Kokoona zeylanica explained
Kokoona zeylanica, known in Sinhala as කොකුන් (Kokun) is a species of plant in the family Celastraceae. It is not to be confused with the similar sounding word කොකුම් which stands for the Kokum plant. The genus was formerly classified in the family Hippocrateaceae.[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]
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]
Notes and References
- http://www.botanical-dermatology-database.info/BotDermFolder/CELASTRACEAE.html#KokoonaZeylanica Kokoona zeylanica
- News: S.. Duraisamy. Man feels the pinch for 'kokum' bark offence. Daily News. 28 July 2008. 28 July 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080925205231/http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/07/28/news15.asp. 25 September 2008. dead.
- Web site: Kokoona zeylanica . 28 July 2008 . Asia Medicinal Plants Database . National Agrobiodiversity Centre.
- Web site: List of Threatened Plants according to IUCN Red Data Book (1999) . 28 July 2008 . Rajathewa . R A M P . Environment Sri Lanka.
- Web site: Inventory, documentation and status of medicinal plants research in Sri Lanka . 28 July 2008 . Wijesundara . D S A . Medicinal Plants Research in Asia . International Plant Genetic Resources Institute .
