Family: Rubiaceae

Ornamental shrubs native to the Phillippines. 150 varieties exist, many are named for the first ladies of Phillippines presidents. Colors range from pink, red, yellow, white-blooming Spring through Fall. A striking evergreen plant, they grow to 10 feet tall and have a round shape. They tolerate heavy pruning.

In general, it is a low maintenance plant that drops little to no rubbish. Sensitive to salt and wind. For the brightest flowers, keep in full sun. Pollinators are attracted to vivid colors — propagation from cuttings and air layers.

Plant Uses:

• Bonsai
• Container plant
• Medicinal
• Ornamental
• Specimen
• Bonzai

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Tolerates a wide range of soils
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Bird-dispersed (fleshy berries)
  
• Seeds survive gut passage
  
• Resprouts after damage (e.g., frost)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or weediness
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic to animals and humans
  
• Requires full sun (not shade tolerant)
  
• Does not form dense thickets
  
• No vegetative fragmentation
  
• No accidental dispersal (not wind/water/contaminant)
  
• No persistent seed bank