Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R. Br.

നന്ദിയാര്‍വട്ടം

Family : Apocynaceae

Synonym : Nerium divaricatum L.

Common Names : Nandhiyarvattom, Kattampale, East Indian rosebay

Flowering Period : Throughout the year

Distribution : Native of Southern Himalayas

Habitat : Mostly cultivated as garden plant

Uses : Ornamental. Root 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. 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. The roots, leaves, and flowers are all used in the treatment of snake and scorpion poisoning. The pulp around the seeds is used as a red dye.

Key Characters :

Shrubs or small trees, bark pale grey-brown. Leaves opposite, elliptic or narrowly elliptic. Flowers fragrant. Sepals pale green, ovate, or sometimes narrowly ovate. Corolla  white, often with a yellow throat, lobes obliquely elliptic or obovate Stamens from below mouth of corolla tube. Ovary ovoid. Fruit of 2 separate mericarps.