Chasalia ophioxyloides (Wallich) Craib (RUBIACEAE)
Description: Compact shrubs reaching a maximum height of 2 meters; the branchlets are cylindrical. The leaves are positioned opposite each other, elliptic-lanceolate, or elliptic-ovate in shape, measuring 4 to 13 centimeters in length and 2.0 to 6.5 centimeters in width. They are membranous, tapering at the base (cuneate), and slightly pointed at the tip (shortly acuminate), smooth (glabrous). The petioles measure between 0.5 and 3 centimeters in length, while the stipules are approximately 4 to 5 millimeters long. Flowers in 4-5 cm long, terminal panicled corymbose cymes, pinkish white. Calyx tube ovoid, lobes 5. Corolla tube 1-1.5 cm long, lobes 5, white, often tinged with yellow. Stamens 5, inserted in the middle of the corolla tube. Ovary 2-locular; style ca 1.4 cm long, sparsely hairy. Drupes globular, 6-8 mm across, purplish-black. Seeds orbicular, whitish.
Flowering & Fruiting: Throughout the year.
Distribution: India: Common in evergreen forests of south India and hills of Vizagapatnam in E. Ghats. Sri Lanka.