Family Name: Apocynaceae

Common Name: Singapore Kopsia, White Kopsia, Selada

Kopsia singapurensis is native to Singapore. Its fragrant red and white flower bear the same colours as Singapore’s national flag. While the Singapore flag depicts five stars, the five petals of Kopsia singapurensis are fused (or whimsically ‘united’) at the base. The species is hardy and tolerates waterlogged soils, but is critically endangered in Singapore due to habitat loss.

CLASSIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Plant Division : Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)

Plant Growth Form : Shrub, Tree (Small (6m-15m), Shrubby (1m-5m))

Lifespan (in Singapore) : Perennial

Mode of Nutrition : Autotrophic

Plant Shape : Rounded, Conical

Maximum Height : 5 m to 8 m

Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width : 6 m to 8 m

PLANT CARE AND PROPAGATION

Light Preference : Semi-Shade, Full Sun

Water Preference : Moderate Water, Lots of Water

Plant Growth Rate : Moderate

Maintenance Requirements : Moderate

Pruning : Periodic pruning needed to prevent crown from becoming untidy.

Propagation Method : Seed, Stem Cutting