Question 1

What is Muntingia calabura called in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka, Muntingia calabura is commonly referred to as 'jam gaha' (jam tree) in Sinhala-speaking communities, a name that reflects both its introduced origins and the sweet, jam-like flavour of its berries. It is also known as Jamaica cherry or strawberry tree in English.

Question 2

What are the medicinal uses of Muntingia calabura?

Accepted Answer

Traditional practitioners in Sri Lanka have used preparations from the leaves and bark of Muntingia calabura to address headaches, fevers, muscle cramps, and certain skin conditions. The plant is noted in ethnobotanical literature for anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, attributed to flavonoids, tannins, and other bioactive compounds.

Question 3

Can you eat the berries of Muntingia calabura?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the small red berries are edible and widely consumed fresh across tropical Asia. They are sweet with a mild, cotton-candy-like taste and are safe to eat when ripe. Due to their short shelf life they are not commercially cultivated but are sometimes used in homemade jams.

Question 4

Is Muntingia calabura native to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, Muntingia calabura is native to Central and South America. It was introduced to South and Southeast Asia and has since naturalized across Sri Lanka's low-elevation tropical landscapes, growing commonly in gardens, roadsides, and scrubland.

Question 5

Where does Muntingia calabura grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The tree is found across Sri Lanka's wet and intermediate zones, particularly in the Western, Southern, and Sabaragamuwa provinces. It tolerates poor soils and disturbed ground, making it a frequent presence in home gardens, village compounds, and along roadsides.

Question 6

Is Muntingia calabura used in classical Ayurvedic texts?

Accepted Answer

Because the tree was introduced to Asia relatively recently, it does not appear in the oldest classical Ayurvedic texts, which predate its arrival. However, it has been incorporated into Sri Lanka's living folk-medicine tradition and is now catalogued among the island's Ayurvedic medicinal plants based on documented traditional use.

Question 7

What compounds in Muntingia calabura have been studied for medicinal potential?

Accepted Answer

Research has identified flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids in different parts of the plant. These compounds are associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. Scientific study of this plant is ongoing and preliminary findings align with several of its traditional uses.