Awareness about Exacum species (Binara/Ginihiriya) Among the University Students of Sri Lanka

Abstract

There are eight Exacum species available in Sri Lanka. The genus Exacum is at risk of extinction due to various reasons. In some areas, the local populations of Exacum have been eliminated due to weed controlling. The value of Exacum with colourful flowers in landscaping has not been recognized by the floriculture industry in Sri Lanka yet. A study was conducted to investigate the awareness about Exacum species in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were carried out among the purposely chosen undergraduates representing all districts of Sri Lanka using a pre-tested questionnaire. Progress group discussions were conducted using five to seven students in a group and with two groups from each 25' Districts. Survey revealed that respondents from Kilinochchi, Batticaloa and Vavuniya Districts do not possess a clear idea about Binara plant. Less than 11% of the respondents in the sample have never seen a live specimen of Binara and only 30% knew that the Binara plant is endemic to Sri Lanka. According to the survey, Binara plants have been removed from their natural habitats during the past few decades. Major reasons for the extinction of Binara were land fragmentation (35%), clearing lands for cultivations (32%) and use of chemical weedicides (29%). Awareness programmes are needed to disseminate the knowledge about Binara in all Districts. The habitats from where the plant has been recorded need to be protected as soon as possible.