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11 July, 2024

The Tabernaemontana divaricate, more commonly known as the Indian Olive, is an exquisite and graceful ornamental plant that has captivated the hearts of many gardening enthusiasts. Let’s delve into the fascinating details about this plant and explore why it has become a favorite among gardeners and nature lovers alike.

1 Unveiling the Indian Olive

The Origins and Significance

The Indian Olive, also affectionately referred to as the Puzzle Tree, Indian Jasmine, or Fragrant Tabernaemontana, bears the scientific name Tabernaemontana divaricate. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is native to India, although it can be found across Southeast Asia and other parts of the Asian continent. In Vietnam, it is a popular choice for cultivation and can be seen adorning gardens and landscapes throughout the country.

The Indian Olive, a native plant of India, can be found across Southeast Asia.

Characteristics and Classification

The Indian Olive is a modest shrub that typically reaches a height of 20 to 30 cm, with some maturing up to 3 to 4 meters tall. Its leaves are elongated and pointed at both ends, boasting a deep green, glossy sheen and a striking white hue along the edges. This contrast creates a visually appealing and elegant look.

The Indian Olive’s flowers are a sight to behold, with their pure white color and delicate fragrance.

The flowers of the Indian Olive are a true highlight, boasting a pristine white color and exuding a subtle, yet pleasant fragrance. These blooms form small, cymose inflorescences, and they come in two varieties: single and double. The single flowers arrange themselves in a captivating pinwheel pattern when in bloom, while the double flowers showcase multiple layers of delicate petals. Adding to the allure, the fruits of the Indian Olive are spherical and black, providing a beautiful contrast to the white flowers and green foliage.

2 The Many Benefits of the Indian Olive

Health and Wellness

Beyond its undeniable aesthetic appeal, the Indian Olive boasts a range of health benefits that contribute to its popularity. It possesses air-purifying properties, helping to eliminate pollutants and maintain a fresh and fragrant environment. The delicate scent of its flowers is known to induce a sense of calm and relaxation, making it ideal for creating peaceful spaces.

Furthermore, the Indian Olive is recognized as a valuable medicinal plant with a wide range of traditional uses. It is effective in treating various skin ailments, including scabies, as well as addressing dog bite poisoning, worm infections, abscesses, toothaches, and eye infections. The bark of the plant is particularly noteworthy, as it exhibits antibacterial and insecticidal properties. It can be used as a tonic to invigorate both the mind and body, promoting overall wellness.

The Indian Olive offers a range of health benefits, from air purification to medicinal uses.

Aesthetic and Symbolic Benefits

The Indian Olive is a favorite among gardeners and landscape designers due to its versatility and visual appeal. It is commonly used for ornamental purposes, creating beautiful bonsai trees, and enhancing the beauty of urban environments. With its year-round blooming cycle, the Indian Olive showcases a stunning contrast of pure white flowers against vibrant green foliage, making it a gorgeous addition to any garden or indoor space.

Additionally, the Indian Olive carries symbolic significance. It is often regarded as a symbol of love and the graceful elegance of a woman. In Spanish culture, it also represents hope and divinity. As such, it is a popular choice for gifts, expressing affection and appreciation.

The Indian Olive symbolizes love, grace, and elegance, making it a popular gift choice.

3 Nurturing the Indian Olive: Propagation and Care

Propagation Methods

The Indian Olive can be successfully propagated through seed germination or stem cutting, with the latter typically offering a higher success rate. The ideal time to propagate through stem cutting is during spring or autumn, when the plant is most receptive to new growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to propagating the Indian Olive through this method:

Propagation through stem cutting or seed germination ensures the growth of healthy Indian Olive plants.

Step 1: Select a semi-hardwood stem with 2-3 young shoots, ensuring it is free from pests and diseases. The ideal length for the stem cutting is approximately 15-20 cm. Carefully cut the stem and store it in a cool, dry place for 3-4 hours to allow the cut end to callous over.

Step 2: Prepare a well-drained, nutrient-rich, and loose soil mix. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone solution to promote root growth, and then insert it into the prepared soil at a 60-degree angle.

Step 3: After planting, water the soil generously with the rooting hormone solution to keep it moist and cover it with a layer of straw to maintain humidity. Within 20-30 days, the stem cutting should develop roots and begin its journey as a young plant. It can be safely transplanted after 2-3 months of growth.

