Mysore mallige
Encyclopedia
This article is about the flower Mallige. For the book by K. S. Narasimhaswamy named after the flower, see Mysooru Mallige
.
Mysore Mallige (Kannada: , Botanical name
: Jasminum grandiflorum
L.
) of the Oleaceae
family is the most popular among the three varieties of Jasmine
endemic to Karnataka
; the other two varieties being the Hadagali Mallige (Jasminum auriculatum Vahl
) and Udupi Mallige (Jasminum sambac
(L.
) Aiton
). Famed worldwide for their fragrance, all the three flower varieties have been patented and registered under Intellectual Property Right.
Jasmine is considered the queen of flowers and is called the “Belle of India” or the "Queen of fragrance" as it is exquisitely scented to soothe and refresh. In different parts of India it is called by different names—Mogra
, Motia, Chameli, Malli poo, Jaati, Mallige, Juhi, Mogra or Moonlight in the grove. It is reported that there are 300 varieties of jasmine. It is also stated that jasmine crossed the seas—from Asia
to Europe
, landing first along the Mediterranean Sea
, conquering Greece
and Turkey
, reaching Western Europe
through Spain
, then France
and Italy
and finally landing in England
in the latter part of the 17th century. (By the 18th century, jasmine scented gloves became popular in Britain
).
taluk in Mandya district in Karnataka state. The Jasmine's association with the city of Mysore, the royal city of palaces, patronized by the Wodeyar
of the Kingdom of Mysore
, because its fragrance is as powerful as the famous Dasara
festival held every year in the city during October. Mallige grows in profusion in the open areas either in exclusive farmland, in front or at the backyard of houses.
Mysore Mallige, mostly grown in and around Mysore city is a viable crop for small farmers. Farmers reap two crops of this seasonal flower. Apart from the local market, the flower is in demand in parts of Kerala
and Tamil Nadu
.
Botanical description:
The plant is a scandent, 2 to 3 m (6.6 to 9.8 ft) in height, branchless terete, or slightly compressed sometimes hollow, sparsely pubescent, leaves alternate, trifoliately compound; 1–2 cm (0.393700787401575–0.78740157480315 in) long, petiole is about 1 cm (0.393700787401575 in) long and it has small chanel running in the middle, leaf blade ovate to ellipse, 4-8x2-3.5 cm thick, dark green in colour and nerves slightly raised beneath. Cymes, terminal, 1 to 5 flowered bracts subulate, 4–8 mm. Flowers are very fragrant. Pedicel 0.3–2 cm (0.118110236220472–0.78740157480315 in). Calyx glabrous or sparsely pubescent; lobes 8-9 linear, 5–7 mm. Corolla tube is slightly pinkish, 1.5 cm (0.590551181102362 in) long petals pure white, lobes oblong to sub orbicular, 5–9 mm broad,. Berry is purple black, globose, about 1 cm (0.393700787401575 in) in diameter.
The sandy loam soil with comparatively high pH prevailing in the region (Mysore and surrounding areas) makes a congenial ground for growing this crop. The dry and warm weather with low humidity is good for the crop. Flowering starts during March–April and continues up to June–July, April –May being the peak season
The essential oil content in the flowers ranges from 0.24 to 0.42 per cent.
Principal Aromatic constituents
The principal aromtic componenets are Indol, Jasmone, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Benzoate, Methyl Anthranilate, Linalool & Geraniol.Its modern day applications are in perfumery, cosmetics
, Incense
, Aroma Therapy and Ayurveda
.It is also used externally to soothe dry and sensitive skin.
Botanical description
Plant is small shrub with little scandent nature. Leaves are simple, thick, margin folded upside, slightly pubescent. Flowers are borne in axillary cymes. Flower with long corolla tube around 1 cm (0.393700787401575 in) long. Petals 7, spreading, white in colour.
