ဇီဇဝါ

Myanmar Name – Zi za war

Common Name – Gardenia, cape jasmine

Botanical Name – Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis

Family Name – Rubiaceae

Habitat – Native to China, Japan and Southeast Asian countries with a warm and humid climate. Found in the Pacific Islands and South Africa.

Habit – The plant can reach a height of about 3 meters and is an evergreen shrub-like plant.

Bark – Smooth and grayish-brown when the plant is young, gradually becoming rougher and darker as it matures. As the plant ages, the bark can develop fissures and ridges.

Leaves – Simple, opposite leaves that are glossy dark green in color and elliptical to lanceolate in shape. The leaves typically measure around 5 to 15 centimeters in length and are arranged neatly along the stems.

Inflorescence – Solitary, large, white flowers that are highly fragrant and visually striking. Each flower typically measures around 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter and features five to nine petals.

Flower – Bisexual, petal 5 – 9, is white and turns yellow when worn out.

Fruit – Typically spherical to ovoid in shape and can vary in size, fleshy, berry-like fruit.

Seed – small, brownish-black seeds.

Flowering and Fruiting Time – Flowering time from May to August and Fruiting time from August to October.

Usage – Cultivated as an ornamental plant.