Botanical Name: Michelia champaca L.
Family: Magnoliaceae
Common Name: Yellow Champa
Vernacular/Local Name: Chafo
Diagnostic Characters: An evergreen tree with highly fragrant yellow to orange flowers. The flowers possess numerous spirally arranged tepals. Stamens and carpels are spirally arranged on an elongated receptacle. Fruits are aggregates of woody follicles, with red seeds exposed when mature.
Phenology: Flowers throughout the year.
Etymology: The genus name Michelia honors Pietro Antonio Micheli, an Italian botanist. The species name champaca is derived from the Sanskrit word Champaka, meaning “flowering tree,” in reference to its fragrant blossoms.
Uses:
- Flowers are highly valued in Hindu rituals, temple offerings, and garlands, with strong mythological and spiritual significance.
- Widely planted in gardens, temple premises, and avenues for its ornamental and fragrant value.
- Flowers are used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antipyretic properties.
- Bark is traditionally used to treat fever and rheumatism.
- Essential oil (Champaca oil) extracted from the flowers is used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and cosmetics.
References:
Flowers of India – Champa
