Recently, a new species of flowering plant from the Strobilanthes family was discovered by the Management Information Officer and WildLanka Journal l Chief Editor Nilanthi Rajapakse. The flower, scientifically named Strobilanthes medahinnensis, was found in Medahena, Nuwara Eliya, and is the first of its kind. Rajapakse informed us that it is yet to be found anywhere else in Sri Lanka or in the world.
Rajapakse first came across this flower on 1 September 2015, but at the time it hadn’t bloomed. Upon several visits over the year to observe its progress, she discovered that it had finally bloomed on 29 June 2020. The flower was then aptly named “sleeping beauty” based on the long years it takes for the flower to bloom. Describing its beauty, Rajapakse commented that it is quite similar to another of its species that is found in Horton Plains. “It is similar to Strobilanthes anceps in having ovate leaves, yellow gland dots of abaxial leaf surface and reflexed bracts but differs by rounded stem, leaves with acuminate apex, elongated spikes, lanceolate outermost bract with long acuminate apex.” Going by looks, the flower is white and has a corn-like structure, according to Rajapakse.
After critical study, referring catalogues and looking at all the specimens listed both offline and online, she came to the conclusion that it was a new species, and she promptly described and illustrated it as such. She added that they do need to contact other professionals in the field to announce this new species, specifically a scientist by the name Dr. John R.I. Wood, who she commented on, has done research on this subject in Sri Lanka. Dr. John R.I. Wood has also published a chapter in A Hand-book to the Flora of Ceylon in 1998. “That was the last study done regarding Strobilanthes, until now. That is why I’m so interested in it,” she added.
Giving us some insight into her research on Strobilanthes, she explained that she began studying them in 2005, and has since conducted many surveys and studies on it. Finding this new species was a breakthrough for Rajapakse, and she will continue to pursue plant exploration.
She also explained that this flower is especially interesting because it’s a seasonal flower, which is why they were unable to study it to completion as the species is poorly known and rarely created. “Seasonal flowers take a long time to bloom, like this one, which took five long years,” she added.
When asked if this plant has any significant properties, Rajapakse informed us that it has medicinal value. “This plant can be used to treat diabetes, asthma, snake bites and others.” Aside from its medical properties, she also informed us that the plant has commercial value as a dye; it can be extracted and used as a natural dye.
Currently, with the new species, there are 33 species of Strobilanthes in Sri Lanka. Rajapakse informed us that some can be found anywhere, and some have a rather restricted distribution in undisturbed montane and sub-montane forests and lowland rain forests of the island. She also informed us that eight of these species can be found in Horton Plains and they only flower every 12 years, which is why these flowers are so unique and need protection.
As part of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Rajapakse expressed that it is their duty to work towards conservation of flora and fauna, as pertained by the conservation of flora and fauna ordinance in Sri Lanka. On this note, she informed that about 14 of the Strobilanthes species are protected by the DWC, and added that three to four newer species are to be added to this list in the near future. As the Strobilanthes medahinnensis was just discovered, it is yet to be put on the list of protected flora but she commented that it soon will be a part of this list.
“About 66% of Strobilanthes species from Sri Lanka belong to a threatened category, mainly because of the continued loss and fragmentation of natural habitats,” she stated, adding that therefore, it is essential that special conservation plans should be implemented. She further observed that this will help reduce the pressure on the forest and thus conserving the natural environment.
Rajapakse first came across this flower on 1 September 2015, but at the time it hadn’t bloomed. Upon several visits over the year to observe its progress, she discovered that it had finally bloomed on 29 June 2020. The flower was then aptly named “sleeping beauty” based on the long years it takes for the flower to bloom. Describing its beauty, Rajapakse commented that it is quite similar to another of its species that is found in Horton Plains. “It is similar to Strobilanthes anceps in having ovate leaves, yellow gland dots of abaxial leaf surface and reflexed bracts but differs by rounded stem, leaves with acuminate apex, elongated spikes, lanceolate outermost bract with long acuminate apex.” Going by looks, the flower is white and has a corn-like structure, according to Rajapakse.
After critical study, referring catalogues and looking at all the specimens listed both offline and online, she came to the conclusion that it was a new species, and she promptly described and illustrated it as such. She added that they do need to contact other professionals in the field to announce this new species, specifically a scientist by the name Dr. John R.I. Wood, who she commented on, has done research on this subject in Sri Lanka. Dr. John R.I. Wood has also published a chapter in A Hand-book to the Flora of Ceylon in 1998. “That was the last study done regarding Strobilanthes, until now. That is why I’m so interested in it,” she added.
Giving us some insight into her research on Strobilanthes, she explained that she began studying them in 2005, and has since conducted many surveys and studies on it. Finding this new species was a breakthrough for Rajapakse, and she will continue to pursue plant exploration.
She also explained that this flower is especially interesting because it’s a seasonal flower, which is why they were unable to study it to completion as the species is poorly known and rarely created. “Seasonal flowers take a long time to bloom, like this one, which took five long years,” she added.
When asked if this plant has any significant properties, Rajapakse informed us that it has medicinal value. “This plant can be used to treat diabetes, asthma, snake bites and others.” Aside from its medical properties, she also informed us that the plant has commercial value as a dye; it can be extracted and used as a natural dye.
Currently, with the new species, there are 33 species of Strobilanthes in Sri Lanka. Rajapakse informed us that some can be found anywhere, and some have a rather restricted distribution in undisturbed montane and sub-montane forests and lowland rain forests of the island. She also informed us that eight of these species can be found in Horton Plains and they only flower every 12 years, which is why these flowers are so unique and need protection.
As part of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Rajapakse expressed that it is their duty to work towards conservation of flora and fauna, as pertained by the conservation of flora and fauna ordinance in Sri Lanka. On this note, she informed that about 14 of the Strobilanthes species are protected by the DWC, and added that three to four newer species are to be added to this list in the near future. As the Strobilanthes medahinnensis was just discovered, it is yet to be put on the list of protected flora but she commented that it soon will be a part of this list.
“About 66% of Strobilanthes species from Sri Lanka belong to a threatened category, mainly because of the continued loss and fragmentation of natural habitats,” she stated, adding that therefore, it is essential that special conservation plans should be implemented. She further observed that this will help reduce the pressure on the forest and thus conserving the natural environment.