Family: Rubiaceae
Common name: Curved Flower Chassalia, Curved flower Woody Chassalia, Yamari, Vellakurinji
Curved Flower Chassalia plants can grow to a height of 2 meters, branched with large, glossy green leaves. They belong to the coffee plant family of Rubiaceae and has similar fruits borne in clusters on the branches.
Leaves are opposite, dark green and shiny, about 15-25 cms long. The plant produces small white flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. Buds are pink and white in color, waxy and shiny, with a sweet fragrance.
Flowers petals are curved sharply inwards, giving the plant its name. Curved flower Chassalia fruits are small and rounded, deep purple in color.
Chassalia is an excellent plant for gardeners who want to add a unique tropical touch to their gardens. These plants prefer moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. But they can also grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Chassalia plants are reasonably drought-resistant, and needs regular watering only during the summer months. They prefer partial shade and can be grown under large trees that provide filtered sunlight.
With ocassional fertilization, the plant can grow well and bloom during spring and summer. Regular pruning helps keep the plant bushy and healthy.
These plants have medicinal uses in traditional herbal medicine, and is used in the treatment of rheumatism, pneumonia, cough, malaria, ulcers, headache, snake and insect bites. They are said to have anti-hepatotoxic property, antihypertensive activity, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, cytotoxic and insecticidal properties.
Their shiny, dark green leaves and sweet-scented flowers make Chassalia plants an excellent addition to any tropical garden, while their medicinal properties make it a valuable plant in traditional medicine.
With proper care and attention, Chassalia curviflora can thrive in a wide range of garden settings and provide many years of beauty and health benefits.
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
