Question 1

What is Gaultheria leschenaultii?

Accepted Answer

Gaultheria leschenaultii is a small montane shrub in the family Ericaceae, native to the highland forests of Sri Lanka. It is listed in the country's official catalogue of ayurvedic medicinal plants. The species is related to other Gaultheria plants known for producing methyl salicylate, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties.

Question 2

Where does Gaultheria leschenaultii grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species grows in the cool, moist conditions of Sri Lanka's central highlands, typically in montane and sub-montane forest zones. Areas around Horton Plains and the upper ridges of the hill country provide the humid, misty habitat this plant favours. It is part of the cloud forest understorey found at higher elevations.

Question 3

What are the medicinal uses of Gaultheria leschenaultii?

Accepted Answer

The species is documented as an ayurvedic medicinal plant in Sri Lanka, though detailed local clinical research remains limited. Related Gaultheria species are traditionally used for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, primarily derived from methyl salicylate. Its inclusion in the national ayurvedic catalogue reflects generational ethnobotanical knowledge.

Question 4

Is Gaultheria leschenaultii endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Gaultheria leschenaultii is recorded in Sri Lanka's highland flora, though the broader Gaultheria genus has a wide distribution across Asia and beyond. Whether this particular species is strictly endemic to Sri Lanka or shared with nearby regions such as South India requires confirmation from current botanical literature.

Question 5

What family does Gaultheria leschenaultii belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to the Ericaceae family, which also includes heathers, rhododendrons, and blueberries. Members of this family are typically adapted to acidic, well-drained soils and often thrive in cooler highland or montane environments, conditions that match the species' habitat in Sri Lanka.

Question 6

Can I see Gaultheria leschenaultii during a trip to Horton Plains?

Accepted Answer

Horton Plains National Park is among the most accessible sites for montane flora in Sri Lanka, and the understorey vegetation there includes ericaceous shrubs typical of this elevation zone. A guided botanical walk offers the best chance of identifying specific species. Not all plants are labelled along trails, so specialist naturalist guides are recommended.

Question 7

How is Gaultheria leschenaultii referenced in Sri Lankan botanical records?

Accepted Answer

The species carries the catalogue reference LK94006541 within Lakpura's documentation of Sri Lanka's ayurvedic medicinal plant catalogue. National botanical records are maintained by institutions such as the Department of National Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya, which holds herbarium specimens and flora databases for the island.