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]
| Kokoona zeylanica | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Celastrales |
| Family: | Celastraceae |
| Genus: | Kokoona |
| Species: | K. zeylanica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Kokoona zeylanica Thwaites
| |
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 edit
The kokun is a large tree with a rough grey bark. It flowers from March to May.[3]
Uses edit
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 edit
- ^ a b c Kokoona zeylanica in BoDD – Botanical Dermatology Database
- ^ Duraisamy, S. (28 July 2008). "Man feels the pinch for 'kokum' bark offence". Daily News. Archived from the original on 25 September 2008. Retrieved 28 July 2008.
- ^ a b c d "Kokoona zeylanica". Asia Medicinal Plants Database. National Agrobiodiversity Centre. Retrieved 28 July 2008.
- ^ Rajathewa, R A M P. "List of Threatened Plants according to IUCN Red Data Book (1999)". Environment Sri Lanka. Retrieved 28 July 2008.
- ^ Wijesundara, D S A. "Inventory, documentation and status of medicinal plants research in Sri Lanka" (PDF). Medicinal Plants Research in Asia. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute. Retrieved 28 July 2008.[permanent dead link]
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