Question 1

What family does Hortonia floribunda belong to?

Accepted Answer

Hortonia floribunda belongs to the family Monimiaceae. It is the sole species in the genus Hortonia, making it a monotypic genus endemic to Sri Lanka — a fact that gives it unusual scientific and conservation significance.

Question 2

Is Hortonia floribunda endangered?

Accepted Answer

Hortonia floribunda is considered a species of conservation concern due to its restricted range within Sri Lanka's wet-zone forests and ongoing habitat loss. Its populations are limited, and it is dependent on the preservation of intact lowland and submontane forest patches.

Question 3

Where in Sri Lanka does Hortonia floribunda grow naturally?

Accepted Answer

The species grows naturally in the wet lowland and submontane forests of southwestern Sri Lanka, particularly in areas such as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and surrounding forest patches in the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces. It is not found outside Sri Lanka.

Question 4

What are the medicinal uses of Hortonia floribunda in ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's traditional ayurvedic system, various parts of Hortonia floribunda — including bark, leaves, and roots — have been used in preparations associated with inflammatory conditions and general health tonics. It is catalogued in the official list of ayurvedic medicinal plants recognised in Sri Lanka.

Question 5

What does the name floribunda mean?

Accepted Answer

The species epithet floribunda is derived from Latin, meaning 'many-flowered' or 'abundantly flowering.' It refers to the tree's characteristic of producing relatively numerous small flowers in axillary clusters, which is one of its notable morphological features.

Question 6

Can I see Hortonia floribunda on a forest tour in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

It is possible to encounter Hortonia floribunda on guided botanical nature walks in forests such as Sinharaja. However, identifying it reliably in the field requires an experienced local naturalist, as it is not a common roadside species and grows within forested interiors.

Question 7

Is Hortonia floribunda related to any other well-known medicinal trees?

Accepted Answer

While it belongs to the same broader group of flowering plants, Hortonia floribunda is not closely related to more widely known Sri Lankan medicinal trees like Pongamia pinnata or Syzygium aromaticum. Its placement in the Monimiaceae family makes it botanically distinct from most other commonly cited medicinal species on the island.