စင်္ကြာပု

Myanmar Name –  Satkyarpu

Common Name – Gardenia, cape jasmine

Botanical Name – Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis

Family Name – Rubiaceae

Habitat – Native to Asia, particularly found in China, Taiwan, Japan, and India.

Habit – An evergreen shrub that can grow to a height of 1-2 meters (3-6 feet), though it can reach up to 6 meters (20 feet) under optimal conditions. It has a dense, bushy growth habit with a rounded or slightly spreading form.

Bark – Smooth and grayish in color. As the plant matures, the bark can become slightly rougher and more textured.

Leaves – Dark green, glossy, and leathery. They are arranged in opposite pairs or whorls of three and are elliptic to lanceolate in shape, typically measuring 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) long and 2-4 cm (0.8-1.6 inches) wide. The leaves have smooth margins and a pointed tip.

Inflorescence – Typically a solitary flower or occasionally a few flowers clustered together. The flowers are borne at the ends of branches.

Flower – The most striking feature of this plant, known for their large, white, fragrant blooms. Each flower measures about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) in diameter and consists of 5-12 overlapping petals.

Fruit & Seed – An oval berry, about 1.5-3 cm (0.6-1.2 inches) long. It turns orange or red when mature and contains numerous small seeds.

Flowering and Fruiting Time – Flowering time from May to July and fruiting time from August to September.

Usage – Cultivated as an ornamental plant.