Species

Choisya ternata

Etymology

ternata: triplets

Common Name(s)

Mexican orange blossum

Authority

Choisya ternata Kunth

Family

Rutaceae

Brief Description

Compact suckering shrub; dark-green trifoliate leaves in opposite pairs, fragrant when crushed; flowers 5-petaled, white, fragrant. Suckers can extend beyond planted specimens (e.g. under paths) and may be long-persistent in gardens after shrubs are removed.

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Trees & Shrubs

Habitat

Prefers well-drained sunny sites. Withstands light frost.

Features

"The flowers are star-shaped, 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) diameter, with 4-7 white petals [mostly 5], 8-15 stamens and a green stigma; they are produced throughout the late spring and summer. The fruit is a leathery two to six sectioned capsule.' Wikipedia

Flowering

Spring and early summer

Flower Colours

White

Propagation Technique

Root divisions

Year Naturalised

2002

Origin

Mexico

Reason for Introduction

Ornamental

This page last updated on 27 Oct 2019