Two arrested with ten rare Rath-Dothalu flowers in Ratnapura

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

Two individuals were arrested by the Wildlife Conservation Department’s Emergency Raid Unit while attempting to sell ten rare Rath-Dothalu flowers in the Moragahayata area of Ratnapura. According to wildlife officials, these flowers are often used as offerings to the Buddha.   

The suspects, who were apprehended on November 4 for damaging Rath-Dothalu trees, were presented before the Ratnapura Magistrate’s Court and have been remanded until November 11. Further investigations are underway by the Ratnapura Police.   

The Rath-Dothalu plant, scientifically named Loxococcus rupicola, is a species of palm and the only species in the genus Loxococcus. Endemic to Sri Lanka, it is protected under the Wildlife and Flora Protection Ordinance and faces threats due to habitat loss.   

In recognition of its endangered status, a postage stamp featuring Rath-Dothalu flowers was issued on World Wildlife Day 2020 as part of a series highlighting threatened plants and animals, jointly released by the Wildlife Conservation Department and the Philatelic Bureau.   

Wildlife officials are urging the public to protect this rare plant, which is under severe threat. The Wildlife Department requests that anyone with information on damage to the Rath-Dothalu plant call the wildlife emergency hotline at 1992.