Ixora spp.

Scientific name: Ixora spp. Family: Rubiaceae Local name: Santan (Tag.); Santa Ana (Tag.), Flame-ofthe woods (Engl.)

Des c r ipt ion: Mostly shrubs or small tree. Leaves opposite or whorled, with prominent stipules, of various shapes and sizes depending on species and cultivars. Flowers in compact corymbs, white, red, pink, orange or yellow, corolla with long tube, with 4 to 5 lobes, spreading. Fruit a roundish, fleshy berry. Distribution: The endemic and indigenous species are found throughout the Philippines. The genus is spread throughout the tropics. Habitat: Growing in various habitats from the beach, lowland primary and secondary forests, to mid-elevation forests.

Conservation Status:

Many of the 32 endemic species in the Philippines are threatened to various degrees from human activities to natural causes. Overcollecting for ornamental purposes and destruction of habitats are threats to the species survival. Economic Uses: The attractive flowers are highly ornamental. It is planted as hedge plant or as accents in gardens. Many cultivars and exotic species have been introduced to the country in the past and continuing up to the present. Only few endemic species are known to be cultivated.

Propagation: By seeds and vegetatively by stem cutting and marcotting.