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This is the Ixora coccinea flower. Used extensively in Hindu temples for making garlands, this is a must for all worships especially for the Goddess of Durga. May be the redness of the flowers is what would have made the choice on this flower. In Malayalam this is known as the Thechi and there are many colour variations, though the red one is what is used in Ayurvedic medicine preparations and for household medications.
Various parts of this plant - roots, stem, flowers etc.- are used for treating skin diseases, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, indigestion, ulcers, wounds, and also used as antiseptic. This plant is also believed to have anti-cancer properties probably because of its effectiveness against ulcers. Though there is a long list of other diseases for which this plant is used, I am not going into the details as one can do a google search for Ixora and find out them.
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What is particularly interesting is that again its relationship to our childhood. This plant has a red berry which is edible and as children we used to collect the berries from hillocks. Also the honey which you can suck from the flowers is another attraction for children.
