English Name:  Shrub Vinca, Pink Kopsia

Malayalam Name:  കോപ്‌സിയ

Botanical Name:  Kopsia fruticosa (Roxb.) A.DC.

Family:  Apocynaceae

Flowering & Fruiting:  March – July

Description: Shrub up to 4m. Young stems have small, delicate hairs covering them (puberulent). The mature stem has fuzzy angles and a greyish bark. Foliage: The opposite leaves are oblong or narrowly elliptic, with a pronounced drip tip and wavy leaf margins (10 – 23 cm long, 2.5 – 9 cm wide). Glossy, leathery leaves have a quilt-like feel due to their slightly depressed veins. Flowers have a dark red throat and are salver-shaped with five lobes (3 – 5 cm long, 1.5 – 2.5 cm wide). Over time, the pink petals turn white. Close to the stem tips, flowers are grouped in little clusters. This species is grown as an ornamental shrub in landscaping because it consistently bears stunning pink blooms. It can be used as a hedge or a barrier and is typically planted in small groups.