Tabernaemontana divertica dwarf

Tabernaemontana dwarf is an evergreen small round shape shrub, with shiny glossy green leaves. It is beloved because of its fragrant white flowers, with 5 petals arranged like pinwheels, blooming mainly in spring but flowers can appear sporadically all year.  Its natural habitats include mountain brushwoods and sparse forests.

Very popular under tropical climates, it can be used in parks and gardens as well. Planted in soil among others plants in a flowerbed, use as a small edge or bordering a path, it can also be planted in pot. Most of the cultivated plants do not produce fruits; it spreads vegetatively through its use as an ornamental

The wood is used for charcoal, incense and perfumes. The attractive white flowers can make garlands for religious purposes. The leaves are used in India cooked with rice. It has also many medicinal uses in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Thai traditional medicine : anti-oxidant, anti-tumour, anti-infection and analgesic properties, also to treat snake and scorpion poisoning. The roots are used as an astringent, for sore eyes and for the relief of toothaches. Flowers are used to treat hypotension, skin diseases, aches and pains. The latex is used in wounds to prevent inflammation.

It is pollinated by insects like butterfly and moth, and can even attract birds, making it a useful plant in a garden tending to support wildlife.

It preferes a full sun to semi-shade exposure, favorising its blooming. The species can resist short droughts and temperatures down to 14°C. It can grow in all types of soil.

Tabernamontana grows at a moderate speed, and with its natural round shape doesn't require pruning. It asks fo a normal watering, especially in the first year after planting and during summer. Under cold climate in cannot survive, dying under freezing temperatures, unless it is grown in a glasshouse.