In Kannada this perennial flower is known as Sanna Marale or Sanna Mallige. Other common names are Juhi in Hinid, Uccimalligai in Tamil, Adavimalle in Telugu, and Yuthika in Sanskrit. Botanical name is Jasminum auriculatum and belongs to Oleaceae family.
Sanna Marale or Sanna Mallige is native of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. It is popular because of the fragrance of the small white flowers.
A bushy evergreen climbing plant, it grows to a height of 15 feet but is usually trimmed and maintained over a pergola.
The leaves are dark green, small, opposite, and triple.
Tube like flowers is white, small around 1 cm long. Fruit is black and round.
Uses:
Sanna marale is tied into garlands and are offered to gods and goddesses. Women and girls wear the garland on their hair in South India.
During the 21 pushpa pooja, Lord Ganesh is worshiped with this flower while chanting the following mantra: “Om Sarvaathmakaaya Namaha Yuthika Pushpam Samarpayami”.
Essential Oil is extracted from the flowers to be used in the perfumery industry. Parts of plants are used to treat ailments like mouth ulcers, tuberculosis.
Propagation:
Sanna marle plant can be propagated by cuttings amd seeds. The plant grows well in full sun and moist soil. Constant trimming will ensure new growth and profuse blooming.