Tabernaemontana Divaricata:

Tabernaemontana Divaricata, may also be locally referred to as ‘Chandni’ ,

’crepe jasmine’ , ‘togor’ or ‘pinwheel’ flower and it belongs to the
Apocynaceae family. It is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and is
widely cultivated as an ornamental flower.

Appearance:

Tabernaemontana divaricata is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to

3 to 6 feet (1 - 2 m) in height. It features dark green, glossy leaves and
produces clusters of fragrant, white flowers. The flowers are tubular with
five petals arranged in a pinwheel shape, typically measuring around 2 to
3 inches (5 - 8 cm) in diameter.

Taxonomical Hierarchy:

Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)

Phylum: Tracheophyta (Vascular plants)
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae (Dogbane family)
Genus: Tabernaemontana
Species: Tabernaemontana divaricata

Morphological features:
Flower: Bisexual, approximately 6-12 cm in diameter. Pedicel slender,
jointed towards the apex, and pubescent with hairs beneath, measuring
about 1-1.5 cm in length. Radial symmetry with an epicalyx of 5-8 lobes,
connate at the base, and forked at the apex with one leaf lobe, measuring
about 0.5-1 cm in length.

Leaves: The leaves of Tabernaemontana divaricata are simple and

alternate in arrangement. They have a lanceolate shape with a pointed tip
and a glossy texture. The leaf margins are serrated or toothed.

Calyx: The calyx is composed of 5 lobes and exhibits distinct veins. It is

campanulate (bell-shaped) in structure, with broadly lanceolate lobes.
The base of the lobes is connate (fused), and the apex is acute to
acuminate. The lobes are valvate (overlapping in the bud) and can
sometimes contain nectarines. The calyx is covered with stellate (star-
shaped) and glandular hairs on the outside. It measures approximately 1-
2 cm in length.

Corolla: The corolla of Tabernaemontana divaricata is large and showy. It

can be yellow, white, orange, or purple at the base and is campanulate
(bell-shaped) in structure.

Androecium: The staminal column of Tabernaemontana divaricata

measures about 4-9 cm in length. The filaments attached to the staminal
column are approximately 3-9 mm long. The anthers are basifixed
(attached at the base) and are present throughout the staminal column.

Gynoecium: The ovary of Tabernaemontana divaricata is superior (above

the attachment point of other floral parts), and it is composed of five
locules. The placentation is axile, meaning that the ovules are attached
along the central axis of the ovary. The style measures about 5-5 mm in
length, and the stigma is discoid (disk-shaped) or capitates (having a
rounded or knob-like shape), often appearing reddish or orange.

Fruit: After successful pollination, the ovary of Tabernaemontana

divaricata develops into a fruit. The fruit is a capsule, which is a dry,
dehiscent fruit that splits open to release the seeds. The capsule contains
numerous small seeds.

Inflorescence: The inflorescence of Tabernaemontana divaricata is

typically a cyme, specifically a dichasial cyme. It is a determinate
inflorescence, meaning the growth is limited and terminates in a flower or
bud.

Sepals: The sepals of Tabernaemontana divaricata are the outermost

whorl of modified leaves that protect the developing flower bud. They are
typically green and fused at the base, forming a tubular structure known
as a calyx. The calyx is composed of five lobes or sepals, which may
exhibit distinct veins. The lobes are broadly lanceolate in shape, with a
connate base (fused) and an acute to acuminate apex. The sepals are
valvate, meaning they overlap in the bud, and can sometimes contain
nectarines. The outer surface of the sepals is covered with stellate (star-
shaped) and glandular hairs.

Petals: The petals of Tabernaemontana divaricata are the showy, modified

leaves that form the second whorl of the flower, known as the corolla.
The corolla is typically large and campanulate, with a tubular shape that
expands into a bell-like structure. The petals are often white in color but
can also be yellow, orange, or purple at the base. They are arranged in a
radial symmetry and are fused at the base, forming a tubular corolla. The
lobes of the corolla are spreading and arranged in a pinwheel shape. The
petals can be approximately 6-12 cm in diameter and may exhibit
pubescence (hairs) beneath.
Stamens: The stamens represent the male reproductive organs of the
flower. In Tabernaemontana divaricata, the stamens are numerous and
are located inside the corolla, inserted on the inner side of the corolla
tube. The stamens consist of a filament and an anther. The filament is a
slender stalk that supports the anther. The anther is basifixed, meaning it
is attached at the base, and it contains pollen sacs or pollen grains, which
are the male gametes. The stamens are typically shorter than the style
and are arranged in a column-like structure.

