Tube flower, Indian glory-bower
Clerodendrum indicum

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows to about 2.5 m high. It has fluted, hollow stems. The leaves are 6-23 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. The leaves are sword shaped and narrow towards the base. The flowers are white and fade to yellow. They occur in a panicle at the end of the branches. The fruit is fleshy with one stone inside. It is dark blue and has a red calyx.

There are about 400 Clerodendrum species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Plants grow in Nepal from 200-1400 m altitude. They grow in open places. It can grow in average, well-drained soil. In southern China it grows on mountain slopes between 500-1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Dominican Republic, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, SE Asia, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a potherb. They are bitter.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or stem cuttings. It also forms suckers

Its other names

Local names

Akalbih, Akla brikhsa, Anphui, Bapnem-ai, Bharangi, Bhargi, Ekle bir, Guardia civil, Hanmathucho, Ikhlabir, Ngayan-padu, Tongkat rasul, Turk's turban

Synonyms

Clerodendrum siphonanthus R.Br.; Siphonanthus indica L.; Clerondendrum verticillatum Roxb.ex D.Don;