Michelia champaca / Champaca / Magnoliaceae (Magnolia Family)

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Other Names

Champaka, Champak, Champac, Champa, Sampige, Shamba.

Description

Michelia champaca is an evergreen tree, native to South and Southeast Asia. It is best known and cultivated for its strongly fragrant yellow or white flowers. The flowers are used in Southeast Asia for several purposes. They are floated in bowls of water to scent the room, as a fragrant decoration for bridal beds, and for garlands and hair ointments. The flower is the main scent present in the commercial "joy" perfume, and is sometimes commonly called the "joy perfume tree".

Scent

Champaca has an intense, intoxicating, sweet, floral aroma that acts as a fragrant magnet. On warm humid nights, the scents can easily be enjoyed several hundred feet away. Even just driving by in your car, you will notice the scent immediately.

Aromatic Properties

Champaca emits a unique warm fragrance which promotes a peaceful state, reducing stress and allowing one to relax and breathe easily. It is especially useful for moments of tranquil contemplation. Champaca's nature is to remind us of the Divine in all things.

Contents

The essential oil of Champaca contains 1-Linalol, Eugenol, Methyl-Eugenol, Methyl- and Ethyl-Ethers. It is one of the most expensive in the world because it requires many flowers to produce.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with Rose, Frangipani, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Sandalwood and other floral scents.

Historical

Champaca is an important flower in many Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. It is used in Ayurveda, ceremonies and massages, and is often planted near temples. It is considered sacred to the god Vishnu. In Bali the flowers are put in water, which is used in house cleansing and praying rituals. An extract of the flowers is used in perfumes, incense sticks, aromatherapy, cosmetics, soaps, food flavors. All parts of the plant are used in alternative medicine for a variety of ailments.

Plant Description

Champaca is a tree related to Magnolia. It has alternate, lanceolate leaves to over 20 cm long that are slightly curved. The flowers are fragrant, a mustard yellow colour, and in each flower the ovaries are free from one another. The central stalk or receptacle elongates and bears the developing fruits along it. When fully developed each individual fruit is about 2.5 cm long, with a reddish tinge and whitish pustules; this follicle opens to release orange-red seeds.

Related Products

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)