Chou Wu Tong, Harlequin Glory-bower, Harlequin Glorybower
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Family: Lamiaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 4.5-6 m high. It forms suckers. It has sparse branches and the lower branches droop. The leaves are thin and downy. The flowers are in clusters at the branch tips. They are white but turn pink. The fruit are small and blue. They are cupped in enlarged red calyces.
There are about 400 Clerodendrum species.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It is frost hardy. It is best in a well-drained, moist soil. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, SE Asia, Slovenia, Tibet
How it is used for food
The young leaves are eaten or used to wrap food.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
It can be grown by seeds or from cuttings that have a heel.
Its other names
Local names
Choumudan, Choulaohan, Navadni usodnik, Nurijangnamu