Ixora casei is a shrub or small tree 2-3 m tall with strong, woody stems. The leaves are simple, opposite, acuminate, smooth and bright green color smooth, reaching 24 cm long. The inflorescence is a rounded, umbel-like cyme with a pedicel that is 2-3 cm long. The bright red corolla has four petals and a long, slender tube. Fruits are round and dark purple to blackish. This species blooms all year long, hence the common name everblooming Ixora.
The sticks of Ixora are cut into small pieces and are used for a Pohnpeian local dance called "dokia".
Related to the gardenia and coffee plants, everblooming Ixora is native to the Caroline Islands of Micronesia. It is cultivated as an ornamental in some tropical regions including Hawaii. There are over 500 Ixora species. The genus ranges from tropical America to Africa, India, and Southern Asia.
The name "Ixora" derives from an Indian deity.
We currently have 49 herbarium specimens for Ixora casei in our collection. Click on any specimen below to view the herbarium sheet data.
