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Mella Tree - Ceylon Crisp
SLF 0000Common Classification Common Names Ceylon Crisp Sinhala Name Mella (Malla) Scientific Classification Family Olacaceae Genus Olax Scientific Name Olax zeylanica Synonym none Ecology Category Herb-Vegetable Growth Habit Small-Tree Duration Perennial Origin Endemic Status Natural Property Culinary / Edible Yes Use as Herb Yes Other Use n/a Poisoned / Toxin No Identification
Mella tree is a endemic plant to Sri Lanka. It is slow growing small tree grows up to 3 -4 meters in height and rarely occurs naturally or cultivated tree mostly in wet zone in the low country. Leaves of the "Mella" are edible and use as a crisp. Also, It is a medicinal plant widely used for snakebite in Ayurveda.
