IXORA COCCINEA

Ixora coccinea






This
article includes a list of references, related reading or external
links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations.
Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations where
appropriate. (February 2010)
Ixora coccinea


Ixora coccinea
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Ixora
Species: I. coccinea
Binomial name
Ixora coccinea
L.
Ixora
coccinea, known as the Jungle Geranium, Flame of the Woods, and Jungle
Flame, is a common flowering shrub native to Asia. Its name derives from
an Indian deity. Although there are some 400 species in the genus
Ixora, only a handful are commonly cultivated, and the common name,
Ixora, is usually used for I. coccinea. I. coccinea is a dense,
multi-branched evergreen shrub, commonly 4–6 ft (1.2–2 m) in height, but
capable of reaching up to 12 ft (3.6 m) high. It has a rounded form,
with a spread that may exceed its height. The glossy, leathery, oblong
leaves are about 4 in (10 cm) long, with entire margins, and are carried
in opposite pairs or whorled on the stems. Small tubular, scarlet
flowers in dense rounded clusters 2-5 in (5–13 cm) across are produced
almost all year long. There are numerous named cultivars differing in
flower colour (yellow, pink, orange) and plant size. Several popular
cultivars are dwarfs, usually staying under 3 ft (1 m) in height. Ixora
'Nora Grant' is a popular dwarf and 'Super King' is a popular hybrid
with much larger flower clusters than the species.
I.
coccinea is native to tropical south-east Asia, including Southern
India and Sri Lanka. It has become one of the most popular flowering
shrubs in South Florida gardens and landscapes.














[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]