Synonyms

Nerium zeylanicum L.

Nerium antidysentericum L.

Systematic Position

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Native: Sri Lanka

Common Names

English – coral swirl

Malayalam –  Ceylon Mulla

Description: The plant’s glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers with yellow centres make it an attractive addition to gardens. Bushy shrub reaches a height of about 2m tall. Leaves are green and are arranged opposite. White fragrant 5-petaled flowers with a yellow centre, measuring about 2.5 cm wide, corolla tube very slender and about 2 – 2.5 cm long.

Habitat: This is a perennial ornamental semi-deciduous small tree or shrub.

Distribution: Asian countries, throughout India

Uses: Wrightia antidysenterica is used in traditional medicine to treat dysentery and other digestive issues. The juice from the bark is administered for mouth sores. The leaves are used in treating several skin disorders, such as psoriasis.