Scented gardenia, Wenlock gardenia
Larsenaikia ochreata

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub. It grows 2-8 m tall. The bark is dark and hard. The leaves are opposite and broadly oval They have soft hairs underneath. The leaves are 8-12 cm long by 6-8 cm wide. Leaves can fall off in the dry season. The flowers are white to pale yellow and have a strong scent. They are 6-9 cm across. The flowers are at the ends of branches. The fruit are firm and green and round of egg shaped. They are 3-4 cm long by 1.5-2 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It also grows in the southern region of Papua New Guinea. It grows in open forest and on the edges of creeks. They can tolerate drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Papua New Guinea

How it is used for food

The fruit is apparently edible.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seed. They can be grown from cuttings treated with rooting hormone.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Gardenia kershawii F. M. Bailey; Gardenia macgillivraei Benth.; Gardenia ochreata F. Muell.; Kailarsenia ochreata (F. Muell.) Puttock;