Torchwood, Torch tree
Ixora pavetta

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A shrubby small evergreen tree. It grows 7 m tall. It has many branches. The leaves are large and glossy. They are simple and dark green. They are 13 cm long and oblong. They have short stalks. They are leathery. The flowers are white and showy. They are held in compact heads. They have a scent. The fruit is a berry 5-10 mm across. It is shiny black and has 2 lobes. The ripe fruit are edible.

There are about 400 Ixora species. They grow in tropical countries. There are about 50 species in tropical America.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to tropical Asia. It grows in dry woodland. It can tolerate drought. It can grow in bright shade to full sun. It does best in fertile, slightly acid soil. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, East Africa, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, West Africa

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or greenwood cuttings.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Gandhal, Ghanda irangan, Gorabikattige, Iswara, Kansuragi, Kilakrya, Korivi, Kota gandhal, Kotagandhal, Likandi, Mekadorrivi, Nevali, Nevari, Nivari, Raikura, Rangan, Shulundu-kora, Sweet rangan, Telokrya

Synonyms

Ixora arborea Roxb. ex Sm.; Ixora decipiens DC.; Ixora parviflora Vahl [Illegitimate];