[1] It is native to open sub-tropical woodlands and wet meadows in southeast Asia, from India, and China to Japan.

[citation needed] Serissa japonica is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub, 45–60 cm high, with oval, deep green, rather thick leaves that have an unpleasant smell if bruised (hence one of its synonyms, foetida).

It is grown for its neat habit, good coverage of branches and long flowering time.

'Pink Snow Rose' has pale pink flowers and leaves edged off-white.

The trees respond adversely by dropping leaves if over-watered, under-watered, if it's too cold, too hot, or even if just moved to a new location.