Araliya
Queen of Tropical Flowers
“Araliya is one of the most widely used blossoms in Sri Lanka. The primary reason for this popularity is its association with Buddhist and Hindu cultures, for araliya is the temple flower for locals. Grown throughout the island, it is a common sight in the baskets of flowers offered at temples.
Piumeria, as it is known internationally, is a tropical flowering tree that originated in tropical America. Its scientific name is Piumeria obtuse, derived from the 17th-century French botanist Charles Piumier. There is some doubt as to when piumeria was introduced to Sri Lanka, where it is called araliya in Sinhala and arali or perungalli in Tamil. Some say the Portuguese bright it with them after their forays into South America, but then the ladies depicted in the 1,500-year-old Sigiriya frescoes appear to be carrying flowers very similar to the araliya.
Leaves and the Dormant Period
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Araliya may reach a height of 12m and often has a thick trunk, the bark of which is grey and scaly. The widely spaced, thick and succulent branches are round or pointed. The leaves - smooth and shiny, leathery almost, with well-defined veins - appear in clusters near the branch tips.
The araliya experiences a dormant period when the leaves fall off. While dormant, the tree requires no care and most varieties will loose some if not all of their leaves. Dormancy lasts from one to five months depending on environmental factors. The tree looks very naked and lifeless during this stage.
Efflorescence
The flowers, which appear in clusters at the end of the branches, are waxy and scented. They come in a seemingly endless variety of colour, size and fragrance. They normally have five petals, although flowers with four, six, seven or more petals are not uncommon. Most flowers have a strong pleasant fragrance that is most intense during the early part of the day. There are several basic araliya colour schemes: white with a yellow center, yellow, multicolored, and red. The one most commonly seen in Sri Lanka is the white flower with a yellow center. The main flowering season is from March to May. Once picked, a bloom can last for several days without wilting if kept in water.
Flower Offering
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Araliya is one of the most widely used blossoms in Sri Lanka. The primary reason for this popularity is its association with Buddhist and Hindu cultures, for araliya is the temple flower for locals. Grown throughout the island, it is a common sight in the baskets of flowers offered at temples.
In traditional homes a clay water pot with araliya floatinfg flowers is placed at the
entrance. Fresh flowers are picked early in the morning and placed on the water while a vow is made for cleanliness to prevail throughout daily activities.
Healing Sap
A cut made on any part of the tree will exude a milky, sticky sap, used as a counter- irritant for rheumatism and which, together with sandalwood oil and camphor, is used for itching. The bark also has medicinal properties and is used to relieve fever, heal sores and as a purgative. Heated leaves are used to relieve swellings. Araliya is widely used in the Ayurveda system of alternative medicine for healing purposes and herbal flower baths, for it is said to have a cleansing effect on the body.
Cosmetic companies make a talc out of araliya as its soothing powder helps to calm babies. The flowers are also widely used for /е/s, which are the long necklaces made with fresh flowers. In cultural dances and pageants it is common to find dancers decorating their hair with araliya flowers.
Araliya in the Landscape
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There is a local belief that the araliya provides the necessary shelter for ghosts and demons, which is probably why they are grown in cemeteries.
When grown as landscape specimens, araliyas provide stunning beauty to a garden. In addition, they make beautiful potted plants for the patio or greenhouse. These trees have also begun to find haven in public places such as parks and schools.In the past araliya was considered a poor man's flower. This image is beginning to change. Wedding planners have begun to include araliya in bouquets and for hair decorations. Furthermore, luxury hotels decorate their tables with araliya, making it a delight in flower arrangements. *