Flowers of Bali

Balinese name: Jempiring
Indonesian name: Kaca Piring
Latin name: Gardenia florida
Family: Rubiaceae

Gardenias are found in many gardens but are not popular in hotels because they do not bloom for long. When available, they are used in offerings. The Gardenia is not to be confused with the flower called tulud nyuh by the Balinese. The latter is also white and grows on a small shrub very much like a Gardenia.

Even the leaves are similar in shape. However, the tulud nyuh flower is flat and has a small yellow center. It has an odor but is not quite as fragrant as the Gardenia. Theoretically, tulud nyuh are not supposed to be used in offerings. People who have these plants, however, generally do so anyway. The Balinese name, which is probably a corruption of the Indonesia - kaca piring - means "glass plate".

Description
This plant can grown up to 2 meters, but is usually smaller in Bali

Flowers
Are about 7 cm in diameter and have 15 to 20 white, rounded petals, up to 4 cm long and 23 cm wide. The reproductive parts are not visible until the flower ages and opens wide. In the center are 5 triangular, tan stamens is a 1.5 cm long, waxy pistil with a cleft stigma. The flowers have a pleasant fragrance. The Gardenia is a very fragile blossom, turning brown soon after being picked.

Leaves
Glossy ovals, 8 by 3 cm, dark green. They are stemless and are paired.

Benefits
This flower is a cut flower commodity, used in bouquets and corsages. The leaves can be used as a cure thrush and its roots as a cure toothache.

Fruit contains crocin (a type karotenoida), which is bright yellow as well as on saffron. Dried fruit is a coloring agent. In Japan, gardenia dye used for dyeing of textile dyes and traditional cake (wagashi) and pickled radish (Takuan).