A small bee with black stripes on abdomen, sucking nectar from Ixora flower. Most of gardens in this heaving concrete capital are bound to have Ixora bush along their driveways. Often planted in groups or rows, Ixoras are found in formal roadside gardens too. Their beautiful forms and long lasting red blooms make them favourite everywhere. The Bengali common name of this flower is RANGAN. Other common names are Ixora, Jungle geranium, Rugmini(Hindi), Vedchi (Tamil), Chethi (Malayalam); Botanical name: Ixora coccinea, Family: Rubiaceae (coffee family).
Ixora is said to be native to Asia and whose name derives from an Indian deity. There are about 400 species spread from Africa to India to Southern Asia. They differ in leaf size, plant height, flower size and flower colour. This plant which blooms throughout the year is easy to grow.
The flowers are found in a wide range of colours. Plants are of two types- large; with height around 1 meter and dwarf or miniature plants. Miniature ones have small leaves and are bushy. Ixora flowers last well when picked and put into a vase with water, making an attractive home arrangement. Ixora flower has traditionally been associated with enhanced sexuality and the re-kindling of passion.