Santan / Ixora coccinea / DWARF SANTAN : Philippine Medicinal Plants / Philippine Alternative Medicine. There are about 500 species in the genus Ixora. A few are in cultivation. There are numerous cultivars differing in flower color (yellow, pink, orange) and plant size.
The red Santan
Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. It consists of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs and holds around 500 species. Though native to the tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world, its centre of diversity is in Tropical Asia.
Ixora also grows commonly in subtropical climates in the United States, such as Florida where it is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine. Other common names include viruchi, rangan, kheme, ponna, chann tanea, techi, pan, santan, jarum-jarum, jungle flame, jungle geranium among others.
The plants possess leathery leaves, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length, and produce large clusters of tiny flowers in the summer. Members of Ixora prefer acidic soil, and are suitable choices for bonsai. It is also a popular choice for hedges in parts of South East Asia.
In tropical climates they flower year round and are commonly used in Hindu worship, as well as in ayurveda and Indian folk medicine.
The lovely flower, Santan. (Source: Wikipedia.com)
4 comments:
A vigorous bloomer!
What a pretty little flower. I like the color a lot.
Thank you so much, Villrose and Betty. Take care
A lovely flower, Veta. It's too cold in Melbourne for this, but it grows in abundance in Queensland.
Many thanks for contributing to Floral Friday Fotos.
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