Clerodendrum: A Floral Fascination
My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the vibrant beauty of the natural world. Among the countless wonders of the plant kingdom, the genus Clerodendrum holds a special place in my heart. These flowering plants, with their diverse forms and striking blossoms, have captivated me with their unique charm.
Clerodendrum, a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), encompasses a vast array of species, each boasting its own distinct characteristics. From shrubs and trees to climbers and herbaceous perennials, the genus showcases an impressive range of growth habits. This diversity is further amplified by the stunning variety of flower shapes and colors, making Clerodendrum a favorite among gardeners and botanists alike.
A World of Variety
The genus Clerodendrum is widely distributed across the globe, with a majority of species concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. This geographical diversity contributes to the remarkable variation within the genus. Some species are deciduous, shedding their leaves seasonally, while others remain evergreen throughout the year. The leaves themselves can differ significantly in size, shape, and texture, adding another layer of intrigue to these fascinating plants.
But it is the flowers that truly steal the show. Clerodendrum blossoms come in a kaleidoscope of colors, ranging from pure white and delicate pinks to fiery reds and deep purples. The flower shapes are equally diverse, with some species exhibiting tubular or bell-shaped blooms, while others feature flat, spreading petals. Many Clerodendrum species are also known for their fragrance, filling the air with sweet and alluring scents.
Noteworthy Species
The genus Clerodendrum encompasses hundreds of species, each with its own unique beauty and appeal. Here are:
- Clerodendrum abilioi R.Fern.
- Clerodendrum adenophysum Hallier f.
- Clerodendrum africanum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum albiflos H.J.Lam
- Clerodendrum alboviolaceum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum andamanense (Moldenke) A.Rajendran & P.Daniel
- Clerodendrum angustipetalum Satthaphorn, A.J.Paton & Leerat.
- Clerodendrum anomalum Letouzey
- Clerodendrum apayaoense Quisumb.
- Clerodendrum arenarium Baker
- Clerodendrum atlanticum Jongkind
- Clerodendrum aucubifolium Hemsl.
- Clerodendrum barba-felis Hallier f.
- Clerodendrum baronianum Oliv.
- Clerodendrum baumii Gürke
- Clerodendrum bellum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum bipindense Gürke
- Clerodendrum boivinii Moldenke
- Clerodendrum bosseri Capuron
- Clerodendrum brachyanthum Schauer
- Clerodendrum brachystemon C.Y.Wu & R.C.Fang
- Clerodendrum bracteatum Wall. ex Walp.
- Clerodendrum brassii Beer & H.J.Lam
- Clerodendrum brunfelsiiflorum Hallier f.
- Clerodendrum brunnescens Moldenke
- Clerodendrum brunsvigioides Baker
- Clerodendrum buchananii (Roxb.) Walp.
- Clerodendrum buchneri Gürke
- Clerodendrum buettneri Gürke
- Clerodendrum bungei Steud.
- Clerodendrum calamitosum L.
- Clerodendrum canescens Wall. ex Walp.
- Clerodendrum capitatum (Willd.) Schumach.
- Clerodendrum caryopteroides Moldenke
- Clerodendrum cauliflorum Vatke
- Clerodendrum cecil-fischeri A.Rajendran & P.Daniel
- Clerodendrum cephalanthum Oliv.
- Clerodendrum chamaeriphes Wernham
- Clerodendrum chartaceum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum chinense (Osbeck) Mabb.
- Clerodendrum chlorisepalum Merr. ex Moldenke
- Clerodendrum cochinchinense Dop
- Clerodendrum colebrookeanum Walp.
- Clerodendrum comans Moldenke
- Clerodendrum confine S.L.Chen & T.D.Zhuang
- Clerodendrum costatum R.Br.
- Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum Turcz.
- Clerodendrum dauphinense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum decaryi Moldenke
- Clerodendrum deflexum Wall.
- Clerodendrum dembianense Chiov.
- Clerodendrum densiflorum Griff.
- Clerodendrum dependens Aug.DC.
- Clerodendrum dewittei Moldenke
- Clerodendrum dinklagei Gürke
- Clerodendrum disparifolium Blume
- Clerodendrum dusenii Gürke
- Clerodendrum ekmanii Moldenke
- Clerodendrum elbertii Hallier f.
- Clerodendrum elliotii Moldenke
- Clerodendrum emirnense Bojer ex Hook.
- Clerodendrum ervatamioides C.Y.Wu
- Clerodendrum eucalycinum Oliv.
- Clerodendrum eupatorioides Baker
- Clerodendrum excavatum De Wild.
