Violet Ixora Is Not Real 'Ixora'

This beautiful blue/lilac flower is usually called ‘Violet Ixora’ or ‘เข็มม่วง’ in Thai though it is in the family of Acanthaceae, not Ixora’s Rubiaceae. Violet Ixora or ‘Blue Twilight’ (mostly called by the Americans) looks great in mass plantings, especially during this time of year.

Colors of the dark green leaves and violet flowers will turn lighter when growing in all day direct sunlight.

The Most Popular Tropical Flower?

‘Ixora’ is probably the first tropical flower I know since I was a child. I remember the red big bold Ixora that I brought to a ‘Teacher’s Day Ceremony’ as ‘Ixora’ in Thai name - 'Khem' represents a sharp wisdom. Considered a very popular flower in Thailand, Ixora can be seen in every park and mostly on street isle.




There are so many species of Ixora in variety of colors. Some have pleasant fragrance like Siamuse white lxora and ‘Ixora Spectabilis Wall’ while some are edible like Ixora longifolia Sm. or West Indian Jasmine.

A Scent of Ixora

It is my new year resolution to update this Tropical Flowers Blog which has been inactive for months. I then started to get into my garden last Saturday morning. The first breath I took was full with a sweet, pleasant scent of ‘Ixora Spectabilis Wall’ or ‘Khem Luang’ (เข็มหลวง) in Thai – a latest plant in my home garden Ixora family.







Like all Ixora species, this one blooms all year round and does best in direct sunlight.