Practical
Plants

Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Woodiness
woody
Height
3 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

Leaves - cooked[6].

Plant part
Leaves

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The leaves and roots are antipyretic, depurative, diuretic[3][9]. They have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Bacillus dysenteriae, Meningococcus and spirochaetes[5].

Product or use
Antipyretic
Product or use
Depurative
Product or use
Diuretic

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Southern and western China.
Habitat
Shrub thickets on mountain slopes[3]. Forests on mountain slopes or along streams, below 1700 metres[10].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

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[4]. 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[11]. Division of suckers in the dormant season. Very easy, they can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a sunny position in ordinary garden soil[1][8] but prefers a fertile humus-rich well-drained soil[4][8]. The soil must not be allowed to dry out in the growing season[1]. Requires a position sheltered from cold drying winds[1][8]. Plants can be cut to the ground in severe winters but they usually resprout from the base, especially if they have been well mulched, they will then flower in late summer[2][7][8]. Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  3. ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X

    ↩1↩2

  4. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  5. Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00

    ↩

  6. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  7. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩

  8. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  9. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩

  10. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

    ↩

  11. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩

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