- Clerodendrum farafanganense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum fasciculatum B.Thomas
- Clerodendrum filipes Moldenke
- Clerodendrum finetii Dop
- Clerodendrum fistulosum Becc.
- Clerodendrum floribundum R.Br.
- Clerodendrum formicarum Gürke
- Clerodendrum fortunatum L.
- Clerodendrum frutectorum S.Moore
- Clerodendrum fugitans Wernham
- Clerodendrum fuscum Gürke
- Clerodendrum galeatum Balf.f.
- Clerodendrum garrettianum Craib
- Clerodendrum gaudichaudii Dop
- Clerodendrum geoffrayi Dop
- Clerodendrum gibbosum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum giganteum (Moldenke) Phillipson & Callm.
- Clerodendrum globosum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum godefroyi Kuntze
- Clerodendrum grayi Munir
- Clerodendrum grevei Moldenke
- Clerodendrum griffithianum C.B.Clarke
- Clerodendrum haematolasium Hallier f.
- Clerodendrum hahnianum Dop
- Clerodendrum hainanense Hand.-Mazz.
- Clerodendrum harmandianum Dop
- Clerodendrum hastatum Lindl.
- Clerodendrum hendersonii Moldenke
- Clerodendrum hettae Hallier f.
- Clerodendrum hexangulatum B.Thomas
- Clerodendrum hildebrandtii Vatke
- Clerodendrum hircinum Schauer
- Clerodendrum hiulcum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum humbertii Moldenke
- Clerodendrum inaequipetiolatum R.D.Good
- Clerodendrum indicum (L.) Kuntze
- Clerodendrum infortunatum L.
- Clerodendrum insolitum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum intermedium Cham.
- Clerodendrum involucratum Vatke
- Clerodendrum izuinsulare K.Inoue & M.Haseg. & Shiro Kobay.
- Clerodendrum japonicum (Thunb.) Sweet
- Clerodendrum johnstonii Oliv.
- Clerodendrum johorense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum kaichianum P.S.Hsu
- Clerodendrum kamhyoae Phillipson & L.Allorge
- Clerodendrum kampotense Dop
- Clerodendrum kanichi De Wild.
- Clerodendrum kauderni Moldenke
- Clerodendrum kiangsiense Merr. ex H.L.Li
- Clerodendrum kinabaluense Stapf
- Clerodendrum klemmei Elmer
- Clerodendrum kwangtungense Hand.-Mazz.
- Clerodendrum laciniatum Balf.f.
- Clerodendrum laevifolium Blume
- Clerodendrum lanceoliferum S.Moore
- Clerodendrum lanessanii Dop
- Clerodendrum lankawiense King & Gamble
- Clerodendrum lanuginosum Blume
- Clerodendrum lastellei Moldenke
- Clerodendrum laxiflorum Baker
- Clerodendrum lecomtei Dop
- Clerodendrum leucobotrys Breteler
- Clerodendrum leucophloeum Balf.f.
- Clerodendrum lindleyi Decne. ex Planch.
- Clerodendrum lloydianum Craib
- Clerodendrum longiflorum Decne.
- Clerodendrum longisepalum Dop
- Clerodendrum lutambense Verdc.
- Clerodendrum luteopunctatum C.Pei & S.L.Chen
- Clerodendrum macrocalycinum Baker
- Clerodendrum macrostegium Schauer
- Clerodendrum madagascariense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum magnificum Warb.
- Clerodendrum magnoliifolium Baker
- Clerodendrum mananjariense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum mandarinorum Diels
- Clerodendrum mandrarense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum manombense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum melanocrater Gürke
- Clerodendrum micans Gürke
- Clerodendrum mildbraedii B.Thomas
- Clerodendrum minahassae Teijsm. & Binn.
- Clerodendrum mindorense Merr.
- Clerodendrum moramangense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum morigono Chiov.
- Clerodendrum multibracteatum Merr.
- Clerodendrum myrianthum Mildbr.
- Clerodendrum myrmecophilum Ridl.
- Clerodendrum myrtifolium Moldenke
- Clerodendrum nicolsonii A.Rajendran & P.Daniel
- Clerodendrum nutans Wall. ex Jack
- Clerodendrum ohwii Kaneh. & Hatus.
- Clerodendrum paniculatum L.
- Clerodendrum parvitubulatum B.Thomas
- Clerodendrum parvulum L.S.Sm.
- Clerodendrum paucidentatum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum pauciflorum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum peii Moldenke
- Clerodendrum peregrinum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum perrieri Moldenke
- Clerodendrum petasites (Lour.) S.Moore
- Clerodendrum petunioides Baker
- Clerodendrum phlomidis L.f.
