Question 1

What is Chrysophyllum roxburghii used for?

Accepted Answer

Chrysophyllum roxburghii is catalogued as an Ayurvedic medicinal plant in Sri Lanka. Various parts of the tree, including the bark and leaves, have traditionally been used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific research into its bioactive compounds is ongoing.

Question 2

What family does Chrysophyllum roxburghii belong to?

Accepted Answer

The species belongs to the Sapotaceae family, a pantropical group that includes many trees valued for their timber, latex, and edible fruits. Other well-known members of this family include the sapodilla and the star apple.

Question 3

Where can Chrysophyllum roxburghii be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The tree grows naturally in the wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, typically in lowland and submontane forests. It is more commonly encountered in intact or secondary forest than in cultivated or urban landscapes.

Question 4

Is Chrysophyllum roxburghii listed in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic plant registry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It carries the official accession reference LK94005801 in Sri Lanka's national Ayurvedic plant catalogue, maintained by the Department of Ayurveda. This registration supports its recognition in traditional medicine research and practice.

Question 5

Who was Chrysophyllum roxburghii named after?

Accepted Answer

The species epithet honours William Roxburgh, a Scottish botanist who made extensive contributions to the documentation of South Asian flora in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The species was formally described by Robert Wight.

Question 6

Is the fruit of Chrysophyllum roxburghii edible?

Accepted Answer

The small fleshy fruits of Chrysophyllum roxburghii are considered edible when ripe, turning yellow to orange in colour. However, the tree is not widely cultivated as a food crop and the fruit is rarely found in markets or common use.

Question 7

How does Sri Lanka preserve knowledge of its medicinal plants?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda maintains a formal registry of traditional medicinal plants, and the country has dedicated Ayurvedic hospitals, universities, and regulatory frameworks. Botanical gardens and ongoing ethnobotanical research also contribute to preserving this knowledge.