Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has once again underscored the increasing vulnerability of Sri Lanka’s unique biodiversity to climate-driven extreme weather events, with scientists warning that many endemic flowering plants—already confined to narrow ecological niches—are facing heightened risks from floods, landslides and habitat disturbance.

Sri Lanka is globally recognised for its rich plant endemism. According to the National Red List (2020), the island is home to 3,087 indigenous angiosperm species belonging to 186 plant families, of which 863 species are endemic. These plants, ranging from towering forest trees to delicate herbs, climbers and epiphytes, are often restricted to specific climatic, altitudinal and microhabitat conditions, making them particularly sensitive to sudden environmental shocks.

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