The sandy red soil prevailing in this region is ideal for cultivation of Hadgali Mallige. The dry weather and good water supply also adds to the congenial environment for the cultivation of this crop. It is propagated mainly through cuttings.Planted directly in the months of July–August on the onset of monsoon. The flowering season spreads up to six months.
Flowers are highly scented and possess good essential oil recovery (0.24 to 0.42%). The flowers are used for extraction of essential oil.
It is found extensively in Bhatkal
, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada
and Uttara Kannada
, and has been found more economically viable among all the three varieties. The flower is in high demand in places such as Mumbai, besides the coastal region. Every home in this region has 0.5 to 1 acre (2,023.4 to 4,046.9 m2) of land in front of the house for Jasmine growing.
Botanical description:
Plant is a small and bushy with leaves of light green with yellowish shade, 5-7x2.5-3.5 cm, nerves slightly raised beneath, acute at both ends, entire, ovate-lanceolate. Flowers in cymose inflorescence and borne in the axils and also terminal. Calyx 6, petals 6-8, bracteate. Fruits are small, 0.4-0.5 mm in diameter.
The laterite soil condition of the region, high humidity and heavy rainfall (more than 2500–3000 mm (98.4–118.1 in) per annum) makes area suitable for growing this crop. Propagation is mainly by cuttings. Planting is done in the month August–September.
The flowers are used for garlands, especially at weddings and other auspicious occasions and for making garlands for worship of temples deities. Jasmine is widely cultivated for their flowers, enjoyed in the garden, as house plants, and as cut flowers. The flowers are worn by women in their hair in southern and southeast Asia.They are exported and thus highly remunerative to the farmers.
Its medician usees are as anti depressant, anti septic, anti Spasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Sedativeand Uterine.Jasmine.
It is one of the key scents in some of the most celebrated perfumes in the world viz., the Chanel No. 5, created by the legendary Coco Chanel and the famous “Joy” perfume, created by the French designer Jean Patou
. A single ounce, still known as the 'costliest perfume in the world”, contains 10,600 jasmine flowers.
In scent industry the two main varieties used are the Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum sambac.
.
or flower farming, which is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, comprising the floral industry. The development plant breeding of new varieties is a major occupation of floriculturists. Floriculture crops include bedding plants, flowering plants, foliage plants or houseplants, cut cultivated greens, and cut flowers. As distinguished from nursery crops, floriculture crops are generally herbaceous. Bedding and garden plants consist of young flowering plants (annuals and perennials) and vegetable plants. Flowers are mainly for export and this business is growing in the world at around 6-10 per cent per annum. India
’s share in the international market for these flowers is still negligible. However, Karnataka is in the limelight for floriculture right from the 18th century and is now the leader in floriculture, accounting for 75% of India's total flower production. The state has the highest area under modern cut flowers, and 40 flower growing and exporting units. The country's first and only flower auction centre is located in Karnataka. As per statistics for the year 2003-04, out of a total area of 18182 ha (44,928.7 acre) under commercial flower crops, jasmine (the three varieties) accounts for 3,451 ha (about 19%) and the average yield of flowers is reported to be 6 tons/ha with a total production of 20,244 tons.
The floriculture fair is organized every year at Aalsmeer
, which is Netherlands
' flower district (attracts flower growers with their flowers, from all parts of the globe). Karnataka government is reported to be deputing a team of growers of Udupi Mallige, Hadagali Mallige and Mysore Mallige flower to the Netherlands to attend the international floricultural meet. The department's strategy is to create a platform at the fair where women (three from each region) would string the flowers, thereby attracting the attention of the foreign visitors'. The act of deftly stringing jasmines flowers is an art which has been mastered by women growers.
or a GI is the protection given to a reputable product, either man-made or natural, if the applicant can conclusively prove that the unique character, reputation of the product is attributable to a specific quality attributable to only the geographical region where the product is produced and which may not be replicated to the same standard in any other region. As the French and the Scottish people
would swear both these types of liquors are highly unique in their taste; the uniqueness being attributable to the soil, climate, cultivating practices of their respective geographical regions. The logic of protecting them as a GI is quite similar (but not same) to that of a trademark with the important distinction that GI protection is a community right i.e. it is given to all manufacturers/producers of a product in a certain designated area if their products meet the certifications standards laid down by a collective society. To get a GI protection reputation has to be proved before registration. GI is defined both in the TRIPS & in the Indian ‘The Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999'.
