Question 1

What is Cassipourea ceylanica used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Cassipourea ceylanica is catalogued among Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plants, though its applications are considered specialised. Members of the Rhizophoraceae family generally contain astringent and antimicrobial compounds, which have historically made related species useful in treating skin conditions and supporting wound healing in traditional South Asian medicine.

Question 2

Where does Cassipourea ceylanica grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

This native tree is found primarily in the wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, growing in moist lowland and submontane forests. It favours areas with high rainfall and dense canopy cover, making it characteristic of the island's southwestern and central forest ecosystems.

Question 3

Is Cassipourea ceylanica endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Cassipourea ceylanica is a species native to Sri Lanka, and its common name reflects that geographic association. Sri Lanka hosts exceptionally high levels of plant endemism for its size, and the Rhizophoraceae family includes several species found only on the island.

Question 4

What family does Cassipourea ceylanica belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae, which is widely known for mangrove species but also includes inland forest trees found across tropical Asia. Cassipourea is one of the inland genera within this family, and several of its species occur in South and Southeast Asia.

Question 5

Which Sri Lankan institution documents Ayurvedic medicinal plants?

Accepted Answer

The Department of Ayurveda under Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health is the primary government body responsible for cataloguing, regulating, and promoting traditional Ayurvedic medicine. University departments of indigenous medicine and bodies such as the National Science Foundation also contribute to botanical documentation and research.

Question 6

How can I learn about Sri Lanka's medicinal plants as a visitor?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya near Kandy maintains an extensive living collection of Sri Lanka's native flora, including many Ayurvedic species. Ayurvedic resorts, spice gardens, and guided forest walks in wet zone reserves also offer accessible introductions to the island's plant heritage.

Question 7

Are there other notable Ayurvedic plants found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic plant catalogue is extensive and includes species such as Acacia chundra, Pongamia pinnata, and Syzygium aromaticum (cloves), among hundreds of others. The island's high endemism rate means that many of these plants are found nowhere else, making Sri Lanka's botanical heritage globally significant.