Question 1

What family does Isonandra compta belong to?

Accepted Answer

Isonandra compta is a member of the Sapotaceae family, a pantropical group of flowering trees and shrubs known for producing latex and, in many species, edible fruits. The genus Isonandra is primarily distributed across South and South-East Asia.

Question 2

Is Isonandra compta endemic to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Isonandra compta is classified as a Sri Lankan endemic, meaning it is found exclusively on the island and nowhere else in the world. This makes its local population the only buffer against global extinction.

Question 3

Does Isonandra compta have any edible or medicinal uses?

Accepted Answer

There are no documented edible parts associated with Isonandra compta. No widely recognised medicinal applications are recorded either, though ongoing botanical research into Sri Lanka's endemic flora may yield further information over time.

Question 4

Where in Sri Lanka is Isonandra compta found?

Accepted Answer

As a member of the Sapotaceae family adapted to humid tropical conditions, Isonandra compta is associated with Sri Lanka's wet-zone forests. Precise locality data is held in herbarium records at institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya.

Question 5

What is the conservation threat to endemic Sri Lankan trees like Isonandra compta?

Accepted Answer

Habitat loss through deforestation, agricultural expansion, and urban encroachment into wet-zone forests poses the greatest threat to endemic species. Because endemic plants have no population elsewhere in the world, local habitat destruction can lead directly to global extinction.

Question 6

How can I see Sri Lanka's endemic plant species as a traveller?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya and protected reserves such as Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Horton Plains National Park offer opportunities to encounter Sri Lanka's endemic flora. Guided botanical walks within these areas provide the best chance of identifying rare species in their natural habitat.

Question 7

What does the botanical identifier LK94008580 mean?

Accepted Answer

LK94008580 is a reference number assigned to Isonandra compta within Sri Lanka's national botanical and biodiversity cataloguing system. It is used by herbaria and researchers to cross-reference specimen records for this specific species.

Scientific Name	Isonandra compta
Family Name	SAPOTACEAE
English Name
Local Name	Mal pedda
Sanskrit Name
Conservation Status
Status	Endemic
Edible Parts	none