Jasminum multiflorum

Star jasmine
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Asterids
Order:Lamiales
Family:Oleaceae
Genus:Jasminum
Species: J. multiflorum
Binomial name
Jasminum multiflorum
(Burm. f.) Andrews

Jasminum multiflorum is a species of jasmine, in the family Oleaceae. It is known as winter jasmine, Indian jasmine, downy jasmine, and star jasmine. It is called "Sanna jaaji malli" (సన్న జాజి మల్లి) in Telugu and "Kundo" (কুন্দ) in Bengali. It flowers in Indian winter. It is also called Magha Mallika (Sanskrit) since it flowers in Magha winter month in the Indian Hindu Calendar. It flowers so much that sometimes the flowers cover most of the leaves leaving everything white.

In Indian mythology, Kund is known for its whiteness. So, instead of the common western phrase 'white as snow', what often appears in Hindu mythological stories is 'white as kunda'. Also, beautiful white teeth are often compared to Kunda buds. It is held to be especially sacred to Vishnu. In Manipur, Kundo flowers are used in worship, and are an essential part of a marriage ceremony. The bride garlands the groom with two Kundo flower garlands. The groom then takes one of the two and garlands the bride.

Jasminum multiflorum is native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Laos, Burma, Thailand and Vietnam. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its attractive and intensely fragrant flowers. The species is reportedly naturalised in Florida, Chiapas, Central America, Queensland and much of the West Indies.[1][2] [3][4]

References

  1. ↑ "Jasminum multiflorum". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  2. ↑ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Jasminum multiflorum
  3. ↑ "Jasminum multiflorum". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government, Canberra. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  4. ↑ Biota of North America Program, Jasminum multiflorum

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