Common Name: Snake jasmine. Tamil Name: Uragamalli, Nagamalli
Snake jasmine is a shrub of tropical Asian origin and grows to a height of about one meter. It is commonly found in forest edges of Coimbatore. The stem is greenish in color and ribbed. The simple leaves are arranged in an opposite manner; leaf margin is slightly dentate. The distance between each leafing node stands around 7 cm. The leaf stalk and leaf length measure around 1.5 cm and 11.5 cm respectively. The leaf shape is elliptic and both ends of the leaf are cute. The inflorescence is in the form of a cyme and the flowers are seen in closely held clusters. The flower is bi-lipped and white in color. The upper lip consists of only one thin lanceolate petal. The lower lip has three segments which are joined together and the petals have reddish spots. The flowers are sessile and the flower tube measures around 2.5 cm in length. The flower has two stamens and one pistil. The fruit is in the form of a capsule. Snake jasmine can be seen in mass flowering mode in the months of March and April. The root of the plant is used in the treatment of snake bites. The entire plant is considered medicinal and is often used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Snake jasmine infusion is drank as a tea substitute and several health benefits are attributed to the same.
