In Cambodia[edit]
The rumduol (Khmer: រំដួល), as it is known in Cambodia, is often planted in gardens and parks as it is valued for its fragrance. The flowers are used to make a scented lip wax called kramuon rumduol (Khmer: ក្រមួនរំដួល).[3] Several regions in Cambodia are named after this flower, such as Romdoul District and Ou Rumduol.
In a 2005 royal decree by King Sihamoni of Cambodia, the rumduol was proclaimed the national flower of Cambodia, however this decree references an invalid synonym for this taxon, Mitrella mesnyi.[3] The rumduol is often referred to as Popowia aberrans on botanical signs and as noted by Headley in the Cambodian-English dictionary.[4][5]
In Thailand[edit]
This plant is known as lamduan (Thai: ลำดวน) in the Thai language. It is often referred to by the synonym Melodorum fruticosum in Thai publications.[6] A Thai cookie, called khanom kleeb lamduan (Thai: ขนมกลีบลำดวน), is fashioned after the shape of the flowers. The Dok Lamduan Festival is held annually in Sisaket Province in observance of the blooming flowers.[7]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphaerocoryne_affinis
Rumdul or its scientific name, the Mitrella mesnyi is a national flower of Kingdom of Cambodia as how we, Malaysia have bunga raya (hibiscus flower) as our national flower. It was proclaimed as the national flower by King Sihamoni of Cambodia in 2005.
also known as Mitrella mesnyi
it is a species of flowering plant in the soursop family, Annonaceae. This plant has a yellowish-white flower with a single alternate leaf. It has a height of 8–12 m and a stem diameter of 20–30 cm. It gives out an attractive smell in the late afternoon and evening, a distinctive fragrance that can be smelled from a long distance.
The rumdul plant also bears edible fruits growing in clusters that will turn dark red when ripe.
The rumdul is very common in Cambodia, where another flower known by the same name is Melodorum fruticosum.