Rosenbergiodendron formosum
Rosenbergiodendron formosum is a species of flowering plant in the madder and coffee family, Rubiaceae, and is native to Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
| Rosenbergiodendron formosum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Rosenbergiodendron |
| Species: | R. formosum |
| Binomial name | |
| Rosenbergiodendron formosum | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Gardenia mussaenda L.f. | |
Common names include blackberry jam fruit, raspberry bush, and jasmin de rosa.
Description
Rosenbergiodendron formosum grows as small evergreen bush-shrubs, usually only to a height of 4–5 feet tall if planted in the ground or 3–4 feet if planted in a container. It can also be physically transformed into a miniature tree known as a bonsai.
This plant, closely related to the Gardenia, produces white flowers that are 1.5–2 inches in diameter. The flowers are star shaped, tubular, very fragrant and tend to attract nocturnal moths.
The olive-shaped yellow fruits are wood shelled, about 1 inch in diameter, and look like small loquats. They can be easily crushed when chewed. The fruit contains two cells with small flat seeds surrounded by sweet, black, soft pulp that tastes like blackberry jam.
References
- "Rosenbergiodendron formosum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2013-05-30.
- "Rosenbergiodendron formosum". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2013-05-30.