The best known species is Rhaphiolepis indica (Indian hawthorn) from southern China, grown for its decorative pink flowers, and popular in bonsai culture.
Plant description:
This shrub has beautiful leaves and spectacular flowers. The terminal sprays of flowers are white, tinged with pink in the centre. In spring, the new leaves are bronzy red, giving the bush a bright red appearance. For the rest of the year the leaves are an attractive shiny dark green.
Family: Rosaceae
Synonym: Raphiolepis indica
Botanical Pronunciation: raff-ee-OH-leh-piss IN-deh-kuh