Chou Wu Tong, Harlequin glorybower, Ferruginous clerodendrum, Harlequin Glory Bower
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Family: Verbenaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Red. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Rounded, Upright or erect.
Clerodendrum trichotomum is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
Thickets on mountain slopes, throughout most of China except Nei Mongol, below elevations of 2400 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young sprouts and leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 3
The leaves are mildly analgesic, antipruritic, hypotensive and sedative. They are used externally in the treatment of dermatitis and internally for the treatment of hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, numbness and paralysis. When used in a clinical trial of 171 people, the blood pressure of 81% of the people dropped significantly - this effect was reversed when the treatment was stopped. The plant is normally used in conjunction with Bidens bipinnata. When used with the herb Siegesbeckia pubescens it is anti-inflammatory. The roots and leaves are antirheumatic and hypotensive. A decoction is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and hypertension. The pounded seed is used to kill lice.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating:
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
Espalier: A tree or other plant that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall).
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Espalier, Standard, Specimen. Succeeds in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil but prefers a fertile humus-rich well-drained loam. The soil must not be allowed to dry out in the growing season. Requires a position sheltered from cold drying winds. Plants are generally hardy to about -15°c, they succeed outdoors at Kew though the branches are pithy and are apt to die back in winter. The sub-species C. trichotomum fargesii. (Dode.)Rehder. is somewhat hardier, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c. Plants produce the occasional sucker. The leaves have a heavy unpleasant odour when crushed. Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth and are sweetly scented. Special Features:Not North American native, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as possible in a greenhouse. Germination can be erratic but usually takes place within 20 - 60 days at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Root cuttings, 6 - 8cm long, December in a greenhouse. High percentage. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Very easy, they can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 6-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist