Description

• Ixora coccinea, commonly known as jungle geranium, flame of the woods, or scarlet ixora, is an evergreen shrub in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). It has glossy, dark green, oval leaves arranged in opposite pairs and dense, rounded clusters of small, tubular flowers. The flowers are most commonly bright red or scarlet, but cultivated varieties also produce orange, pink, yellow, or white blooms. The flowers attract butterflies and other nectar-feeding insects, and the plant produces small, rounded berries that turn dark purple to black when ripe.

Range

• Ixora coccinea is native to southern India and Sri Lanka. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and has become naturalized in some areas. It is cultivated in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• In cultivation, Ixora coccinea grows best in warm, humid tropical environments with bright light and well-drained, acidic soil. It is commonly planted in gardens, parks, hedges, and landscaped areas. It tolerates pruning and can flower throughout much of the year in favourable conditions, particularly where temperatures remain warm and moisture is available.