Michelia alba

White Sandalwood, White Champaca

Message of the Flower

Divine Smile

The Mother’s Comment

We can contemplate the smiles of the Divine when we have conquered our ego.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

You know, when I say, "The Lord smiles", that means something; it is not that I see a smiling face, but it is… it is a solar vibration. You know, the sun is flat and dull and cold and almost black in comparison.

The Mother

But this Presence in all things… It is a vibration, but it is a vibration that contains everything—a vibration which contains a kind of infinite power, infinite delight and infinite peace, of vastness, vastness, vastness; there are no limits…

The Mother, On Thoughts and Aphorisms: Aphorism - 79, 80

And how often, how often the impression… there is no form—there is a form and there is no form, it cannot be put into words. And the impression of a look and there are no eyes—there are no eyes, but there is a look—a look and a smile, and there is no mouth, there is no face! And yet there is a smile, there is a look and (Mother laughs) one cannot help saying, "Yes, O Lord, I am stupid!" But He laughs, one laughs, one is happy.

The Mother, On Thoughts and Aphorisms: Aphorism - 79, 80

An incense floated in the quivering air, A mystic happiness trembled in the breast As if the invisible Beloved had come Assuming the sudden loveliness of a face And close glad hands could seize his fugitive feet And the world change with the beauty of a smile.

Sri Aurobindo, Savitri - I: The World-Soul

Colour

Ivory white

Family

Magnoliaceae

Flower Size

Not detailed

Flower Texture

Waxy

Number of Petals

Multiple, counts not provided

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical

Fragrance of Flower

Highly fragrant, similar to jasmine

Leaf Texture

Glossy, leathery

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Dark green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Medium-sized tree

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Late winter to early spring

Climate

Tropical and subtropical

Water Requirements

Regular, more in dry conditions

Soil Type

Prefers well-drained

Temperature Ranges

5C to 35C

Sun or Shade

Full sun, protect from strong light in hot summers

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Resistant, occasional pests like mealybugs

Pollinators

Various pollinating insects

Habitat

Native to southern China, cultivated in gardens

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators

Quotations

Not detailed

Ornamental

Primarily ornamental and medicinal