Jungle Geranium or Ixora coccinea is a beautiful flowering plant native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America. The flowers are usually pinkish red and they bloom from June to August. This plant has gained popularity due to its medicinal properties.
Jungle Geranium is also known as Indian Rose and is widely grown in gardens across India. Its leaves are used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, cold, stomach ache, skin diseases etc.,
This plant is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These properties make it useful in treating conditions such as arthritis, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic illnesses. It can be used both internally and externally for the treatment of these conditions.
Health Benefits
1) Antioxidants:
The antioxidant property of this herb helps in fighting free radicals that cause damage to cells. Free radicals are harmful chemicals that attack healthy cells and cause them to malfunction. They are responsible for causing many health problems like aging, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
2) Anti-Inflammatory:
The anti-inflammatory property of this herb helps reduce swelling and inflammation caused by allergies, infections and injuries.
3) Skin Care:
It is an excellent source of vitamin A, B6, E and K which help maintain good skin condition. Vitamin A protects against sunburn and reduces wrinkles. Vitamin B6 promotes cell growth and tissue repair. Vitamin E provides protection against UV rays and prevents premature ageing. Vitamin K improves blood clotting and strengthens bones.
4) Heart Health:
It contains flavonoids and polyphenols which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and prevent the hardening of arteries.
5) Cancer Prevention:
It contains high amounts of phytochemicals that protect our body against cancerous substances.
Plant care for Ixora coccinea
Ixora is a dwarf variety of hibiscus native to tropical America. It grows well in most soils and climates. This hardy shrub is easily grown from cuttings. Plant them in full sun and keep temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. After three months, move them outside. They like average soil conditions but do best in rich, moist soil. If you live in a dry climate, water regularly to prevent drought stress.
The flowers bloom from spring into summer. In warmer areas, it blooms continuously throughout the season. Flowers range from pink to white, depending on the cultivar. Some cultivars produce single blooms while others produce clusters of multiple blossoms. Flowering occurs on old wood, making the plant look bushy.
If you want to make a beautiful display, use several different types of Ixora. For example, combine a yellow variety with red ones. Or add some variegated foliage to give the overall effect a little extra color.
You can prune Ixora once every few years, just before flowering. When you cut off the flower stalks, you encourage new growth. Pruning encourages bushier growth.
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Extra reading
12 months flowering plants in India
Night queen (Cestrum nocturnum)
Nithya pushpa (Catharanthus roseus)
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.