Date of Visit: 03rd July 2025
Location: Haldummulla , Badulla district , Sri Lanka
Time duration :8am – 3pm.
Participants: 2nd BSMS students
Organized by: Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Department of Gunapadam.
Supervisor: Dr.Mrs.Viviyan Sathiyaseelan and Dr.Mrs.Vidhya Milano Prasad.
Guide: Mr.J.Eugin Benat and Ms.A.Mayoori
01. Introduction
The field visit was organized as part of our curriculum Mooligaiyiyal-II to enhance practical exposure to the identification and study of medicinal plants, with found in hilly tract and natural forest. The session was conducted during the academic field hours of the 2nd BSMS students, guided by the academic staff and temporary demonstrators of the Department of Gunapadam.
02. Objective
The objective of this visit was to identify and document the medicinal plants growing in a specific region, along with their therapeutic uses, life cycle, toxic properties, and the medically useful parts.
03.Location and Climate
It is situated in the Intermediate zone, Haldummulla enjoys a tropical climate with a distinct dry season, making it suitable for a wide range of medicinal plants.
04. Main Observations
We had an opportunity to observe and engage in two main areas of study:
1.Identification of medicinal plants
During the walk, we observed and documented nearly 120 varieties of medicinal herbal plants. We identified their botanical names and plant families, noted the parts of the plants used in medicine, and studied the ecological and medicinal significance of various species used in the Siddha healthcare system. We also noted botanical features (such as leaf shape, flowers, and bark), and their habitats. We observed rare and significant medicinal plants Such as: Woodfordia fruticosea ,Embelica ribes, Cananga odovata, Hydnocarpus wightiana, Artabotrys hexapetalus, Celastrus paniculatus,Pterocarpus santhalinus , Croton tiglium ,Vanilla planifolia, Ruta graveolena,Saraca asoka,Combratum indicum,Fluceggea virosa, Gasminum angustifolium,Leea indica,Sterculia balanghas.
Additional species were also present but not individually listed here.
2.Identification of Raw Materials
We studied a variety of raw herbal materials used in traditional medicine. This included dried roots, bark, leaves, seeds and flowers, each labeled with botanical and vernacular names.
3.Herbarium also observed:
Herbarium sheets displaying properly preserved and labeled medicinal plants.
05.Conclusion
The visit to National Research Medicinal Plants Garden Haldummulla provided a comprehensive understanding of medicinal plant identification, raw material usage. Observing rare species was particularly valuable for appreciating the rich biodiversity and heritage of Sri Lankan traditional medicine.
