Question 1

What family does Dysoxylum championii belong to?

Accepted Answer

Dysoxylum championii belongs to the Meliaceae family, commonly known as the mahogany family. This family includes numerous tropical hardwood trees distributed across South and Southeast Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific.

Question 2

Where is Dysoxylum championii found in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The tree is found primarily in the wet and intermediate climatic zones of Sri Lanka, growing in humid lowland and submontane forests. Protected areas such as forest reserves in the southwest of the island provide its most intact remaining habitat.

Question 3

What are the traditional medicinal uses of Dysoxylum championii?

Accepted Answer

Within Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic system, parts of the tree including the bark and wood have been attributed with medicinal properties. Plants in the Meliaceae family are broadly associated with anti-inflammatory and antipyretic qualities, though specific formulations are prepared by trained Ayurvedic practitioners.

Question 4

Is Dysoxylum championii endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species is native to Sri Lanka and is catalogued within the island's ayurvedic medicinal plant records. The genus Dysoxylum has a wider distribution across tropical Asia and the Pacific, but this particular species has its recognised presence in Sri Lanka's flora.

Question 5

How can I identify Dysoxylum championii in the wild?

Accepted Answer

The tree produces pinnately compound leaves, small fragrant flowers, and woody fruit capsules typical of the Meliaceae family. Accurate identification in the field requires comparison of leaf morphology and flower structure, and is best done with the assistance of a trained botanist or naturalist guide.

Question 6

Is Dysoxylum championii safe to use as a home remedy?

Accepted Answer

Ayurvedic plants, including Dysoxylum championii, should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Self-administration of wild plant material carries risks, and medicinal preparations traditionally involve carefully proportioned formulas rather than isolated plant parts.

Question 7

What is the conservation status of native medicinal trees in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Many native forest trees in Sri Lanka face pressure from habitat loss and agricultural expansion. While specific assessments vary by species, the IUCN Red List is the most reliable reference for current conservation status. Sri Lanka's protected forest network provides critical refuges for native flora.