Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Vernacular name: Bush gardenia, Cape jasmine, Sugandha phala
Species Name: Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis
Family: Rubiaceae
Habit: Evergreen shrub
Stem: Woody stem, usually resinous.
Leaf: Lanceolate, acuminate at apex, opposite,
Flowering: Throughout the year
Flowers: Solitary or clustered inflorescence, bisexual flowers, white, fragrant, ribbed calyx with teeth, double corolla, twisted aestivation, cylindrical tube, sessile anthers, one celled ovary, thick style, bifid stigma
Fruit: Berry, Ovoid or elliptical, ribbed
Uses:
- Common plant in gardens, near windows, decks, popular because of the fragrant flowers.
- Glossy evergreen foliage and beautiful flowers of plant make it an excellent ornamental plant that is used as low hedge.
- Dried ripe fruit (Zhizi) exhibits presence of compounds like genipin and crocin making traditional medicines uses extracts and supplements of fruit owing to its antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammation property.
- In herbal remedies, plant is used to alleviate fever, headaches and promote liver health.
- Plant can be used widely in aromatherapy as essential oil derived from fruit has a volatiles (linalool) that has a sedative and calming effect and help with relieving anxiety, improve sleep quality, regulate heat rate and soothe nervous system and help with boosting self perception.
- Crocin is also used as a vibrant yellow and orange dye used in food and textile industry.
- Oils and extract of plant are used in cosmetic and skin care industry due to skin soothing, fragrant and antibacterial properties.
