Family: Rubiaceae
Synonym: Gardenia frondosa (L.) Lam.
Vernacular name: Parathole, Vellapperuma, Vellila,
Vellilam, Vellilathaali, Vellimayithali
Habit: Shrub
Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen
forests, also in the plains
Distribution: South Asia (Endemic)
Flowering and Fruiting: September-March
Key identification features: Straggling shrubs with pubescent
branchlets. The leaves are broadly
ovate. The terminal cymes
are lax. The flowers are 5-merous. One of the calyx lobes transforms into a showy, white, pubescent, leaf-like structure.
The corolla is orange-red or yellow. There are 5 stamens. The berry is globose.
Uses: fragrance of Mussaenda frondosa
flowers acts as a natural insect repellent, helping to deter pests from gardens
and outdoor areas.
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