Question 1

What is Ichnocarpus frutescens used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Ayurvedic medicine, Ichnocarpus frutescens — known in classical texts as Shyama or Krishna Shariva — is primarily valued for its bitter, cooling, and blood-purifying properties. The root and root bark are used in decoctions and compound formulations traditionally associated with skin disorders, fever, and inflammatory conditions. It is classified among herbs that address heat-related imbalances in the body.

Question 2

Where does Ichnocarpus frutescens grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant is most common in Sri Lanka's dry and intermediate zones, where it climbs through scrub forests, hedgerows, and woodland margins. It tolerates poor, dry soils and is frequently found near rivers and cultivated land. It is not typically a rainforest species and is more abundant in areas with a distinct dry season.

Question 3

What part of Ichnocarpus frutescens is used medicinally?

Accepted Answer

The root and root bark are the parts most commonly used in traditional medicine, typically prepared as a decoction by boiling in water. Leaves are occasionally used in some regional formulations. The plant is rarely used in isolation and more often appears as a component in classical Ayurvedic compound preparations.

Question 4

What family does Ichnocarpus frutescens belong to?

Accepted Answer

Ichnocarpus frutescens belongs to the Apocynaceae family, the same plant family that includes well-known species such as oleander and periwinkle. It was first described by Linnaeus and later reclassified by W.T. Aiton. An older synonym, Apocynum frutescens, appears in historical botanical literature.

Question 5

Is Ichnocarpus frutescens the same as Shariva or Shyama?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the plant is commonly identified with the classical Ayurvedic herb known as Shyama or Krishna Shariva in Sanskrit. It is distinguished from the white variety (Shweta Shariva, associated with Hemidesmus indicus) by its darker coloration and slightly more bitter character. Both are used in Ayurvedic practice, sometimes interchangeably in certain regional traditions.

Question 6

Can tourists see Ichnocarpus frutescens growing during a visit to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant is not a prominent feature of Sri Lanka's major tourist circuits, but visitors with a specific interest in medicinal plants may encounter it on guided nature walks in the dry zone or at dedicated Ayurvedic herb gardens attached to wellness resorts and monasteries. Knowledgeable local guides in areas such as the Cultural Triangle or the dry lowlands are the best resource for spotting it in the wild.

Question 7

What does Ichnocarpus frutescens look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a slender, twining climbing shrub with opposite, ovate to elliptic dark-green leaves. Small white or pale-pink flowers grow in clusters and carry a faint sweet fragrance. The fruit consists of paired narrow follicles — a characteristic of the Apocynaceae family — which release seeds with silky tips when ripe. The root bark is dark brown and fibrous.