Ixora Flower Royalty-Free Stock Photography

Ixora or also called Soka Flower is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. It is the only genus in the tribus Ixoreae. This genus consists of evergreen tropical trees and shrubs and has about 562 species.[1] Although native to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world, the center of diversity is in Tropical Asia. Ixora also grows commonly in subtropical climates in the United States, such as Florida where Ixora is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine. Other common names include viruchi, rangan, kheme, ponna, chann tanea, techi, pan, siantan, needle-jarum jejarum, jungle flame, jungle geranium, cruz de Malta and others. The plant has leathery leaves, ranging from 3 to 6 inches long, and produces large clusters of small flowers in summer. Ixora prefers acidic soil, and is a great choice for bonsai. This plant is also a popular choice for hedges in parts of Southeast Asia. In tropical climates Ixora flowers throughout the year and is commonly used in Hindu worship, as well as in ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine.