Out of the many flowers in Bali, the white gardenia may be one of the most useful. It’s a favourite garden plant that has a pleasant fragrance. The leaves have medicinal properties. It’s also the official flower mascot for the city of Denpasar!
The white gardenia, commonly known as the jempiring in Bali or Gardenia augusta in Latin, is a common flower found in Bali. Like many flowers in Bali, the gardenia is often used in offerings, making it have economic value. It is coveted mainly due to its fragrant scent, making it a popular garden plant, and is easy to cultivate. The flowers can also be used to make perfume.
Aside from decorative purposes, the leaves of the gardenia plant have medicinal properties. The leaves are commonly used in making Balinese tonics, known as loloh, which are a form of alternative natural medicine that can fight off diabetes. The leaves can be boiled to make a herbal tea that can heal alleviate diabetes, mouth ulcers, fevers, and constipation.
In 2002, the gardenia was officially declared as the mascot of Denpasar by the mayor at that time, A.A. Puspayoga. Back then, the mayor tried to push everyone to cultivate gardenias in their gardens. Philosophically, the flower represents many aspects of the ideal citizen of Denpasar. The white flower resembles clarity of mind and righteousness, the fragrant flower represents charisma, and the green leaves represents peacefulness.