The state of Karnataka, claimed the GI protection based on the special qualities of the Mallige flowers (jasmines) particular to the region – the “Mysore Mallige”, the "Udupi Mallige" and "Hadagali Mallige"- as they fully met the criteria laid down under the Act. The criteria considered were the following.
An expert committee headed by the Controller-General of Patents, Design and Trade Marks attached to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry,India, who also act as the Registrar of GI approved the GI patent to the three flowers, varieties of jasmine, in September 2007. An entry to the Geographical Indications Registry provides exclusive rights to the local community to cultivate the crop for 10 years. With this GI tag or patent nobody outside this specific geographical region will be allowed to sell under the same name. Besides the community ownership of the crop, the Horticulture Department offers technical assistance, brand development and market assistance to the growers of the crop registered under GI. With the GI tag the bond between Mysore city and the Mallige (jasmine) flower has now grown stronger.
, quoted below.The solvent extracts are supplied from the Jasmine extraction units located in South India where several thousand acres of Jasmine farms exist in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
(1942) is considered one of the best literary works in the Kannada language and has seen 27 reprints.
This collection of poems has inspired the movie made by T.S. Nagabharana and also a musical play by Kalagangothri "Mysooru Mallige". He has adopted popular singers P. Kalinga Rao, Mysore Ananthaswamy and C. Ashwath who have popularised poems of Narasimhaswamy both in the movies and the theatre.
Mysooru Mallige
Mysooru Mallige is one of the great literary works of K. S. Narasimhaswamy, a great Kannada poet. This collection of poems inspired the movie made by T.S. Nagabharana and also a musical play by Kalagangothri....
.
Mysore Mallige (Kannada: , Botanical name
Botanical name
A botanical name is a formal scientific name conforming to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature and, if it concerns a plant cultigen, the additional cultivar and/or Group epithets must conform to the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants...
: Jasminum grandiflorum
Jasminum grandiflorum
Jasminum grandiflorum, also known variously as the Spanish jasmine, Royal jasmine, Catalonian jasmine, among others is a species of jasmine native to South Asia. In India, its leaves are widely used as an Ayurvedic herbal medicine and its flowers are used to adorn the coiffure of women...
L.
Carolus Linnaeus
Carl Linnaeus , also known after his ennoblement as , was a Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist, who laid the foundations for the modern scheme of binomial nomenclature. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy, and is also considered one of the fathers of modern ecology...
) of the Oleaceae
Oleaceae
Oleaceae are a family containing 24 extant genera and around 600 species of mesophytic shrubs, trees and occasionally vines. As shrubs, members of this family may be twine climbers, or scramblers.-Leaves:...
family is the most popular among the three varieties of Jasmine
Jasmine
Jasminum , commonly known as jasmines, is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family . It contains around 200 species native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World...
endemic to Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
; the other two varieties being the Hadagali Mallige (Jasminum auriculatum Vahl
Martin Vahl (botanist)
Martin Henrichsen Vahl was a Danish-Norwegian botanist and zoologist.He studied botany in Copenhagen and in Uppsala under Carolus Linnaeus. He edited Flora Danica fasc. XVI-XXI , Symbolæ Botanicæ I-III , Eclogæ Americanæ I-IV and Enumeratio Plantarum I-II...
) and Udupi Mallige (Jasminum sambac
Jasminum sambac
Jasminum sambac is a species of jasmine native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a small shrub or vine growing up to in height. It is widely cultivated for its attractive and sweetly fragrant flowers. The flowers are also used for perfumes and for making tea. It is known as the Arabian jasmine in...
(L.
Carolus Linnaeus
Carl Linnaeus , also known after his ennoblement as , was a Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist, who laid the foundations for the modern scheme of binomial nomenclature. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy, and is also considered one of the fathers of modern ecology...
) Aiton
William Aiton
William Aiton was a Scottish botanist.Aiton was born near Hamilton. Having been regularly trained to the profession of a gardener, he travelled to London in 1754, and became assistant to Philip Miller, then superintendent of the Chelsea Physic Garden...
). Famed worldwide for their fragrance, all the three flower varieties have been patented and registered under Intellectual Property Right.
Jasmine is considered the queen of flowers and is called the “Belle of India” or the "Queen of fragrance" as it is exquisitely scented to soothe and refresh. In different parts of India it is called by different names—Mogra
Jasminum sambac
Jasminum sambac is a species of jasmine native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a small shrub or vine growing up to in height. It is widely cultivated for its attractive and sweetly fragrant flowers. The flowers are also used for perfumes and for making tea. It is known as the Arabian jasmine in...
, Motia, Chameli, Malli poo, Jaati, Mallige, Juhi, Mogra or Moonlight in the grove. It is reported that there are 300 varieties of jasmine. It is also stated that jasmine crossed the seas—from Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
to Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, landing first along the Mediterranean Sea
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by the Mediterranean region and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Anatolia and Europe, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the Levant...
, conquering Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
and Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
, reaching Western Europe
Western Europe
Western Europe is a loose term for the collection of countries in the western most region of the European continents, though this definition is context-dependent and carries cultural and political connotations. One definition describes Western Europe as a geographic entity—the region lying in the...
through Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, then France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
and finally landing in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
in the latter part of the 17th century. (By the 18th century, jasmine scented gloves became popular in Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
).
Mysore Mallige (Jasminum grandiflorum)
This is the most well-known variety, which derives its name since it is grown mostly around Mysore city and partly in SrirangapatnaSrirangapatna
Srirangapatna is a town in Mandya district of the Indian state of Karnataka...
taluk in Mandya district in Karnataka state. The Jasmine's association with the city of Mysore, the royal city of palaces, patronized by the Wodeyar
Wodeyar
The Wodeyar dynasty was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 to 1947, until the independence of India from British rule and the subsequent unification of the Indian dominion and princely states into the Republic of India.The spelling Wodeyar/Wadiyar is found in most...
of the Kingdom of Mysore
Kingdom of Mysore
The Kingdom of Mysore was a kingdom of southern India, traditionally believed to have been founded in 1399 in the vicinity of the modern city of Mysore. The kingdom, which was ruled by the Wodeyar family, initially served as a vassal state of the Vijayanagara Empire...
, because its fragrance is as powerful as the famous Dasara
Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara is the Nadahabba of the state of Karnataka. It is also called Navaratri and is a 10-day festival with the last day being Vijayadashami, the most auspicious day of Dasara. Dasara usually falls in the month of September or October...
festival held every year in the city during October. Mallige grows in profusion in the open areas either in exclusive farmland, in front or at the backyard of houses.
Mysore Mallige, mostly grown in and around Mysore city is a viable crop for small farmers. Farmers reap two crops of this seasonal flower. Apart from the local market, the flower is in demand in parts of Kerala
Kerala
or Keralam is an Indian state located on the Malabar coast of south-west India. It was created on 1 November 1956 by the States Reorganisation Act by combining various Malayalam speaking regions....
and Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is one of the 28 states of India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian Peninsula and is bordered by the union territory of Pondicherry, and the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh...
.
