Kathali Chapa/ Champak: Description, Growing tips and its uses

                                                      Kathali Chapa/ Champak

Kathali champa(in bengali) is commonly known as champak, son champa.This is a highly scented flowering plant that is native to India and tropical Asian region.This is mainly a shrubby vine plant but during its early stage it looks like a shrub. Smooth narrow elliptical leafs are alternately arranged and glossy when young.
Flowers  are green in color which transforms into slight yellowish later. Flowers are extremely fragrant which can smell from a long distance. Even the flower keeps the smell for several days after plucking from the tree.

Botanical name: Artabotrys hexapetalus

Family : Annonaceae

Life cycle:  Perennial

Plant height : 15 to 25 ft

Leaf Colour: Green

Flower Colour:  Green , yellowish, orange

Temperature: 25 to 38 °C

Light: Full sun/ half sun

Soil: Well drained soil

Climate : Tropical, subtropical

Advantage: Easy to grow

Growing Tips:

This plant is introduced as an ornamental plant outside its native area. This can be planted at the gardens or at pot. This plant requires full sunshine. Propagation is done from cutting or from the seeds.
As always take all safety precautions when using power equipment, or when you have to get off the ground for pruning.

Uses:

• This is mainly famous for its highly sweet fragrance.
• The oil from the flower is extensively used in aromatherapy.