Dutchman’s pipe
Thandhiraiymaa
Epiphyllum oxypetalum (DC.)Grown in home gardens The plant is an expectorant and sedative. It is useful in …
Dwarf Poinciana
Fathangumaa
Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.)In homesteads as an ornamental plant Apart from its high ornamental value, the p…
Egyptian finger grass
Maahui
Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.)Common in open areas A fodder grass. Seeds can be used as poultry feed and to ma…
Elephant’s palm
Moahi
Caryota urens L.Occasional in homesteads. The tender leaves are sweet and cooling, and useful in…
Emblic myrobalan
Beys goanbili
Phyllanthus emblica L.Fairly common in homesteads Multipurpose tree - almost all parts are useful. Fru…
Emmuli vina
Fukkahui
Oldenlandia auricularia (L.) K.Common in open areas The plant is useful in all sorts of bowel complaints includ…
False daisy
Kalhu kandhili
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.Common in open areas and along the sides of marshy habitats The plant is a well-…
False hogweed Decumbent herbs. Leaves in
Burandha filaa
Boerhavia erecta L.Common in open areas The plant is anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant, anti…
Fiddle leaf plumeria
Bodu gulchampaa
Plumeria pudica Jacq.Planted as an ornamental The latex has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive act…
Fiddlewood
Boa handhuvaree
Citharexylum spinosum L.Common in homesteads as an ornamental plant to The wood, which is close-grained …
Fish-killer tree
Midhilijan
Barringtonia racemosa (L.)Occasional along the sides of marshy areas The leaves and bark are used to treat…
Fish poison tree
Kimbi, Kinbi
Barringtonia asiatica (L.) KurzVery common in most of the islands A typical shade tree grown as a windbreak and…
Flagellaria indica
Narunaviyo is False rattan, Bush cane
Flagellaria indica L.Fairly common in some northern islands in mangrove habitats The mature stem is u…
Flamboyant tree
Ginimaa
Delonix regia (Hook.) Raf.Grown as an avenue tree The wood is soft and employed for making agricultural im…
Foetid Cassia
Vaththiyara
Senna tora (L.) Roxb.Fairly common in open areas EUQEEFAR .M/OAF The tender shoots and leaves are goo…
Foetid passion flower
Dhaagandu Kekuri
Passiflora foetida L.Common in disturbed areas The fruits are edible, raw or cooked. The leaves are u…
Four o’ clock plant
Asarumma
Mirabilis jalapa L.Grown as an ornamental plant The root of the plant is a mild purgative. Bruised …
Fox grape
Kudhimarifai
Cayratia trifolia (L.) DominOccasional in mangrove habitats in some northern islands The plant is considered…
Fragrant screw pine
Maakashikeyo
Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.)Common in coastal habitats to A multi purpose plant. The leaves are widely used …
Frog fruit
Hunigon difilaa
Phyla nodiflora (L.) GreeneCommon along marshy areas An ornamental plant. The plant is useful as a remedy f…
Garden quinine
Dhungethi
Clerodendrum inerme (L.)Very common along the beach in almost all the islands Commonly used for hedges a…
Giant Colocasia
Boafuredhdhe
Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Occasional in homesteads The tubers are eaten as a source of 28 starch. The plan…
Goat’s foot creeper
Bodu veliveyo a
Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br.Common in sandy sea shores Suitable as a ground cover in sunny, well-drained sit…
Golden leather fern
Maakula hangali, Mayefungi
Acrostichum aureum L.Fairly common in a few northern islands- associated with mangroves Dried older l…
Golden orange mangrove in
Bodaa vaki
Bruguiera sexangula (Lour.)Very rare. Occurs in a few southern islands Developing embryos and the fruits ar…
