Question 1

What is Dolichandrone spathacea used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lankan and South Asian Ayurvedic tradition, the bark, leaves, and seed pods of Dolichandrone spathacea have been used in preparations associated with skin conditions, wound care, inflammation, and rheumatic complaints. These uses are documented in ethnobotanical records, though clinical research on the species remains limited. Any medicinal use should be guided by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Question 2

Where does Dolichandrone spathacea grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The tree is found in coastal wetland habitats, particularly along tidal waterways, estuaries, and the fringes of mangrove systems in Sri Lanka's low-country wet and intermediate zones. The southwestern and northwestern coastlines, with their extensive lagoon and river-mouth systems, provide the semi-saline conditions the species prefers.

Question 3

What family does Dolichandrone spathacea belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family, which includes a wide range of tropical trees, shrubs, and climbing plants known for their large, tubular flowers. The species is sometimes called the mangrove trumpet tree or whip tree, referring to its long, sword-like seed pods.

Question 4

Is Dolichandrone spathacea endangered or protected in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species is not currently listed among the most critically threatened plants in Sri Lanka, but its habitat — coastal mangrove-margin environments — is under pressure from coastal development and changes in salinity. Conservation of these wetland ecosystems indirectly protects species like Dolichandrone spathacea.

Question 5

How can I see medicinal plants like Dolichandrone spathacea in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Visitors interested in Sri Lanka's medicinal plant heritage can explore traditional herb gardens, participate in guided village tours in the Kandy or Sabaragamuwa regions, or join a river safari in coastal wetland areas where riparian species grow naturally. Some Ayurvedic wellness centres also maintain living plant collections for educational purposes.

Question 6

What does Dolichandrone spathacea look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a slender semi-evergreen tree growing typically between five and fifteen metres tall. Its most distinctive features are large white trumpet-shaped flowers that open at night, and very long narrow seed pods — sometimes reaching sixty centimetres — that hang from the branches. The foliage is pinnate, with several pairs of leaflets along each stem.

Question 7

What is the Ayurvedic catalog reference for Dolichandrone spathacea in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant is recorded in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plant catalog under reference LK94006763. This catalog is maintained as part of the official documentation of plant species used in traditional Ayurvedic practice on the island.