Question 1

What is Nothopegia beddomei used for in ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Nothopegia beddomei is catalogued among Sri Lanka's ayurvedic medicinal plants, though detailed documentation of its specific therapeutic applications is limited in widely available sources. It is believed to feature in compound preparations rather than as a standalone remedy. Further research by ethnobotanists continues to clarify its role within the traditional pharmacopoeia.

Question 2

Where is Nothopegia beddomei found?

Accepted Answer

The species is native to Sri Lanka and parts of the Western Ghats in southern India. In Sri Lanka it is typically associated with dry and intermediate zone forest habitats. Its distribution on the island is considered restricted, contributing to its status as a rare plant.

Question 3

Is Nothopegia beddomei endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Nothopegia beddomei is not strictly endemic to Sri Lanka — related populations occur in the Western Ghats of southern India. However, it is rare across its entire range. Its presence in Sri Lanka's ayurvedic plant catalogue reflects the island's broader botanical richness.

Question 4

What family does Nothopegia beddomei belong to?

Accepted Answer

Nothopegia beddomei belongs to the family Anacardiaceae, which also includes familiar plants such as mango, cashew, and pistachio. The genus Nothopegia is a small group endemic to South Asia. The species epithet beddomei honours Richard Henry Beddome, a 19th-century botanist who studied South Asian flora extensively.

Question 5

How many medicinal plants are catalogued in Sri Lanka's ayurvedic tradition?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka's ayurvedic tradition draws on hundreds of plant species, with classical texts and local manuscripts documenting formulations that have been refined over more than two millennia. The island's total flowering plant diversity exceeds 3,000 species, a significant portion of which are endemic. Nothopegia beddomei is one of many lesser-documented species that form part of this heritage.

Question 6

Are Nothopegia plants endangered?

Accepted Answer

The genus Nothopegia has a limited distribution across South Asia, and individual species including N. beddomei are considered rare. Habitat loss through deforestation and unsustainable harvesting of forest plants are recognised threats. Formal IUCN assessments for some Nothopegia species have noted their vulnerability, though data gaps remain.

Question 7

What is the Sinhala name for Nothopegia beddomei?

Accepted Answer

A widely recorded vernacular Sinhala name specific to Nothopegia beddomei is not consistently documented in accessible botanical literature. Many rare forest plants in Sri Lanka are known primarily by their scientific names within research contexts, or by local names that vary by region. Consulting Sri Lanka's Department of National Botanic Gardens or ayurvedic research institutes would provide the most reliable local nomenclature.