| Luculia gratissima | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Luculia |
| Species: | L. gratissima
|
| Binomial name | |
| Luculia gratissima | |
| Synonyms | |
Luculia gratissima is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is an ornamental plant that is found from the central Himalayas to northern Indo-China.[1]
The Latin specific epithet gratissima means "most pleasing" or "most agreeable".[2]
It is a large shrub or even a small tree growing to 4 m (13 ft) tall by 1.5 m (4.9 ft) broad, with pointed ribbed leaves, and clustered fragrant pale pink flowers in autumn and winter. As it does not tolerate temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F), it requires cultivation under glass in temperate zones. However, it may be placed outside in a sheltered, sunny spot during the summer months. It is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]
- ^ "Luculia in the World Checklist of Rubiaceae". Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 978-1845337315.
- ^ "Luculia gratissima". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 25 December 2020.