Parijati Tree
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Parijati Tree |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | March 8, 1997 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 700000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 x 13½ |
| Printer | Calcutta Security Printers Ltd |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1541 Stamp Number IN 1599 Yvert et Tellier IN 1311 Stanley Gibbons IN 1705 |
| Themes | Plants (Flora) | Trees | |
Table of Contents
Parijati Tree (Har Singar / Night Jasmine) Overview
Scientific Name: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis
Description:
The Parijati tree, also known as Har Singar or Night Jasmine, is renowned for its striking flowers and aromatic fragrance. It is a small to medium-sized tree, often reaching a height of about 5-10 meters. Its branches are typically rectangular, and it is known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers.
Flower Characteristics:
- Blooming Pattern: The flowers of the Parijati tree open in the evening and fall off the next morning. This ephemeral blooming pattern contributes to its mystique.
- Color: The flowers are white with a saffron-colored stem. They have a pleasant fragrance that is more pronounced in the evening.
- Petals: The petals are typically white and fragrant.
Habitat:
- Geographical Range: The Parijati tree is found in the outer Himalayas at altitudes of around 1400 meters, extending from Jammu & Kashmir, through Nepal, Assam, Bengal, and Tripura, and southwards to the Godavari region. It is also present in Thailand, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
- Climate: Prefers tropical to subtropical climates.
Medicinal Uses:
- Leaves: The juice of Parijati leaves is used in traditional medicine for treating fever, digestive disorders, and other ailments. It is bitter and saline in taste.
- Bark: The bark is used to relieve lung swelling and pain. It is also used in hair tonics.
- Flowers: Although bitter, they act as an appetiser and soothe the stomach. They are used in various traditional remedies.
- Seeds: Utilized in the treatment of skin diseases and piles.
Cultural Significance:
- The Parijati tree is often associated with divine or spiritual themes. Its flowers are mentioned in the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, emphasizing their cultural and aesthetic significance.
- It is a symbol of beauty and divine grace, celebrated in various traditional practices and literature.
Preservation and Use:
- Gardening: The Parijati tree is cultivated for its beauty and fragrance, making it a popular choice for gardens and decorative planting.
- Traditional Medicine: It continues to be used in traditional medicine practices for its therapeutic properties.
The Parijati tree’s unique characteristics and cultural significance make it an important part of the natural and spiritual heritage of the regions where it grows.