Golden senna
Senna surattensis (Burm. f.)Occasional in open areas Young leaves are cooked and eaten as vegetable. A decoc…
Granadilla
Jumhoorimeyvaa
Passiflora edulis SimsCultivated in homesteads Widely cultivated for its edible fruit. The fruit lower…
Gray mangrove
Baru
Avicennia marina (Forssk.)Very rare. Only a few individual trees were observed Wood is hard and durable, s…
Great Morinda
Ahi, Ehi
Morinda citrifolia L.Very common in coastal habitats The green fruit, leaves and roots were tradition…
Gripe weed
Meyyalunboa
Phyllanthus urinaria L.Common along the sides of marshy areas An extract of the plant is taken internal…
Grosella
Goanbili
Phyllanthus acidus (L.) SkeelsCommon in homesteads Fruit is widely used for culinary purposes and to treat dig…
Guanabana
Anoanaa
Annona muricata L.Occasional in Fruits are edible. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fibers, m…
Guava
Feyru
Psidium guajava L.Cultivated in homesteads Edible fruits are rich in vitamins A and C. The roots a…
Hairy beggarticks
Enbureymaa, Hirikulha
Bidens pilosa L.Very common in most of the islands, especially in open areas. The plant is antid…
Headache tree
Ginaveli, Dhakandhaa
Premna serratifolia L.Common in natural forest areas The roots are astringent, anodyne, anti-inflammat…
Hedyotis
Nithu
Hedyotis neesiana Arn.Common in open areas No known uses
Henna plant
Heenaa
Lawsonia inermis L.Widely planted in homesteads The plant is a well-known hair tonic, also widely u…
Hernandia nymphaeifolia
Hernandia nymphaeifolia (J.Very common as a major tree associate in forest areas. (J. Presl) Kubitzki The s…
Hongay oil tree
Pongamia pinnata (L.) PierrePlanted as an avenue tree in some of the islands A multipurpose tree. The wood i…
Hopseed bush
Kudhi-ruuvaali
Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq.Occasional in some islands The wood is hard and durable. The powdered leaves are…
Horn bean leaved sida
Veyo dhiggaa
Sida acuta Burm .f.Common in human habited areas The plant can accumulate heavy metals × and may be…
Horse bush
Haalhala, haulhala is
Dendrolobium umbellatumFairly common in most of the islands The plant is a fodder and the timber is use…
Hottentot fern
Kulhlhahavaali
Cyclosorus interruptus (Willd.)Very common in marshy areas The plant is a good choice for landscaping. Both fre…
Indian almond tree
Gobu gas, Midhili gas, Madhu gas
Terminalia catappa L.Planted in homesteads and also naturalised The wood is soft. The kernel of the f…
Indian catmint
Maskothan
Anisomeles indica (L.) KuntzeFairly common in open areas in some of the northern islands The plant is used fo…
Indian coral tree
Faiy kurehi, Berebedhi
Erythrina variegata L.Planted in farming areas An ornamental tree with soft wood. in The tree is commo…
Indian cork tree
Fonimaa
Millingtonia hortensis L. f.Planted as an avenue tree in some islands The wood is soft and the bark is used …
Indian laburnum
Anmalthassh
Cassia fistula L.Common in most of the inhabited islands. A multipurpose tree. The roots, bark, f…
Indian-laurel
Arolhi gas
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. exPlanted as an avenue tree in some islands In traditional medicine, the bark is u…
Indian lilac
Hithigas
Azadirachta indica A. Juss.Common in most of the inhabited islands A multipurpose tree. Timber is very hard…
Indian rubber tree
Rabarugas
Ficus elastica Roxb. exPlanted in gardens and as an avenue tree The plant has high ornamental value. Th…
Indian spinach
Boamassaagu
Basella alba L.Grown in home gardens Young shoots are used as vegetable. The stem and leaves ar…
Indian tree spurge
Eggamu murakka, Hundu kiruthona
