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Ma Wee (මා වී)

මා වී

Ma Wee is a red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The grain varies in size and shape from short and round varieties to long medium sized varieties. It is one of the tallest rice plants cultivated and develops to a maximum height of 350cm. This crop can be harvested within 5 to 6 months from seeding. It bares 15 to 20 tillers per plant and yields about 65 to 70 bushels per acre. Ma Wee is a photo period sensitive plant cultivated during the Maha season. It is widely cultivated in flood prone areas in the low country wet zone and intermediate zone. Traditionally it is believed that Ma Wee contains medicinal properties. It is used in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, tuberculosis and as an effective remedy for purging. Scientific studies have found evidence of high levels of protein and antioxidants. Further, it is a good source of iron and zinc.

Family: Poaceae

Species: Oryza sativa L.

Sub Species: indica

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Kalu Heeneti (කළු හීනටි)

කළු හීනටි

This variety of rice is named Kalu Heeneti because of the color of its lemma and palea which turn blackish at maturity. It is traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka and produces a red medium sized grain.The plant develops to a maximum height of 120cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. It bares 5 to 8 tillers per plant and the potential yield is about 30 to 50 bushels per acre. This crop performs well in the dry zone. Traditionally Kalu Heenati is used as a treatment for snake bite. Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of diabetes, cholesterol and hepatitis. Further, it is a rich source of iron & zinc. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Family: Poaceae

Species: Oryza sativa L.

Sub Species: indica

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Gonabaru (ගෝනබරැ)

ගෝනබරැ

Gonabaru is a popular medium-grain rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The plant develops to a maximum height of 140cm. This crop can be harvested within 5 months from seeding.The number of tillers per plant is 3 to 5, which is low compared to other traditional rice varieties. The potential yield is fairly good compared to similar varieties and varies from about 50 to 60 bushels per acre. It is cultivated in both the dry and wet zone.Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of diabetes and oxidative stress. Further, it’s a good source of zinc. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Family: Poaceae

Species: Oryza sativa L.

Sub Species: indica

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Goda Heeneti (ගොඩ හීනටි)

ගොඩ හීනටි

Godaheeneti is a popular medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka, which belongs to the heeneti type.The plant develops to a maximum height of 160cm. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. The Goda Heeneti grain is brownish red in colour, its lemma and palea are brown. The potential yield is about 60 to 65 bushels per acre. Traditionally Goda Heeneti was a popular crop which could be seen cultivated at high elevations. Presently it is cultivated in all parts of the country.Traditionally it is believed that Goda Heeneti helps enhance the human immune system. Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, cholesterol and oxidative stress. Further, it is rich in proteins, vitamin E and naturally occurring antioxidants. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Family: Poaceae

Species: Oryza sativa L.

Sub Species: indica

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Dik Wee (දික් වී)

දික් වී

Dik Wee is a medium-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka.The plant develops to a maximum height of 150cm. This crop can be harvested within 4 to 4½ months from seeding. At the stage of ripening the plant stem becomes light bluish in color. The number of tillers per plant is 10 to 12, which is very high compared to other traditional rice varieties. It is resistant to lodging and has a good yield of 80 to 85 bushels per acre and commands good commercial value. It is a popular variety cultivated in the wet zone.Research indicates the presence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, cholesterol and oxidative stress. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Family: Poaceae

Species: Oryza sativa L.

Sub Species: indica

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Dahanala (දහනල)

දහනල

Dahanala is a long-grain red rice variety traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka. The culm is about 120cm in height. This crop can be harvested within 3½ months from seeding. The number of tillers per plant is 4 to 5, which is low compared to other traditional rice varieties. The yield is also low at 30 to 35 bushels per acre. Dahanala is widely cultivated in the wet zone. It is susceptible to rice blast disease. However, it is resistant to the seedling pest called Trips.Traditionally Dahana rice is used in preparing porridge. Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of diabetes and oxidative stress. Further, it is a rich source of protein and iron.

Family: Poaceae

Species: Oryza sativa L.

Sub Species: indica

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Sudu Heeneti (සුදු හීනටි)

සුදු හීනටි

This variety of rice is named Sudu Heeneti because of the whitish-straw colour of its paddy. It is traditionally cultivated in Sri Lanka and produces a bold red grain. The culm develops to about 135cm in height. This crop can be harvested within 4 months from seeding. The potential yield is about 60 to 80 bushels per acre. Currently Sudu Heenati is widely cultivated in all parts of Sri Lanka. It is reported to perform well as an organic crop. Traditionally it is believed that Sudu Heeneti helps enhance the human immune system, and is used as a remedy for constipation. Scientific studies have found evidence of medicinal properties useful for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, cancer, neurological diseases, cholesterol and oxidative stress. It is also a rich source of vitamin E and naturally occurring antioxidants. Consumption with the bran is important in obtaining such valuable nutritional and medicinal properties.

Family: Poaceae

Species: Oryza sativa L.

Sub Species: indica