Question 1

What family does Anodendron paniculatum belong to?

Accepted Answer

Anodendron paniculatum belongs to the Apocynaceae family, a large family of flowering plants that includes many species with medicinal, ornamental, or toxic properties. Within Apocynaceae, Anodendron is a genus of tropical lianas found across South and Southeast Asia.

Question 2

What are the medicinal uses of Anodendron paniculatum in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lankan Ayurvedic practice, parts of the plant such as the bark and stem have traditionally been used in formulations associated with inflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. Its inclusion in the national catalogue of Ayurvedic medicinal plants recognises this indigenous knowledge, though clinical research remains limited. As with many traditional plants, uses should be understood as historically documented practices rather than fully validated medical treatments.

Question 3

Where can Anodendron paniculatum be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant grows in forested habitats across the wet and intermediate climatic zones of Sri Lanka, typically at elevations below around 1,000 metres. It favours forest margins, secondary growth, and riverine edges where it can climb into the canopy. The Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern provinces are among the areas where it has been recorded.

Question 4

What does the plant look like?

Accepted Answer

Anodendron paniculatum is a woody climbing liana with broadly elliptic, glossy leaves. It produces branched panicles of small, fragrant, pale-coloured flowers, and its fruits are paired follicles containing seeds with silky hairs for wind dispersal. The overall growth form is vigorous and the plant can reach high into forest canopies.

Question 5

Is Anodendron paniculatum endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, the species is not endemic to Sri Lanka. It has a broad tropical distribution across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. However, it is included in Sri Lanka's national Ayurvedic medicinal plant catalogue, reflecting its significance within the island's botanical and traditional medicine heritage.

Question 6

How is Anodendron paniculatum identified in official Sri Lankan records?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic plant cataloguing system, Anodendron paniculatum is assigned the identifier LK94006900. Herbarium specimens are held at the National Herbarium at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, and occurrence data is also available through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility.

Question 7

Can tourists see Anodendron paniculatum during nature visits in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Knowledgeable naturalist guides working in lowland rainforest reserves such as Sinharaja may be able to point out the species to visitors with a botanical interest. It is not typically highlighted on general wildlife tours, but dedicated forest walks with botanical focus can include identification of climbing lianas like this one. Prior research and a keen eye are helpful, as the plant is most recognisable when in flower.