Common name of Malati Latha is Clone scented echites. In Hindi it is known as Malati, in Sanskrit and Kannada it is known as Maalatilatha. Botanical name is Aganosma heynei and belongs to Apocynaceae family (Oleander). I came across this giant creepers in Padubidiri.
Malati is native to India. It is a big, woody, creeper with green, oval leaves that are oppositely arranged on the stem.
White fragrant flowers bloom, which resemble Jasmine.
The flowers have five petals that are pointed and twisted at the end.
Malati Latha flower is offered to Lord Ganesha during 21 pushpa pooja while chanting the below verse: “Om Sarvaathmakaaya Namaha Malathi Pushpam Samarpayami”