Question 1

What is Stemonurus apicalis used for in Ayurvedic medicine?

Accepted Answer

Stemonurus apicalis is catalogued within Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plant tradition. While specific documented uses vary by practitioner and regional lineage, plants in this catalogue are typically employed in the form of decoctions, powders, or oils. Anyone wishing to use it therapeutically should consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

Question 2

Is Stemonurus apicalis endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Stemonurus apicalis is recorded in Sri Lanka's native flora. The genus Stemonurus is distributed across tropical Asia, so the species may not be strictly endemic to Sri Lanka, but it is a recognised part of the island's botanical and Ayurvedic heritage. Precise distribution records are held by Sri Lanka's National Herbarium.

Question 3

What family does Stemonurus apicalis belong to?

Accepted Answer

Stemonurus apicalis belongs to the family Stemonuraceae, which was previously classified under the broader Icacinaceae family. The genus comprises trees and shrubs found in humid tropical forest environments across South and Southeast Asia.

Question 4

Where can I see native medicinal plants in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, spice and herbal gardens near Kandy and Matale, and guided nature walks in protected forests like Sinharaja are good starting points. Many Ayurvedic wellness retreats also offer tours of their own medicinal plant gardens.

Question 5

How many medicinal plants are in the Sri Lankan Ayurvedic catalogue?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia encompasses hundreds of plant species, with estimates typically ranging into the hundreds of documented medicinal plants used in classical and folk traditions. The exact count depends on whether regional folk knowledge is included alongside formally codified classical texts.

Question 6

Is Stemonurus apicalis threatened or endangered?

Accepted Answer

A specific IUCN Red List assessment for Stemonurus apicalis is not widely available in published global databases. Like many tropical forest plants in Sri Lanka, it faces indirect pressure from habitat loss in the wet zone. Sri Lanka's National Herbarium and Department of Forest Conservation are the appropriate authorities for current conservation status.

Question 7

What is the Sinhala name for Stemonurus apicalis?

Accepted Answer

A widely standardised Sinhala common name for Stemonurus apicalis is not consistently recorded in publicly available sources. Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic plant catalogues sometimes use regional vernacular names that differ between practitioners and districts, so consulting the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka would provide the most authoritative answer.