Beach gardenia
Guettarda speciosa

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 6 m tall. It spreads 1-3 m wide. The bark is smooth and creamy grey. The leaves are large and green and have prominent veins. The leaves are 15-23 cm long by 10-18 cm wide. There are fine hairs under the leaves. The flowers are white and have a scent. They open at night for one night.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows near the shore. It grows in sand above the high tide mark. It needs a sunny position and well drained soil. It grows on coral islands.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, American Samoa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, Caroline Islands, China, Christmas Island, Chuuk, Cook Islands, East Africa, Fiji, French Polynesia, FSM, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mariana Islands, Marquesas, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Myanmar, Niue, Pacific, Palau, Philippines, Pohnpei, Rotuma, Samoa, SE Asia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South America, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, Yap

How it is used for food

The fruit are used for drinks.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds. Seeds take one month to germinate.

Trees flower in October to May.

Its other names

Local names

'Ano, Balaaw, Belau, Eet, Fano, Haha-hara, Hana, Hano, Ihd, Iuth, Mohor, Mosor, Mvester, Mwoosor, Mzoosor, Mwewu, Ot, Outh, Panao, Panopano, Pua, Puabano, Puapua, Puopua, Sea randa, Tambaribarisa, Te uri, Te uri rara, Uni, Ut, Utilomar, Wut, Wutu, Zebra wood

Synonyms

Cadamba jasminiflora Sonn.; Gardenia speciosa (L.) Roxb. ex Wight & Arn. [Illegitimate]; Guettarda hirsuta Sarg. [Illegitimate]; Guettarda tahitensis Nadeaud; Jasminum hirsutum (L.) Willd.; Matthiola speciosa (L.) Kuntze; Mogorium hirsutum (L.) Poir.; Nyctanthes hirsuta L.;