Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult. 'Flore pleno'

Garden: Sofia
Season: Summer

Tabernaemontana divaricata , commonly called pinwheelflower or crape jasmine, is a species from the Apocynaceae family. The representatives in this genus are tropical evergreen trees or deciduous shrubs that are naturally growing in South America, Africa, Madagascar, Australia, India and Singapore. The stem exudes a milky latex when broken. The plant contains several alkaloids and, like many other Apocynaceae, is toxic and medicinal. The plant generally grows to a height of 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) and is dichotomously-branched with large shiny deep green leaves. The waxy blossoms are found in small clusters on the stem tips reaching up to 1-2 inches (4 cm)in diameter. Both single and double-flowered forms are cultivated, the flowers of both forms being white. The plant blooms in spring but flowers appear sporadically all year. The flowers of the single form are unscented but the double-flowered form has a pleasing fragrance. There are also variegated forms of Tabernaemontana.