Question 1

What family does Stemonoporus wightii belong to?

Accepted Answer

Stemonoporus wightii belongs to the family Dipterocarpaceae, a family of trees well known across tropical Asia for their tall canopy habit and economically valuable timber. The genus Stemonoporus itself is entirely endemic to Sri Lanka, making all its species unique to the island.

Question 2

Is Stemonoporus wightii endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The entire genus Stemonoporus, which includes around thirty species, is found only in Sri Lanka. Stemonoporus wightii is one of these fully endemic species, growing in the island's wet-zone lowland and mid-elevation forests.

Question 3

What are the traditional medicinal uses of Stemonoporus wightii?

Accepted Answer

The species is listed in Sri Lanka's official catalog of ayurvedic medicinal plants. Dipterocarp resins and bark extracts have traditionally been used in treating skin conditions, inflammation, and wounds. Rigorous pharmacological research specific to this species is still limited, and many traditional uses are under ongoing scientific study.

Question 4

Where can Stemonoporus wightii be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

It is primarily associated with Sri Lanka's wet-zone forests in the southwestern part of the island, including areas around the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Fragmented patches across Sabaragamuwa and the Southern Province also support remnant populations of endemic dipterocarp trees.

Question 5

Is Stemonoporus wightii threatened or endangered?

Accepted Answer

Like many wet-zone forest endemics in Sri Lanka, the species faces pressure from habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. The broader genus Stemonoporus is generally considered threatened, though specific assessments vary. Protected areas such as Sinharaja play an important role in sheltering remaining populations.

Question 6

Who was Stemonoporus wightii named after?

Accepted Answer

The species epithet 'wightii' honours Robert Wight, a Scottish surgeon and botanist who worked in South Asia during the nineteenth century. He produced influential illustrated works on Indian and Sri Lankan botany and documented numerous plant species across the region.

Question 7

How is Stemonoporus wightii related to Sri Lankan ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka maintains an official catalog of medicinal plants used in its distinct ayurvedic tradition, and Stemonoporus wightii is included in that record. The plant's bark and resins have practical roles in traditional formulations, reflecting a broader pattern of Sri Lankan ayurveda drawing on the island's unique endemic flora.