Question 1

What is Cleidion spiciflorum used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Cleidion spiciflorum is listed in Sri Lanka's official catalogue of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, indicating its recognised role in traditional medicine. As with many Euphorbiaceae species, parts of the plant such as bark or leaves may be prepared in compound formulations by trained practitioners. Specific therapeutic applications should be discussed with a qualified Ayurvedic physician, as traditional plant medicines are context-dependent.

Question 2

Is Cleidion spiciflorum found only in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, the species is distributed across tropical Asia more broadly. Within Sri Lanka it is recorded in the wet and intermediate climatic zones, particularly in lowland forest habitats. Its range includes parts of South and Southeast Asia, though detailed distribution maps vary by source.

Question 3

Which plant family does Cleidion spiciflorum belong to?

Accepted Answer

It belongs to Euphorbiaceae, commonly known as the spurge family, one of the largest flowering plant families in the world. The family includes economically important species such as rubber, cassava, and castor oil plants, as well as numerous medicinal trees and shrubs native to Sri Lanka.

Question 4

Where can I see medicinal plants like Cleidion spiciflorum in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Spice and herbal gardens in the Kandy area frequently feature native medicinal species and offer guided tours with explanations of traditional uses. Forest reserves such as Sinharaja are the most likely places to encounter wild specimens, ideally with a knowledgeable naturalist guide. Some Ayurvedic wellness centres also maintain their own medicinal plant gardens.

Question 5

How is Cleidion spiciflorum identified in the wild?

Accepted Answer

It is a small to medium-sized tree with alternately arranged leaves and elongated spike-like flower clusters — the feature reflected in its species name spiciflorum. The flowers are dioecious, meaning male and female blooms appear on separate trees. Positive identification in the field generally requires a trained botanist, as many Euphorbiaceae species share similar vegetative features.

Question 6

Is there scientific research on Cleidion spiciflorum's medicinal properties?

Accepted Answer

Peer-reviewed clinical research specifically on Cleidion spiciflorum is limited compared to more widely studied Ayurvedic plants. Its documentation within Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic pharmacopeia reflects accumulated traditional knowledge rather than extensive laboratory trials. This is common for many lesser-known species in the catalogue, and further ethnobotanical research may yield more published findings in the future.

Question 7

How does Sri Lanka protect its medicinal plant species?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda maintains a catalogue of medicinal plants, and many habitats supporting these species fall within formally protected forest reserves and national parks. Biodiversity conservation legislation also provides a degree of protection to wild plant populations. Sustainable harvesting guidelines are part of the broader Ayurvedic regulatory framework.