The overlooked scent of Ixora finlaysoniana
Ixora finlaysoniana is a large shrub that can reach heights of up to 6 m tall and is widely grown in warmer gardens worldwide. It has been recorded from NE India to southern China, to Thailand and southwards to the Philippines. However, there have been doubts if this species does naturally occur within the islands; this site does not even include it in the list of indigenous Ixora found in the country: http://philippineplants.org/Families/Rubiaceae.html In the Philippines, Ixora species and hybrids- locally known as 'santan'- are often maintained in gardens and even planted along streets, particularly the red or orange-flowered ones. Ixora finlaysoniana is less commonly seen, due to less demand from the general public and therefore not usually stocked in nurseries or garden centers. This lack of appreciation probably stems from the species' large eventual size which dissuades most casual gardeners from even considering it. However, I. finlaysoniana deserves to b...