The kaitha or ketaki (केतकी) flower mentioned in the Brahma's story as Shiva's favorite flower is Pandanus odoratissimus - Umbrella tree, Screw pine or Screw tree. It is also knows as keora (keura or keori) or keya (kia)

It is a shrub with fragrant flowers found wild in southern India, Burma and the Andamans. It is used as perfume. aromatic oil (kevda oil) and fragrant distillation (otto) called "keorra-ka-arak". These are stimulant and antispasmodic and are used in headache and rheumatism. The flowers are also used to flavor food.

External links

• Kewda-Orissa's Fragrant Floral King by Christopher McMahon
• Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages: Pandanus
• Ketaki - a cursed but useful flower by H.C.Gera for The Tribune

Pandanales

Kaitha