This month, the Makiling Botanic Gardens features a striking ornamental shrub that catches the eye with its color-changing flowers and glossy foliage: kopsia (Kopsia fruticosa (Roxb.) A.DC.), a member of the Apocynaceae family that has found a home in gardens across the tropics.
Origins and Name
Kopsia is native to Indo-China, the Andaman Islands, and Myanmar. The genus name (the first part of the scientific name) honors Jan Kops, a Dutch politician and botanist, while the specific epithet (the second part of the scientific name) “fruticosa” means “rich in buds,” referring to the plant’s tendency to grow in dense tufts or clumps.
Distinctive Features
Kopsia grows as an evergreen shrub reaching up to 4 meters in height. It thrives in wet tropical areas and can grow in both sun and partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden conditions.
The leaves are glossy and narrowly elliptic to oblong in shape. They have a leathery texture and often feature a distinct drip tip and sunken veins—characteristics that help the plant manage water in its tropical environment.
A Flower That Changes Color
One of kopsia’s most captivating features is its flowers. They begin with light pink sepals (the outer parts of the flower) and dark red at the center, then fade to white over time. This color transition gives the plant a striking two-colored appearance, with blooms at different stages creating a beautiful gradient effect across the shrub.
After flowering, the plant produces one-seeded berry-like fruits called ellipsoid drupes. These fruits are reddish in color and turn blackish when ripe. It’s important to note that the fruits are poisonous and should not be consumed.
Traditional and Historical Uses
In Myanmar, the root has traditional medicinal applications. It is pounded into a paste-like consistency and used to treat sores and syphilis.
The plant also has a dangerous use: latex collected from the bark, leaves, and seeds has been used as arrow poison.
A Stamp of Recognition
Kopsia holds a special place in Philippine culture as one of four flowering plants featured on Philippine stamps issued in 2018. It was honored alongside three other beloved flowers: sampaguita, gumamela, and pasaw—a recognition of its ornamental value and presence in Philippine gardens.
Appreciating Kopsia at Makiling
When you encounter kopsia at the Makiling Botanic Gardens, take time to observe the flowers at different stages of their color transition. Look closely at the glossy leaves with their distinctive drip tips and sunken veins. While the plant’s beauty is undeniable, remember that its fruits are poisonous—admire them from a respectful distance.
As our Plant of the Month for January 2026, kopsia reminds us that botanical gardens serve not just as spaces of beauty, but as living libraries where we can learn about plants from around the world and their various relationships with human cultures. (Article, poster, and video by For. Angela Limpiada and For. Analyn Malayba)
The Makiling Botanic Gardens showcases a different plant species each month to highlight botanical diversity and the fascinating stories behind the plants in our collection. Visit us to discover more about the plants that beautify our landscapes and enrich our understanding of the natural world.