Question 1

What is Trema orientalis used for in ayurvedic medicine?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lankan ayurvedic tradition, parts of the Trema orientalis tree including the bark, leaves, and roots have been used in preparations associated with skin conditions and inflammation. Uses vary by regional practice and classical text, so specific applications are best discussed with a qualified ayurvedic physician rather than applied independently.

Question 2

Where does Trema orientalis grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Trema orientalis grows across a range of habitats in Sri Lanka, from lowland scrublands to mid-elevation secondary forests. It favours disturbed and open ground, making it a common sight along roadsides, forest margins, and areas recovering from land clearance.

Question 3

What family does Trema orientalis belong to?

Accepted Answer

Trema orientalis belongs to the family Cannabaceae. It is closely related to other well-known genera in that family and shares some structural characteristics with them, including its rough, serrated leaves.

Question 4

Is Trema orientalis the same as Trema cannabina?

Accepted Answer

Trema cannabina is a synonym that appears in older botanical literature for what is now more widely accepted as Trema orientalis. Current botanical classification generally uses Trema orientalis as the accepted name, though both names may still appear in regional and historical sources.

Question 5

Why is Trema orientalis called the charcoal tree?

Accepted Answer

The common name charcoal tree refers to the historical use of Trema orientalis wood for charcoal production in parts of its range. The wood burns well and was a practical fuel source in communities throughout Asia and Africa where the tree grows naturally.

Question 6

How is Sri Lanka's ayurvedic plant tradition regulated?

Accepted Answer

The Sri Lankan government regulates ayurvedic medicine through the Department of Ayurveda, which oversees practitioner standards, plant-based preparations, and the documentation of medicinal species. This formal structure helps preserve and standardise knowledge of plants like Trema orientalis within the country's healthcare system.

Question 7

What wildlife benefits from Trema orientalis in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The small fleshy fruits of Trema orientalis are eaten by birds and other wildlife, making the tree a useful food source within forest ecosystems. Birds that feed on the fruit also disperse the seeds, helping the species spread and contributing to natural forest regeneration in degraded areas.