Ixora brachiata

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5-10 m tall. The bark is brown and scaly. The leaves are simple and opposite. The leaf blade is 8-18 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. The flowers are in groups near the end of branches. They are small, white and have a scent. The fruit is a round berry. It is 6 mm long and reddish when ripe. There are 2 seeds.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in high rainfall areas. It grows as an understorey plant in disturbed evergreen forests up to 1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In southern India it flowers and fruits January to May.

Its other names

Local names

Borbale, Gurani, Kurati, Malathechi, Marachethi

Synonyms

Ixora arnottiana Miq. ex Hook.f.; Ixora obtusata Miq. ex Hook.f.;