Glorytree (Clerodendrum trichotomum, J.A.Murray, Syst. Nat. ed. 14: 578 (1784))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Thunb.

Bibliography: J.A.Murray, Syst. Nat. ed. 14: 578 (1784)

Year: 1784

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Clerodendrum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: China, Temp. E. Asia to N. Philippines

Description

The Glorytree, known scientifically as Clerodendrum trichotomum, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. A striking and versatile plant, it is native to temperate regions of East Asia, including China and extending to northern parts of the Philippines. The Glorytree was first described by the renowned botanist Thunberg in Murray’s 1784 edition of “Systema Naturae.”

This deciduous shrub or small tree is prized for its ornamental value, featuring large, heart-shaped leaves that lend a lush, tropical feel to gardens and landscapes. During the summer and early autumn, the Glorytree produces a profusion of fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with long, protruding stamens. These blossoms not only add aesthetic appeal but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

As the flowering season concludes, the plant forms unique, showy berries, which transition from green to a striking metallic blue, encapsulated by vivid red calyces. This vivid display often continues into the winter months, providing ongoing visual interest and a valuable food source for birds.

The Glorytree thrives in well-drained soil, preferring a sunny location but tolerating partial shade. It is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for both amateur and experienced gardeners. In addition to its ornamental uses, the Glorytree has been noted for its medicinal properties in traditional practices, although these uses should be pursued with caution and proper knowledge.

Overall, Clerodendrum trichotomum stands out as a remarkable addition to any garden, offering beauty, fragrance, and ecological benefits through its flowering and fruiting cycles.

Common Names

Eng: harlequin glorybower, glorytree
Swe: frilandsklerodendrum
Deu: japanischer losbaum
En: Glorytree, Ferruginous clerodendrum, Harlequin glorybower
Zh: Hai zhou chang shan
De: Japanischer Losbaum
Ja: Kusagi
Sv: Frilandsklerodendrum

Synonyms

• Clerodendrum trichotomum var. ferrugineum (Nakai)
• Clerodendrum fargesii (Dode)
• Siphonanthus trichotomus ((Thunb.) Nakai)
• Siphonanthus trichotomus var. ferrugineus ((Nakai) Nakai)
• Siphonanthus yakusimensis (Nakai)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum var. yakusimense ((Nakai) Nakai)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum f. ferrugineum ((Nakai) Ohwi)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum var. tomentosum (Moldenke)
• Clerodendrum koshunense (Hayata)
• Clerodendrum serotinum (Carrière)
• Siphonanthus trichotomus var. esculentus ((Makino) Nakai)
• Siphonanthus trichotomus var. fargesii ((Dode) Nakai)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum var. villosum (P.S.Hsu)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum f. albicarpum (Satomi)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii ((Dode) Rehder)
• Clerodendrum yakusimense ((Nakai) Nakai)
• Ovieda trichotoma ((Thunb.) Baill.)
• Clerodendrum trichotomum var. esculentum (Makino)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 11, 2020 by Drew keller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 30, 1899 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 1899 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Darkmattersun Sirius (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2020 by Christoph Stoll (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by benoff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by natalia delgado (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2014 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 1899 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Manuel Hernández (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 23, 2018 by hely (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by vinceandzo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2020 by Roger Biggins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 10, 2020 by Vicki Leroux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 17, 2013 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 11, 2019 by Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Selma Kuipers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2020 by Mauro il tornitore (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2925366)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:927405-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Clerodendrum trichotomum Thunb.)

Specifications

Growth