Boxwood gardenia (Gardenia latifolia)

Boxwood gardenia is Gardenia latifolia, a small dry-forest tree with very large leaves and big, fragrant white flowers that open at dusk. Its fine, pale wood earned it the name Indian boxwood, and it was once the wood for combs and small carvings. It is a forest tree, not the potted gardenia of nurseries.

Botanical name: Gardenia latifolia Aiton
Family: Rubiaceae
Tamil: Kattukkumbil
Hindi: Papra
Parts used: Timber
Habit: Broad-leaf Gardenia; gandhraj is G. jasminoides
Last updated: 2026-10-25

How to recognise Boxwood gardenia

The leaves are broad, rounded and leathery, often the size of a hand, held in threes or opposite pairs at the ends of stout grey branches. The bark peels in smooth grey-green flakes.

Flowers appear in the hot season, often when the tree is nearly leafless. They are white, with a long tube and spreading lobes, strongly scented at night, and turn yellow before they drop.

The fruit is a hard, round, ridged berry with a persistent crown of calyx at the top. Gardenia gummifera, the dikamali shrub, has much smaller leaves and sticky resin on its buds.

Cape jasmine, Gardenia jasminoides, is the double-flowered garden shrub sold as gandhraj. It comes from China and is a different species.

Traditional use of Boxwood gardenia

Craft

The close, even grain takes fine detail without splitting, which is why it was used for combs, toys, spoons and engraving blocks.

Peninsular woodcraft

Modern notes on Boxwood gardenia

There is little modern research on this species beyond forestry and a handful of laboratory extract studies. Its documented value is as timber and as a dry-forest native.

Boxwood gardenia safety

There is no established food or medicinal use. Do not eat the fruit.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in dry deciduous forest and rocky scrub of the Deccan and Eastern Ghats. It tolerates poor soil and drought.

Night-scented white flowers like these are typically visited by hawkmoths. That makes it a good native choice for dry-zone gardens and restoration.

Related plants

Also in Rubiaceae

Questions about Boxwood gardenia

Is Boxwood gardenia gandhraj?

No. The nursery gardenia sold as gandhraj is Gardenia jasminoides.

Is Boxwood gardenia dikamali?

No. Dikamali resin comes from Gardenia gummifera and Gardenia resinifera.

What is the Hindi name of Gardenia latifolia?

Papra.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.