88-TABERNAEMONTANA DIVARICATE (L.) R. Br.
Local names: Pin wheel flower, Grape jasmine, Swastik
Family: Aocynaceae
Location: Botanical garden, Boys Hostel mess
Characters: The plant generally grows to a height of 1.5–1.8 metres (5–6 ft) and is dichotomously branched. The large shiny leaves are deep green and about 15 cm (6 in) in length and 5 cm (2 in) in width. The waxy blossoms are found in small clusters on the stem tips. The (single) flowers have the characteristic 'pinwheel' shape also seen in other genera in the family Apocynaceae such as Vinca and Nerium. Both single and double-flowered forms are cultivated, the flowers of both forms being white. The plant blooms in spring but flowers appear sporadically all year. The flowers have a pleasing fragrance. More than 66 alkaloids are found in the shrub. Its habitats include montane brushwoods and sparse forests.
General use: Grape jasmine is widely used as a medicinal herb in the tropics. Indeed, in India the applications in traditional medicine are so numerous that the plant may well be classified as a panacea for gastro-intestinal, urogenital and skin affections. The wood is refrigerant. The roots are astringent. A decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and various abdominal complaints. An infusion is applied as a remedy for jungle fever. The roots are used in modern medicine to treat hypertension, headache, and scabies. The pounded roots are applied to sore eyes. The root is employed as a local anodyne and chewed for the relief of toothache. The pounded leaves are an ingredient of a cough medicine taken as an infusion. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat grippe (influenza). The flowers, mixed with oil, are applied to sore eyes. The latex of the leaves is used as a cooling application for wounds to prevent inflammation.