Pistil: The pistil represents the female reproductive organ of the flower. In
Tabernaemontana divaricata, the pistil is located at the center of the
flower and is composed of multiple carpels fused together. The pistil
consists of three main parts: the ovary, the style, and the stigma. The
ovary is superior, meaning it is positioned above the attachment point of
other floral parts. It is typically five-lobed and contains five locules, which
house the ovules. The style is a slender, elongated structure that connects
the ovary to the stigma. The stigma is the receptive surface where pollen
lands for fertilization. In Tabernaemontana divaricata, the stigma is discoid
or capitates in shape, often appearing reddish or orange.

Nectaries: Nectaries are specialized structures that secrete nectar, a

sugary substance that attracts pollinators. In Tabernaemontana divaricata,
nectaries can be present at various locations within the flower, including
the base of the sepals or at the base of the staminal column. Nectaries
may appear as glandular structures.

Detailed floral diagram analysis:

The floral formula for Tabernaemontana divaricata can be represented as:

⚥ K(5) C(5) A5+5 G(2)

Explanation:
⚥ - Represents a bisexual flower (having both male and female
reproductive parts).
K(5) - Indicates the number of sepals, which is 5 in Tabernaemontana
divaricata.
C(5) - Represents the number of petals, also 5 in this case.
A5+5 - Denotes the androecium, which consists of 5 stamens fused to the
corolla tube.
G(2) - Indicates the gynoecium, which has 2 carpels fused to form a single
pistil.

Sexual Nature: Tabernaemontana divaricata is a bisexual flower, meaning

it possesses both male and female reproductive organs within the same
flower.

Floral Symmetry: The flowers of Tabernaemontana divaricata exhibit

radial symmetry or actinomorphy, with its floral parts arranged in a
regular pattern.

Floral Whorls: Tabernaemontana divaricata typically has five sepals, five

petals, and numerous stamens arranged in a single whorl. The flower is
pentamerous, indicating its floral parts occur in multiples of five. The
sepals, petals, and stamens are often found in multiples of five.
Bracteate or Ebracteate: Tabernaemontana divaricata is ebracteate,
meaning it lacks specialized leaf-like structures called bracts at the base of
the flower.

Gynoecium: In Tabernaemontana divaricata, the gynoecium is composed

of a syncarpous pistil, indicating that the carpels, or female reproductive
organs, are fused together. The pistil typically consists of two carpels
(bicarpellary) and has an inferior ovary, where the ovary is positioned
below the attachment point of other floral parts. The ovary is unilocular,
meaning it has a single chamber, and contains a large ovule.

Sepals: The sepals of Tabernaemontana divaricata are typically

polysepalous, meaning they are separate and not fused together.

Petals: The petals of Tabernaemontana divaricata are gamopetalous,

meaning they are fused together to form a single structure.

Aestivation: The aestivation in Tabernaemontana divaricata may vary, but

commonly exhibits valvate aestivation, where the sepals or petals in the
bud overlap at the margins without any folding or twisting.

Androecium: The stamens of Tabernaemontana divaricata are typically

numerous and arranged in a single whorl. The stamens are
polyadelphous, meaning they are fused into a group or bundle by their
filaments. The filaments are short and free, while the anthers are large,
dithecous (two-lobed), and possess a prolonged connective. The anthers
are syngenesious, meaning they are fused together, and they have introse
(inward-facing) dehiscence.
Carpels: Tabernaemontana divaricata has a syncarpous gynoecium,
indicating that its carpels are fused together to form a single pistil. The
pistil is typically composed of two carpels.

Placentation: Tabernaemontana divaricata exhibits basal placentation,

where the placenta develops at the base of the ovary, and a single ovule is
attached to it.

Floral anatomy
Epidermis: The outermost layer of the floral organs, including sepals,
petals, and the receptacle, is composed of a single layer of epidermal
cells. The epidermis acts as a protective barrier against external factors.

Mesophyll: Beneath the epidermis, the mesophyll tissue is responsible for

the majority of the flower's photosynthetic activity. It consists of
parenchyma cells that contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

Vascular Tissues: The flower of Tabernaemontana divaricata contains

vascular bundles, consisting of xylem and phloem tissues. Xylem
transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the flower,
while phloem transports sugars and other organic compounds throughout
the plant.

Parenchyma: Parenchyma cells are found in various regions of the flower

and serve different functions depending on their location. They can store
nutrients and provide structural support.
Epidermal Appendages: The floral organs, including the receptacle, may
exhibit trichomes or glandular hairs on their epidermis. These specialized
structures can assist in defense against herbivores, temperature
regulation, or attraction of pollinators.

Secretory Cells: Some floral organs, such as nectaries, may contain

specialized secretory cells responsible for the production and secretion of
nectar.

