(species Mesua ferrea), tropical tree of the garcinia family (Clusiaceae), cultivated in tropical climates for its form, foliage, and fragrant flowers. The slow-growing Ceylon ironwood reaches about 18 metres (60 feet) and has shining green, willowy foliage that is scarlet when young. The fragrant, yellow-centred, white flowers are 7 or 8 cm (3 inches) wide and have four petals.