Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Plant Shape | Rounded, Compact, Dwarf |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India & Tropical Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Small-sized shrub, able to grow up to about 1 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Small leaves are densely clustered together. |
| Flowers | White, star-shaped flowers occur in round clusters at the stem tips. This cultivar blooms throughout the year. |
| Cultivation | This cultivar grows best under full sun in rich, acidic soils with good drainage. Keep the leaves dry and avoid planting in shady areas to prevent attack by mealy bugs and sooty mold. |
| Etymology | Genus Ixora refers to the name of a Malabar deity, Iswara. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Hedge / Screening |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Slow |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Acidic (low pH) Soils |
| Soil pH Range From | 5 |
| Soil pH Range To | 5.5 |
| Pest(s) | Sucking Insects, Nematodes |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting (Tip, Semi-Hardwood) |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth, Gloss / Shiny |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Umbel |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 836 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2131 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
