Family Rubiaceae
The species grows from 9-27 m tall with a trunk diameter of up to 15 m.
The leaves are very attractive, being evergreen, pointed and glossy. They are usually borne in whorls of four. The leaf veins are prominent, branching from the main vein at about 90ยบ. Small, pointed stipules can be seen between the leaf bases.
The flowers are small, white-pale mauve (later turning brown) and scented. They are borne in panicles about 20 mm in diameter and are carried on long stalks with conspicuous bracts.
The fruits are small and split open along seams, distributing many tiny, winged seeds.
Cultivation: It is grown from seed (which does not always germinate well) and is fast-growing, up to 1 metre a year in the right conditions. It makes a superb specimen in gardens that experience no frost, it must be noted however that this tree will not withstand dry conditions, but will also not grow in permanently waterlogged conditions.
