Murraya and Davana Flowers

The National Botanical Research Institute's initiative to preserve and produce Murraya and Davana flowers is a significant step in maintaining the cultural and botanical heritage associated with the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha.

Davana (Family: Asteraceae)

• Description: Davana is an aromatic herb known for its delicate fragrance. The essential oil extracted from Davana is a brown, viscous liquid with a rich, fruity odor. This oil is highly valued in international trade, particularly in the USA and Japan, for its use in flavoring products like cakes, pastries, tobacco, and beverages.
• Uses: Besides its use in flavoring, Davana is commonly utilized in garlands, bouquets, and religious offerings due to its pleasant fragrance.
• Habitat: It grows wild in the temperate regions of the Himalayas, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, Shimla Hills, and Nainital Hills.

Murraya (also known as Orange Jasmine, Orange Jessamine, China Box, or Mock Orange)

• Description: Murraya is known for its ornamental beauty, fragrance, and medicinal properties. It can grow up to 6 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 40 centimeters. It is also used as a living hedge in various regions.
• Uses: The plant is valued for its fragrance and is used in traditional medicine. The leaves, roots, and bark are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic properties.
• Habitat: Murraya is native to India, Sri Lanka, southern China, Thailand, and extends through the Malesian region to northeastern Australia and New Caledonia.

The preservation and production of these plants not only support the rituals and traditions associated with the Shree Jagannath Temple but also contribute to the conservation of their unique botanical and cultural heritage.