Serissa foetida gets its name from the foul smell of its root or bark when it is cut or crushed.  Foetida in Latin literally means ‘foul-smelling’. However, it is sometimes referred as Serissa Japonica, which is its old Latin name. Serissa foetida gives ample scope for serissa bonsai cultivation. 

Serrisa trees are a genus of a single species (foetida). It is a small evergreen shrub rising up to a height of only 50cm. It is distributed in moist, open woodland in S.E. Asia. Its leaves are oppositely paired and branches are produced in dense numbers from both old and new wood. This gives the tree good potential for bonsai plantation. Serrisa is commonly known as ‘Tree of a thousand stars’, since numerous small funnel shaped flowers bloom during the summer. It produces flowers at other times of the year in alien environments.  

Now there are a number of varieties of forms of S.foetida cultivated. They carry variegated leaves and single or double flowers. Serissa is commonly found as serissa bonsai for sale at bonsai establishments across Britain and Europe. Because of its notorious smell both the experienced hobbyists and beginners find it difficult to keep them. The Serissa bonsais like serrisa  has a tendency to yellow and drop the leaves if it is not provided with correct growing conditions. Being a subtropical species Serissa plants will have to be protected from temperatures below 7°C. This means indoor cultivation is a necessity in most areas of Europe and America for most part of the year. However, indoor environment often causes the serissa bonsai tree to suffer, for it often lacks the required humidity.

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