Tabernaemontana aurantiaca

Tabernaemontana aurantiaca, or Orange Milkwood, is a species of large shrub or small tree native to Malesia, New Guinea and surrounding islands. They range in size from 5-10 ft tall when in the form of a shrub and 10-20 ft when growing as a tree. They thrive best in full sun but can tolerate some semi-shade.

The Orange Milkwood flowers are its most notable feature, five-petalled and ranging from a bright white to a creamy off-white. The foliage can often be seen sporting variegated shades of pale yellow, tan, and green.

In terms of water, the Orange Milkwood is considered to be both flood tolerant and regular water loving. It is best to provide moderate water for this plant to be able to reach its full potential.

As an ethnomedical plant, the Orange Milkwood is used in traditional medicine in many cultures.

Orange Milkwood is suitable for planting in USDA Zones 9-11. For the care of Orange Milkwood, it is best to plant in an area with well-drained soil and regular watering. In cold regions, the plant should be grown in a container and protected from frost. To ensure the healthiest growth, feed the plant an all-purpose fertilizer at the start of the growing season. Prune the shrub or tree for shaping or to encourage new growth, doing so right after flowering.

Once established, the Orange Milkwood is a hardy plant that adds a great deal of color and texture to a garden. It is an ideal choice for a specimen, garden border, hedge, or container plant.

Similar plants:

• Rauvolfia verticillata, Cerbera chinensis, Dissolaena verticillata, Ervatamia ophiorhizoides, Rauvolfia yunnanensis, Tabernaemontana densiflora (Devil Pepper)
• Stemmadenia grandiflora, Tabernaemontana grandiflora (Wedding Tree, Huevos de gato, Lechugo, Venenillo)
• Tabernaemontana africana (Samoan Gardenia)
• Tabernaemontana australis (Australian Pinweel)
• Tabernaemontana corymbosa (Flower of Love)
• Tabernaemontana crassa, Conopharyngia crassa, Conopharyngia durissima (Adam's Apple)
• Tabernaemontana dichotoma, Cerbera dichotoma, Ervatamia dichotoma, Rejova dichotoma, Tabernaemontana laurifolia (Eve's Apple, Forbidden fruit)
• Tabernaemontana divaricata Flore Pleno, Hollarhena densiflora, Tabernaemontana coronaria (Crape Jasmine, Carnation of India, East Indian Rosebay, Adam's Apple, Nero's Crown, Coffee Rose, Crepe Gardenia)
• Tabernaemontana divaricata, Ervatamia divaricata, Ervatamia coronaria (Pinwheel Jasmine, Crape Jasmine, Crepe Gardenia)
• Tabernaemontana elegans (Toad Tree)