Question 1

What is Hoya ovalifolia used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Hoya ovalifolia is documented in Sri Lanka's catalogue of ayurvedic medicinal plants, suggesting historical use in traditional healing. Across the broader Hoya genus in tropical Asia, various species have been associated with treatments for skin conditions, inflammation, and fever. The specific preparation and application in Sri Lankan practice depends on regional ayurvedic traditions and the part of the plant used.

Question 2

Where does Hoya ovalifolia grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Hoya ovalifolia favours moist, forested environments, typically growing as a climbing or semi-epiphytic vine on tree trunks and rocky surfaces. In Sri Lanka, it is most likely to be found in wet-zone and intermediate-zone forests, particularly in the southwestern lowlands where humidity and canopy cover are highest.

Question 3

Is Hoya ovalifolia endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, Hoya ovalifolia is not endemic to Sri Lanka. The Hoya genus is distributed widely across tropical and subtropical Asia, and this species falls within that broader range. However, its presence in Sri Lanka is part of the island's rich botanical diversity, which includes both widespread Asian species and a high proportion of endemic flora.

Question 4

What family does Hoya ovalifolia belong to?

Accepted Answer

Hoya ovalifolia belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It was historically placed in the family Asclepiadaceae, which is now treated as the subfamily Asclepiadoideae within Apocynaceae following reclassification. The plant produces small, waxy, star-shaped flowers typical of the Hoya genus.

Question 5

Can I see medicinal plants like Hoya ovalifolia when visiting Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens near Kandy maintains collections of Sri Lanka's documented flora, including many medicinal species. Guided naturalist walks in protected areas such as Sinharaja Forest Reserve also offer opportunities to encounter native plants in their natural habitat. Ayurvedic wellness centres across the island sometimes maintain medicinal plant gardens as part of their visitor experience.

Question 6

How many ayurvedic medicinal plants are catalogued in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda has documented several hundred plant species with recognised roles in traditional medicine, reflecting the island's exceptional botanical richness. The catalogue draws on both classical Ayurvedic texts and local Sinhala medical traditions known as Deshiya Chikitsa. Hoya ovalifolia is among the species formally recorded within this system.

Question 7

Is Hoya ovalifolia the same as the common hoya or wax plant?

Accepted Answer

Hoya ovalifolia is one species within the large Hoya genus, which includes several hundred described species. The commonly cultivated 'wax plant' most often refers to Hoya carnosa, a separate species widely sold as a houseplant. While both share the waxy flowers and fleshy leaves characteristic of the genus, they are distinct species with different natural ranges and traditional uses.