Serissa

Serissa is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, containing only one species, Serissa japonica. It is found in open subtropical forests and wet meadows throughout southeast Asia, including India, China, Japan, and China. It is commonly called the snowrose, tree of a thousand stars, or Japanese boxthorn; and was formerly called Serissa foetida. ‘Foetida’ referres to the unpleasant, vomit-like, odour that the trees give off if their leaves are pruned or bruised. Snowrose and tree of a thousand stars are different cultivars. The only method of differentiating is measuring the difference in the shape and size of the flowers produced.^{[citation needed]}

Description

It is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub, 45-60 cm high, with oval, deep green, rather thick leaves that have an unpleasant smell if bruised (hence its name foetida). The tall stems grow in all directions to form a large, bushy dome. Its neat habits, long flowering times and good branch coverage are reasons it is so popular. It is also valued for its rough, grey trunk which tends to get lighter in colour with age.

Serissa flowers are available all year, but they bloom best in the spring and autumn. The 4- to 6-lobed flowers are funnel-shaped and 1 cm wide. The flowers first appear as pink buds, but then they become a profusion white flowers. Fertilizing is especially important during the long flowering period.

Bonsai

Serissa is one of the most common bonsai sold in America and Europe. It is not difficult to maintain as bonsai, but is very fussy. Many beginner bonsai enthusiasts will destroy a Serissa in their uninformed attempts to care for it. The trees respond adversely by dropping leaves if over-watered, under-watered, if it’s too cold, too hot, or even if just moved to a new location. The plant usually grows back to health when put back to better conditions.