Champaka - Magnolia Champaca flower
Magnolia champaca is a species of flowering plant in the Magnoliaceae family, native to South and Southeast Asia. It has been introduced in Madagascar via its fruit-bat which feeds on its flowers. They are found in forests from sea level up to 1800 m. The tree reaches 15 to 30 meters tall with large elliptic leaves up to 35 cm long. It has small, fragrant white flowers that grow up to 5 cm across. The fruit is an ellipsoid capsule that opens when ripe.
"Magnolia champaca" blooms in mid-spring with sporadic but abundant creamy white flowers of up to 6 inches in size, though they may also bloom sporadically or in twos throughout summer. The base of the flower is narrow, which gradually widens up to 2 inches across at the top portion where both petals and sepals converge into a single point. Magnoila champaca flowers are hermaphroditic with no distinct fringed labellum that distinguishes them from their counterparts, the Magnolia figo and Magnolia stellata. The flowers have an obovate corolla that is frequently described as being a creamy white or pure white hue in various different texts.
The petals of the flower are 4-5cm in length while the sepals are around 3-4cm in length. The flowers are white to pale yellow, with creamy orange-yellow stamens. They have a sweet lemony fragrance. The tree is an important flowering tree in China. The flowers are also used for making tea. The dried flowers are often used as part of flower arrangements.
The fruit capsule is ellipsoid, longitudinally 3-winged, and contains many seeds. When ripe it splits into three valves to release the large (up to 4cm) seed within. The seed has a thin brown seed coat and a white endosperm, which is sweet and pleasantly mucilaginous. The seed contains 3-5 cotyledons (seed leaves).
The bark from the tree may be used as a laxative or to treat dysentery. It is also given as part of certain traditional Chinese medicines tried for diabetes. The plant's latex can be used as chewing gum to relieve stomachache and topically for the treatment of dermatitis.
Champaka or Champak white yellow flower Michelia champaca
The champaka flower is a beautiful yellow flower that is native to tropical Asia. The flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance and are often used in religious ceremonies and as decorations. Champaka flowers are also known as the "tree of life" due to their long lifespan and ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
The champaka flower is an important symbol in many Asian cultures. In Hinduism, the champaka flower is associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The champaka is also considered to be a sacred flower in Buddhism, and is often used in Buddhist rituals and offerings.
The champaka flower has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The flowers are said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. The extract of the flower is also used to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
The champaka flower is a beautiful and unique flower that has a strong symbolic meaning in many Asian cultures. The flower is known for its long lifespan and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, making it a symbol of life and resilience. The champaka flower is also said to have medicinal properties, making it a valuable plant in traditional medicine.
Global champaka production
The Champaka tree is native to tropical Asia, and its flowers are widely used in Indian and Buddhist ceremonial garlands. In the Hindu religion, the champaka flower is associated with the god Vishnu, and is often used in wedding ceremonies. The champaka tree grows up to 20 meters tall, with large, leathery leaves and fragrant, yellow or white flowers. The tree blooms throughout the year, but the peak flowering season is from March to May.
Champakas are grown commercially in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. In India, champakas are mainly grown in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Sri Lanka is the world's second largest producer of champakas, after India. The champaka industry in Sri Lanka is worth an estimated US$40 million annually.
Thailand is the world's third largest producer of champakas, with an annual output of around 10 million flowers. The majority of Thai champakas are grown in the central province of Phitsanulok.
Vietnam is the fourth largest producer of champakas, with an annual output of around 5 million flowers. The majority of Vietnamese champakas are grown in the northern province of Bac Kan.
Global production of champaka flowers is estimated to be around 50 million blossoms per year. The majority of champakas are used in religious ceremonies or for making garlands, but a small percentage are also sold as cut flowers for use in floral arrangements.