Jaji Balli or Pink Jasmine is a scrambling deciduous shrub native to South Asia. It is also known as Winter Jasmine, White Jasmine, Chinese Jasmine in English and Gulabi Chameli in Hindi. The botanical name is Jasminum polyanthum and belongs to family Oleaceae (Jasmine).
The creeper grows to a height of 20 feet and it is very common in Mysore-Bangalore region to have an arch above the main gate for giving support to Jaji Balli.
The leaves are compound dark green. The buds are pink and when they open the petals are white, delicate, and look like stars. They bloom in clusters at the tip of the branches. The fragrance is lovely and drives away depression and bad moods. In India blooming season is from end of July to October.
Garlands adorn women’s hairstyles.
The leaf of this plant is offered to Lord Ganesha during 21 patra (leaves) pooja while chanting “Om Surpakarnaya Namaha, Jaji Patram Samarpayaami”.
The flowers are used to worship gods in India. The flowers are offered to Lord Ganesha during 21 pushpa (flowers) pooja while chanting “Om Vinayakaya Namaha, Jaji Pushpam Samarpayaami”.
Propagation:
Propagation of Jaji or Pink Jasmine is by cuttings. Plant them in location that receives at least 6 hours of sun. Apply a fertilizer three times a year.
Prune the vines (creeper) after the blooming season. This encourages fresh growth.