Family: Apocynaceae

This genus consists of 25 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, most of which are native to Southeast Asia and Malaysia. Fairly fast grow­ing, their flowers are similar to those of frangi­pani, to which they are related.

Species

K. flavida, from New Guinea and Java, grows 10-12 m (33-40 ft) high, with long, oval leaves, deep green above, yellowish below. Fragrant, white, spring flowers have yellow throats.

K. fruticosa is shrub-like, growing 6-8 m (20-26 ft) high. It has thin, shiny, tex­tured leaves and clusters of pale pink, fragrant flowers with red throats, in spring.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, these tropi­cal plants are grown in a warm greenhouse or conservatory. Give good light, but shade from direct strong sun. Grow in a large pot or tub of well-drained, soil-based potting compost. Water well in summer but keep only slightly moist in winter. Outdoors grow in full sun with well-drained, humus-rich soil. Propagate from seed in autumn or spring or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both with bottom heat.

Climate

Subtropical and tropical. Zone 10 and above.