Kokoona zeylanica

Kokoona zeylanica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Celastrales
Family: Celastraceae
Genus: Kokoona
Species: K. zeylanica
Binomial name
Kokoona zeylanica
Thwaites

Kokoona zeylanica, known in Sinhala as කොකුන් - (Kokun) is a species of plant in the Celastraceae family. The genus is classified in the family Hippocrateaceae by some authorities.[1]

It is endemic to Sri Lanka. It is extant at Adam's Peak[2] and at Kanneliya.[3]

The species has been listed by the IUCN as threatened.[4]

Description

The Kokun is a large tree with a rough grey bark. It flowers from March to May.[3]

Leaves

opposite, obovate, cuneate base, rounded to retuse apex, margins entire to faintly serrate, beneath glandular dots.

Trunk

Bark - rough, corky, gray; Immature Bark - bright yellow; Wood - pale yellowish brown.

Flowers

dull yellowish brown; Inflorescence - axillary panicles.

Fruits

oblong ovoid, bluntly 3-sided capsule; seeds winged.

Ecology

rainforest canopy in wet zone of Sri Lanka.

Uses

The Kokun is regarded as a medicinal plant traditionally used in a number of conditions.[3][5] The seed oil from this plant is effective as a leech repellent.[1][3]

The inner bark has been used by jewellers as a polish.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Kokoona zeylanica in BoDD – Botanical Dermatology Database
  2. ↑ Duraisamy, S. (28 July 2008). "Man feels the pinch for ‘kokum’ bark offence". Daily News. Retrieved 28 July 2008.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Kokoona zeylanica". Asia Medicinal Plants Database. National Agrobiodiversity Centre. Retrieved 28 July 2008.
  4. ↑ Rajathewa, R A M P. "List of Threatened Plants according to IUCN Red Data Book (1999)". Environment Sri Lanka. Retrieved 28 July 2008.
  5. ↑ Wijesundara, D S A. "Inventory, documentation and status of medicinal plants research in Sri Lanka". Medicinal Plants Research in Asia. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute. Retrieved 28 July 2008.