Meristematic Tissues: Within the flower, meristematic tissues can be

found in regions responsible for growth and development, such as the
apical meristem and floral meristem. These regions consist of actively
dividing cells and are crucial for the production of new tissues.

Please note that specific histological details of Tabernaemontana

divaricata may vary and further research focusing on this particular
species would provide more precise information.

Pollination Mechanism

The pollination mechanism of Tabernaemontana divaricata involves a

combination of self-pollination and cross-pollination facilitated by various
pollinators.

Tabernaemontana divaricata exhibits a mixed mating system, including

both self-pollination and cross-pollination. The flowers of
Tabernaemontana divaricata are bisexual, possessing both male and
female reproductive structures. The anthers, which are part of the
androecium, produce pollen, while the pistil, comprising the stigma, style,
and ovary, receives pollen for fertilization.

The flower morphology of Tabernaemontana divaricata plays a vital role in

its pollination mechanism. The large, showy flowers, typically measuring
6-12 cm across, attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies,
moths, and other insects. The flowers are often fragrant, emitting a sweet
scent that further entices pollinators.

Cross-pollination in Tabernaemontana divaricata is primarily achieved

through biotic agents, such as insects. As the pollinator visits a flower, it
comes into contact with the reproductive structures. Pollen grains from
the anthers may adhere to the body of the pollinator, either through
physical contact or through specialized structures such as pollen baskets
or hairy body parts.

When the pollinator visits another flower, it inadvertently transfers the

pollen grains to the stigma, which is receptive to pollen at that stage. This
pollen deposition on the stigma initiates the pollination process. The
pollen grains germinate on the stigma, and pollen tubes begin to grow
down through the style toward the ovary. The pollen tubes deliver the
male gametes (sperm cells) to the ovules located within the ovary,
allowing fertilization to occur.

Self-pollination is also possible in Tabernaemontana divaricata. Some

flowers may undergo self-fertilization when their own pollen grains come
into contact with their own stigmas. This can occur due to various factors,
including floral structure, temporal separation of male and female
reproductive phases, or pollinator availability. Self-pollination can be
advantageous for the plant, ensuring reproductive success even in the
absence of compatible pollinators.
Furthermore, Tabernaemontana divaricata flowers may possess additional
mechanisms to promote successful pollination. These can include nectar
production in specialized glands or structures called nectaries, located in
different parts of the flower, which provide a reward for pollinators. The
nectar serves as a food source, attracting pollinators and encouraging
them to visit multiple flowers, facilitating pollen transfer.

In conclusion, the pollination mechanism of Tabernaemontana divaricata

involves a mix of self-pollination and cross-pollination. The large, showy
flowers attract a variety of pollinators, and pollen transfer occurs through
the physical contact between the pollinator and the reproductive
structures of the flower. This mechanism ensures the transfer of pollen
and facilitates fertilization for successful reproduction in
Tabernaemontana divaricate

Human Uses:

Tabernaemontana divaricata, commonly known as crepe jasmine or

pinwheel flower, has several human uses. Here are some of the notable
uses:

Ornamental Plant: Tabernaemontana divaricata is widely cultivated as an

ornamental plant due to its attractive and fragrant flowers. It is commonly
grown in gardens, parks, and as a potted plant, adding beauty and
fragrance to outdoor and indoor spaces.

Medicinal Purposes: Various parts of Tabernaemontana divaricata have

been used in traditional medicine systems for their potential therapeutic
properties. The plant contains alkaloids, which are biologically active
compounds that may exhibit medicinal effects. In traditional medicine,
the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant have been used to treat various
ailments such as fever, inflammation, pain, skin infections, and
gastrointestinal disorders. However, it's important to note that the
medicinal use of Tabernaemontana divaricata should be approached with
caution, as proper dosage and usage instructions are crucial, and
consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

Religious and Cultural Significance: In some cultures, Tabernaemontana

divaricata is considered sacred and used in religious ceremonies, rituals,
and decorations. The fragrant flowers are often offered in temples, used
in garlands, or placed on altars as a symbol of beauty and purity.

Perfumery and Fragrance Industry: The fragrant flowers of

Tabernaemontana divaricata have a pleasant scent and are occasionally
used in the perfumery and fragrance industry. The essential oil derived
from the flowers may be used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes,
soaps, and other scented products.

Insect Repellent: Some traditional practices suggest using

Tabernaemontana divaricata as a natural insect repellent. Crushed leaves
or extracts from the plant may be applied to the skin or placed in the
surroundings to repel certain insects, such as mosquitoes.

It's important to note that while Tabernaemontana divaricata has these

traditional uses, further scientific research is needed to validate and fully
understand the efficacy, safety, and proper usage of the plant for various
purposes.