Question 1

What is Campnosperma zeylanicum?

Accepted Answer

Campnosperma zeylanicum is a native Sri Lankan tree in the Anacardiaceae family, found in lowland wet-zone forests. It is recognised in Sri Lanka's catalogue of Ayurvedic medicinal plants and is considered endemic or near-endemic to the island.

Question 2

What are the medicinal uses of Campnosperma zeylanicum in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

The species appears in traditional Sri Lankan Ayurvedic plant catalogues, where various parts of such trees — including bark, resin, and leaves — are used to treat conditions such as skin complaints and inflammation. Formal clinical studies on this specific species are limited, but related Campnosperma species have shown antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in phytochemical research.

Question 3

Where can Campnosperma zeylanicum be found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

It typically grows in humid, low-elevation habitats including swamp forests and riverine forest edges in Sri Lanka's wet zone. These ecosystems are concentrated in the south-western part of the island and are among the most ecologically sensitive in South Asia.

Question 4

Is Campnosperma zeylanicum endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species is considered endemic or near-endemic to Sri Lanka. While the broader Campnosperma genus is distributed across tropical Asia and the Pacific, this particular species is closely associated with Sri Lankan forest ecosystems.

Question 5

Is Campnosperma zeylanicum threatened or endangered?

Accepted Answer

Like many wet-zone forest specialists in Sri Lanka, the species faces pressure from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Formal conservation status assessments for all Sri Lankan endemic plants are ongoing, and protection of the lowland forest habitats where it occurs is critical for its survival.

Question 6

How is Ayurvedic plant knowledge preserved in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda and various research institutions maintain catalogues of traditional medicinal plants. Village-level traditional physicians, known as vedamahattayas, also carry substantial oral and practical knowledge that complements formal documentation efforts.

Question 7

What family does Campnosperma zeylanicum belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes well-known species such as mango, cashew, and pistachio. Members of this family often produce resinous sap and are known for a range of phytochemical compounds with potential medicinal value.