Jasmine a fame of Madurai

Jasmine – The white flower of pleasant fragrance
Jasmine which is from the Arabic countries is known as Persian yasmin, i.e. "gift from God". It is a popular genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family (Oleaceae), with about 200 species, native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the Old World. Jasmine is a evergreen semi vining shrub that grows to the height of 8- 10 feet. The flower is about one inch. It has oval green rich leaves, which have five to nine leaflets. Each leaflet is 2-3 inches long. Jasmine flowers are white in colour. Its stems are slender, trailing, green and glaborous.

Cultural Importance of Jasmine in India
Jasmine is grown and marketed in various parts of the country. The jasmine flower, depending on variety, has different names in many languages in India. Some of those names are:
Maalatie or mallika in Sanskrit.
Chameli, juhie, or motiyaa in Hindi.
Jaaie, juie, saayalie, chamelie or mogaraa in Marathi.
Juie in Bengali.
Malle in Telugu. The double-flowered cultivar is called gundu malle.
Malligai in Tamil.

Jasmine flowers are worn in girls' and womens' hair mainly for their beauty and fragrance. They are also used in floral decorations for marriages and other important functions.
Throughout most of India, especially in the western and southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, etc., jasmine is cultivated commercially, for both the domestic purposes and other purposes such as perfume industry

Jasmine flower sellers (vendors) selling ready-made garlands of jasmine, bunches of jasmine, as well as flowers by weight, are a common sight on city streets in many parts of India. They may be found around entrances to temples, on major thoroughfares, and in major business areas (including bus stands). In India Jasmine is called the 'Moonshine in the garden'.

What is famous about Madurai malli?
Madurai is surrounded by several mountains. It is famous for Jasmine Flowers. Jasmine flowers are transported to other cities of India from Madurai. Madurai is well known for its fragrant Jasmine flowers. The city of Madurai is called Malligai Maanagar ("City of Jasmine").

Madurai Malli is an important horticultural produce. The buds are transported every day to major cities in India, like Chennai, Mumbai and Bangalore.