Euphorbia tirucalli L.Grown in homesteads The wood is used for rafters, toys and veneer. The plant is …
Indian tulip tree
Hirundhu in
Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. exA common tree in natural habitats The timber is hard, termite-resistant, has an …
Indigo
Vihafilaa
Indigofera longiracemosaFairly common in Baill. open areas The roots are useful in promoting growth of h…
Jack fruit tree
Sakkeyo
Artocarpus heterophyllusOccasional, grown in homesteads Fruit flesh and seeds are used to prepare a vari…
Jamaica vervain
Rakimaa
Stachytarpheta jamaicensisCommon in most of the islands A minor ornamental plant. The decoction of the pla…
Java apple
Jambu gas
Syzygium samarangenseCultivated in homesteads and gardens. Also planted as avenue tree. Fruits are ed…
Job’s tears
Jangali zuvaari
Coix lacryma-jobi L.Occasional along at the sides of marshy areas An ornamental plant cultivated for…
Jungle flame Ixora
Kudhiraiy maa
Ixora coccinea L.Common in homesteads as well as in natural habitats An ornamental plant. The pla…
Katuk
Boa kaalhulun
Sauropus androgynus (L.)Cultivated in homestaeds Leaves are used as a vegetable and a good source of Vit…
Kodo millet
Mauu-laiki
Paspalum scrobiculatum L.Common in open areas Livestock fodder. The leaves are antiseptic and their paste…
Kulhandhuru
Hui
Cyperus dubius Rottb.Occasional along the sides of marshy areas Used as a cattle fodder NARAHDISAS .N…
Large leaved orange mangrove
Bodu kandoo
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.)Fairly common in a few islands The wood is used for construction purposes, furni…
Lemon
Dhoalhanbu, Jambhoshi
Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.Cultivated in homesteads Fruits are edible. They are high in citric acid and Vit…
Lilac tasselflower
Kirikulhlha
Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. exCommon in open areas The plant is useful in treating infantile tympanitis, gastr…
Lime berry
Kudhilunboa
Triphasia trifolia (Burm.f.) P.Common in natural habitat as an under shrub. As an ornamental and hedge plant. F…
Love-lies-bleeding
Massaagu
Amaranthus caudatus L.Common in open areas The leaves are a nutritious vegetable. Seed is eaten cooked…
Love vine
Velanbuli, Umbulivella
Cassytha filiformis L.Very common and dense in almost all the islands – highly invasive. The plant is …
Malabar plum
Jambu
Syzygium jambos (L.) AlstonIn homesteads Planted as an avenue tree and for its edible fruits. The wood is u…
Mango tree
Anbu, Aavi anbu, Koi anbu
Mangifera indica L.Very commonly cultivated in homesteads A multipurpose tree widely planted for it…
Manila tamarind
Kashi helebeli
Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.)Cultivated in homesteads The wood is hard and is used for making boxes, crates a…
Marabou-thorn
Kudhu beli
Dichrostachys cinerea (L.)A recent introduction to some of the Islands An ornamental plant with attractive…
Marine couch
Boaonuhiri
Sporobolus virginicus (L.)Common along the water logged areas of coastal region A decoction of the plant i…
Marsh sedge
Vinahui
Fimbristylis polytrichoidesCommon in open areas and open canopy in forests No known use
Maunaloa
Maa foavvalhihimeri
Canavalia cathartica ThouarsOccasional along seashores The immature fruits and seeds are used as famine food…
Mexican sunflower
Bodu mirihi
Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.)Planted in home gardens As an ornamental plant and as a fodder. Traditionally, t…
Nile cabbage
Kunhui
Pistia stratiotes L.Common in lakes and water logged areas Widely cultivated as an aquatic ornamenta…
Obscure morning glory
Thaalhafilimaa
