Family: Rubiaceae
Common name: Dhobi tree, Wild mussaenda, White flag, Flag bush, White lady, White rag plant, Mussaenda belilla, Vellila, Vellilathali
Dhobi tree is a common tropical shrub seen in India and other Southeast Asian countries, slightly different from the usual Mussaenda plants. They are loved for their unique white bracts that surround the yellow or orange flowers.
Plant Characteristics
Dhobi trees can grow to a height of 2-3 meters with a well-branched, thick stem that is woody except for the tip. As the plant matures, the stem becomes rough and scaly, brownish-gray in color.
Leaves of the Dhobi tree are bright green, simple, ovate or elliptical in shape, about 10-15 cm long. Veins are prominent, and the outer margin is smooth.
Flowers are borne in large clusters at the tip of the stem, yellow or orange in color, and very attractive. They have 5 or 6 petals that are fused at the center forming a tubular structure. Each flower is 2-3 cm in diameter, and about 3-4 cm long.
One of the sepals is modified into a leaf-like white bract which is the distinguishing feature of this plant. These white bracts are seen very close to the flowers, but resemble a leaf in its structure. They are smooth and tender to touch, and have venations like normal leaves.
Like other Mussaenda plants, these bracts are not produced in large clusters, but are solitary. Flowering can happen pretty much throughout the year in warm countries, mostly in spring and summer.
Dhobi Trees also produce small, fleshy berries that are 1-2 cm in diameter. They are produced in clusters, initially green later turning purple-black when they ripen.
These berries contain numerous seeds which are eaten by birds and small animals that help in propagation of the plant.|
Gardening Tips
Dhobi Trees need bright sunlight for most part of the day to grow and flower well. They prefer moist, well-drained soil, though they can tolerate poor soil conditions and some amount of water-logging.
Watering should be done regularly when the plant is small, and also during dry summer months. Once the plant is grown and mature, they do not need regular watering. Fertilization can be done once a month, with compost or animal manure.
Pruning can help the tree stay bushy and well-rounded, and also remove any diseased branches. They are relatively tolerant to pest infestations, and do not need pesticide applications. Dhobi trees can grow well in the ground or in pots where they should be repotted occasionally once the roots fill a pot.
Uses of Dhobi Trees
Leaves of this plant are soaked in water to make a homemade shampoo for cleaning hair. Dhobi trees or Vellilamthali used to grow by the side of ponds and rivers, which women would crush on stones and use in their hair to promote hair growth.
Parts of the plant are used in the treatment of eye infections, jaundice, worms, leprosy, body pain, dysentery, cough, and stomach infections.
Dhobi trees are mostly grown as ornamentals in home gardens, loved for their unique flowers and white bracts. They are evergreen, growing and flowering well in all seasons, attracting butterflies, bees, and other insect pollinators into the garden.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Once the fruits mature and ripen, they can be collected and dried to remove the seeds. Soak the berries in water for a day before sowing them in well-drained, moist soil to germinate. These seeds can take 2-3 weeks to sprout.
Propagation through stem cuttings is also very effective. Take 15-20 cm long stem cuttings that contain nodes from the parent plant, remove excess leaves, and plant in moist soil after dipping their ends in rooting hormone. Most cuttings will take root in 3-4 weeks and produce new plants.
Photographed at: Manyata Tech Park, Bangalore
