Mussaenda philippica


Mussaenda philippica is a plant species in the family Rubiaceae that grows as a shrub or small tree. Native to the Philippines it is commonly grown elsewhere as an ornamental species.
Known varieties include: "Doña Luz", "Doña Alicia", "Queen Sirikit", "Doña Aurora", and "Doña Eva".

Mussaenda 'Doña Aurora'

'Doña Aurora' has calyx lobes all petaloid, creamy to greenish-white above; prominent greenish-white veins below. After anthesis, lobes become more greenish-tinged, slightly curved and limp. It is named after the wife of former President Manuel L. Quezon. It was first found in 1915 in the vicinity of Mount Makiling as a spontaneous mutant of the species Mussaenda philippica. It has been utilized as one of the parents in the development of the mussaenda hybrids.