Gardenia jasmine

Eruatamia coronaria

NAME: Eruatamia coronaria

FAMILY: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)

COMMON NAMES: Cape jasmine, Crepe jasmine, Gardenia jasmine

LOCAL NAMES: N/A

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Eruatamia coronaria is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach a height of about 2-4 meters. It has a dense, bushy growth habit with glossy, elliptical leaves that are dark green and arranged in opposite pairs. The plant produces fragrant, showy flowers that are typically white, although some cultivars may have pink or yellow flowers. The flowers are star-shaped and have a waxy texture, with five or six petals arranged in a whorl. The fruit is a fleshy capsule containing numerous seeds.

USEFUL PART(s): The flowers of Eruatamia coronaria are primarily used for various purposes.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Ornamental Plant: Eruatamia coronaria is highly valued for its ornamental value. The fragrant and beautiful flowers make it a popular choice for gardens, parks, and landscaping projects. It can be grown as a standalone specimen plant, in hedges, or as part of mixed shrub borders, adding elegance and fragrance to outdoor spaces.

  2. Traditional Medicine: In some traditional medicinal systems, the flowers of Eruatamia coronaria are used to prepare remedies. The plant is believed to possess properties that may help treat ailments such as fever, skin conditions, and digestive disorders. However, it's important to note that the plant should be used with caution and under the guidance of a trained herbalist or healthcare professional.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Eruatamia coronaria is native to Southeast Asia and is widely distributed across countries like India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is also cultivated in many other parts of the world with suitable tropical or subtropical climates.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Eruatamia coronaria, like other plants, appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll in its leaves. Chlorophyll is a pigment that captures sunlight during photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light while reflecting green light, giving plants their characteristic green color.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Eruatamia coronaria, as an ornamental plant, can enhance the aesthetic appeal of landscapes and provide habitat and food for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Additionally, as an evergreen species, it can help provide year-round greenery and contribute to the overall biodiversity of its habitat.

FUN FACT: Eruatamia coronaria is known for its enchanting fragrance, especially in the evening. The sweet scent of its flowers attracts nocturnal pollinators, such as moths, which play a crucial role in its reproductive cycle.

Further Reading:

  1. "Eruatamia coronaria (L.) Stapf: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review." By D. N. Patil and others.

  2. "Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties of Eruatamia coronaria: A Review." By D. Gupta and others.

  3. "The Efficacy of Eruatamia coronaria (L.) Stapf. (Apocynaceae) in the Treatment of Various Disorders: A Review." By M. Maheshwari and others.