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 partial shade.
  
• Can form dense thickets.
  
• Produces viable seed.
  
• Reproduces in 2 years (short generation time).
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people.
  
• Fleshy berries adapted for bird dispersal.
  
• Survives gut passage (bird dispersal syndrome).
  
• Tolerates heavy pruning and regrows after frost damage.

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or weediness.
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs.
  
• No evidence of toxicity or allelopathy.
  
• No evidence of vegetative fragmentation.
  
• No wind or water dispersal adaptations.
  
• Low seed production; fruit infrequent in cultivation.
  
• No persistent seed bank (>1 year).