Panama-Rose

Rondeletia leucophylla Kunth

ron-dell-ET-ee-ah lew-coe-FILL-ah

Rubiaceae

Explanation of name:  Generic name honors Guillaume Rondelet, a French naturalist.  Leucophylla means "white leaf," presumably in reference to the white hairs on the foliage.

Natural range:  Tropical America

Recognition:   Shrub with opposite pubescent stipulate leaves.  Flowers pink with 4 petals, in tight clusters. 

The similar Rondeletia odorata Jacq. has bright red and orange flowers.

Landscape uses:   Showy fragrant winter-flowering shrub attractive to butterflies.  For brighter flowers Rondeletia odorata is an option.

Internet sources:  http://www.killerplants.com/plant-of-the-week/20050307.asp

http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/Rondeletia_leucophylla.htm

http://www.aboutgardenplants.com/Rondeletia_leucophylla.shtml