Dried leaves of the Indian almond tree (Terminalia catappa), known in Sri Lanka as kottamba, a common shade tree along the coast. Aquarium keepers add the leaves to tanks for betta fish, shrimp and other species from soft, tea-coloured water. As the leaves break down they release tannins that stain the water amber, and fish and shrimp graze on the leaf surface.

Collection and drying

Fallen leaves are collected, cleaned and dried flat. Leaves are graded by length, since retail packs are usually sold by count and size. Tell us the size grade and count per pack you need.

Who buys it

Aquarium brands, fish and shrimp shops and online sellers of aquarium botanicals. Packs of a few dozen leaves sell at retail for several dollars, so the leaf is a good fit for private label.

Import paperwork

Dried leaves are a plant product. Most importing countries ask for a phytosanitary certificate, and some apply their own conditions to dried plant material. Check your country’s rules before ordering. We do not make claims that the leaves prevent or treat fish disease.

What to tell us for a quote

• The product, grade or specification you need, and a reference sample if you have one
• Quantity per order and how often you buy
• Pack size, packaging and labelling
• Destination port and the Incoterm you prefer
• Documents your market requires, such as a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate or lab test reports

Packing and shipping

Orders are packed to your instruction and shipped by sea in a full or shared container, or by air for samples and small lots, quoted FOB Colombo, CFR or CIF to your port. Products from several Sri Lankan suppliers can share one container through our consolidation service.

How to get a price: tell us the quantity, your specification and your destination port. We quote FOB Colombo, CFR or CIF, with lead time and minimum order, and arrange samples before an order.

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