Cubanola domingensis, Portlandia domingensis

A slow growing small tree that produces off-white, greenish, trumpet, fragrant flowers. Fragrance is somewhat like warm chocolate. Cubanola is similar and closely related Portlandia. Lately scientists decided to change name Cubanola to Portlandia. The plant prefers filtered light, but can be grown in full sun, too - this way it will flower more profusely but leaves will be smaller. Leaves are silvery-green and shiny. Make sure to water regularly but do not overwater, soil must be loose and well-drained. Very slow growing. Adds up 4-5" per year. Initially the shrub grows on a tall single stem so it has the look of a standard or lollipop. Gradually, with age, it fills out and becomes more shrub-like. Given its native habitat, portlandia does well in alkaline soils. It is cold sensitive, and should be planted with protection from winter winds. Cold may cause leaves to drop and severe cold may knock it back to the ground, but it will spring back. While it can be grown in a container, it flowers much of the year if it is in the ground.

Similar plants:

• Portlandia albiflora (White Horse Flower, Tree Lily)
• Portlandia coccinea (Pink Bell Flower, Tree Lily)
• Portlandia grandiflora (Bell Flower, Glorious Flower of Cuba, White Horse Flower, Tree Lily)
• Portlandia platantha, Portlandia latifolia (Dwarf Bell Flower, White horse flower, Tree Lily)
• Portlandia sp. (Bell Flower)