Wrightia religiosa, Echites religiosa
Family: Apocynaceae
Sacred Buddhist, Wondrous Wrightia, Wild Water Plum, Water Jasmine
Origin: Thailand, Vietnam
Can be used for bonsai, large shrub 5-10 ft, small tree 10-20 ft,
small shrub 2-5 ft full , sun, semi-shade, regular water,
white/off-white flowers, fragrant, ethno medical, attracts
butterflies, hummingbirds, Flood tolerant, Seaside, salt tolerant .
This is one of the most beautiful, exciting and useful plants
among fragrant tropicals. A very fragrant, enchanting shrub, flowers
are fruity scented, pendant, are born along its twiggy branches.
Foliage is thin and slightly hairy, it can flower almost all year,
easy to prune for shape and size. It is widely planted near and
around temples and homes for its stunning fragrance. Prefers well
draining soil, partial to full sun. A truly remarkable site! It has
always been a popular ornamental tree in temples and houses. In
Thailand, it is probably the most popular plant, you can see it
everywhere along the streets planted in ground as a specimen, a
hedge or potted, it belongs to every garden! This plant is sacred
among Buddists. Fruits are paired pods, 9" long. Wrightia is easy to
maintain and requires minimum supervision but needs constant
watering only. Wrightia is cold sensitive and becomes deciduous
under 65F, it might look ugly in winter in cooler zones (hardy to
zone 9). In warm subtropical and tropical climates it stays
evergreen and blooms year round. Because of its fast growth rate
Wrightia can be trained into a bonsai tree within a short period of
time. It can be easily trained and wired into odd and weird shapes.
Traditionally used as medicinal herb. Roots are used to cure skin
disease. There are many varieties and cultivars of wrightia. |
