Dombeya

Pink Snowball, Cayeux's Dombeya

Message of the Flower

Conquest over the Greed for Food

The Mother’s Comment

A promise of good health.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Greed for food has to be overcome, but it has not to be given too much thought. The proper attitude to food is a certain equality. Food is for the maintenance of the body and one should take enough for that—what the body needs; if one gives less the body feels the need and hankers; if you give more, then that is indulging the vital. As for particular foods the palate likes, the attitude of the mind and vital should be, "If I get, I take; if I don't get, I shall not mind." One should not think too much of food either to indulge or unduly to repress—that is the best.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - IV: Food

Colour

Pink or white, Cream white,

Family

Malvaceae

Flower Size

1-2 inches in diameter

Flower Texture

Soft, somewhat papery

Number of Petals

Usually five

Floral Symmetry

Radial

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant

Leaf Texture

Leathery, coarse

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green, sometimes slightly fuzzy

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Grows as a shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Late winter to early spring

Climate

Subtropical to tropical, frost-sensitive

Water Requirements

Moderate, tolerates short dry periods

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile

Temperature Ranges

Best in warm climates, not frost-hardy

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to aphids, rust, and mildew

Pollinators

Bees, butterflies, other pollinators

Habitat

Cultivated in gardens and landscapes

Role in the Ecosystem

Nectar source, enhances garden biodiversity

Quotations

None noted

Ornamental

Valued for decorative flowers and landscaping

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Ornamental in gardens and parks

Endangered Status

Not considered endangered