Ipomoea obscura (L.) KerOccasional along the side of marshy areas or Grown as an ornamental and also as …
Octopus tree
Boathashibageechaa
Schefflera actinophylla (Endl.)Planted as an avenue tree No uses other than an ornamental tree Th reat: The tre…
Oil grass
Kaasinjee
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.)Cultivated in agricultural farms It is grown for its essential oil and to flavou…
Oleander
Kaneeru
Nerium oleander L.Grown as an ornamental plant. All parts of the plant are highly 6 toxic to human…
Pandan leaves
Raampa, Rammpe faiy
Pandanus amaryllifoliusFairly common in homesteads as well as in natural forests. The leaves are used t…
Pappaya
Falhoa, Veyo falho, Rangu falho, Ran falho
Carica papaya L.Very common in homesteads A major fruit crop. The un-ripe fruits are acrid, bitt…
Pemphis
Kuredhi, Keredhi
Pemphis acidula J.R.Forst. &Very common. & G.Forst. It is an important component of the coastal vegetation e…
Pepper leaved Senna
Boavaththiyara
Senna sophera (L.) Roxb.Occasional in open areas The leaf juice is given internally as an expectorant fo…
Periwinkle
Malikuruvaa
Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.In homesteads as ornamental plant. G. Don The whole plant contains alkaloids whi…
Phyllanthus
Kaalhu lunboa
Phyllanthus amarusCommon in wet, partially shaded areas An important hepato-protectant well known …
Pigweed
Burandha gondi, Boduraalhu, Burandha
Boerhavia diffusa L.Very common in most of the islands The plant has several medicinal properties su…
Pink root
Valu kafa
Spigelia anthelmia L.Common in open areas This is an important species in homeopathic system of medic…
Pointed Asiatic mangrove
Thakafathi
Rhizophora apiculata BlumeRare. Restricted to some of the islands The viviparous seeds are edible. The woo…
Poison bulb
Maakandholhu
Crinum asiaticum L.Occasional in natural habitats and in homesteads Leaves and roots are diaphoreti…
Polpala
Hudhufuffilaa
Aerva lanata (L.) Juss.Fairly common in open areas – naturalised. The plant is used to treat boils, cep…
Pomarosa
Maa janbu
Syzygium malaccense (L)Common in homesteads Fruits are edible. Pounded bark is m used as a remedy for m…
Pomegranate
Annaaru
Punica granatum L.Cultivated in homesteads for edible fruits The fruits are also useful as a remed…
Pouzolzia
Reen hui
Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn.In open areas Tender leaves and young shoots are used as a vegetable. The juice …
Puneala plum
Umbuvah
Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.)Cultivated in homesteads Fruit is edible. The bark and leaves are useful as a re…
Purple heart glory
Thaafilimaa
Ipomoea marginata (Desr.)Fairly common along the side of wetlands The plant is useful in burning sensatio…
Quail grass
Makhumaa
Celosia argentea L.Common in open areas, especially in abandoned agricultural areas. An ornamental.…
Rain tree
Reethigas, Bodu gas
Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr.Common in inhabited islands – apparently naturalized. An excellent avenue tree, …
Red apple mangrove
Kulha
Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl.Common in some of the northern islands The wood is heavy and used for boat build…
Red frangipani
Gulchampaa raiy
Plumeria rubra L.Planted in gardens or as an avenue tree m Leaves are useful to treat inflammatio…
Rosy spurge
Maakiruthona
Euphorbia rosea Retz.Occasional in forest areas Leaves and seeds are used as a vermifuge. or
Sausage tree
Kunahagaali
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth.Planted in office premises and homesteads as an ornamental tree The wood is mode…
Scaly sword fern
Keesfilaa, Handifilaa, Handifangivah
