Nandiyavattai (Tabernaemontana divaricata)

Nandiyavattai, chandni in Hindi, is crepe jasmine, an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and white, pinwheel-shaped flowers planted in Indian gardens and temple courtyards. The flowers, often double, are offered in worship daily. It is not a true jasmine; it belongs to the oleander family and has milky sap. Its folk use of latex in the eyes is risky.

Botanical name: Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult.
Family: Apocynaceae
Tamil: Nandiyavattai
Hindi: Chandni
Sanskrit: Nandīvṛkṣa
Parts used: Flowers in garlands, Latex — not a use
Habit: Evergreen garden shrub with white pinwheel flowers and milky sap
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Nandiyavattai

It is a bushy evergreen shrub, usually one to two metres tall, with milky latex.

The leaves are glossy, dark green and elliptic, in opposite pairs.

The flowers are white, with five petals twisted like a pinwheel; double forms have crinkled, layered petals.

The fruits are curved, orange pods that split to show seeds in red arils.

True jasmine has clear sap, and its flowers are not twisted.

Traditional use of Nandiyavattai

Ritual

Nandiyavattai flowers are offered daily in Hindu worship in South India.

South Indian ritual practice

Folk use

Flower juice and latex have been dropped into the eyes in folk practice, a hazardous use.

Indian folk practice

Garden

It is planted as a hedge and border shrub in Indian gardens.

Indian garden practice

Modern notes on Nandiyavattai

The plant contains indole alkaloids such as coronaridine and voacangine, studied in laboratories.

Its latex can irritate skin and eyes.

It flowers almost all year in the tropics.

Nandiyavattai safety

Do not put latex or flower juice in the eyes or take the plant by mouth. Wash hands after handling broken stems.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native from India to South-east Asia and southern China.

Moths visit the white flowers at dusk.

Birds eat the red arils.

Related plants

Also in Apocynaceae

Questions about Nandiyavattai

Is Nandiyavattai a jasmine?

No. It belongs to the oleander family.

Is Nandiyavattai used in worship?

Yes. Its flowers are offered daily.

Is the latex of Nandiyavattai safe?

No. It can irritate skin and eyes.

Why are the petals twisted?

That pinwheel shape is typical of its family.

Does Nandiyavattai flower all year?

Almost, in warm climates.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.