- Clerodendrum phyllomega Steud.
- Clerodendrum pierreanum Dop
- Clerodendrum pleiosciadium Gürke
- Clerodendrum poggei Gürke
- Clerodendrum polyanthum Gürke
- Clerodendrum polycephalum Baker
- Clerodendrum porphyrocalyx Lauterb. & K.Schum.
- Clerodendrum praetervisa Guinea
- Clerodendrum premnoides Moldenke
- Clerodendrum preslii Elmer
- Clerodendrum pubiflorum (Bakh. ex Moldenke) Wearn
- Clerodendrum pusillum Gürke
- Clerodendrum putre Schauer
- Clerodendrum pygmaeum Merr.
- Clerodendrum pynaertii De Wild.
- Clerodendrum pyrifolium Baker
- Clerodendrum quadriloculare (Blanco) Merr.
- Clerodendrum ramosissimum Baker
- Clerodendrum revolutum Bosser
- Clerodendrum ridleyi King & Gamble
- Clerodendrum robecchii Chiov.
- Clerodendrum robustum Klotzsch
- Clerodendrum roseiflorum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum rotundifolium Oliv.
- Clerodendrum rubellum Baker
- Clerodendrum rumphianum de Vriese
- Clerodendrum sakaleonense Moldenke
- Clerodendrum sarawakanum H.J.Lam
- Clerodendrum sassandrense Jongkind
- Clerodendrum sayapense Wearn
- Clerodendrum schmidtii C.B.Clarke
- Clerodendrum schweinfurthii Gürke
- Clerodendrum silvanum Henriq.
- Clerodendrum singwanum B.Thomas
- Clerodendrum sinuatum Hook.
- Clerodendrum smitinandii Moldenke
- Clerodendrum speciosissimum Jacob-Makoy
- Clerodendrum splendens G.Don
- Clerodendrum subpeltatum Wernham
- Clerodendrum subtruncatum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum sylvae J.-G.Adam
- Clerodendrum sylvestre Moldenke
- Clerodendrum tanganyikense Baker
- Clerodendrum tatei (F.Muell.) Munir
- Clerodendrum ternatum Schinz
- Clerodendrum thomsoniae Balf.f.
- Clerodendrum thouarsii Phillipson & Callm.
- Clerodendrum thyrsoideum Gürke
- Clerodendrum tibetanum C.Y.Wu & S.K.Wu
- Clerodendrum tomentellum Hutch. & Dalziel
- Clerodendrum tomentosum (Vent.) R.Br.
- Clerodendrum tonkinense Dop
- Clerodendrum toxicarium Baker
- Clerodendrum tracyanum (F.Muell.) Benth.
- Clerodendrum trichanthum Bosser
- Clerodendrum tricholobum Gürke
- Clerodendrum trichotomum Thunb.
- Clerodendrum triflorum Vis.
- Clerodendrum tubulosum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum umbellatum Poir.
- Clerodendrum umbratile King & Gamble
- Clerodendrum urticifolium (Roxb.) Wall. ex Voigt
- Clerodendrum villosicalyx Moldenke
- Clerodendrum villosum Blume
- Clerodendrum vinosum Moldenke
- Clerodendrum volubile P.Beauv.
- Clerodendrum wallii Moldenke
- Clerodendrum welwitschii Gürke
- Clerodendrum williamsii Elmer
- Clerodendrum yunnanense Hu
My Personal Connection
My fascination with Clerodendrum stems from a childhood memory. I vividly recall visiting my grandmother’s garden, where a magnificent Clerodendrum thomsoniae vine adorned a trellis. The vibrant red and white flowers cascading down the structure left an indelible mark on my young mind. Since then, I have been captivated by the beauty and diversity of this remarkable genus.
Over the years, I have cultivated several Clerodendrum species in my own garden, each one bringing me joy and a sense of connection to nature. The delicate fragrance, the vibrant colors, and the intricate flower structures never cease to amaze me. I find myself drawn to their resilience and adaptability, thriving in a variety of conditions.
A Symbol of Beauty and Resilience
For me, Clerodendrum represents more than just a beautiful flower. It symbolizes the resilience and adaptability of nature, thriving in diverse environments and captivating with its unique charm. It reminds me of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of appreciating the natural world around us.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply an admirer of nature’s beauty, I encourage you to explore the fascinating world of Clerodendrum. These remarkable plants offer a wealth of diversity and charm, sure to captivate your senses and inspire a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the plant kingdom.