Nephrolepis hirsutula (G.Very common in marshy and sub-marshy areas The fronds are used for decorative pu…
Scarlet-bell tree
Hirunduni
Spathodea campanulata P.Planted as avenue tree The seeds are edible. Timber is soft and used to make pap…
Sea hibiscus
Dhiggaa
Talipariti tiliaceum (L.) FryxellA very common tree in natural habitats The wood is of moderate quality and used …
Sea lemon
En boo, Umbuvah
Ximenia americana L.Occasional in forest areas The fruits are edible, eaten raw or cooked and used f…
Sea randa
Uni in
Guettarda speciosa L.Major tree species in the natural habitats The wood is hard and durable and is u…
Seashore centipede grass
Thunbulhi hui
Ischaemum muticum L.Fairly common in mangroves habitats in a few southern islands The plant is used …
Sensitive plant
Ladhugas
Mimosa pudica L.Occasional in open areas The roots are useful in leucoderma, vaginopathy, dysent…
Sharp Cyperus
Hai
Cyperus javanicus Houtt.Occasional in open areas and along the sides of marshy areas. No known uses
Shoe flower
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.Very common in homesteads Common ornamental plant. The leaves and flowers are us…
Shoreline purslane
Lonumagoo
Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.)Occasional on sandy seashores (L.) L. L., Used as a vegetable to prepare salads …
Silky sesban
Kathurumurang
Sesbania sericea (Willd.) LinkFairly common in wetland areas of Used as green manure and animal fodder. As a n…
Singapore daisy
Valu Mirihi in
Sphagneticola trilobata (L.)Common in open areas The plant is an ornamental which forms an excellent ground …
Sleeper weed
Kashikothan
Lantana camara L.Grown as a garden plant; getting established in natural habitats. Garden plant. …
Slender dwarf morning- glory
Dhikkahui
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L.Of rare occurrence in a few uninhabited northern islands The plant is bitter, ac…
Small leaved orange mangrove
Bodavaki, Kandoo
Bruguiera cylindrica (L.)A common true mangrove which occurs throughout the islands from north to south. …
Smooth loofah
Thoraa
Luffa cylindrica (L.) M. Roem.Cultivated in homesteads The leaves are used in haemorrhoids, splenitis, leprosy…
Snake gourd
Chichanda
Trichosanthes anguina L.Cultivated in farming areas Fruit is an excellent vegetable. The roots and seeds…
Spermacoce
Bulhaani hui
Spermacoce hispida L.Common in farming areas. The plant is emetic and the aerial part is taken as a f…
Spider lily
Kurikihaaffilaa
Hymenocallis littoralis (Jacq.)Occasional in natural habitats and in homesteads The plant, grown as an ornament…
Spotted Gliricidia
Malthass
Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp.Common in homesteads and farming areas A multipurpose tree used as live fence, f…
Star fruit tree
Kaamaranga
Averrhoa carambola L.Common in homesteads Fruits are edible and used to prepare pickles, squash, jell…
Stilted mangrove
Randhoo
Rhizophora mucronata Lam.Rare. Observed in northern and southern atolls. Wood and stilt roots are used fo…
Subaul
Ipil ipil
Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.)Very common with profuse regeneration in almost all the islands One of the best …
Sugar apple
Dhivehi atha
Annona squamosa L.Common in most of the inhabited islands Fruits are edible. It contains minerals,…
Sugarcane
Udhdhandi
Saccharum officinarum L.Cultivated in homesteads Apart from sugar production, it has many other industri…
Summer poinsettia
Malaafey
Euphorbia cyathophoraVery common in open areas An ornamental plant. The plant contains latex with a c…
Sundrops
Bakarinukaa, Reendhoomaa
Turnera ulmifolia L.Common in open areas An ornamental plant. It is used to treat rheumatism. ca.
