Question 1

What is Eriachne triseta?

Accepted Answer

Eriachne triseta is a grass species in the family Poaceae, catalogued as part of Sri Lanka's ayurvedic medicinal plant collection. It is identified by three bristle-like structures on its florets, which give the species its Latin name. It is documented under the reference code LK94005985 in Sri Lanka's botanical records.

Question 2

What family does Eriachne triseta belong to?

Accepted Answer

Eriachne triseta belongs to the Poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family. The genus Eriachne is found across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. In Sri Lanka, species from this genus are typically found in open grasslands and drier terrain.

Question 3

Is Eriachne triseta used in traditional Sri Lankan medicine?

Accepted Answer

The plant is listed in Sri Lanka's official catalogue of ayurvedic medicinal plants, indicating its recognition within traditional healing systems. Grasses as a group have a range of applications in classical ayurvedic preparations, including decoctions and herbal oils. Detailed pharmacological research specifically on this species remains limited.

Question 4

Where is Eriachne triseta found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant is typically associated with open, well-drained habitats such as scrublands and grasslands, which are most common in Sri Lanka's dry and intermediate zones. It is generally found at lower elevations rather than in montane grassland habitats. Much of the dry-zone vegetation that harbours such species remains relatively understudied.

Question 5

Who maintains Sri Lanka's ayurvedic plant catalogue?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's medicinal plant catalogue is maintained by the Department of Ayurveda, which operates under the Ministry of Health. Plants are assigned unique reference codes and classified by botanical family, local names, and documented uses. This system supports practitioners, researchers, and conservation policymakers.

Question 6

How many medicinal plants are catalogued in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's ayurvedic plant catalogue encompasses hundreds of species spanning numerous botanical families. The island's biodiversity hotspot status means it harbours a disproportionately large number of endemic and medicinally significant species. Ongoing documentation efforts continue to expand and refine the official records.

Question 7

What is the significance of the LK94005985 reference code?

Accepted Answer

The reference code LK94005985 is the unique identifier assigned to Eriachne triseta within Sri Lanka's ayurvedic medicinal plant catalogue. These codes provide a standardised way to cross-reference species across botanical databases, research papers, and government records. They also help prevent confusion between species with similar local names.