Crataeva adansonii

Sacred Garlic Pear, Temple Plant, Varuna Tree

Message of the Flower

Working of the Enlightened Mind

The Mother’s Comment

It is very powerful in leading the being to the Divine and can be very useful for progress.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Higher Mind is one of the planes of the spiritual mind, the first and lowest of them; it is above the normal mental level.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - I: Classification of the Parts of the Being

I mean by the Higher Mind a first plane of spiritual consciousness where one becomes constantly and closely aware of the Self, the One everywhere and knows and sees things habitually with that awareness; but it is still very much on the mind level although highly spiritual in its essential substance; and its instrumentation is through an elevated thought-power and comprehensive mental sight—not illumined by any of the intenser upper lights but as if in a large strong and clear daylight. It acts as an intermediate state between the Truth-Light above and the human mind; communicating the higher knowledge in a form that the Mind intensified, broadened, made spiritually supple, can receive without being blinded or dazzled by a Truth beyond it.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Poetry and Art: Higher Mind and Poetic Intelligence

Colour

White or pale yellow, often with pink or purple streaks.

Family

Capparaceae

Cultivars

Not widely known for cultivars.

Flower Size

Medium-sized, usually about 2-4 inches across.

Flower Texture

Delicate and slightly waxy.

Number of Petals

Four

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant, sometimes with a garlic-like smell.

Leaf Texture

Smooth, somewhat glossy.

Leaf Arrangement

Compound leaves, usually trifoliate.

Leaf Color

Green, turning yellow before shedding.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Medium-sized tree.

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Spring and early summer.

Climate

Prefers tropical to subtropical climates.

Water Requirements

Moderate; can tolerate periods of dryness.

Soil Type

Prefers well-drained soil, adaptable to various soil types.

Temperature Ranges

Tolerant of a wide range but prefers warmer climates.

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases.

Pollinators

Attracts bees and butterflies.

Habitat

Commonly found near streams and rivers, in forests, and urban areas in its native range.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides habitat and food for various wildlife species; the tree helps stabilize riverbanks.

Ornamental

Sometimes grown for its ornamental value.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

environmental benefits, such as stabilizing riverbanks and providing habitat for wildlife.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered but may be affected by habitat loss in certain areas.