Fragrant Patio

We were looking for something to perfumate our patio. Preferably nature's scent as natural as it can be. Neighbours had wild orchids, ragoon creepers, indian jasmine, etc. So we're out seeking in Sg Buloh.

Nursery caretaker calls it 'Kesidang' or Vallaris Glabra or 'Bread Flower', Apocynaceae family. Impressive tropical vines that is very popular in Thailand and other South-East Asia countries. Mum-in-law fondly recalls it as 'Bunga Kerak Nasi' (more details below) . Both names applies, I was quite amused for a plant with 2 Malay names. Anyway, I found out that this special heavily scented plant was chosen 'state flower' of Melaka (located southwestern-central part of peninsular Malaysia). Kesidang a popular choice for decoration amongst the elite. Traditional Malay brides would decorate their hair with kesidang flower or used in ritual ceremonies. Kesidang symbolically represents the humble character and personality of the people of Melaka whom are friendly and courteous.

Left pic, poor plant underwent a hell ride in a Honda City. 5' tall and 15-inches wide - it's huge. Right pic, final touch up. The stems are small and flexible yet hard, consist a type of latex (white resin liquid) when cut.

In Peninsular Malaysia; the northerners would call it 'Pokok Bunga Kerak Nasi' (Rice Crust or Bread Flower). It is also called as 'Bunga Tikam Seladang' in East Coast. In the Western countries, it is known as the 'Bread Flower'. Plants believed to have originated from the islands of Java. Characterise by its longitunal woody and flexible stem like creepers. Commonly found on rooftops of pergolas, trellises in gardens, perimeter fencing or near windows; places to enjoy its fragrance. You can trim it to shaped into a hedge.

That's my foot, I couldn't carry it on my own. Tried dragging it to the side, ruining the grass in the process. I think it weighs more than me!

The size of its lush green leave, 6-inches. Looks like sirih. Broad leaves are known for its hardiness and high tolerance to drought, hot sun and high humdity. In other words, maintenance-free!

Requires adequate sunlight and watering for optimum flower production rate, and a good drainage.

It is easy to care and tolerates wide range of conditions. It can be trained as a compact bush and is good for container culture. Its sweet mildly fragrant like cut pandan leaves, travels 2 - 3 feet radius and it is very noticeable early in the morning. Some wrote that the scent is a cross between Jasmine and Pandan.

Moderate growth woody climber with pendulous of fragrant off-white, cup-like, 5-petals flowers inflorecences that grows from the branch near tip of a stem. In the middle, 5 white balls and a cone in the center. Buds take turns to bloom in each cluster. Blooming period could last 3 - 4 days. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Here, tiny ants taking sip of its nectar.

Yikes yellow leaves! Nor's Paradise advised that Kesidang leaves will easily turn yellow and fall off if insufficient water.

A week later, more leaves (here and there) turned yellow and dropped. We moved it to a sunnier spot and I found we're not alone. Dr Abdul Ghani Hussain from Kedah (northern Peninsular Malaysia) wrote about his Kesidang fallen leaves and bare stem from neglect. A noticeable change when he moved it to a sunny side of the garden and some pampering, Kesidang fragrant blooms nonstop day and night. Fragrance is refreshing to some. His research on this plant extent to medicinal values. 

Will update you on our Kesidang progress ;-)