AgroForestryTree Database
Ixora chinensis
 Species identityEcology and distributionPropagation and managementFunctional usesPests and diseasesAdditional InfoBibliographyImages |
Species identity
TaxonomySynonym(s)
Common names
(Cambodia) : kam rontea
(Filipino) : Chinese ixora, santan-pula
(Indonesian) : siantan
(Malay) : pechah priok
(Vietnamese) : b[ooj]ng trang d[or]
Botanic description
A shrub with many stems, up to 2 m tall. Leaves obovate-oblong, 6-10 cm x 2.5-5 cm, coriaceous, base rounded, cordate or sometimes obtuse, apex obtuse, petiole short, stipules long-awned. "Branchlets of inflorescence opposite, red; flowers with corolla tube 3-3.5 cm long, lobes circular-obovate, broadly rounded at apex, 6 mm x 6 mm, orange-red or white (cultivated plants only), not fragrant." Fruit globose, black. The differences between the widely cultivated I. chinensis and I. coccinea are sometimes obscure as a result of selection for rare or extreme forms. Accidental or deliberate hybridization appears to occur.
Ecology and distribution
History of cultivationSouthern Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo; cultivated in Java, the Philippines and elsewhere.
Natural Habitat
I. chinensis is reportedly common on river banks in Peninsular Malaysia.
Southern Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo; cultivated in Java, the Philippines and elsewhere.
Propagation and management
Functional uses
ProductsMedicine: In Malaysia a decoction of the root is used after childbirth. In the Philippines an infusion of the fresh flowers is said to be a remedy against incipient tuberculosis and haemorrhage. An infusion of leaves or flowers is used against headache. In Indonesia, a decoction of the roots is used against bronchial disorders; a decoction of the flowers is prescribed in amenorrhoea and hypertension.Services
Ornamental: I. chinensis is widely cultivated as an ornamental.
Additional Information
PropertiesMedicine: In a modified tumour promotion test, complete inhibition of all kinds of tumours was exhibited by decoctions of flowers of I. coccinea and I. chinensis. The roots of I. chinensis also contain an iridoid derivative called ixoside (1,8-dehydroxyforsythide).