An evergreen shrub or small tree native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China, it is cultivated as a house/glasshouse plant for its attractive flowers and foliage.
The stem exudes milky latex when broken, giving raise to the name milk flower.
The (single) flowers exhibit the characteristic ‘pinwheel’ shape, also found in other genera in the Apocynaceae family, such as Vinca and Nerium.
Both single and double-flowered forms are cultivated, with white flowers. The plant blooms in spring, but flowers appear sporadically throughout the year. The flowers emit a pleasing fragrance.
Habitat
Found in dry deciduous forests, wastelands, and cultivated in gardens, it is distributed around India, Myanmar, and South China.
Phytochemistry
The species is known to produce many alkaloids, including catharanthine, coronaridine, dregamine, ibogamine, tabersonine, voacangine, voacamine and voacristine. Ibogaine may be present in multiple Tabernaemontana species.
Nutritional Prowess
The milky juice of the leaves has anti-inflammatory properties and is applied to wounds.
A mixture of the flower’s juice and oil can be used as eye drops to treat eye diseases and also applied over skin for treating skin concerns.
Decoction of the leaves is anti-hypertensive and diuretic.
The roots, with anodyne properties, are used to relieve toothaches.
Ground roots, when ingested with water, are administered internally for intestinal worms.
Dermatological Perks
Pinwheel flower extract contains compounds with potential antioxidants, protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which contribute to premature aging and skin damage.
Skincare products with Pinwheel flower Extract may reduce oxidative stress and promote healthier-looking skin, offering soothing and calming effects.
The delicate fragrance of Pinwheel flowers makes them a popular addition to skincare products, providing a subtle and natural scent to enhance the sensory experience.
