Guettarda speciosa

Description

Guettarda speciosa, most commonly known as the beach gardenia, sea randia, or zebra wood, is a hardy perennial shrub or small tree native to coastal and beach environments across the tropical Pacific and Indian Oceans.

It grows between 2 to 6 meters tall, featuring smooth, creamy-grey bark and a broad, spreading canopy. It is easily recognized by its remarkably large, oval-shaped green leaves. They are prominently veined, smooth on top, and covered in fine, soft hairs underneath. It produces clusters of white, tubular flowers that carry a powerful, sweet fragrance similar to traditional gardenias. They are classic moth flowers, opening shortly after sunset and typically falling off by the next morning.

The beach gardenia is highly valued by indigenous coastal cultures. Its large leaves are traditionally used for wrapping food or heated to treat headaches, its fragrant blossoms are used to scent coconut oils, and its durable timber is utilized for building canoes and small structures. It is also celebrated as the national flower of the Marshall Islands.

Taxonomic Sources

• International Plant Name Index IPNI