Question 1

What is Loxococcus rupicola?

Accepted Answer

Loxococcus rupicola is a critically rare, endemic palm native to the wet-zone rainforests of Sri Lanka. It is the only species in its genus and is notable for growing on rocky outcrops in shaded forest understorey. The species also appears in Sri Lanka's official catalogue of ayurvedic medicinal plants.

Question 2

Where can I find Loxococcus rupicola in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The palm is restricted to the wet zone of Sri Lanka, primarily in Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces. It grows along stream banks and on rocky, moss-covered slopes within closed-canopy forest. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is among the protected areas where guided encounters may be possible.

Question 3

Is Loxococcus rupicola endangered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is considered a threatened species due to its very limited natural range and the ongoing loss of wet-zone lowland forest in Sri Lanka. Conservation efforts include ex-situ cultivation at botanical gardens and legal protection under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance.

Question 4

What does rupicola mean in the plant's Latin name?

Accepted Answer

Rupicola is a Latin term meaning 'rock-dweller' or 'inhabiting rocks.' It refers to the palm's characteristic habit of growing on or near rocky outcrops within forest environments, which distinguishes it from many other palm species.

Question 5

What are the ayurvedic uses of Loxococcus rupicola?

Accepted Answer

The species is listed in Sri Lanka's official ayurvedic medicinal plant catalogue, and various parts of the plant — including the root, fruit, and young shoot — have been used in traditional medicine. Formal pharmacological research into the species is still limited, and much knowledge remains with indigenous practitioners.

Question 6

What is the Sinhala name for Loxococcus rupicola?

Accepted Answer

The palm is known in Sinhala as Dotalu or Wan Kurumba. These vernacular names are used by local communities and traditional healers who have long recognised the plant within the wet-zone forest landscape.

Question 7

Can I see endemic Sri Lankan palms at Peradeniya Botanic Gardens?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, near Kandy, maintains a diverse living collection that includes rare and endemic Sri Lankan palms. It is one of the most accessible places to view cultivated specimens of species such as Loxococcus rupicola outside their wild habitat.