Question 1

What is Aphananthe cuspidata used for in ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Aphananthe cuspidata is catalogued within Sri Lanka's ayurvedic medicinal plant system, carrying the reference code LK94005703. Specific traditional applications documented in Sri Lankan practice are limited in widely published sources, and the plant is considered a specialised rather than everyday component of the pharmacopoeia. Researchers and practitioners consult the Department of Ayurveda's official records for verified uses.

Question 2

What family does Aphananthe cuspidata belong to?

Accepted Answer

Aphananthe cuspidata belongs to the family Cannabaceae. The genus Aphananthe is distributed across tropical and subtropical Asia, and the species name cuspidata refers to the sharply pointed tips of the plant's leaves. It is a tree or large shrub found in moist tropical forest habitats.

Question 3

Where can Aphananthe cuspidata be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species is associated with humid, shaded forest environments, making Sri Lanka's wet zone and intermediate zone forests its most likely habitat. Protected forest areas in the island's interior provide suitable conditions for this and related species within the Cannabaceae family.

Question 4

How is Aphananthe cuspidata identified in official Sri Lankan records?

Accepted Answer

Within Sri Lanka's official ayurvedic plant catalogue, Aphananthe cuspidata is recorded under the code LK94005703. This reference system is maintained by the Department of Ayurveda and is used by practitioners and researchers to ensure accurate species identification.

Question 5

Why is documenting medicinal plants like Aphananthe cuspidata important?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka is a recognised biodiversity hotspot, and many medicinal plant species are known primarily through oral traditions held by practitioner lineages. Formal cataloguing preserves this knowledge for future generations, supports scientific research into plant compounds, and helps ensure that ayurvedic practice continues to rest on accurately identified plant materials.

Question 6

Are there tours in Sri Lanka focused on ayurvedic plants and forest herbs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Botanical gardens, spice and herbal gardens in the Kandy and Matale regions, and guided walks in reserves such as the Makandawa Rainforest offer opportunities to encounter medicinal plants in context. Ayurvedic wellness centres across the island can also explain how specific plants are used in traditional formulations.

Question 7

Is Aphananthe cuspidata endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The genus Aphananthe has a broader distribution across tropical and subtropical Asia, so the species is not exclusive to Sri Lanka. However, it is documented within the island's native flora and is included in the national ayurvedic plant catalogue, reflecting its presence and relevance within the local ecological and medicinal context.