Question 1

What is Exacum trinervium ssp. trinervium?

Accepted Answer

It is a small herbaceous plant in the family Gentianaceae, native to Sri Lanka. The species is named for its three-veined leaves and bears small lilac or pale violet flowers. It is catalogued as part of Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plant inventory under the code LK94006318.

Question 2

What are the medicinal uses of Exacum trinervium?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic tradition, plants of the Exacum genus are valued for their bitter properties and are associated with digestive, febrifuge, and liver-supportive applications. Traditional use is documented through ethnobotanical surveys across the island's rural communities. Any medicinal use should be guided by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Question 3

Where can Exacum trinervium be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant grows primarily in the wet and intermediate zones of the hill country, favouring moist, shaded habitats such as forest margins, stream banks, and rocky slopes. Areas like the Knuckles Range and the highlands around Horton Plains are typical upland habitats for this species.

Question 4

Is Exacum trinervium ssp. trinervium endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species is closely associated with Sri Lanka and forms part of the island's rich endemic or near-endemic flora. Sri Lanka is a recognised centre of diversity for the Exacum genus, hosting multiple species not found elsewhere.

Question 5

What family does Exacum trinervium belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to the family Gentianaceae, a family of flowering plants found worldwide that includes many species with bitter properties traditionally used in medicine. Within this family, the genus Exacum is particularly well represented in Sri Lanka.

Question 6

Is Exacum trinervium ssp. trinervium a threatened plant?

Accepted Answer

While it is not universally listed as critically threatened, its habitat in Sri Lanka's wet zone forests faces pressure from land conversion. Conservation of forest reserves and national parks helps protect the microhabitats this plant depends on. Sustainable harvesting is encouraged in traditional medicine practice.

Question 7

How does Exacum trinervium differ from the common Persian violet houseplant?

Accepted Answer

Both belong to the genus Exacum and share a similar floral structure, but the Persian violet (Exacum affine) is a cultivated ornamental species, whereas Exacum trinervium ssp. trinervium is a wild plant native to Sri Lanka's upland ecosystems. The Sri Lankan species has not been developed for commercial horticulture.

Exacum trinervium ssp. Trinervium