Jasminum sambac (MALLIKA)

Mallika is described as one of the varieties of Jasminum species in the dhanvantari ighantu under amradi varga.  We also come across the description of the same with the name vrttamallika in rajanighantu.  However, mallika mentioned under puspa varga of bhavaprakasa ighantu appears a different plant.  Bhavamisras description of Jasminum speies does not match with the earlier works.

Botanical Description – A scandent or sub-erect shrub to 2 m high; a plant of so very ancient domestication that its origin is now not traceable, but probably it was in western Asia; now introduced to tropical and sub-tropical countries throughout the world