Question 1

What is Mastixia tetrandra used for in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Mastixia tetrandra is listed in Sri Lanka's official Ayurvedic medicinal plant catalog, where it is recognised for its role in traditional herbal practice. Like many forest tree species in the Cornaceae family, parts of the plant are associated with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties in classical formulations. Its precise applications are best interpreted by a qualified Ayurvedic physician working within the Sri Lankan tradition.

Question 2

Where does Mastixia tetrandra grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The species is found in the wet zone forests of southwestern Sri Lanka, typically in humid lowland and mid-elevation settings where the canopy is dense and rainfall is high. It grows in habitats similar to those found near the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and other protected areas of the wet zone.

Question 3

Is Mastixia tetrandra endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The genus Mastixia occurs across tropical Asia, but individual species often have restricted ranges. Mastixia tetrandra's distribution within Sri Lanka's wet zone forest patches makes it a species of conservation interest, particularly as forest cover in that zone continues to decline.

Question 4

What is the Ayurvedic catalog reference code for Mastixia tetrandra?

Accepted Answer

Within the Sri Lanka Department of Ayurveda's systematic plant registry, Mastixia tetrandra is assigned the reference code LK94006654. This code is used by researchers, practitioners, and pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure consistent plant identification in Ayurvedic contexts.

Question 5

Which plant family does Mastixia tetrandra belong to?

Accepted Answer

Mastixia tetrandra belongs to the family Cornaceae, a group that includes dogwoods and related species distributed across temperate and tropical regions. The genus Mastixia is largely tropical Asian in its distribution.

Question 6

Can I see medicinal forest plants like Mastixia tetrandra on a Sri Lanka trip?

Accepted Answer

Guided forest walks in areas such as Sinharaja Forest Reserve offer the best chance to observe medicinal trees in their natural habitat. Some Ayurvedic resorts and village eco-tourism experiences also maintain herb gardens featuring traditional plant species. Collecting plant material from protected forests is prohibited by Sri Lankan law.

Question 7

How does Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic plant catalog compare to India's?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's catalog draws on both Sanskrit-language classical Ayurvedic sources and indigenous Sinhala medical traditions, making it somewhat distinct from the broader Indian pharmacopoeia. The island's high endemism means it includes a number of species, like Mastixia tetrandra, that are not widely documented in Indian Ayurvedic texts.