Botanical description:
The plant is a scandent, 2 to 3 m (6.6 to 9.8 ft) in height, branchless terete, or slightly compressed sometimes hollow, sparsely pubescent, leaves alternate, trifoliately compound; 1–2 cm (0.393700787401575–0.78740157480315 in) long, petiole is about 1 cm (0.393700787401575 in) long and it has small chanel running in the middle, leaf blade ovate to ellipse, 4-8x2-3.5 cm thick, dark green in colour and nerves slightly raised beneath. Cymes, terminal, 1 to 5 flowered bracts subulate, 4–8 mm. Flowers are very fragrant. Pedicel 0.3–2 cm (0.118110236220472–0.78740157480315 in). Calyx glabrous or sparsely pubescent; lobes 8-9 linear, 5–7 mm. Corolla tube is slightly pinkish, 1.5 cm (0.590551181102362 in) long petals pure white, lobes oblong to sub orbicular, 5–9 mm broad,. Berry is purple black, globose, about 1 cm (0.393700787401575 in) in diameter.
The sandy loam soil with comparatively high pH prevailing in the region (Mysore and surrounding areas) makes a congenial ground for growing this crop. The dry and warm weather with low humidity is good for the crop. Flowering starts during March–April and continues up to June–July, April –May being the peak season
The essential oil content in the flowers ranges from 0.24 to 0.42 per cent.
Principal Aromatic constituents
The principal aromtic componenets are Indol, Jasmone, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Benzoate, Methyl Anthranilate, Linalool & Geraniol.Its modern day applications are in perfumery, cosmetics
Cosmetics
Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, towelettes, permanent waves, colored contact lenses, hair colors, hair sprays and...
, Incense
Incense
Incense is composed of aromatic biotic materials, which release fragrant smoke when burned. The term "incense" refers to the substance itself, rather than to the odor that it produces. It is used in religious ceremonies, ritual purification, aromatherapy, meditation, for creating a mood, and for...
, Aroma Therapy and Ayurveda
Ayurveda
Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...
.It is also used externally to soothe dry and sensitive skin.
Hadagali Mallige (Jasminum auriculatum)
Hadagali Mallige is known for its rich fragrance and shelf life. Locally known as “Vasane Mallige”, (fragrant Jasmine), it is grown mainly in Hoovina Hadagali and surrounding areas in Bellary district of Karnataka.Botanical description
Plant is small shrub with little scandent nature. Leaves are simple, thick, margin folded upside, slightly pubescent. Flowers are borne in axillary cymes. Flower with long corolla tube around 1 cm (0.393700787401575 in) long. Petals 7, spreading, white in colour.
The sandy red soil prevailing in this region is ideal for cultivation of Hadgali Mallige. The dry weather and good water supply also adds to the congenial environment for the cultivation of this crop. It is propagated mainly through cuttings.Planted directly in the months of July–August on the onset of monsoon. The flowering season spreads up to six months.
Flowers are highly scented and possess good essential oil recovery (0.24 to 0.42%). The flowers are used for extraction of essential oil.
Udupi Mallige (Jasminum sambac)
The cultivation of Udupi Mallige is of relatively recent origin. Cultivation of this variety of jasmine started in Shankarapura in Udupi district about 100 years ago.It is found extensively in Bhatkal
Bhatkal
Bhatkal is also known as Batecala in some historical text especially in Portuguese history.Once ruled by Jain King Bhattakalanka and thus the name. Bhatkal is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India 126 km from Karwar. The town lies on NH-17 running between Mumbai and Mangalore...
, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada
Dakshina Kannada
- Geography :The district geography consists of sea shore in the west and Western Ghats in the east. The major rivers are Netravathi, Kumaradhara, Phalguni, Shambhavi, Nandini or Pavanje and Payaswini which all join Arabian sea. Vast areas of evergreen forests which once covered this district, have...
and Uttara Kannada
Uttara Kannada
Uttara Kannada also known as North Canara or North Kanara, is a district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Belgaum District to the north, Dharwad District and Haveri District to the east, Shimoga District and Udupi District to the south and the...
, and has been found more economically viable among all the three varieties. The flower is in high demand in places such as Mumbai, besides the coastal region. Every home in this region has 0.5 to 1 acre (2,023.4 to 4,046.9 m2) of land in front of the house for Jasmine growing.
