The white flowers of the Snake Jasmine Rhinacanthus nasutus bloom profusely in winter, making the bush look as though it is speckled with yoghurt.
This is a native Indian flower, native to the Western Ghats. The flowers have no smell. It is a nice plant to have in a small garden as it flowers profusely from November to March, until the Jasmines take over. The roots of the Snake Jasmine are believed to possess extraordinary aphrodisiac qualities. The leaves and roots are used for skin infections. Theplant gets its name from the shape of the flower , which looks like the hood of a cobra, and also because the roots are used as an antidote for snake venom.
I have not seen this plant before. Funny that it is called Snake Jasmine. The flowers do not look harmful he he... In fact they look pretty :-) Glad to know that it flowers profusely in the winter as the flowers would definitely warm up the place. I hope your weekend has been a fun one. Have a restful evening!
ReplyDeleteI love to see your unusal native flowers . I don't know this plant at all
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephanie.
ReplyDeleteIan, I have not seen this flower in many gardens.People here like very colourful flowers.
Interesting plant.
ReplyDeleteCher
Goldenray Yorkies
i need this whole plant for checking its pharmacological activity with new indication. can you provide me plz.....
ReplyDeleteThis plant is known in Chinese as 白鶴霊芝（Bai He Lingzi) meaning White Crane Lingzhi. So named after the numerous flowers resembling white cranes and its Lingzhi-like medicinal properties. Grows well in tropical SE Asia, although seldom seen. Its leaves can be used for making herbal tea. Thank you for sharing.
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