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Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.
Synonym : Bruschia macrocarpa Bertol.
Family
: Nyctanthaceae
Local Names
: Paarijatham, Pavizhamalli,
Tree of Sorrow
Flowering
and fruiting period:
September – April
Distribution: South Asia
Habitat: Grown in homesteads as garden plant
IUCN
status:
Data Deficient
Endemic: No
Uses: Sacred Indian plant.
A saffron-yellow dye obtained from
the flowers is used for colouring food. Flowers are used medicinally to provoke
menstruation. The bitter leaves are useful as a cholagogue, laxative,
diaphoretic and diuretic. An extract is given to children for the expulsion of
roundworms and threadworms. The dye is nyctanthin, which is allied to crocetin
as found in saffron. The essential oil in the fragrant flowers, which is
similar to the oil in jasmine, is used as perfume.
Key
Characters:
Large straggling but not climbing shrub
or small tree; leaves decussate-opposite; inflorescence axillary or forming a
large, terminal,
