Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis

Kacapiring (Gardenia jasminoides) is an upright shrub 1-2 meters tall of the Rubiaceae family, originating from China and Japan, growing wild as far as Vietnam and India. Its distinctively fragrant flowers are used to add scent to tea and perfume, besides being popular as a green yard hedge. Traditionally, the fruit and leaves of kacapiring are believed to relieve fever, liver inflammation, and canker sores.

This plant can be found in mountainous areas at elevations of 400 m above sea level and can fruit optimally at elevations around 900 m above sea level. Prefers acidic soil conditions with pH between 5.0-6.5.

• Stem round, woody, branching.
• Leaves waxy layered, positioned opposite or in whorls of three, thick, and smooth, elliptical or inverted egg shape, tapering tip and base, smooth edges, glossy surface, 4.5-13 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, dark green in color.
• Flowers solitary, fragrant, short-stalked, white in color, located at branch tips.
• Fruit egg-shaped, small, thin skin, green turning orange when ripe, many seeds.

• Propagated by stem cuttings and air-layering.
• Place the seedling in a location with good drainage and bright light.

Saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, crocetin, crocin, scandoside, tannins, essential oils, imperatorin, geniposide, iridoid, linalool, syringic acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol.

Fruit: addresses fever, liver inflammation, inflammation of the bladder mucous membrane, breast inflammation, bloody urine, coughing blood, sore throat, canker sores, toothache, dysentery, swollen and painful eyes. Leaves: addresses fever, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, canker sores.

• Prepare kacapiring bark and roots then wash thoroughly.
• Dry in a drying room until a moisture content of 10% is obtained.
• Once dry, grind with a blender.
• Store the powder in an airtight, sterile container.

Raja puteh, Meulu bruek (Aceh), Ceplok piring (Java), Jempiring (Bali).