Photo Courtesy of Michael Dirr

A rather large, bold evergeen species growing 8-10' with heights reaching 10-15' on old specimens.  Overall habit is slightly wider than tall.  Leaves can be quite long giving them a drooping appearance.  Leaf shapes can be extremely variable depending upon origin.  Margins are usually toothed on younger leaves and entire on mature plants.  On a common ground, the leaves are all dull, dark green and pale below.  The inflorescence is 7 rayed which then branches 3 or 4 more times before setting the individual flowers.  Flowers are white, scented and very cylindrical (tube shaped), hence its name.  Each flower is accentuated with purple to lilac anters which extend above the flower.  Fruits, which are rarely set, are egg shaped, ¼" or smaller and black.  Wide distribution from India, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Himalayas, and China.  Zone 7