[Overview]
An evergreen shrub to tall tree.
In its native range it is often seen on seashores.
Cutting a branch yields a white milky sap.
Leaves are simple and alternate, clustered at the branch tips.
They are broadly oblanceolate, about 10–25 cm long and 2.5–4 cm wide, with entire margins.
A corymb-like raceme at the branch tip bears several flowers.
The flowers are white to pink, and the corolla is salverform with 5 lobes.
The fruit is large and oval; it falls into the sea and is dispersed by drifting.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by layering, or by cuttings.
It prefers a sunny location.
In shade it becomes spindly and leggy.
It needs 10°C or more to overwinter, so bring it indoors in winter.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries from spring to autumn.
Keep it on the dry side in winter.
Fertilizer is not particularly needed while the plant is young and the seed is still at its base; once the seed is gone, give slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer from spring to autumn.
[Notes]
Several species are sold under the name Kerbera, and some consider them not separate species but a single species, so the situation is currently in flux.
