Question 1

What is Microcos paniculata used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lankan Ayurvedic tradition, Microcos paniculata is used for its reported anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. Bark decoctions have been applied to fevers, leaf preparations to skin complaints, and the plant has also been used for digestive issues. Use should always be guided by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Question 2

Is Microcos paniculata native to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Microcos paniculata is native to tropical South and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka it grows naturally in lowland wet zone and intermediate zone forests, often along forest margins, riverbanks, and in secondary vegetation below around 900 metres elevation.

Question 3

Which plant family does Microcos paniculata belong to?

Accepted Answer

Microcos paniculata belongs to the family Malvaceae. It was formerly classified within the family Tiliaceae before modern phylogenetic revisions merged that family into the broader Malvaceae grouping.

Question 4

Where can I find Microcos paniculata in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The tree is found in Sri Lanka's wet and intermediate zones, particularly in lowland forests and forest edges. It can be encountered in biodiversity-rich areas such as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and in village home gardens and agricultural boundaries across the south and west of the island.

Question 5

What does Microcos paniculata look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a small to medium-sized tree, typically 5 to 15 metres tall, with simple alternate leaves with serrated edges, small yellowish flowers arranged in panicles, and small drupe-like fruits that darken as they ripen. The bark has a fibrous inner layer that has historically been used to make rope.

Question 6

Is Microcos paniculata listed in Sri Lanka's official Ayurvedic pharmacopeia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Microcos paniculata is included in Sri Lanka's catalog of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, which is maintained by the Department of Ayurveda. This recognition reflects its longstanding use in indigenous healthcare traditions across the island.

Question 7

Has Microcos paniculata been studied scientifically?

Accepted Answer

Some pharmacological research has investigated the phytochemical profile of Microcos paniculata, identifying compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids that may underlie its traditional medicinal applications. However, large-scale clinical trials are limited, and most evidence remains at the preliminary or ethnobotanical stage.