Botanical description:
Plant is a small and bushy with leaves of light green with yellowish shade, 5-7x2.5-3.5 cm, nerves slightly raised beneath, acute at both ends, entire, ovate-lanceolate. Flowers in cymose inflorescence and borne in the axils and also terminal. Calyx 6, petals 6-8, bracteate. Fruits are small, 0.4-0.5 mm in diameter.
The laterite soil condition of the region, high humidity and heavy rainfall (more than 2500–3000 mm (98.4–118.1 in) per annum) makes area suitable for growing this crop. Propagation is mainly by cuttings. Planting is done in the month August–September.
Uses
Its medician usees are as anti depressant, anti septic, anti Spasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Sedativeand Uterine.Jasmine.
Scent industry
Jasmine belonging to the family Oleaceae constitutes a group of plants, which are commercially grown for their fragrant flowers and essential oil production. Jasmine oil is said to blend with every floral scent and hence extensively used as an important perfumery item throughout the world. Indole is one of the constituent of perfumery importance present in buds. It is highly volatile. Fully opened, freshly collected flowers during early morning hours are used for extraction. On an average, the essential oil recovery ranges from 0.24 to 0.42% and the concrete yield is about 22 kg (48.5 lb) per hectare. Further on processing the concrete yields absolute to the extent of about 50% of the concrete production.It is one of the key scents in some of the most celebrated perfumes in the world viz., the Chanel No. 5, created by the legendary Coco Chanel and the famous “Joy” perfume, created by the French designer Jean Patou
Jean Patou
- Early life :Patou was born in Normandy, France in 1880. Patou's family's business was tanning and furs. Patou worked with his uncle in Normandy, then moved to Paris in 1910, intent on becoming a couturier.-1910s - World War I and later:...
. A single ounce, still known as the 'costliest perfume in the world”, contains 10,600 jasmine flowers.
In scent industry the two main varieties used are the Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum sambac.
.
Export promotion and development
Jasmine is part of floricultureFloriculture
Floriculture, or flower farming, is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, comprising the floral industry...
or flower farming, which is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, comprising the floral industry. The development plant breeding of new varieties is a major occupation of floriculturists. Floriculture crops include bedding plants, flowering plants, foliage plants or houseplants, cut cultivated greens, and cut flowers. As distinguished from nursery crops, floriculture crops are generally herbaceous. Bedding and garden plants consist of young flowering plants (annuals and perennials) and vegetable plants. Flowers are mainly for export and this business is growing in the world at around 6-10 per cent per annum. India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
’s share in the international market for these flowers is still negligible. However, Karnataka is in the limelight for floriculture right from the 18th century and is now the leader in floriculture, accounting for 75% of India's total flower production. The state has the highest area under modern cut flowers, and 40 flower growing and exporting units. The country's first and only flower auction centre is located in Karnataka. As per statistics for the year 2003-04, out of a total area of 18182 ha (44,928.7 acre) under commercial flower crops, jasmine (the three varieties) accounts for 3,451 ha (about 19%) and the average yield of flowers is reported to be 6 tons/ha with a total production of 20,244 tons.
The floriculture fair is organized every year at Aalsmeer
Aalsmeer
Aalsmeer is a municipality and a town in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. Its name is derived from the Dutch for eel and lake . Aalsmeer is bordered by the Westeinderplassen lake, the largest open water of the Randstad, and the Ringvaart Canal...
, which is Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
' flower district (attracts flower growers with their flowers, from all parts of the globe). Karnataka government is reported to be deputing a team of growers of Udupi Mallige, Hadagali Mallige and Mysore Mallige flower to the Netherlands to attend the international floricultural meet. The department's strategy is to create a platform at the fair where women (three from each region) would string the flowers, thereby attracting the attention of the foreign visitors'. The act of deftly stringing jasmines flowers is an art which has been mastered by women growers.
