Dragon-boat flower
Ixora chinensis

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A small round evergreen shrub. It grows 0.5-2 m tall. It spreads 1.5 m wide. The leaves are glossy and deep green. They are oval and 6-18 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They are in rings of about 4. The flowers are red or yellow. They are in heads 12 cm across. The fruit is reddish-black and 6-7 mm long by 6-7 mm wide.

There are about 400 Ixora species. They grow in tropical countries. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It can grow in the subtropics. It is native to southern China where it grows between 200-800 m above sea level. It is common on hillsides. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia (country/location of origin), Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Colombia, East Africa, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tuvalu, USA, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Fresh flowers are gathered and boiled with pork for soup.

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are usually grown from cuttings. It can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Chinese ixora, Da'k khem, Jarum-jarum merah, Kam rotesh, Longchuanhua, Pechah periok, Pial ayam hutan, Santan tsina, Siantan hutan, Siantan jantan, Soka cina

Synonyms

Ixora stricta Roxb.; Ixora amoena Wall.; Ixora dubia Schult.; Ixora incarnata Roxb. ex Smith; Ixora rosea Sims.; and others