Description

Habit : A small deciduous tree. Leaves : Elliptic-oblong, obtuse, narrowed into the petiole at the base, dark green above, paler beneath, stipules axillary, large, ovate, acute. Inflorescence : Solitary axillary. Flowers : Large, white, turning to yellow when old, fragrant. Calyx 5-lobed, Corolla tube long, slender, lobes 5, obovate, obtuse, spreading, veined. Stamens 5, anthers sessile. Ovary with 2, parietal placentas, stigma entire. Fruit : Ellipsoid, crowned with the calyx lobes. Flowering and Fruiting Time : July - September Significance : Cultivated in the gardens for its very fragrant white flowers open in the evening, soon turn from white to yellow. The gum-resin in called "Dikamali" which is hot, pungent, increases appetite, relieves pain of bowels and bronchitis. Used in constipation also hysteria, flatulent dyspepsia due to teething in children.

Location