IXORA L. - AN OVERVIEW

Usha M.*, Reginald Appavoo M. and Immanuel G.

ABSTRACT

Rubiaceae is a large family of about 500 genera and 6000 species, of which 489 species are found in India. Most of them are tropical trees and shrubs. A few members are herbs growing in temperature climates. This family is represented in India by 77 genera and 286 species of which as many as 124 species and 11 varieties i.e. approximately 48% are endemic to peninsular India. Different classes of chemical constituents include alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolic derivatives; catechins, di and triterpenoids, iridoid glycosides etc. are present in these family members. The second subfamily, Ixoroideae includes a large genus Ixora. Theyare popular ornamental plants grown in the tropics for their beautiful inflorescences which are different shades of white, yellow, orange, pink and red. In general the classification and identification of species and cultivars in this genus has been very difficult.This review provides information regarding the works undertaken in different aspects of various species of Ixora.

Keywords: Ixoroideae, endemic.