The Serissa genus has only one species (Serissa foetida syn. Serissa japonica), but comes from a huge family of between 4500 and 5000 species. It is an evergreen shrub to 45 cm (18 in) high with oval, deep green, rather thick leaves that have an unpleasant smell if bruised. It is grown for its neat habit, good coverage of branches and long flowering time. It is also valued for its rough, grey trunk which tends to get lighter in colour with age. The Serissa flowers practically all year round, but particularly from spring to fall (autumn). The flowers are funnel-shaped and mostly white in color.