Question 1

What is Kalanchoe pinnata used for in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's ayurvedic tradition, Kalanchoe pinnata is used primarily as a cooling, anti-inflammatory remedy. Fresh leaves are applied as a poultice for burns, bites, and skin conditions, while the juice is used internally under professional guidance for kidney and urinary complaints. It also appears in traditional preparations for fever, cough, and headache.

Question 2

Is Kalanchoe pinnata the same as Bryophyllum pinnatum?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bryophyllum pinnatum is an accepted synonym for Kalanchoe pinnata. Both names refer to the same succulent plant in the family Crassulaceae. The name Bryophyllum pinnatum appears frequently in older botanical and pharmacological literature, while Kalanchoe pinnata is more commonly used in current taxonomy.

Question 3

Is Kalanchoe pinnata safe to use at home?

Accepted Answer

External use — such as applying a fresh leaf poultice to minor skin irritations — is generally considered low-risk in traditional practice. Internal use, however, should be approached with caution and ideally supervised by a qualified ayurvedic practitioner, as the plant contains bioactive compounds that can be harmful in high doses. Pregnant women and people with heart conditions should avoid internal use.

Question 4

Does scientific research support the traditional uses of Kalanchoe pinnata?

Accepted Answer

Pre-clinical laboratory studies have found anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties consistent with several traditional uses. However, clinical trials in humans remain limited, and no pharmaceutical product based on the plant has completed full regulatory approval. Traditional use and scientific evidence are complementary but not equivalent at this stage.

Question 5

Where in Sri Lanka can I learn more about ayurvedic medicinal plants?

Accepted Answer

Formal ayurvedic hospitals and teaching institutions, many of which maintain medicinal plant gardens, are found in Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, and Matara. Wellness retreats and eco-lodges near forested areas — including the Sinharaja region and the hill country — often include guided medicinal plant walks as part of their programmes.

Question 6

How does Kalanchoe pinnata propagate?

Accepted Answer

One of the plant's most distinctive features is its ability to produce small plantlets directly along the scalloped margins of its leaves. These plantlets, complete with tiny roots, drop to the ground and establish new plants independently. This trait makes Kalanchoe pinnata exceptionally easy to propagate and is the reason it spreads readily in gardens and disturbed habitats.

Question 7

What is the Sinhala name for Kalanchoe pinnata?

Accepted Answer

The plant is commonly known in Sinhala as Acalpaha or Akkapana. Different regions of Sri Lanka may use slightly varying vernacular names, and some communities refer to it by descriptive terms related to its leaf-propagation habit. In Tamil, it is often called Ranakalli.

Kalenchoe pinnata