Date of Visit: 14th June 2025
Time: 8.30 A.M to 12.45 P.M.
Location: Kannaki puram, Punkudutivu, Jaffna District, Sri Lanka.
Organized by: Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Department of Gunapadam
Participants: 2nd BSMS Students
Supervisor: Dr.Mrs. V. Sathiyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithiakumar,
Guide: Mr. A. Sanjayan, Mr, J. Eugin Benat, Miss. A. Mayoori.
The field visit was organized as part of our curriculum under Mooligaiyeyal – II to enhance practical exposure to the identification and study of medicinal plants, with a specific focus on species found in scrubland, salt marshes, and intertidal areas, in addition to mangrove vegetation. It was conducted during the academic field hours of 2nd BSMS students guided by academic staff and temporary demonstrators of department of Gunapadam.
The objective was to identify and document medicinal plants growing in a specific region, along with their therapeutic uses, life cycle, toxic properties, and useful parts. Also understand the ecological and medicinal significance of various plant species used in siddha healthcare systems.
The field visit commenced at 08:30 AM and concluded at 12:45 PM. During the walk, we observed and documented nearly 102 species 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. Notable among these were several rare and significant species such as Cassia obovate, Colocynthis vulgaris, Gemlila asiatica, Randic dumetorum, Aristolochia bracteolate, Lumnitzera racemose, Launaea pinnatifida, Emilia sonchifolia, Carmona retusa, Enicostemma litterate. Some plant specimens were also collected for nursery preparation, while others were gathered for herbarium specimen preparation and medicinal use.
This field study not only deepened students’ understanding of medicinal botany but also emphasized the importance of biodiversity conservation. By bridging theoretical concepts with practical application, the visit effectively fulfilled the academic and experiential learning outcomes of the subject.