Alternatively, propagation through seedlings is a common and effective method for growing Indian Olives in gardens, pots, or planters. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Begin by digging a hole about a month before you plan to plant the seedling. Ensure that the hole is 10-15 cm larger than the seedling’s root ball and at least 25 cm deep.

Step 2: Enrich the hole with a layer of organic compost and lime powder that has been sterilized. If you’re planting in a pot, choose a container that is suitable for the size of the seedling and has adequate drainage holes.

Step 3: Gently place the seedling into the hole, backfill it with soil, and tamp it down gently. Water the seedling thoroughly to settle the soil and provide moisture for the young plant.

Caring for Your Indian Olive

Maintaining proper soil moisture is crucial for the health of your Indian Olive.

Watering: The Indian Olive requires frequent watering to maintain soil moisture between 65-70%. Aim to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions.
Fertilizing: Apply organic fertilizer on a regular basis, approximately once every 4-5 months. After each pruning session, follow up with inorganic fertilizer to promote healthy growth, and then continue with a fortnightly schedule to maintain nutrient levels. When fertilizing, maintain a distance of 10-15 cm from the base of the plant to avoid root burn. Always water the plant after fertilizing to help it absorb the nutrients effectively.
Pruning: Prune away old, dry, and diseased branches after each flowering cycle to encourage new growth and maintain the shape of the plant. Pruning should be done once every 3-4 months, or as needed.
Pest and Disease Control: The Indian Olive is generally resistant to pests and diseases, which is one of its appealing characteristics. However, it’s important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of fungal infections or aphid infestations. Take appropriate measures if any issues arise, such as removing affected leaves or treating with natural pest control solutions.

Notes on Growing Conditions

The Indian Olive thrives in cool climates and can tolerate cold temperatures. The ideal time to plant it is from November to December or in early spring, from February to March.
Keep in mind that the plant’s growth may slow down during the winter months, and it may struggle in temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius.

4 Capturing the Beauty: Six Stunning Images of the Indian Olive

The Indian Olive adds a touch of elegance and tranquility to any indoor space.

The pristine white flowers of the Indian Olive are a sight to behold, bringing a sense of peace and calm.

The Indian Olive adds a natural touch to any space, enhancing its beauty and charm.

A lush display of Indian Olive flowers in full bloom, creating a breathtaking sight.

The fragrant blossoms of the Indian Olive fill the air with a refreshing and soothing scent.

The Indian Olive, with its beauty, versatility, and array of benefits, is a captivating plant that has captured the hearts of many. We hope that this article has inspired you to explore the wonders of this plant and perhaps even consider adding it to your own garden or indoor space.

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Frequently asked questions

The Indian Olive, scientifically known as Tabernaemontana divaricate, is an ornamental plant native to India. It is also commonly referred to as the Puzzle Tree, Indian Jasmine, or Fragrant Tabernaemontana. This graceful plant belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is popular among gardeners and nature lovers for its exquisite beauty and pleasant fragrance.

The Indian Olive is a modest shrub that typically grows to a height of 20-30 cm, although some can mature up to 3-4 meters tall. Its leaves are elongated and pointed at both ends, with a deep green, glossy sheen and a striking white hue along the edges. The flowers of the Indian Olive are pure white and delicate, forming small cymose inflorescences. The fruits are spherical and black, creating a beautiful contrast with the white flowers and green foliage.

The Indian Olive offers a range of advantages, including aesthetic appeal and health benefits. It possesses air-purifying properties and its delicate fragrance is known to induce calm and relaxation. Additionally, it is a valuable medicinal plant, effective in treating skin ailments, dog bite poisoning, worm infections, abscesses, toothaches, and eye infections. The bark exhibits antibacterial and insecticidal properties and can be used as a tonic for overall wellness. The Indian Olive is also symbolic, representing love, grace, and elegance, making it a popular gift choice.

The Indian Olive can be propagated through seed germination or stem cutting. For stem cutting, select a semi-hardwood stem with young shoots, cut and store it for a few hours, then plant it in a well-drained, nutrient-rich soil mix treated with a rooting hormone solution. Keep the soil moist and maintain humidity. Alternatively, for seedling propagation, dig a hole and enrich it with organic compost and lime powder before gently placing the seedling and backfilling with soil. Ensure proper watering, frequent fertilization, regular pruning, and pest and disease control for the health of your Indian Olive.

The Indian Olive thrives in cool climates and can tolerate cold temperatures. The ideal time to plant it is from November to December or in early spring, from February to March. Keep in mind that its growth may slow down during winter, and it may struggle in temperatures above 35°C.