Lawsonia inermis

Mignonette Tree, Henna, Mehndi

Message of the Flower

Energy turned towards the Divine

The Mother’s Comment

The power of realisation offers itself in service to the Divine.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Life energy, life-force is not physical in itself; it is not material energy, but rather a different principle supporting Matter and involved in it. It supports and occupies all forms and without it no physical form could have come into being or could remain in being. It acts in all material forces such as electricity and is nearest to self-manifestation in those that are nearest to pure force; no material force could exist or act without it, for from it they derive their energy and movement and they are its vehicles.

Sri Aurobindo, Kena and Other Upanishads: The Superlife—Life of Our Life

The true Life-Force too reveals itself as no longer this troubled harassed divided striving surface energy, but a great and radiant Divine Power, full of peace and strength and bliss, a wide-wayed Angel of Life with its wings of Might enfolding the universe.

Sri Aurobindo, The Synthesis of Yoga - I: The Ascent of the Sacrifice - II

Colour

Cream yellow or red

Family

Lythraceae

Person who named the flower

Carolus Linnaeus

Flower Size

Small, around 1-2 cm in diameter

Flower Texture

Soft

Number of Petals

Four

Floral Symmetry

Radial

Fragrance of Flower

Fragrant, especially at night

Leaf Texture

Smooth

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Summer

Climate

Tropical and subtropical

Water Requirements

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

Soil Type

Prefers well-drained soils

Temperature Ranges

Thrives in warm temperatures; not frost-tolerant

Sun or Shade

Full sun

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions; generally pest-resistant

Pollinators

Attracts bees and butterflies

Habitat

Native to North Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent; cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators

Ornamental

Grown for its beauty and for henna production

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Natural dye in cosmetics

Endangered Status

Not endangered; widely cultivated