KNOW THE VARIETIES OF JASMINE S ESWARA REDDY

Jasmine is one of the most popular flowers. About 200 species of Jasminum, both climbing and trailing or shrub, with erect habit are found in temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions of the world. Several species of Jasminum including many important cultivated ones are native to India. The commonly grown species are: Jasminum auriculatum J. grandiflorum J. sambac J. J. J. J. J. brevilobium arborescens paniculatum primulinum humile : Mullai/Pari Mullai : Jathi Malli or Jaji. : Arabian Jasmine or Mallipoo (Gundu Malli)

: Yellow flower sp.

J. flexile J. pubescens J. calophyllum

Very heavy and high yielding : species not affected by pests and diseases.

Jasmine flowers are used for making garlands and are for adorning the hair of women. Some species of jasmine (J.grandiforum, J.auriculatum and J.samboc) yield a very valuable oil which is used in perfumery industry. In the gardens the Jasmine (J. sambac) is raised as a dwarf growing shrub and a few species (J. grandiflorum, J. auriculatum etc.) are grown as climbers over pergolas and arches. Varieties: Mullai (Jasminum auriculatum) Parimullai is the best. It is high yielding and resistant to the gall mite caused by Acerya Jasmine a serious pest of mullai. It has also a long flowering season of 9 to 10 months (from February to December). It is a clonal selection made from the local type clone 1 long pointed bud . Jathi Malli (Jassminum grandiflorum) It is grown for its highly fragment flowers. The plants is ornamental in appearance having long pendulous branches with dissected leave. It is a heavy yielder and produces blooms practically throughout the year. There are two distinct types in Jathi Malli. One produces milky white flowers and the other with pink colouration on the outside. Pink tinged flowers are highly fragrent.

The triploid pink flowered variety is the best. It is high yielding and flowers for 10 months from March to December. It is a selection made from locally grown diploid pink variety. Mallipoo sambac). or Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum

It is a dwarf spreading bushy shrub with attractive glabrous leaves. Produces white scented flowers in great perfusion in hot season. There are four types in J. Sambac. 1.Single flowered mohra) Arabian Jasmine (Single

2.The semi double types Donthora malli 3.The fully double small flower Arabian Jasmine Gunde Malli, Iruvatchi. 4.The large double or Tuscan type Jasmine also called the Grand Duke of Tuscany Boddu Malli. Gundu Malli and iruvatchi are preferred for commercial cultivation, whereas single mohra for home gardens.
dr_esreddy@yahoo.co.in 8 June 2012
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