Pavizhamalli(parijat) Fragrant flowering plant

Pavizhamalli plant is a beautiful, fragrant flowering plant often grown in tropical gardens for its star-shaped white blossoms with bright orange centers 

 Profile of Pavizhamalli

• Botanical Name: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

• Family: Oleaceae (same family as jasmine and olive)

• Common Names:

  • Pavizhamalli (Malayalam, Kerala)

  • Parijat / Parijata (Sanskrit/Hindi)

  • Night-flowering Jasmine / Coral Jasmine

  • Shefali / Sheuli (Bengali)

 Appearance

• Growth Habit: Small ornamental tree or shrub, usually 2–4 m tall.

• Leaves: Rough, opposite, dark green leaves, sometimes slightly hairy.

• Flowers:

  • White petals with an orange-red tubular center, star-shaped.

  • Strong, sweet fragrance at night; flowers drop to the ground in the morning, carpeting the soil beautifully.

  • Blooms mainly in late summer and autumn.

• Fruit: Small, two-seeded, flat, brown capsule.

Growing & Care

• Sun Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.

• Watering: Moderate; water regularly but avoid waterlogging.

• Maintenance: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

Fertilizer

• Balanced NPK fertilizer (10:10:10 or 14:14:14) → supports healthy growth and flowering.

• High phosphorus (P) fertilizer (e.g., 10:20:10) → promotes abundant flower bud formation.

• Potassium (K) → improves flower size, color, and fragrance.

• Organic options: Vermicompost, well-rotted cow manure, bone meal, neem cake, or liquid compost tea.

Uses & Benefits

• Ornamental: Popular in gardens and temples for its beauty and fragrance.

• Medicinal (Ayurveda):

  • Leaves used for malaria, arthritis, cough, and fever remedies.

  • Flowers used in skin care and hair oils.

• Cultural:

  • Considered sacred in Hinduism; often offered in temples to Lord Vishnu and Krishna.

  • Associated with mythology – said to be a heavenly flower that blooms on earth.

Fun Fact: The name arbor-tristis means “sad tree” in Latin, because its fragrant flowers fall by morning, creating a carpet on the ground.