Rauvolfia verticillata, Cerbera chinensis, Dissolaena verticillata, Ervatamia ophiorhizoides, Rauvolfia yunnanensis, Tabernaemontana densiflora

Stemmadenia galeottiana, Tabernaemontana litoralis, Stemmadenia litoralis

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A very rare handsome tropical tree with large white fragrant flowers of unusual shape. This tree can be (and should be) kept in container where it grows up to 7-8 ft, stays compact and bushy. The fragrance of flowers is outstanding. Not many people know about this tree because it's very rare, while it is as great as famous Perfume trees (Michelia champaca and Cananga odorata). It blooms especially in summer and after drought period. Nice specimen tree for small gardens. It has a multi-layered canopy, blooms mostly from mid-April to late Winter. When in full bloom, perfume fills the area with a soft, musky sweetness. A massive rofusion of flowers decks the branches, pure white against lacquered, dark green leaves, and carpets the ground with fallen blossoms. Grows well in full sun (if not too hot), as well as in semi-shade, tolerates shade, too, in shade it's glossy leaves become large and dark green. Very ornamental! The tree can even tolerate a little sea spray. Seed pods are golden in color, about 4 inches long, horn-shaped, often in pairs.

See Article 1 about Stemmadenia and Article 2 about Stemmadenia .

NOTE: Sometimes Stemmadenia develops on the undersides of leaves tiny granules looking like white sand grain or sugar crystals. They are harmless and nothing more than polysaccharides. Read more info about Stemmadenia.

Stemmadenia grandiflora, Tabernaemontana grandiflora

The plant originates in Central America and is a large shrub reaching a height of 5-10 feet tall.

It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and needs to be planted in full sun for optimum growth. However, some protection from direct sun is needed in very hot climates. The Wedding Tree needs to be kept in moist conditions and is considered moderately drought-tolerant once established. It should be watered regularly, but avoid over watering or its roots could rot.

The flower on the Wedding Tree is very unique and particularly attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds. The blossoms have a bell shape and tip upward at the end. They are a creamy-yellow to orange color and are strongly fragrant. The blooms appear throughout the summer making this a real show stopper in any garden.

In areas with colder climates, the Wedding Tree can be grown in a pot and brought inside in the winter. It can be placed outside in bright light during the spring, summer and fall and should be brought inside well before the freezing temperatures hit. While indoors, the plant should not be placed in direct sunlight and should be kept away from drafts. It should also be kept moist and fertilized every two to three weeks.

Overall, Stemmadenia grandiflora (Wedding Tree) is a unique, vibrant and beautiful flowering shrub. With proper care and maintenance, it will bring years of enjoyment with its brightly colored flowers and fragrant scent. It is the perfect addition to any garden or outdoor space and has the added benefit of attracting beneficial wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds.

Tabernaemontana africana

Tabernaemontana africana (Samoan Gardenia) is a tropical shrub that grows best in warm regions with temperatures above 55°F and prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun in the right conditions.

The intoxicating sweet fragrant creamy white blossoms are pinwheel shaped .The plant blooms almost all year and has a wonderful spicy fragrance that carries a good distance both day and night, unlike many other white blooming plants, which are only fragrant at night. Blooming can be heavy or light depending on the bloom cycle. Flowers with 5 petals average 4 inches across and stand out nicely against the dark-green foliage

Provide the shrub with a regular watering schedule and be careful not to let the soil remain too wet. The shrub is popular with local wildlife, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. When caring for your Samoan Gardenia, annual pruning and fertilization will keep the plant looking healthy and encourage blooming. Take care not to over-fertilize to avoid burning the foliage. In colder climates, Samoan Gardenia can be grown in a container indoors when temperatures drop below 50F, or moved to a sheltered patio for the winter. Make sure to provide the plant with bright light and direct sun, as well as regular watering to replicate the tropical environment.

This species very often mis-called as Tabernaemontana holstii , but according to taxonomic revision of Dr. Leeuwenberger (1988), Tabernaemontana holstii is actually a synonym of Tabernaemontana pachysiphon, close related species with larger leaves.

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.

Tabernaemontana australis

With its fragrant white flowers of a beautiful shape and very dark green waxy leaves, elongated and pointed, this plant is an amazing addition to a rare fragrant plant collection.

Slow growing, and low growing bush which makes it very valuable for landscape understory. It can be trimmed and maintained in small size 3-4 ft; however if you let it go it will grow into very attractive, dense and bushy specimen up to 5-6 ft tall. Great specimen, accent plant, and container plant.

This rare species of Tabernaemontana is often confused with T. divaricata (commonly known as Pinwheel Jasmine) and T. orientalis (Banana Bush). However this Australian relative of Pinwheen Jasmine has its own distinctive features, and flowers look more like T. africana, although smaller size (1" in diameter).

Tabernaemontana corymbosa

Tabernaemontana crassa, Conopharyngia crassa, Conopharyngia durissima

Tabernaemontana crassa is a small shrub, typically ranging from 2 to 5 feet in height. It has glossy green leaves, and dense clusters of white, off-white flowers which are highly fragrant. This plant is ideal for USDA Zones 9-11 and can be grown outdoors in full sun and with regular watering.

It is a popular ethnomedical plant often used in traditional African healing practices. Tabernaemontana crassa contains a large number of indole alkaloids with interesting pharmacological activities. The alkaloid content is similar to that of Tabernaemontana pachysiphon, another medicinally important species. In West Africa pulped leaves and latex from the stem and bark of Tabernaemontana crassa have several uses, the main ones being as a local anesthetic. The latex is also applied as a hemostatic, as it forms a film over the wound. It is taken internally as an anthelmintic. Powdered bark is traded internationally in herbal medicine shops.

This tropical African native is a beautiful addition to any garden or yard. It grows quickly and is easy to care for with proper maintenance. When planted in a pot in colder regions, it is important to move the plant inside during winter and provide extra protection for the roots. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer and make sure the soil is well-drained. Water your plant often, but not to overwater it, as this can cause root rot or pest problems. Pruning is recommended to keep the shrub looking neat and producing flowers. Deadheading the flowers can also help promote further blooming and encourage healthy growth. With proper care, Tabernaemontana crassa will provide years of beauty and fragrance.

Tabernaemontana dichotoma, Cerbera dichotoma, Ervatamia dichotoma, Rejova dichotoma, Tabernaemontana laurifolia

Tabernaemontana divaricata Flore Pleno, Hollarhena densiflora, Tabernaemontana coronaria

Tropical shrub having glossy foliage and fragrant nocturnal flowers with crimped or wavy corollas. This Flore Pleno variety has beautiful, 1.5" large double flowers which are extremely fragrant, especially at night. It's very easy to grow, somewhat drought- and heat - tolerant, good for potting culture.