1152. Kopsia singapurensis Ridl.

Abstract

Kopsia singapurensis Ridl. forms large shrubs to small trees most commonly found in lowland swampy forests or riverbanks. In cultivation, the plants freely flower throughout the year but records indicate a twice annual flowering previously occurred in the wild. The leaves have stout, short petioles and are arranged in pairs along the stem (opposite). The plant produces a thin white latex when the tissue is broken, like all members of the Apocynaceae. The flowers are arranged in a lax inflorescence and characterized by an elongate tubular white corolla bearing anthers near the throat which is marked by a red “eye”. The paired ovaries (again characteristic of the family) form ellipsoid follicles with a small spur on one side. Due to its ability to survive in poor and acidic soils and its attractive constantly present flowers has become popular for ornamental planting to mark entrances and gates.