Vallaris solanacea
Thai Cherry, Scented Bread Flower, Asphota, Navamallika, Dudhi ki bel, Ramsur, Chamari-ki vel, Bugudi hambu, Bhadravalli, Ginne malathiFamily: Apocynaceae
Origin: India, Burma, Thailand
Vallaris solanacea (Thai Cherry) is a woody vine or creeper native to India, Burma and Thailand. It can be grown in USDA zones 10-11 with regular water and full sun, and can reach 5-10 ft tall as a large shrub or 10-20 ft as a small tree. The plant has white and off-white flowers that are both beautiful and fragrant. These flowers are important ingredients in traditional Malay weddings and also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
For those living in colder regions, Vallaris solanacea can still be enjoyed by planting it in a pot and bringing it indoors. The plant will continue to bloom on and off during the spring and summer. When the weather turns cold, it should be moved indoors as it is relatively cold-hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 30F for short periods of time.
In addition to its graceful beauty, Vallaris solanacea also brings life and color to living spaces. It has a vining habit and is closely related to Vallaris glabra . The stems are covered with a gray, spotted bark and emit a white latex when wounded. The flowers are white, fragrant and bowl-shaped, with 5 sepals and resemble cherry flowers. They have an intense, interesting fragrance similar to Pandan leaves , which are used to flavor rice in some South-East Asian countries.
Vallaris solanacea can be trained as a compact bush or trimmed into a shrub. However, it is best to let it grow naturally as the twisting branches form interesting shapes. It is a slow-growing plant that blooms profusely on and off during spring and summer. It is also attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
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