Family Name: Rubiaceae
Botanical Name(s): Gardeniae Jasminoidis
Popular Name(s): Gardenia, Cape Jasmine Fruit, Gardenia fruit,
Zhi zi
Parts Used: Fruit
Habitat: It is a native of Northern India and Persia
Description: This is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 2 to 5 m
in height, with a smooth, whitish, usually straight main stem and short,
rigid branch lets. The leaves are crowded near the ends of the
branchlets. They are a glossy light green, hairless, softly to thinly
leathery and conspicuously veined. The flowers are large, showy, creamy
white and heavily perfumed, particularly at night. They open from
elegantly furled creamy-green buds.
Uses: Roots are widely used in Africa to treat skin diseases and
skin lesions caused by leprosy. The roots are also used as an emetic
against fever. The root bark is used as an emetic for biliousness, and
to treat gall bladder problems. The latex is used as a purgative. The
wood is heavy, dense and extraordinarily hard; a pleasing yellowish
color and it presents a high luster when polished.
