File:Quisqualis (349239033).jpg

Common name: Rangoon Creeper, Parijat (Manipuri), Madhu Malati मधु मालती (Hindi, Marathi, Konkani), Ishq pecha इश्क़ पेचां (Urdu), Madhumanjari (Bengali)

Botanical name: Quisqualis indica - [ (kwis-KWAL-iss) from the Latin quis ("who") and qualis ("what kind"), referring to the uncertainty of its family when first discovered; (IN-dih-kuh) or (in-DEE-kuh) of or from India ] Family: Combretaceae (rangoon creeper family)

Origin: Burma, Malay Peninsula, New Guinea, and the Philippine Islands

Translated from the Latin, Quisqualis means Who? What? A fine definition of curiosity.

Botanically, Quisqualis indica is the Rangoon creeper. From southern Asia, the Rangoon creeper is a tender fast growing vining plant. The leaves are simple. An evergreen, its flowers are mostly present in summer and fall. The fragrant flowers open white, gradually turning pink then red as they age. The flower's fragrance is delightful. Some call it fruity, while others liken it to toasted coconut.

Seeds, when produced, are about 2 inches long and have five ridges. This makes them look quite a bit like a small carambola (starfruit). The thorns on a Quisqualis are formed when a leaf drops but the petiole remains. In a little time this petiole stiffens, grows stronger, and becomes a very effective climbing hook. While not sharp, like a cactus thorn, these can make pruning a bit tedious, and can draw blood on impatient gardeners.

Courtesy: - Flowers of India - Dave's Garden - Top Tropicals - www.quisqualis.com/whyquiz.html