Family: Rubiaceae

There are around 400 species of evergreen shrubs or trees in this genus from tropical and subtropical parts of the world, including the Philippines and Africa. They have opposite leaves, white or green flowers and fleshy, pea-like fruits. The flowers appear in summer, and with some care will continue to bloom annually for many years.

Species

Not all are available outside their native countries.

P. borbonica is grown for its dark green foliage, mottled with light green, and displaying a salmon-red midrib. The leaves grow to around 25 cm (10 in) long.

P. capensis (Synonym: P. caffra), from South Africa, is a shrub, growing to 2 m (6 ft) high. It has white branches, white flowers and shiny, black fruit.

P. indica is a small shrub from India, southern China, south-western Asia and northern Australia. The leaves grow to about 25 cm (10 in) long and the white, fragrant flowers are borne on slender stalks.

P. natalensis, from South Africa, is a shows shrub, growing to around 2.5 m (8 ft) or more. It has shiny, green leaves, about 10 cm (4 in) long, and clusters of spidery, white flowers.

Cultivation

In cold and cool climates, grow in an intermediate to warns greenhouse or conservatory. Grow in a pot of gritty, well-drained soil-based potting compost. Provide good light (but shade from direct strong sun), and a very humid atmosphere. In late winter, prune as necessary to restrict size. Outdoors grow in a sunny spot with well-drained yet moist soil. Propagate from seed in spring or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both in a heated propagating case.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10 to tropical.