Doña Aurora.

Mussaenda philippica is of the Rubiaceae family. Also known to us Filipinos as Doña Aurora, named after the wife of former President Manuel L. Quezon. I read another’s blog that all the wives of the of our countries’ president have one particular Mussaendas plant named after them.

More than 200 known species belong to the Mussaenda, this particular one feature flowers in yellow with showy sepals bright pink. It is the large and colorful, ovate, leaf-like sepals that provide the real ornamental display. This is the first time that this kind of plant graced our yard. Thanks to my sister-in-law’s friends for giving it.