Kathurumurunga Flowers (Ceylon Scarlet Wisteria)

ORIGINS

According to the World Agro Forestry Centre, the precise origin is unknown

TASTE

Bitter and astringent

AYURVEDA & MEDICINAL USES

As per a 2011 study published in the International Journal of Pharma Tech Research, scientists discovered that the ethanol flower extracts had great wound healing potential, and in fact yielded better results than the control group treated with 2 percent Nitrofurazone.

Flower can also be used for sore throat.

In Ayurveda medicine, Flowers are used to treat night blindness, headaches, catarrh, cough and fevers.

NOTABLE FACTS

This small ornamental tree with a straight trunk produces a mass of
large, 3-4 white flowers resembling little birds. It’s that time of the year when flashes of red show up amid the country greens. This velvety
flower, when in bud, curves outward like a long beak; hence the name ‘humming bird flower’. The flowers hang in bell-like clusters behind the thicket of leaves.

TRY-ME RECIPES

Blossom fritters

To prepare, remove the stamen and calyx. Make a thick batter of gram and rice flower, baking soda, chili powder, nigella seeds, sugar, and salt. Dip the white flowers in the batter, and then deep fry until
golden brown.

stuffed flowers:

Make a concoction of finely chopped sautéed tofu, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and coconut oil. Use a paring knife to cut a slit in the flowers, stuff with the filling, and then deep fry or bake as a healthy alternative.