FLOWERS AND PETS Compiled by Damayanthi Hewamanna The wonders of asmine (Jasminum) is Some of the countries pro- a of shrubs and ducing Jasmine essential oil J vines in the fami- are India, Egypt, China and Jasmine sambac ly , with about 200 Morocco. Its chemical con- Jasmine azoricum species, native to tropical stituents include methyl and warm temperate anthranilate, indol, benzyl regions. The majority of alcohol and linalol. There species grow as climbers on are over 200 species of jas- other or on struc- mine. tures such as gates or fences. The leaves can be National Flower either evergreen or decidu- Jasmine is the National ous. Flower of the following countries, the Philippines, Uses where it is known as “Sam- Jasmine is widely culti- paguita”, and is usually vated for its flowers, strung on garlands which enjoyed in the garden, as Kingdom: Plantae are then used to adorn reli- house plants, and as cut gious images. Indonesia, flowers. The flowers are (unranked): Angiosperms where the variety Jas- worn by women in their minum sambac is the hair in southern and South- (unranked): “puspa bangsa” (National east Asia. Many species Flower), and goes by the also yield an absolute, (unranked): name “Melati”. In the coun- which is used in the pro- try, especially the island of duction of perfumes and Order: Java, it is the most impor- incense. tant flower in wedding cer- Jasmine tisane is con- Family: Oleaceae emonies for ethnic Indone- sumed in China, where it is sians. called Jasmine flower tea Tribe: Jasmineae In , where it is pinyin. Jasmine sambac Jasminum officinale is flowers are also used to Genus: Jasminum known as the “Chambeli” make tea, which often has a or “Yasmine” is the national Jasmine auriculatum base of green tea, but some- flower. In Syria, it is the times an Oolong base is absorbed moisture from the scones. Jasmine is also symbolic flower of Damas- Jasmine polyanthum used. The Jasmine flower flowers, it must be refired made into an oil which is cus, which is called the City opens only at night and is to prevent spoilage. now commonly in use. Its of . In Sanskrit it plucked in the morning The spent flowers may or flowers are either extracted is called “Mallika and when the tiny petals are may not be removed from by the labour-intensive “Chameli” in Hindi. tightly closed. They are the final product, as the method of effleurage or Jasmine is cultivated at then stored in a cool place flowers are completely dry through chemical extrac- Pangala, in Karnataka, until night. Between six and contain no aroma. tion. India and exported to Mid- and eight in the evening, as Giant fans are used to blow The reason it is so expen- dle Eastern countries. J. flu- the temperature cools the away and remove the petals sive is because of the enor- minense is an invasive petals begin to open. from the denser tea leaves. mous amount of flowers species in Hawaii, where it Flowers and tea are If present, they simply add needed to produce a small is sometimes known by the “mated” in machines that visual appeal and are no amount of oil. The flowers inaccurate name “Brazilian control temperature and indication of the quality of have to be gathered at night Jasmine”. In Thailand, jas- humidity. It takes four the tea. because the odour of jas- mine flowers are used as a hours or so for the tea to The French are known mine is more powerful after symbol of the mother. absorb the fragrance and for their jasmine syrup, dark. In Sri Lanka it is com- flavour of the Jasmine blos- most commonly made from The flowers are laid out monly known as Pichcha soms, and for the highest an extract of the Jasmine on cotton cloths soaked in Mal and is also used a lot to grades, this process may be flower. In the United olive oil for several days give as offering to temples repeated as many as seven States, this Jasmine syrup and then extracted leaving and decorating the oil lamp. Jasmine nudiflorum times. Because the tea has is used to make Jasmine the true Jasmine essence. Source: Wikipedia Jasmine sambac

Tips for taking care of your pet’s teeth uppies and kittens lose their “baby” P teeth in the first year. Getting your pet used to having their mouth examined and teeth brushed is a good start to healthy teeth and gums. As pets age, dental tartar and plaque may affect not only the teeth, but gums, heart and internal organs Meoweee... Grrrr... as well. Here are some dental al common pet dental additional health prob- health resources to keep health questions. lems. your pet healthy. Dental disease is not Dogs and cats may Keeping your pet’s teeth simply suffering from “bad express dental pain and and gums in good shape breath” infections of the disease in many ways. has many health benefits gums, teeth, and oral cavi- Here is a list of common in addition to the ty can spread via the signs and behaviors seen sparkling fresh breath. bloodstream to the heart with diseases of the teeth Here are answers to sever- and liver, possibly causing and gums.

Mexican Axolotl The Mexican Axolotl

The Mexican Axolotl (pronounced ACK-suh- “Did you know?” LAH-tuhl) salamander has the rare trait of retaining its ➤ Type: Amphibian larval features throughout ➤ Diet: Carnivore its adult life. ➤ Average lifespan in the wild: 10 to 15 years This condition, called ➤ Size: up to 12 in (30 cm) neoteny, means it keeps its ➤ Weight: 2.11 to 8 oz (60 to 227 g) tadpole-like dorsal fin, ➤ Because they have the ability to regenerate lost which runs almost the body parts, Axolotls are probably one of length of its body, and its the most scientifically studied salamanders feathery external gills, in the world. which protrude from the ➤ Protection status: Endangered back of its wide head. Found exclusively in the progress to maturity and centimeters) in length, lake complex of Xochimilco emerge from the water, but although the average size is (pronounced SO-chee- by and large, they are con- closer to half that. MILL-koh) near Mexico tent to stay on the bottom They are typically black City, axolotls differ from of Xochimilco’s lakes and or mottled brown, but albi- most other salamanders in canals. Close relatives of no and white varieties are that they live permanently the tiger salamander, somewhat common, partic- in water. In extremely rare axolotls can be quite large, ularly among captive speci- cases, an axolotl will reaching up to a foot (30 mens. Source: NatGeo =