No images found for this plant ID: 11150.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11150" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
harlequin glorybower
Scientific Name: Clerodendrum trichotomum
Family: Verbenaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Harlequin Glorybower (Clerodendrum trichotomum)
The Harlequin Glorybower, scientifically known as Clerodendrum trichotomum, is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree admired for its late-summer display of fragrant flowers and showy fruit.
Considerations for Pets
- Some sources refer to Clerodendrum trichotomum as the "Peanut Butter Tree" due to the scent of its leaves when crushed, potentially attracting curious pets.
Considerations for Children
- The plant produces shiny blue or turquoise berries framed by scarlet calyxes, which could be attractive to children.
Quirky Facts
- One of the common names for Clerodendrum trichotomum is "Peanut Butter Tree" because the scent of the leaves is reminiscent of unsweetened peanut butter when crushed.
- The name Clerodendrum comes from the Greek words klero (fate) and dendron (tree).
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Clerodendrum trichotomum
- Variety: Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii
- Family: Verbenaceae (now often placed in Lamiaceae)
- Genus: Clerodendrum
- Synonyms/Alternative Names: Clerodendron trichotomum
Common Names
- Harlequin Glorybower
- Glorytree
- Peanut Butter Tree
- Harlequin Glory Bower
- Chance Tree
- Farges Harlequin Glorybower
- Hardy Clerodendrum
- Kansenboom (Dutch)
- Pindakaasboom (Dutch - translates to Peanut Butter Tree)
- Chou Wu Tong
- Ferruginous Clerodendrum
- Japanese Clerodendrum
- Red, White, and Blue Shrub
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to China and Japan.
- Naturalized in parts of North America.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous shrub or small tree, typically 6 to 10 feet in height, but can reach up to 5 meters (approximately 16 feet).
- Often multi-trunked, giving it the appearance of a large shrub.
- Bears vanilla-scented white flowers in spring and summer. Lily scented white summer flowers perfume warm evenings.
- Produces shiny blue or turquoise berries framed by scarlet calyxes in late summer.
- Leaves may be smooth or hairy, dark green, sometimes variegated with cream and white margins.
- Breaks dormancy very late in spring.
Ecological Role
- The plant is described as vigorous and fast-growing.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Provides help and information on Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii.
- Dave's Garden: A community where gardeners share tips and ideas.
- Leafsnap: An electronic field guide that includes images of the Harlequin Glorybower.