LEAF ADAPTABILITY OF lWO NON·TIMBER FOREST SPECIES Caryota urens L. AND Elettaria carrlamomum VAR. MAJOR PLANTED IN THE Pinus caribaea ENRICHMENT BUFFER ZONE IN SINHARAJA MAB RESERVE, SRI LANKA

Abstract

Caryota urens L. and Elettaria cardamomum var. major are indigenous non-timber species which are used as market or sustainable goods and services for human or industrial consumption. Both species thrive well in disturbed forest areas in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. Being understorey species, the growth of these species are affected by sun light which is highly variable and often limiting resource in the forest.