Gardenia thunbergia, commonly known as Tree Gardenia, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the forest margins, woodlands, and coastal scrublands of Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 2-5 meters with a similar spread, and it features a dense, twiggy, and rigid structure. The bark is smooth and light-grey, which contrasts nicely with the dark green, glossy foliage. The large, showy, and extremely fragrant white flowers are about 70 mm in diameter, blooming from spring to early summer and attracting pollinators. The plant also produces hard, woody fruit that is favored by certain bird species.

Tree Gardenia is valued for its ease of cultivation, strong structure, and longevity. It is often used as a specimen plant for its striking appearance and can also serve as a robust hedge. It thrives in part shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It requires medium amounts of water and prefers well-drained soils. While generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential to spread if conditions are ideal.CC BY-SA 4.0