Full Plant
Plant Details
Local Name:
Nandiyaarvattom
Common Name:
Crape Jasmine, Pinwheel Flower
Scientific Name:
Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult.
Family:
Apocynaceae
Vernacular Name:
Kattampale, Kuruttupala, Kunninpala
Habit:
Evergreen shrubs or small trees
Habitat:
forests, scrublands, and sometimes even in more disturbed areas.
Distribution:
Pan-tropical distribution.
Flowering Season:
spring and summer seasons.
Fruiting Season:
Fruiting is not a prominent feature of this plant
Altitude:
up to 1,300 meters
Uses:
Medicinal Uses:
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Pain Relief
Anti-inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Pain Relief
Part Used:
roots, leaves, bark, flowers, and latex
Method of Use:
Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, bark, and flowers, are utilized in different forms such as poultices, decoctions, and infusions
Folklore:
Symbol of joy and playfulness, Symbol of happiness, Used in worship, prevent forgetfulness and improve memory,
Location:
kottakkal, parappur
GPS Coordinates:
11.0121° N, 75.9947° E
Collection Date:
2025-07-02
Collector Name:
Rajla A M
IUCN Status:
Least Concern (LC)
Invasive Status:
No
Chromosome Number:
2n = 22
Pollination Type:
Insect Pollination
Seed Dispersal:
wind and animals
Phytochemicals:
alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, phenolic acids, and enzymes
Description:
An evergreen shrub or small tree, typically reaching 1.5 to 2 meters in height. It's characterized by its glossy, deep green leaves and fragrant, white, pinwheel-shaped flowers, which appear sporadically throughout the year, especially in spring. The plant is known for its milky sap and is often used in traditional medicine and landscaping.