Family: Rubiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 110 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ixora
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & S. India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh to Indo-China
Description
The Flame-of-the-woods, known scientifically as Ixora coccinea, is a stunning flowering plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Described by the acclaimed botanist Carl Linnaeus in “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this vibrant shrub has captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts worldwide.
Native to Western and Southern India, Sri Lanka, and extending to regions of Bangladesh and Indo-China, the Flame-of-the-woods thrives in tropical climates. It is famously known for its clusters of bright, tubular flowers that come in shades of red, orange, pink, and white. These radiant blooms are nestled among glossy, dark green leaves, creating a striking contrast that enhances its ornamental appeal.
Beyond its visual beauty, Ixora coccinea holds cultural significance in many of the regions it inhabits. In traditional practices, parts of the plant are used for various medicinal purposes, including treatments for dysentery and skin conditions due to the plant’s purported anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the flowers are often used in religious rituals and decorations, symbolizing purity and new beginnings.
Caring for the Flame-of-the-woods involves providing it with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It requires regular watering, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging. Due to its hardiness, Ixora coccinea is a popular choice for hedges and garden borders in tropical and subtropical areas.
Overall, Ixora coccinea remains a beloved species among gardeners and botanists alike. Its striking floral displays and cultural importance make it a fascinating subject of study and an appealing addition to any landscape.
Common Names
Eng: scarlet jungleflame, flame-of-the-woods, jungle-geranium
Swe: eldboll
Por: ixora
En: Flame-of-the-woods, Jungle-geranium, Scarlet jungleflame, Flame Of The Wood, Flame Of The Woods, Jungle Flame, Jungle flame ixora, Sacred Ixora, Ixora, Jungle geranium, Jungle-flame, Needle flower
Ar: إكسورة قرمزية
Bn: রঙ্গন
Fi: Korallitähtikukka
Fr: Ixora, Hortensia du Japon
Id: Rugmini
Kn: ಹಳದಿ ಕಿಸುಕಾರೆ
Ml: ചെത്തി
Pl: Iksora szkarłatna
Pt: Ixora
Sv: Eldboll
Tl: Santan
Ty: Hītoa
Te: నూరు వరహాలు – ఎరుపు
To: Huni kula
Vi: Mẫu đơn đỏ
Synonyms
- Pavetta coccinea ((L.) Blume)
Distribution
- Bangladesh (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- India (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Belize (introduced)
- Borneo (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Comoros (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Gambia (introduced)
- Gilbert Is. (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Marshall Is. (introduced)
- Mexico Southeast (introduced)
- Nicaragua (introduced)
- Panamá (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Senegal (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 14, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2017 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by luanny ps (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2019 by Pastor Fernando (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2021 by ulrich Bikoumou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2017 by christiane Fazer (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 22, 2021 by RICARDO JUNIOR ACUÑA REDONDO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Michel RENOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2019 by jangleress (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 23, 2016 by Krol AS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Mélanie Herteman (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 29, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Catarina Camarinhas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 18, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Espinoza-Zevallos Marco Elías (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Céline PIRAT (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 5, 2022 by Manuel P (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 23, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Anonymous Anonymous (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2020 by Muhammad Ahmad Bakari (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2019 by Torres Paola (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2020 by Emmanuel GIFFARD (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Muhammad Zarqoni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2022 by Paulo Silva (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2019 by Caccia Ambrogio (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2905493)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:753844-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ixora coccinea L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub
