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Serissa japonica

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Serissa japonica (Thunberg) Thunberg

Family Name: Rubiaceae
Synonyms: Serissa foetida (L.f.) Lam.
Common Name: Japanese Serissa, Snowrose, Tree of a Thousand Stars, Japanese Boxthorn, 六月雪, 白马骨, 满天星

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Shrub
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Plant Shape Rounded, Shrubby
Maximum Height 0.5 m to 1 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution India, China and Japan
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Monsoon Forest, Mountain, Riverine)
Preferred Climate Zone Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a shrub, up to a metre tall. Its branches are somewhat flattened and finely hairy.
Foliage Its shortly stalked, oppositely arranged leaves have thick leaf blades that are ovate to lanceolate,, 0.6-2.2 cm long and 0.3-0.6 cm wide. 
Flowers Its small, tubular, pinkish to white flowers that are 6-petaled, borne singly or in bunches, about 1 cm wide.
Fruit Its fruits are drupes, 2-3 mm long.
Habitat It grows along streams and in hilly forests.
Cultivation Likes well-drained soil, prone to rotting in waterlogged soil. Over or underwatering, too little humidity may cause foliage yellowing and leaf drop.
Etymology Latin, Serissa, from the Indian vernacular name for Serissa foetida (now known as Serissa japonica). Latin japonica, from Japan, referring to one its localities in its natural distribution.
Ethnobotanical Uses Others: Popularly used as bonsai (esp. in Japan). When pruned, many branches produced from new and old wood.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable as a park plant for its ornamental form, leaves and flowers.
Desirable Plant Features Fragrant (Flowers, Foliage, Stems) (Time Independent), Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form
Landscape Uses Suitable for Bonsai, General, Container Planting, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Riverine
Thematic Landscaping Zen / Minimalist Garden
Plant & Rootzone Preference or Tolerance Remarks Prone to root rot in waterlogged soils.

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Well-Drained Soils
Maintenance Requirements Moderate
Diseases Scale insects. Yellowing leaves and leaf-drop caused by incorrect placement, poor humidity levels or incorrect watering.
Propagation Method Stem Cutting

Foliar

Foliage Retention Drought / Semi-Deciduous, Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth, Thick
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Whorled, Opposite
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Oval, Lanceolate, Elliptical)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip Acute
Typical Foliar Area Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 )
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot)

Non - Foliar and Storage

Trunk Type (Non Palm) Woody
Bark Colour(s) Light grey
Stem Type & Modification Woody
Root Type Underground (Tap Root, Fibrous Root)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) White, Pink
Flower Grouping Solitary, Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Flower Symmetry Radial
Flowering Period Free-Flowering
Flowering Opening Time Time-Independent
Flower Lifespan on Plant Several Weeks
Flowering Habit Polycarpic

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Fleshy Fruit , Non-Accessory Fruit

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1160
Species ID 2453
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.
Species record last updated on: 15 February 2022.
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