Sweet acacia
Baiy goanbili
Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd.Recently established in farming areas in some of the islands. Incursion may prob…
Sweet alys
Thakkara
Alysicarpus bupleurifolius (L.)Fairly common in open areas The plant is used as a fodder. It is also used to tr…
Sweet flag
Huvagoh
Acorus calamus L.Gown in homesteads as a medicinal plant The rhizome is a remedy for dyspepsia, f…
Synedrella
Nithubadi
Synedrella nodiflora (L.)Common in open areas Young shoots are used as vegetable and the shoots are fed t…
Tahitian screw pine
Boa kashikeyo
Pandanus tectorius ParkinsonCommon in natural habitats A multipurpose tree second only to coconut. It can wi…
Tamarind tree
Helen beli
Tamarindus indica L.In homesteads The wood is hard and strong. Fruit pulp is rich in tartaric and ci…
Tanner’s Cassia
Ranauraa
Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb.Fairly common in open areas The plant has good ornamental value. The root is use…
Taro
Furedhdhe ala
Colocasia esculenta (L.) SchottVery common in marshy areas. Also cultivated in homesteads. Tuber is used for ma…
Teak
Haivakaru
Tectona grandis L. f.Planted in some of the islands One of the most durable and versatile timber for …
The Sacred blue waterlily
Nailoafaru
Nymphaea nouchali var.Occasional in lakes and small water bodies Apart from its ornamental value, the …
Titberry
Dhonmoosa
Allophylus cobbe (L.) Raeusch.Common in most of the islands Fruits are edible and are used against tapeworm. B…
Topioca plant
Manihot esculenta Crantz.Cultivated in homesteads The plant is grown primarily for its edible tubers. The…
Tree grape
Meybiskadhuru gas
Coccoloba uvifera (L.) L.Planted in office premises and in homesteads The ripened fruits are edible and c…
Tree heliotrope fi
Boshi
Tournefortia argentea L. f.A common tree associate in natural habitats The wood is used to make specific ca…
Trinervia
Emmuli hui
Oldenlandia trinervia Retz.In open areas on The leaves are roasted and eaten. in 4, on ©
Tropical kudzu
Riha thui
Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.)Fairly common in disturbed areas Benth. A major cover crop. A poultice of the pl…
Trumpet jasmine
Huvan’dhumaa
Jasminum bignoniaceum Wall.Grown as a garden plant No known uses ets or NARAHDISAS .N/OAF
Trumpet tree
Kunahangaali
Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.)Widely planted as an avenue tree ex. A. DC. The bark is used in treating occurre…
Two-flower mille graines
Kotharu kaa vina
Oldenlandia biflora L.Very common in open areas The plant is pounded and applied to wounds and also us…
Velvet mesquite
Giulhilaashi
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC.It is of recent occurrence in agricultural areas in a few northern islands A mul…
Water grass of
Kaafaru hui
Bulbostylis barbata (Rottb.) C.Common in open areas in most of the islands In traditional medicine, a decoction…
Water hyacinth
Fen Oakidu
Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.)Occasional in water logged marshy areas The plant is an excellent source of biom…
Watermelon
Karaa
Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)Cultivated in almost all the inhabited islands Cultivated for its delicious frui…
Water primrose
Karanfoo
Ludwigia hyssopifolia (G. Don)Common in marshy areas The plant is astringent, carminative, diuretic and anthel…
Water-spinach
Kankoon
Ipomoea aquatica Forssk.Common in marshy areas NARAHDISAS .N/OAF Leaves are used as delicious vegetable.…
White champa
Gulchampaa
Plumeria obtusa L.Planted in home gardens The stem bark has anti-ulcer properties. The plant extra…
White head spikesedge
Kanhui
Kyllinga nemoralis (J. R & G.Common in open lands, especially in marshy areas. Stolon of the plant are useful…
Whorled pennywort
Farihi
Hydrocotyle verticillataFairly common along the margin of marshy areas Grown in aquarium. The plant juic…
Wild date palm
Boa kadhuru
Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb.In gardens and common places Inflorescence sap is nutritious, cooling at and lax…
Wild jute
Kudakudhinge
Corchorus aestuans L.Common in open areas The stem yields a bast fibre, which can be made into thread…
Wild lemon
Bodu lunboa
Citrus medica L.Cultivated in homesteads The fruit is edible and is used to make jam and pickles…
Wild poinsettia
Kuriraiyvaa
Euphorbia heterophylla L.Common in open areas or The plant is a laxative, purgative, lactogenic and also …
Wild snake gourd
Jangali chichanda
Trichosanthes cucumerina L.Occasional along the border areas of forests The fruit is an excellent vegetable…
Wodier
Bulha
Lannea coromandelicaOccasional in natural habitats The wood is moderately hard and is used in small …
Yellow bells
Bokarumaa
Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. exCultivated in homesteads and as an avenue plant An ornamental plant. Leaf infusi…
Yellow mangrove
Karamana to
Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Rob.Rare, restricted to some islands The wood is more durable compared to other mang…
Yellow mesambay
Raa-beburi, Raa-beberi be
Cleome viscosa L.Common in open areas The plant is used to treat various disorders such as diarrh…
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