Madhavi lata, native from India to the Philippines, is a vine like plant that
is often cultivated in the tropics for its attractive and fragrant flowers.
A woody climbing shrub with clusters of pink to white and yellow fragrant
flowers and 3-winged, helicopter-like fruits. Flowers have very interesting
shape and look like a decorative accessory, with fluffy-toothed edges. The
fragrance is very strong and pleasant, resembles fruity perfume. Leaves are
narrow and drooping. This plant can be trimmed as a bush, and can be crown in
container, too. Used medicinally in India. Make sure to provide lots of light
for profuse blooming. The genus name, Hiptage, is derived from the Greek
hiptamai, which means "to fly" and refers its unique three-winged fruit known
as "samara". The fruit is carried by wind because of its papery wings.
Medicinal uses: The bark, leaves and flowers are aromatic, bitter,
acrid, astringent, refrigerant, vulnerary, expectorant, cardiotonic,
anti-inflammatory and insecticidal. They are useful in
burning sensation, wounds, ulcers, cough, asthma.
Identification credit: Tabish
Photographed in Lodhi Garden, Delhi
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The flower labeled Madhavi Lata is ...