Ixora laxiflora

Ixora laxiflora is a shrub or small tree with fragrant white colored flowers belonging to the family Rubiaceae.

Varieties

 * Ixora laxiflora var. laxiflora
 * Ixora laxiflora var. linderi (Hutch. & Dalziel) De Block

Description
Ixora laxiflora is a shurb or small tree that sometimes grows up to a maximum height of 15 m. Leaves are elliptic to obovate in shape, margins entire, the longest reaches up to 20 cm long and 8 cm wide, the apex is acuminate while base tend to be wedged shaped. Inflorescence is a terminal branched corymbose, axis is reddish with leafy bracts growing at base of the inflorescence; flowers are white or pink, corolla tube is slender up to 2 - 3 cm long.

Distribution
Occurs in West Africa, from Guinea Bissau westwards to Ghana. Found in moist and gallery forests and along streams.

Uses
Extracts is used in ethnomedicine for pain management.