Importance of preserving the ecological uniqueness of the Knuckles pathana lands
Pathan Ala, scientifically known as ‘Ceropegia lankana’ is a remarkable plant species celebrated not only for its rarity but also for its role in showcasing the unique biodiversity of the Knuckles massif. This region stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich floral heritage, positioning the country as a biodiversity hotspot on a global scale.
What sets this area apart is its ability to encapsulate various vegetation types within a relatively compact space. From montane to sub-montane, wet evergreen to dry and arid, the Knuckles massif hosts a diverse array of ecosystems, including riverine, swampy, floodplain, and pathana grasslands.
The pathana grasslands of Knuckles are particularly exceptional, featuring wet and dry intermediate-quality variants unlike those predominantly found in the hills of Sri Lanka. These grasslands, characterised by their thin soil layer atop rocky substrates, harbour a delicate ecosystem prone to significant disruption even from minor disturbances.
Discovered in Pitawalapatana, Knuckles, by veteran botanists Dr. Magdon Jayasuriya and Prof. M. D. Dassanayake in 1974, Pathan Ala was initially classified as ‘Brachystelma lankanum’ before being reclassified under the genus Ceropegia within the family Apocynaceae.
Historically, Pathan Ala has served as both a dietary and medicinal resource for local communities, with reports of its consumption in neighbouring villages. In regions like India and certain African countries, tubers from the Ceropegia genus are utilized in raw and curry preparations.
Despite its cultural significance, Pathan Ala faces an alarming threat to its survival, earning a designation of “Critically Endangered” on the National Red Data List. Confined to the limited area of Pitawalapathana, this species remains endemic to its singular habitat within the Knuckles massif.
Recent explorations by a team of freelance naturalists from YES (Youth Exploration Society of Sri Lanka), the Wayamba and Sri
Jayewardenepura Universities and the Knuckles Tourism Circle – the writer with Nadeera Weerasinghe, Naween Dhanushka, Chandima Hemal have discovered Pathan Ala in another pathana area of the Knuckles region, near Lakegala on the eastern flank of
the mountain range. Previous sightings by the team also include Rena Ketu Pathana (Rawana Kethu Pathana) in the Knuckles Kalupahana area.
The ecological uniqueness of the Knuckles pathana lands serves as a catalyst for the emergence
of species like Pathan Ala, potentially acting as keystone species crucial for ecosystem stability. Preserving these invaluable biological resources through gene pool conservation is imperative for future development endeavours, although the efficacy of natural gene banks or wildlands in fulfilling this role remains uncertain.