Geographical Indication (GI)
A Geographical IndicationGeographical indication
A geographical indication is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin...
or a GI is the protection given to a reputable product, either man-made or natural, if the applicant can conclusively prove that the unique character, reputation of the product is attributable to a specific quality attributable to only the geographical region where the product is produced and which may not be replicated to the same standard in any other region. As the French and the Scottish people
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
would swear both these types of liquors are highly unique in their taste; the uniqueness being attributable to the soil, climate, cultivating practices of their respective geographical regions. The logic of protecting them as a GI is quite similar (but not same) to that of a trademark with the important distinction that GI protection is a community right i.e. it is given to all manufacturers/producers of a product in a certain designated area if their products meet the certifications standards laid down by a collective society. To get a GI protection reputation has to be proved before registration. GI is defined both in the TRIPS & in the Indian ‘The Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999'.
The state of Karnataka, claimed the GI protection based on the special qualities of the Mallige flowers (jasmines) particular to the region – the “Mysore Mallige”, the "Udupi Mallige" and "Hadagali Mallige"- as they fully met the criteria laid down under the Act. The criteria considered were the following.
- Unique quality – The unique factor is that the volatile oil (essential oil) content is comparatively lower in this variety.
- Attribution: The dry sandy soil prevailing in the region around Hadagali taluk is responsible for the particular aroma of this flower, while the dry climate (low/sparse rainfall) adds to the favourable environment for the crop.
- Reputation: The flower is in high demand in places such as Mumbai, besides the coastal region. It has an export potential as it is in demand in West Asia.
An expert committee headed by the Controller-General of Patents, Design and Trade Marks attached to the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry,India, who also act as the Registrar of GI approved the GI patent to the three flowers, varieties of jasmine, in September 2007. An entry to the Geographical Indications Registry provides exclusive rights to the local community to cultivate the crop for 10 years. With this GI tag or patent nobody outside this specific geographical region will be allowed to sell under the same name. Besides the community ownership of the crop, the Horticulture Department offers technical assistance, brand development and market assistance to the growers of the crop registered under GI. With the GI tag the bond between Mysore city and the Mallige (jasmine) flower has now grown stronger.
Jasmine absolute
Absolute is the solvent extracted product of Jasmine. It is rendered through the process explained by Mandy AftelMandy Aftel
Mandy Aftel is a leading natural perfumer and author of three books on natural perfume. Essence and Alchemy: A Book of Perfume has been translated into seven languages, won the 2001 Sense of Smell Institute's Richard B...
, quoted below.The solvent extracts are supplied from the Jasmine extraction units located in South India where several thousand acres of Jasmine farms exist in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
“Flowers are placed on racks in a hermetically sealed container. A liquid solvent, usually hexane, is circulated over the flowers to dissolve the essential oils. This produces a solid waxy paste called a “concrete”. The concrete is then repeatedly treated with pure alcohol (ethanol) which dissolves the wax and yields the highly aromatic liquid known as an absolute. This method is also used for extracting resins and balsams and for rendering the animal essences, such as civet, musk, ambergris and castoreum”.
(source: Mandy Aftel, Essence and Alchemy".
Poems and films
The Jasmine flower with the name tag 'Mysore Mallige' has been extolled over the past century by poets, novelists and theatre artist of Karnataka. The Late K S Narasimhaswamy, well known as Mallige Kavi (poet), immortalized the name “Mysore Mallige”. His poetry collection Mysooru MalligeMysooru Mallige
Mysooru Mallige is one of the great literary works of K. S. Narasimhaswamy, a great Kannada poet. This collection of poems inspired the movie made by T.S. Nagabharana and also a musical play by Kalagangothri....
(1942) is considered one of the best literary works in the Kannada language and has seen 27 reprints.
This collection of poems has inspired the movie made by T.S. Nagabharana and also a musical play by Kalagangothri "Mysooru Mallige". He has adopted popular singers P. Kalinga Rao, Mysore Ananthaswamy and C. Ashwath who have popularised poems of Narasimhaswamy both in the movies and the theatre.